Throughout the year, the Outer Banks welcomes not only sun-seeking vacationers but also embraces a profound reverence for its history and the remarkable heroes who have dutifully served our beloved nation. Veterans Day, a day devoted to expressing gratitude to those who have tirelessly safeguarded our country, holds a cherished place in the hearts of Outer Banks residents and visitors alike. In this blog, we invite you to discover delightful ways to celebrate Veterans Day in this breathtaking coastal paradise, creating cherished memories along the way.
2023 Outer Banks Veterans Week
Join us for Outer Banks Veterans Week, taking place from November 10th to November 19th, 2023.
Outer Banks Veterans Week is an annual celebration that honors our Veterans and their families through various artistic expressions. Our primary goal is to highlight the Outer Banks as a warm and welcoming destination for Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. We achieve this by organizing special events, concerts, and meaningful ceremonies.
During Outer Banks Veterans Week, veterans and their families can look forward to a range of ceremonies, exclusive offers, and discounts. Updates from Dare County Arts are ongoing, so check this page regularly for updates!
Wednesday, November 8
Annual Dare County Veterans Celebration Luncheon
The Annual Veterans Celebration Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at 12:00pm at the Virginia Tillett Community Center, located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo. RSVPs are required. Please RSVP to the luncheon by calling 252 475 9270. There will be a program and visual presentation highlighting our service members. Entertainment will be provided. If you are a Veteran and would like to submit a picture taken of you during your service days, please submit one (along with your name, division and rank) to Katherine.Irby@DareNC.com by 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 1.
Thursday, November 9
Cape Hatteras Veterans Breakfast Celebration
Cape Hatteras Secondary School (CHSS) is hosting their annual Veterans Celebration on Thursday, November 9. The day will begin at 9:00am in the CHSS cafeteria where Veterans will be served breakfast and will be able to visit and catch up. At 10:00am, the Veterans will be honored by students, faculty, the CHSS band, a guest speaker, and community members. The names of recently deceased area Veterans will be read and the CHSS graduates that are currently serving in the Armed Forces will be recognized. The program is open to all area Veterans and active duty servicemen and women. Questions about the program can be emailed to Keith Durham at durhamke@daretolearn.org.
Friday, November 10
9th Annual Veterans Dental Clinic
Beginning at 8:30 AM on November 10, Dr. Frank Bald and Dr. David Morgan will be offering their annual veterans dental clinic at 10 A Juniper Trail, Kitty Hawk. Tooth extractions are free with proof of service and walk-ins are welcome. Call (252) 256-9302 for more information.
War Hippies @ Outer Banks Brewing Station
On Friday, November 10 the War Hippies will be performing live at Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.obbrewing.com/event/war-hippies/
Saturday, November 11
Manteo Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day Ceremony in Downtown Manteo will take place on Saturday, November 11 at 9:00am at the Dare County Veterans Memorial, located at 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo.
Southern Shores Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day Ceremony in Southern Shores will take place on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00am at the Southern Shores Town Hall Flagpole Pavilion, located at 5375 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Southern Shores. This year's ceremony speaker is Anthony Lloyd, Captain, USCG (ret).
Nags Head Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day Ceremony in Nags Head will take place on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00am at Nags Head Town Hall, located at 5401 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head.
Kill Devil Hills Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day Ceremony in Kill Devil Hills will take place on Saturday, November 11 at 12:30pm. The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial on Veterans Drive in Kill Devil Hills.
Thursday, November 16-19
The Wall That Heals @ Soundside Event Site in Nags Head
A traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that tours the country—The Wall That Heals will be on display in Dare County from November 16, 2023 through November 19, 2023 at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This is a free exhibit hosted by the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council.
Saturday, November 18-19
11th Annual Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop: Crafting Poetry
The Month of November
The Outer Banks History Center + Manteo Library
The Outer Banks History Center will feature a small exhibit of historical materials that tells the story of the Vietnam War era’s impact on the Outer Banks. The exhibition will be on display at the Manteo Library during operating hours for the month of November.
Visit Historic Sites
The Outer Banks has a rich history, and many of its historic sites and museums pay tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans. Consider visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, where you can learn about the Wright brothers' contributions to aviation and their involvement in World War I.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island also offers a compelling look at the maritime history of the region, including the role of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Check out the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station to learn more about this little-known organization that eventually became part of the Coast Guard and learn about the daring water rescues that changed the course of history.
Take a trip down to Ocracoke to see the British Cemetery. This piece of land has been leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth, serving as the eternal resting place for four brave souls who tragically lost their lives on May 11, 1942. On that fateful day, a German U-Boat unleashed a torpedo, striking the HMT Bedfordshire and claiming the lives of all 37 sailors aboard. Heartbreakingly, only four bodies washed ashore, leaving the fate of the others shrouded in mystery. During World War II, the waters off the Outer Banks earned the ominous moniker "Torpedo Alley" due to the heightened presence of German U-Boats in the vicinity. Each year, a touching memorial is held at this site, graced by representatives from the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, coming together to pay homage to these fallen sailors.
And as you journey back through, consider making a poignant stop at the Hatteras Island British Cemetery in Buxton. Here, you'll encounter the resting places of two unidentified British sailors who found their way ashore in Buxton during the turbulent times of World War II. Their silent presence serves as a testament to the profound impact of history on this remote and cherished stretch of the Outer Banks.
You can get an overview of the local history with the Manteo Historic Walking Tour. Find out about the tour and delve into Roanoke Island history with episode #16 of the Outer Banks Podcast. And as a bonus, Seaside Vacations guests are eligible to receive 1 free adult ticket when booking a party of 4 or more with Manteo Historic Walking Tour.
Outer Banks Veteran's Day Discounts
Every year, many locations on the Outer Banks extend additional offerings for discounts on services, admission, and dining. See the 2023 directory of discounts below. Check back for updated discounts closer to Veteran's Day and bookmark the Dare Arts Veterans Directory here.
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Ace Hardware provides a 10% discount to Veterans, active-duty military and reserves every day. Ace Hardware has numerous locations on the Outer Banks. Please bring a valid military ID.
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Atlantic Dentistry is honoring our nation's heroes by offering free dental services to all Veterans on November 3. Whether you need a cleaning, check-up, or dental care, they are here to serve you and say thank you for your service. Please call 252 261 7700 to schedule an appointment. Atlantic Dentistry is located at 3704 N. Croatan Highway Kitty Hawk.
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Barefoot Bernie's restaurant offers 10% off meals for Veterans year-round.
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Duck Pizza offers discounts Veterans year-round. Please bring a valid military ID.
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High Cotton NC BBQ offers 10% off meals for Veterans year-round.
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Jolly Roger Restaurant is offering great specials for Veterans during Outer Banks Veterans Week. Please bring a military I.D. The Jolly Roger Restaurant is located at 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills.
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Manteo First Assembly is offering free coffee and donuts for Veterans on Tuesday, November 14 from 8am to 5pm and a community lunch from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, November 15. The Manteo First Assembly is located at 812 Wingina Ave, Manteo.
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Meineke Car Care Center is offering free basic oil changes and 50% off of synthetic oil changes for Veterans on Monday, November 13 from 7:30-3pm. Meineke is located at 1800 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills and open 7:30am-3:00pm. Please bring a military I.D.
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Morgan Family Dentistry is doing their 9th Annual Veteran's Dental Clinic on Friday, November 10 starting at 8:30am. Walk-ins are welcome, but please call two weeks in advance if taking blood thinners. Please bring proof of service. For more information call 252 256 9302. Morgan Family Dentistry is located at 10 A Juniper Trail, Kitty Hawk.
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North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is offering 50% off admission for all active-duty, retired, or reserve and their immediate family members on Veterans Day, November 11. The aquarium is located at 374 Airport Road, Manteo and is open daily from 9am-5pm. Must show proof of service/ID.
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The Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills is hosting a night of entertainment and laughter with comedian Mike Bova on Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30pm. Get ready for a hilarious evening filled with comedy, celebrity impressions, musical parodies, and more. Mike Bova has spent the past decade traveling across the United States, raising funds for America’s Veterans. As a special tribute, Mike will be performing a heartfelt original song dedicated to our Veterans and troops. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (adults 21+ only), and can be purchased online here and at the door.
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The Ramada Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills is offering discounted vacation stays for Veterans. Call 252 564 7222 for more information.
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Sugar Shack offers 10% off for Veterans year-round.
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Shutters On The Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills is offering 10% off vacation stays for Veterans.
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Surfside Hotel in Nags Head is offering 10% off vacation stays for Veterans, but the reservation must be made over the phone by calling 252 441 2105.
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Tarheel Motel in Nags Head is offering 10% off vacation stays for Veterans. Guests must use the code "military" and present a valid ID.
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Upscale Furniture in Powells Point offers 20% discounts to all Veterans during Outer Banks Veterans Week and 10% off for Veterans, active-duty military and their families the rest of the year.
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Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills will waive entrance fees on Saturday, November 11 to celebrate Veterans Day.
Find Your Ideal November Vacation Rental Today
Celebrate the veteran in your life (or yourself!) by booking an Outer Banks vacation for Outer Banks Veterans Week or the month of November today! Participating homes also offer a military discount on stays, so be sure to give our Guest Services team a call where they can help you find the perfect vacation rental that your whole family will love. We're also booking for the holidays and it's not too late to get in that last-minute family vacation for Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah. Have family traveling or already have holiday plans? Get away in between the holidays! Taking a week to recharge on the Outer Banks between Thanksgiving and Christmas is sure to help get you ready for your next holiday gathering.
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan for stays more than 90 days out, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, veteran, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
