The people behind Gem by the Sea
A welcome from
Bob & Gayle.
Some places mean more than a getaway. Gem by the Sea holds a special place in Bob and Gayle’s hearts. This is a little space for the story behind the home—and their own guide to enjoying time in Kitty Hawk.
A home with a story.
For Bob and Gayle, Gem by the Sea is a special place. Here in Kitty Hawk, the house has room for time together and quiet corners for a slower pace. We look forward to sharing more of their story, in their own words.
Bob & Gayle’s recommendations
Kitty Hawk, through their eyes.
Around the table
A few of Bob and Gayle’s recommendations for a meal out in Kitty Hawk.
The Black Pelican
Ocean views, seafood & wood-fired pizza
Set in a former United States Lifesaving Station built in 1874, The Black Pelican pairs a little Outer Banks history with ocean views from its dining rooms and outdoor deck. The menu includes seafood, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and vegetarian options.
Where: Milepost 4 on the Beach Road, Kitty Hawk.
Check the restaurant’s website for current menus and hours. Seating is currently walk-in only, with the whole party present.
High Cotton BBQ
Eastern North Carolina barbecue & Southern sides
For a taste of North Carolina, Bob and Gayle recommend High Cotton BBQ. Its barbecue is slow-smoked over hickory coals and served with traditional side dishes and sweet tea—a relaxed stop for a meal between beach days.
Where: 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Milepost 2, Kitty Hawk.
Dine in or pick up a meal to enjoy back at the house. Check the restaurant’s website for current menus, hours, and online ordering.
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Southern comfort food with a creative touch
Head to Nags Head for a meal at this family-owned restaurant. Blue Moon Beach Grill brings Southern hospitality and a creative approach to comfort food, with lunch, dinner, and a menu for younger diners.
Where: 102 E. Dove Street, Nags Head.
Visit the restaurant’s website for current menus and hours before you go.
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet
Seafood buffet & Caribbean-inspired flavors
Jimmy’s offers an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with Caribbean-inspired flavors, traditional Southern dishes, and desserts. A dinner menu provides another way to enjoy a meal here. Check the website for seasonal openings and the current buffet selection.
Where: 4117 N. Croatan Highway, Milepost 3.5, Kitty Hawk.
Visit the restaurant’s website for current menus and hours before you go.
Rundown Cafe
Coastal dining & a rooftop bar
Rundown pairs coastal-inspired dishes with cocktails and a relaxed Outer Banks atmosphere. Its rooftop bar offers another place to unwind, and the restaurant’s event calendar lists live music and other happenings.
Where: 5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk.
Visit the restaurant’s website for current menus and hours before you go.
Out and about
Bob and Gayle’s ideas for exploring the history, landscapes, and coastal landmarks of the Outer Banks.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
A day where the story of flight began
Explore the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright made their first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. Follow the flight markers, visit the museum and reproduction of the 1903 Flyer, and climb Big Kill Devil Hill to see the monument honoring their achievement.
Ranger programs offer another way to hear the story behind the flights. Check the National Park Service website for current hours, entrance fees, accessibility information, and program schedules before you go.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Big dunes, kite flying & sunset views
Make time for the shifting dunes of Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head. The park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, with room for kite flying, walking, and watching the sunset. Its separate soundside access offers another way to enjoy the water.
Where: Main access: 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head.
Check the park’s website for current hours, trail information, and visitor guidance.
Ocracoke Ferry
An island outing with a journey on the water
Take the scenic drive south to Hatteras and continue by ferry to Ocracoke. The vehicle ferry reaches the northern end of the island; the seasonal Ocracoke Express passenger ferry travels directly to Ocracoke Village. Allow time for the drive, boarding, crossing, and return trip.
Where: Hatteras–Ocracoke routes, southern Outer Banks.
Check official NCDOT schedules and service updates before setting out; routes and departures can change.
Outer Banks Lighthouses
Coastal landmarks & a little maritime history
Plan a lighthouse outing during your stay. From Currituck Beach in Corolla to Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke, each stop brings its own setting and story. The National Park Service provides official visitor information for Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses.
Where: Across the Outer Banks—choose a few stops for your itinerary.
Check each lighthouse’s official information for current access, climbing seasons, tickets, and restoration closures.
The simple moments
The full deck, screened-in back porch, and widow’s walk offer places to pause between outings. Soon, Bob and Gayle will share the little moments that make this house special to them.