Lodging

This year, I hope to make the trip to the Outer Banks in 2 days. Being a conservative motorist, I can comfortably drive two 8 hours days and one 5 hour day. However, I am throwing conservative out the window in 2006 and will leave the Mid West on Thursday, arriving in Nags Head on Friday. This way, I can crunch in a bit more beach time and won’t be so rushed when we check in to the Island Jewel on Saturday.

This leaves me with a dilemma. Where to stay Friday night? Since we are taking a slightly different route, in hopes of bypassing routes 168/158 south of Norfolk & the traffic, we’ll arrive smack dab in Whalebone Junction, the southern part of Nags Head. Two of my favorite restaurants are located in the Whalebone Junction area -  Owen's and Sam & Omie's. But, what options have I for lodging?

Okay, if you know me really well, you know that my idea of standard lodging consists of a high rise hotel, with room service, mini-bar, pillow top bedding, on site day spa, four star dining, valet parking and a handy concierge. So, where am I staying Friday night? The Sea Foam Motel ….. in all its turquoise and pink splendor!

The Sea Foam is one of the few remaining Mom & Pop motels on the Outer Banks. Unfortunately, due to the real estate boom, many of these great old places are being torn down to make room for 12 bedroom McMansions. Quite honestly, it’s difficult to watch these old motor courts fall by the wayside …. I haven’t been going to the Outer Banks all that long (only about 20 years), but I recall the days before the bypass and traffic lights were there and the beach road was lined with motels that were NOT national chains.

Maybe I’m looking at the Sea Foam as a last hurrah for the old time beach vacation …. or maybe I’m just cheap and looking to stay close to my favorite places to dine. Even though it’s only a night there, I’m actually looking forward to spending one night at the Sea Foam, as much as I am spending fourteen nights at the Island Jewel.

Who knows?  Vacation 2007 may be spent in a Sea Foam efficiency!  ........ I doubt it, but ya never know!