travel – Page 12 – The Virginia Hype Girl: Uncovering the Best of Virginia + Nearby Adventures!

Beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Oregon Inlet Campground

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has been a piece of my heart since I was a girl. As soon as I had my driver’s permit I couldn’t wait to take my SUV to the beach and drive on the sand. Many weekends growing up I spent fishing and laying in the sun on Oregon Inlet. As an adult, I’ve stayed in too many Outer Banks hotels and rentals to count. I feel like the OBX is a part of me.

Being able to camp at Oregon Inlet was a dream come true. For those of you interested in camping on the OBX there are many camping choices, but this blog will focus primarily on Oregon Inlet Campground. My first trip to Oregon Inlet Campground was also the Madden trip for my almost 30-year-old Sunline Saturn I’ve named the Lilly Pad and it made this vacation extra memorable.

Oregon Inlet Campground 101

Provided campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground is located just a stone’s throw from the inlet and this campground offers convenient access to fishing and water activities. It boasts well-maintained facilities and stunning sunset views over the sound. Oregon Inlet Campground is comprised of three sections. Section A is solely for tent camping and B/C allows for tents and RVs (some offering electric and water hookups). Generators are also, allowed to be used from 7am-10pm in B/C. The campground is across the street from the Oregon Inlet fishing area which has a dump station, fresh water hookup for getting your potable water, and a small store for necessities.

go 4x4 in the obx — Get an off road permit to drive your own 4×4 vehicle on the beach or rent one while you’re at the beach and have a unique driving experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!

Amidst the rugged beauty of the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet presents a captivating blend of coastal charm and natural splendor. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or an action-packed outdoor adventure, this area offers a variety of camping options to suit every traveler’s preference. The Oregon Inlet Campground stands out for its proximity to both the inlet itself and the expansive Atlantic Ocean beaches. Campers can wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the sound.

The campground is well maintained, and has a ranger station and onsite host volunteers. The best part is the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean is right over the dunes of the camping area. A quick walk from the campground and you can swim in the cool green water of the island or catch your dinner. Cooking up fresh, local seafood makes a wonderful addition to any beach camping experience.

Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market.

Tips for Camping at Oregon Inlet

When preparing for a camping trip at Oregon Inlet, it’s essential to pack wisely. Bring along camping essentials such as cooking utensils, and sufficient food and water supplies, as nearby stores can be limited. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking shoes are also crucial, especially for those planning to explore the rugged terrain and sandy trails.

Before embarking on your journey, be sure to check the weather forecast and consider seasonal conditions, particularly during hurricane season. Making campground reservations in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times, to secure your spot amidst the Outer Banks’ natural wonders. The campground can be booked on recreation.gov and the online booking process was very easy as was the check-in and out at the location.

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in the OBX give Captain George’s a try. This is a local favorite for all you can eat seafood and includes crab legs on the buffet.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do around Oregon Inlet. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines from the shore or venture out on chartered fishing expeditions in the rich waters of the inlet. Nature lovers can explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this coastal environment, from marshlands teeming with wildlife to sandy dunes dotted with sea oats.

The towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are a quick drive North and have many grocery stores and restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of shopping. The Bodie Lighthouse is also, a few miles up the street from the OI campground as well as one of my favorite NC beaches Coquina Beach. A further drive North for a day trip and one can visit the quaint town of Duck, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or even go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure or hop on an ATV and ride the dunes.

Bodie Lighthouse, a short drive from the Oregon Inlet Campground

If you’re looking to explore I highly suggest booking a flight over the islands through OBX Airplanes. You’ll get a better appreciation for how the beautiful outer banks are laid out and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few shipwrecks and maybe even some dolphins. There is just something extra special about flying over the Wright Brother’s memorial area knowing it is the site of the birth of flight itself!

Flying over the OBX in a small plane with just your family is a vacation memory you’ll be sure to treasure!

If flying isn’t your thing you can also, choose to drive to the Wright Brothers Memorial and walk the grounds on foot or consider a visit to the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see some cool ocean life by foot too, and a shipwreck. An immersed model of the SS Monitor is in one of their exhibits. Roanoke Island is also, home to many restaurants and shops.

Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo — I recommend a stop at Vineyards on the Scuppernong in the shops of Downtown Manteo. The scuppernong grape is native to NC and has a delicious sweet taste and fragrance. If you love wine do yourself a favor and go try some scuppernong wine 🍷 💕

If you’re a nature lover visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens on the picturesque sound of Roanoke Island. There is plenty for the history buffs too like seeing the wonderful outdoor drama of the Lost Colony, visiting Festival Park to see a replica of Elizabeth II ship, and historical artifacts from the area.

H2OBX has so much to offer no matter your preference for water fun. From sitting back in a lounge chair and watching everyone else, to speeding down tubes into the warm blue water or eating fish tacos and enjoying a watermelon milkshake you’ll find it all at H2OBX.

If you’re into fishing you can book a fishing charter right out of Oregon Inlet across from the campground! Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can drive north to check out the new H2OBX water park too while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food, and fun apparel shopping. Spending a day at H2OBX is a great addition to any trip to the beach.

The OBX will always have a piece of my heart and I love sharing all my fun experiences and finds so you too will fall in love with the OBX!

From wild horses, the birth of flight, fresh seafood, and breathtaking beaches the the area surrounding the Oregon Inlet Campground doesn’t disappoint. Camping among the dunes and opening the windows to hear the ocean were a big perk of this campground and a highlight of this adventure for me. Camping near the Outer Banks promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From lounging on pristine beaches, hiking through maritime forests, or simply soaking in the tranquility of this coastal paradise, each moment spent in this captivating environment is sure to leave a lasting impression. Plan your adventure today and discover the untamed beauty of camping on the Outer Banks’ shores.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to the OBX please share my article with them too☺️

Visit a North Carolina Aquarium

Camping at Beechland Campground in Manteo

Camping at Refuge Campground Roanoke Island

Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com . Thank you!

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲…𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐚!

June 1, 2021October 23, 2025 Krystle Kitchen

The saying, “You can’t make everyone happy; you’re not pizza,” resonates deeply, especially when planning a trip. Just like pizza, with its vast array of toppings, our travel preferences can vary significantly. Trying to create an itinerary that caters to everyone’s tastes and desires can quickly become overwhelming and often leads to frustration. It’s essential to recognize that while striving for universal satisfaction is admirable, it can sometimes feel impossible.

In my experience, the challenge of accommodating different tastes and perspectives can lead to stress and conflict among friends or family. When you’re tasked with planning a group trip, each person may have their unique must-see destinations, desired activities, and expectations. The reality is that you cannot please everyone all the time, and attempting to do so can often leave you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled.

To create a trip that feels rewarding for all, here are some tips to help you balance everyone’s desires and make the planning process smoother:

Involve Everyone in the Planning

Start by gathering input from all participants right at the beginning. A simple survey or a group discussion can help capture everyone’s interests and priorities. This ensures that everyone has a voice in the planning process, making it easier to find common ground.

Prioritize Key Activities

Identify a few non-negotiable activities or destinations that excite everyone in the group. These shared goals can serve as the foundation of your itinerary, helping to create a sense of shared purpose. By focusing on these highlights, you can build a framework that satisfies the group’s core interests.

Build a Flexible Itinerary

Structure your trip with a mix of group activities and individual free time. Include scheduled events but also allow for opportunities to explore independently. This way, everyone can enjoy what they love most without feeling constrained by the group.

Consider Everyone’s Preferences

Balance the itinerary by including a variety of activities. Some individuals may crave adventure while others prefer relaxation or cultural experiences. By incorporating different types of activities, you can cater to diverse interests within the group.

Communicate Clearly

Keep communication open throughout both the planning phase and the trip. Encourage group discussions where everyone can express their thoughts or suggest changes. Address any concerns promptly to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

Be Ready to Compromise

Remember that not everyone will be able to get their way all the time. Be prepared to make compromises and adjust plans as needed. Sometimes the best moments come from unexpected detours or changes in plans that allow the group to discover new experiences together.

Celebrate Togetherness

Remind everyone that the primary goal of the trip is to enjoy each other’s company. Focusing on shared experiences, such as group meals or evenings around a campfire, can help strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, even if everyone doesn’t get their first choice of activities.

While planning a successful group trip requires patience and flexibility, the connections and experiences shared along the way are what truly matter. While you may never fully satisfy everyone, keeping lines of communication open, embracing compromises, and maintaining a focus on shared goals can create a win-win situation. By understanding that the journey is more about the relationships built and moments shared rather than the specific itinerary, you can foster deeper connections and unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Ultimately, the joy of travel lies in the blend of diverse perspectives coming together, creating a richer tapestry of memories that everyone can cherish.

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Review of the citizenM Hotel Washington DC

April 2, 2021January 12, 2025 Krystle Kitchen

There are many reasons why a traveler should consider staying at the citizenM hotel when visiting Washington DC. Located right in the heart of the city, citizenM provides an ideal home base for exploring all that the nation’s capital has to offer. If you’re looking for something close to everything in DC including museums, parks, and monuments the very tech-savvy citizenM Washington DC Capitol Hotel is for you.

Upon entering the sleek, modern lobby, guests are immediately struck by the hotel’s contemporary style and lively atmosphere. The rooms are small but thoughtfully designed, with plush beds, smart TVs, and rain showers. The living room-style lobby encourages mingling and socializing, with cozy furniture, 24/7 food and drinks, and state-of-the-art workspaces.

Checking In at the citizenM Washington DC Capitol

Checking in at the citizenM in Washington DC was so easy using the hotel kiosk

From the moment we checked in I was able to use the app on my phone to control my hotel experience. This was one of the easiest hotel check-ins I’ve ever had. Before checking in my citizenM app alerted me when it was time to check in (no waiting around past the check-in time). I was able to preselect options on my phone like breakfast, late checkout, pick my preference of a high or lower floor, and my view. Once in the hotel lobby I simply selected checking in on kiosks and scanned my phone. Someone verified my ID and I was then able to create my room key with my phone on the kiosk. That was it! So simple and easy.

For the busy traveler, citizenM takes care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip. This hotel is by far one of the most technologically advanced hotels I’ve ever stayed at.

On the elevator, I scanned my room key to access our floor. Once in the room, everything is controlled by the app on your phone including the room temperature, dimming/brightening the lights, turning lights on/off, changing the light color/mood of the room, changing the thermostat, changing the TV channels and even putting up the blinds. The hotel provides a tablet in the room to access these features as well in case you don’t want to use your app or don’t have a smartphone. There are traditional switches as well in the room. I was so impressed with all the features of the citizenM Hotel in Washington. I like that the storage space in the room was like a cruise ship-style room with lots of storage.

Hotel Amenities at the citizenM Hotel Washington DC

The citizenM Hotel in Washington had a great rooftop bar too with beautiful views of the Capitol and an excellent drink menu (all on the app) with great prices for DC. They also, had a very quaint restaurant off of the lobby downstairs with both vegetarian and vegan options plus a small grocery area to buy necessities.

breakfast meal at Citizen M Hotel in Washington DC

The Breakfast Meal at the lobby restaurant in the citizenM Hotel in Washington DC included eggs, bacon two bread options, chia pudding with fresh fruit, an apple, and juice plus coffee or tea and could be selected during the stay via the app. This was an ample amount of food and fuel to start the day.

From the citizenM Hotel in Washington, we could easily walk to the Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, Thomas Jefferson Monument, WW2 Monument, Martin Luther King Monument, and the FDR Monument. The Spy Museum and several other museums are only a street or two over from the hotel and easily walked to. If you don’t want to eat at the hotel restaurant there are plenty of restaurants nearby and the citizenM app gives recommendations and maps too. The staff at the hotel are also, so friendly and ready to help in any way they can. There are plenty of things to do in Washington DC and many reasons to come visit the area.

Overall Impression of the citizenM Hotel Washington DC

Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC — Tip: Spring is a perfect time to plan a trip to Washington DC 🌸

Whether you’re a tourist looking to visit the many museums and monuments or a business traveler attending a conference, citizenM Washington DC puts you in the center of the action while providing modern comforts and conveniences. With its central location, hip vibe, and high-tech amenities, it’s easy to see why citizenM is the perfect hotel choice for savoring all that Washington DC has to offer.

I would give the citizenM Hotel in Washington an A+ and recommend it to anyone traveling in the area. This is the perfect hotel for a couple’s getaway and the king-size bed was so very comfy. The staff, bar/restaurant options, and location added to the appeal of this hotel. Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this awesome hotel! I appreciated citizenM and their hospitality during our stay with them. I would stay with them again and look forward to exploring their other hotels.

If you enjoyed this review please pin/share it and be sure to check out my other fun and informative travel blogs. If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com . Thank you!

Tag: travel

Camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina: Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground 101

Tips for Camping at Oregon Inlet

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina