I wrote a post last July about weekend traffic on the Outer Banks. I captured two photos from the base of the Wright Memorial Bridge (Currituck County facing Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores). Image below shows checkout traffic and the right shows check in traffic.
Now my two readers might think I am just trying to revive an old post to keep fresh content on the site but both of you are wrong. I continue to get comments and emails from travelers trying to miss the traffic. So I thought I would answer the latest email question for others looking to avoid the long lines. Names have been changed to protect the persecuted - we will call him Jim.
From Jim: I found your great post on Outer Banks traffic and wondered if I could ask you a question. We will be coming through Norfolk, via 168/158 this Saturday (tomorrow). Do you have a sense of the times we should absolutely avoid? In other words, be at X place by X o'clock or forget it.
Believe it or not, my wife has been coming for 38 years (I'm a newbie at 10), but we always traveled during the night and arrived on the southern shores by 7 or 8 am; thus, traffic was no problem. With babies in the car, the Mrs. would prefer to avoid the overnight drive.
Thanks for considering my question, and if you ever need directions in the Philadelphia region, well, please call on me! Jim.
Now Jim doesn't know me and I am sure he is unaware that flattery will get him everywhere. Great Post? I can see a kiss up from a mile away. So I thought would give him what he wanted.
From Me: Tell your wife and babies who really is in charge.
Had to get that out of my system - it has been a long day in the office. A poor attempt at humor.
I would suggest hitting the NC line no later than 10:00 if at all possible. I know that means an early morning departure but hopefully the babies and your wife will get some rest. Traffic will be heavy going against you but you should be ok getting across the bridge (about 1 hour from NC border). After 11, traffic really starts backing up and by 3pm - you and your family would be miserable. If you can't come early, try arriving after 7. Most of the headaches are over by then.
Hope you and your family enjoy your stay and if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Ronnie
Now Jim was kind enough to not take offense. My first thought was to ask Jim who wears the pants in his family - but after two seconds I decided that would not be in my best interest. Jim might be a really big guy with a nasty temper - I don't need any more of those.
Bottom line, if you can plan on being at the NC/VA border by 10:00, you can be on the beach by 11:15 and enjoy a nice meal or the beach before check in. Arrive at the border by 9 and the family will be happier. The restaurants are not that crowded because everyone else is trying to get here or get out of here. All bets are off for the Fourth of July - traffic starts early that weekend.
For those leaving the beach - leave early and miss the traffic (8:00 am) or just hang out and enjoy another half day. The ride home should be better for all.
The Outer Banks is a wonderful place. How many other places do families go on vacation to the same place for 38 years? Thanks Jim and family - enjoy your stay.