Every August, my family and I drive down to the Outer Banks (OBX) off the coast of North Carolina for one week. My knees endure discomfort for about 10 hours, but it’s all worth it once we arrive at our little oasis. And there are some things that I’ve found you can only get while being in OBX.

Free to Do Whatever.

Living in a cottage on the Sound-side, with the beach across the street and downtown a 10-minute bike ride away, is absolutely perfect. No more waiting to take my family’s one rental car into town- biking should truly be the only mode of transportation, just like how golf-carting is in Bald Head Island. Since you’re basically living on island time, there’s no rush!! Waking up with the options to go play tennis, swim in the pool, kayak in the Sound, swim in the Atlantic or bike to yoga, the day is completely open, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my days.

R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G.

Unless you are fortunate enough to find a friend (I’ve never been, except for the one year I imported my friend in from Richmond), you won’t know anyone- so who cares what you look like in your bikini or the slogan on your hat that your dad doesn’t like (a bright orange piece that boldly states “Sail Naked” on the front). OBX is eternally casual, something that doesn’t sit well with me, but I’ve gotten very used to it. Gym clothes galore, even omitting pants when you’re in a swimsuit- it’s all the norm.

The Sun.

Not sure what your skin tone is like, but mine is of the variety that gets dark, very quickly. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge advocate for sunscreen and always wear it and then reapply, but returning to school at my tannest is always better than returning from winter break at my palest.

I was overwhelmed with happiness while on vacation, so my descriptions probably match those of most vacations in general, but come on… they’re all true!! I love this time to get away right before hitting the books at school.