Regardless of who we are, we all need to find time to escape the day to day and relax. Unfortunately, COVID has not made escape easy this year, and many of us have found ourselves stuck at home with no ability to travel. Plans with family and friends are on hold in hopes that soon we will resume our daily lives.

For the past four years, we have vacationed on the Outer Banks, enjoying a week of shenanigans with friends and family, sticking our toes into the Atlantic, enjoying wine, and eating far more than we should. We are like migrating birds returning to our spot, each longing for the day that we pack our vehicles and begin the journey south. For one week, we forget work, schedules, appointments, and enjoy living.

The moment we hit the bridge between the mainland and Kitty Hawk, the sunroof comes open to breathe in the smell of the sea. Every bend on Ocean Trail reminds us of previous years’ fun and brings us closer to our “home” on the beach. Moving back in is always a little, and we always buy too much at the local grocery store, but once we are settled vacation can truly begin.

More than anywhere else, this is my place, my home away from home. Here I can just be without the daily demands of work and life. No one cares how long I sit in the sun reading a book, if my toes or sandy, or if my hair is a mess. The only thing that matters is finding my inner calm, if even for only one week.