Hey all, I'm headed down to the Outer Banks for vacation from Philadelphia. Taking rt 1-113-13 down the Delmarva peninsula then across the bay bridge over through Norfolk down into NC. Is there anywhere along the way to stop and get some decent prices on some good cases of beer? Also any must hit brewerys/bottle shops along the way or in the outer banks?
Stop at Chip's Wine and Beer Market and TRIO Wine Beer & Cheese. Both in Kitty Hawk. Or around there, at least. Edit: With a slight detour in Berlin, MD, you can stop at Burley Oak. A little further out of the way in Salisbury, MD is Evolution. I prefer Evo's beer to Burley Oak's, but Burley Oak seems to have a ton of fans.
Grape and Gourmet and Total Wine, both in Virginia Beach, would be great places to stop. They're fairly close to each other too, although Grape and Gourmet is closed on sunday.
Outer Banks Brewing Station (I think that's what it's called) makes some OK beers, they're probably worth a visit for lunch or something. Chips probably might have a slightly better bottle selection (I'm partial to the giant "mix a six" wall), but Trio is definitely overall a better spot (nicer inside, 20 taps vs 6 at Chips, food, pool table).
I'd suggest making a detour anywhere in DE since there is no sales task and we tend to have decent prices on cases. You also don't have to buy beer by the case here.
Make sure you hit Dogfish head in Delaware, very short detour off of 113. O'connor brewing in Norfolk, Va, Weeping Radish brewery in Grandy, Nc, Trio is the place although Chips is good too. If you get to Avon check out Pangea Tavern- it has all NC taps and good food
Yeah, NB was all over the OB area, too bad I'm not a fan of NB. I was actually pretty disappointed in the beer scene when actually in the Outer Banks.
I bring my own beer each year when I go to Corolla. When I run out I use the Brew Thru, which has enough to keep me generally satisfied, but nothing to quench my desire to try local or new beers. I also replenish at Harris Teeter, which has basically the same variety, if not more, but nevertheless, less than what would excite a beerboy. This year I replenished with NB Snapshot, which is a killer summer crusher for hot beach days.
You can get a fairly decent selection at some of the grocery stores. Got some Highland brews and bottles from Ska Brewing at the Harris Teeter in Corolla last year. Otherwise, Chip's, Trio (as noted above) and Sweet T's (in Duck) should give you some pretty good choices.
I'm assuming you will be going to the Nags Head area? If so, do stop at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. The beers are good and so is the food. One can't argue with fresh beer and fresh seafood. It is a great combination. You will drive by The Weeping Radish. The beer is OK but don't stop expecting something to blow you away. It is made in the German style (can't spell Rheinshigginboter, or whatever it is). I was there several years ago and they made the first IPA with NC grown hops. I had a difficult time telling that there were hops in the beer. And this isn't meant as a put down. Lots of fresh meats and such on the property. There was a small brew pub just off of 113 but I can't for the life of me remember the name of it. I thought about stopping (I go to the OBX on business a couple of times a year) but I'm too much into making time on the drive.
I agree with most above: chips, trio and sweet T's. I found sweet T's last year. Cool cafe with a small bottle shop. They usually have something special on draft in the summer months and also have specials where a purchase of a draft pour gets you a pint glass. Nice people and live music while you enjoy your beer on the deck too!
Stop at the Weeping Radish in Grandy NC. It is directly on rt158 south into OBX, you can't miss it. Good food, good beers and both to go. Once over the Wright Bridge there is a beer store at mp6 on the bypass. I can't remember the name. Outer Banks Brewing Station.....MEH..... Not for me.
