Outer Banks of North Carolina

Departure Times

Yankee Trails - Rensselaer - 7:00am
*Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 7:45am
*Kingston, Exit 19 Park & Ride - 8:05am

*Please be advised that these are drop off /pick up zones ONLY. Parking is not permitted.

Saturday, August 29:

We will board the coach this morning and begin our journey to Northern Virginia and our accommodations at the Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico (703- 441-9900). This hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, and each room features a coffee maker, iron & ironing board, microwave and refrigerator. The rest of the evening will be on your own at the hotel. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the hotel including a El Paso Mexican Restaurant, Montclair Diner & Cracker Barrel.

Sunday, August 30:

A hot breakfast is included at the hotel. Just down the road is the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Uncover the history of the Corps, test your skills as a Marine, and get insight into the lives of those who fight for our freedom. During your visit, see the incredible Gene Hackman-narrated film “We, The Marines” to get an unparalleled view into the experiences of Marines from boot camp through modern warfare training. Then we will travel to your North Carolina hotel on the Outer Banks. We will have lunch on our own enroute to Corolla, NC and our accommodations at the Hampton Inn and Suites (410-289-1470). The hotel is located right on Corolla's northern beach, moments from Audubon Pine Island Sanctuary. Currituck Beach Lighthouse, wild horse tours, and Duck’s restaurants are a 10-minute drive away. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, and lazy river. Free WiFi, daily hot breakfast, and a fitness center access will complete your stay. After we freshen up, we’re in for a treat with a Seafood Boil right at the hotel. Your dinner includes red bliss potatoes, an ear of sweet corn, spicy andouille sausage, sweet onions and jumbo shrimp all layered and seasoned served with lemon and Matt’s homemade cocktail sauce. If you're not a seafood lover, you can choose the North Carolina BBQ. All the fixing will accompany this meal, coleslaw, corn bread and key lime pie for dessert! Your evening is free.

Monday, August 31:

A full breakfast is (included) in the lobby area of the hotel each morning. Enjoy lunch and shopping on your own at the Timbuck II Shopping Village before we meet our local guide and depart for Corolla Outdoor Adventures. Climb aboard your open air vehicle and begin your exciting guided tour with local lore, ecology and legends. You will cover up to 20 miles of pristine beach where you may see surfing dolphins, deer & boar, and the “Banker” ponies who roam free across the beaches. You will have the chance to get up close and personal with them and enjoy a wonderful photo opportunity! We will return to the hotel for free time to make the most of the hotel’s amenities. Tonight, a wonderful dinner is included at The Grille Room. Meal choices are 1) Pan Seared Salmon with Thai Sweet Chile Glaze - Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans 2) Roasted Pork Loin with Stone Ground Mustard Cream Sauce- Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans 3) Shrimp in a Tomato Basil Cream Sauce with Fusilli Pasta. Your meal also includes salad, rolls & dessert. The remainder of the evening is on your own.

Tues., September 1:

After breakfast our local guide will meet us and we’re off to Kill Devil Hills, NC. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial which features educational information and displays. Walk to the memorial site for some great photo opportunities! Lunch and browsing will be on your own in beautiful downtown Manteo along the waterfront. Next we’ll arrive at Roanoke Island Festival Park and visit the Roanoke Island Adventure Museum and the Outdoor Living Museum of the Settlement site & the life of the early explorers on the island. Visit the Elizabeth II, a small wooden vessel (docked) where you will be greeted by docents in period costumes. Next we will spend time at the Roanoke Island Aquarium & observe a beautiful variety of underwater life.We will stop for dinner (included) on our way home from the aquarium, at Basnights Lone Cedar Cafe. Meal choices are 1) Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Breast topped with a Homemade Parmesan Cream Sauce 2) Shrimp and Spinach Pasta in a Tomato Basil Cream over Penne Pasta topped with Romano Cheese or 3) Seafood Combo Fresh NC Fried Shrimp and Flounder (Broiled or Fried). All are served with Potato & Vegetable of the Day (with the exception of the Pasta) Cornbread with Butter, iced tea, and dessert.

Wed., September 2:

After your breakfast you will enjoy a free day to explore and relax in the Outerbanks. Dinner is included tonight at the Sundog Raw Bar and Grille. Your meal choices are 1) Fish Tacos Platter (Blackened Mahi, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheddar, Black Bean Corn Salsa, Pickled Red Onions, & Honey-Lime Sour Cream with 4 Flour Tortillas) 2) Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Slow Roasted NC Style Pork with House made Mac & Cheese, Topped with Fried Pickled Red Onions, Scallions and Garlic Bread Crumbs 3) Fish & Chips Panko Crusted Alaskan Cod, Served with Coleslaw, Old Bay Fries & Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce 4) Fried Shrimp Platter Hand Breaded Butterflied Shrimp, Served with Fries & Cole Slaw or 5) Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Chicken with Peppers, Onions, Sugar Snap Peas, and Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Over Sesame Rice, Topped with a Sunny Side Egg, Sesame Seeds, and Scallions Sesame Shrimp Salad Grilled Shrimp, Mandarin Oranges, Crispy Noodles, Grape Tomatoes and Red Cabbage over Chopped Romaine and Served with a Sesame Ginger Dressing. Your evening will be free after dinner.

Thurs., September 3:

We will enjoy a farewell breakfast this morning and depart the Outer Banks for our overnight accommodations at the Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico. On our way we will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the Jamestown Settlement in Jamestown, VA. Enjoy a self-guided tour and explore America’s beginnings. Immerse yourself in the 17th and 18th centuries with interactive exhibits including 180-degree theaters, life-size re-creations, outdoor experiences and more. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Fri., September 4:

A hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. After checkout, we will pay our respects at Quantico National Cemetery with a private flag placing experience at the graves of veterans whose remains were previously forgotten. Hosted by the Missing in America Project, their mission is to find, identify and provide full military burial for these now remembered heroes. We’ll then depart for the Capital District with an approximate arrival at 6pm. Stops will be made each way.