New England Charm on the Outer Banks
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For centuries, travelers have been drawn to North Carolina’s Outer Banks discovering the dramatic beauty and serene tranquility that attracted explorers, entrepreneurs, and pirates to these barrier islands. Tales of these early visitors woven into the history books include the likes of the Wright Brothers whose invention of air travel changed the world forever and Blackbeard, the notorious pirate who ruled the seas here over 300 hundred years ago. OBX is a catchy acronym for the 200-mile stretch of five islands that lie in the Atlantic Ocean, just off of the North Carolina coastline. Outdoor adventures including wreck diving in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” are located here; deep-sea fishing charters from Nags Head and hang gliding at Kill Devil Hill are sporting activities enjoyed by locals and visitors. Want to try kiteboarding, paddle boarding or surfing? Come here. Lighthouses, wild horses, and state and national parks residing along these stunning seashores draw tourists year-round. Sanderling Resort located near the northern tip of the OBX received a 2018 Readers Choice Award from Conde Nast Travel as one of the Best Resorts in the US. Guest rooms were recently renovated, and event space was expanded. Sanderling houses the only full-service spa in the OBX. Sanderling’s Kimball’s Kitchen, a AAA four-diamond restaurant is considered a premier OBX dining option. Couples seeking a Currituck Sound ceremony sunset flock to this venue during the offseason (Nov-April) as Kimball’s Kitchen features floor to ceiling windows that frame Currituck’s spectacular sunsets.
BIG DAY DETAILS
Sanderling Resort is reminiscent of classic New England architecture on 16 acres, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. Venue options, coastal cuisine, a full- service staff, and numerous local vendor options culminate into a creative design plan that accommodates couples and their families. Spacious oceanfront resort homes may be leased for wedding parties. Resort catering is available at these homes for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid brunches, or family dinners. Planning a beach wedding here offers couples four options. On the beach, the Observation Deck that sits upon a dune, the Event Lawn just below the dunes, and the oceanside Event House and Deck. The Pavilion on Currituck Sound holds up to 180 guests and has a dance floor and has a private dock. Each resort area has packages with inclusions specific for that area. For example, the Event House Package includes a beer canoe and s’mores at the Event House Fire Pit. Kimball’s Kitchen Package consists of a 4-course wine paired dinner. The Pavilion Package includes a beach ceremony with chairs and a 3-course wine paired dinner. Plated dinners, stationed dinners, and buffets are options specific to chosen locations. Working
closely with the experienced in-house wedding consultant and talented resort chefs allows couples to paint their palette for their perfect day. Custom linens, chair choices, and unique florals are all offered through the resort. Venue rental fees, food, and beverage minimums vary according to guest counts and event schedules.
WE SIMPLY ADORE
The Sanderling Beach House sitting areas inside and outside with custom decorative touches conducive to a B&B atmosphere, not a rowdy all-inclusive chain hotel motif. Friendly, tasty meals are served at Sanderling’s Historic Lifesaving Station. Nautical artifacts remind diners that this spot was one of the US Coast Guard’s original locations. Relaxing at the all adult Tranquility Pool and receiving couple’s spa services are delightfully soothing.
HERE’S THE SCOOP
Conde Nast Travel Readers were right on target naming Sanderling Resort as one of the US Best Resorts. Destination weddings and honeymoons are Sanderling Resort specialties.
By Lynne Leonard
