Wright Brothers National Memorial

We visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial during our time in the Outer Banks!  We enjoyed learning all about their many attempts, failures, and eventual success at controlled, manned flight!  And we took a few selfies while we were there!  This was Hubby & Wifey's second trip to the Memorial and Ms. Karen's first!  

You can walk the path and distance of the first 4 flights.  We didn't this trip :) 

 

Roanoke Island

Monday morning we loaded up our rental car and drove south to the heart of the Outer Banks and visited the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island.  We began our visit to the site with a tour of the visitors center.  Wifey spent most of that visit chatting it up with the Park Ranger after noticing her name tag which included the "I" handshape and the word "sign". 

We hiked two trails at the historic site, visiting an archaeological wall which served an unknown purpose as well as the site of the Freedman's colony. 

The first trail we hiked was the Thomas Hariot Trail.  It is about .3 miles and is a loop.  Of particular enjoyment are several off-shoots from the main loop which allow access to the beach areas and the bay.  

The dirt path slowly narrows and changes to sand .... 

And the next thing you know, you're looking at the water :) 

After the Thomas Hariot Trail, we decided to tackle the Freedom Trail.  It is a 1.25 mile each way out and back trail which leads to the opposite side of Roanoke Island and the site of the Freedman's Colony.  For slaves escaping north on the Underground Railroad, making it across the water to this island meant freedom.  

The Freedman's Trail again ended with a beautiful view of the water!

On our way back to the starting point, we had a little fun with my ever present selfie-stick!  

 

Philemon House

We traveled to Northern NC / Southern VA over Independence Day weekend this year.  Our timing was determined by work commitments and we didn't honestly realize we were going to a tourist destination over a prime vacation weekend.  As a result, we were unprepared for the expense of available lodging and the scarcity there of.  

We often stay at AirBNB's when we travel, but always choose "entire home" rentals where we have a private residence to ourselves.  

We discovered Philemon House on our bazillionth AirBNB and/or Hotels.com search of the area and it looked wonderful.  There had to be a catch ... and there was.  This was a private ROOM rental.  Not a full home/space.  After discussion and review of the listing, we decided to give it a try anyway.  We love new experiences and we had 2 days to fill.  

Conclusion: WE LOVE PHILEMON HOUSE!  

From the amazing coffee bar

To fresh cooked breakfast and dinner each day ..

To refreshing beverages waiting for us "just because" ...

Our stay here was amazing.  Melanie is an amazing cook.  She also loves Jesus and practices hospitality with a grace that simply must be her spiritual gifting.  

Our bedroom was decorated with a nautical theme.  Perfect considering our proximity to the coast.  

Photo from AirBNB listing

We were surprised by, but appreciated being provided our own key for our individual bedroom as well.  

If you're visiting Virginia Beach, or traveling up/down the east coast, make a point to spend a night or ten at Philemon House.  You will be so happy you did!

Washington, NC

We had one night un-booked during our recent trip to the East Coast and found a rather random AirBNB in Washington NC in which to stay.  This Caboose was our home for the night. The interior is designed in one long, skinny, room with all the comforts of home. Best part - the washer and dryer.  We'd certainly recommend this lodging for anyone looking for somewhere to stay in the area. 

The caboose is located just a few hundred yards from the end of the boardwalk and is in a great location if you enjoy walking about.  Which we do.

We did arrive in Washington with enough time to walk around the city.  Coming in blind, we didn't know what to expect but found Washington a charming little water town complete with giant crab statues!  

and small staircases to no-where

The local wildlife was also fun to spy among the lily pads. Since we happened to be in Washington on a Sunday, not much was open, so we'll have to give this little town another chance someday.  

The Wright Brothers

We spent the 4th of July visiting the site of the first manned flight, Kitty Hawk NC!  This National Park includes an interesting museum (Engineer Hubby understood way more of the exhibits than Wifey).  The exhibits explained various components of the science of flight as well as the hurdles that the Wright brothers encountered in developing the first "airplanes".  

Life-Size Replica of the first successful flyer

The site of the successful flights! 

The first day of successful flight in 1903, the brothers took 4 flights, the last one the longest at 59 seconds for a distance of 852 feet.  When visiting Kitty Hawk, you can walk the path of these flights and see a marker at each distance.  

Also on the National Park site is Big Kill Devil Hill.  During the early 1900s this was a large sand hill that the brothers and team would carry early designs (essentially giant kites) up and then use the cross winds for test 'flights' back down.  Despite the heat, we chose to climb up the hill and see the monument up top.  Honestly it was pretty warm, but we were determined.  Note to self: Avoid travel in the summer.