What to do in Nags Head, N.C.

Well, we're actually in Kill Devil Hills, FWIW. We had some great BBQ last night at a place called Hickory Gin BBQ. Nice sized portions and the best tasting hot sauce I've ever had. Today we tried fishing off of one the fishing piers that dot the coast. There was maybe 75 people fishing and in the three hours we were there I only saw one smallish flounder and a minnow pulled out. The heat started to get to me so we headed back to the apartment to decide on what to have for dinner

That page lists ten hobby shops in the entire state of North Carolina. None of them is within about 150 miles of Nag's Head. And the one in Wilson (which I happen to like) isn't listed.

Model Railroader does list the one in Wilson (it's called The Antique Barn), and one in Cary - at least 200 miles from Nag's Head (probably farther).

The situation in reality isn't quite that bad, but it's pretty bad. There used to be a decent chain of hobby shops called Hungate's, but it seems to have closed all its stores in eastern NC - if not the whole state.

North Carolina modelers, like most others, learn to make do with web suppliers, and occasional trips to places like Hobby Lobby and Hobbytown (which at least has a decent kit selection - but the nearest one is about 2 1/2 hours away from me).

If you're going to Nag's Head within the next few days, you might want to take the drive up to Hampton, Virginia.  The IPMS Nationals are being held in the Hampton Coliseum, now through Saturday.

Or you can click the link somewhere on this site "Find a hobby store". Type in the city you're visiting and you get results. That's how I found one where I went on my vacation.

I've lived in NC for 31 years, and I confess I've never done more than drive past Nag's Head. I hear the fishing is great there, and you do owe it to yourself to try some Carolina barbecue - and seafood.

The Wright Brothers Memorial and Museum are definitely worth a visit. If you feel like taking a drive, you may want to check out the famous lighthouse at Cape Hatteras. So is the Elizabeth 2 site, at Manteo. The NC Maritime Museum, in Beaufort, is a fine one.

Most of the other NC attractions are either a long way down the coast, or inland.

To my knowledge, the only decent hobby shop in eastern NC is the one in Wilson -- about 150 miles inland. It caters primarily to model railroaders and RC folks.

Have a great trip - and let us know how you like it!