Marriott in Kill Devil Hills, NC

“Towneplace suites is the Sweetest!”

This year for our 12 year anniversary we decided to be bold and pick a place we’ve never been to before, but has always been on our bucket list. We have always heard amazing things about the Outer Banks, NC or as the locals call it OBX; so we thought we would head down and enjoy a wonderful week checking out the beach and sightseeing. As we were looking around for places to stay we happened to notice Marriott opened a new hotel, Towneplace Suites in Kill Devil Hills. This hotel was conveniently located across the street from beach access and close to all the activities we were looking forward to visiting. 

We stayed at the Towneplace Suites from July 21st to July 26th. We arrived late Sunday night after a long trip of traffic and accidents. The exterior of the Towneplace was very modern and chic with plenty of parking. On the outside was well thought out patio area with plenty of seating and grills for guests to use. The whole set up gave a “Welcome Home” and “come hang out and meet new people” vibe. When you first walk through the doors you will realize that unlike other hotels the front desk is located on the 1st floor, and not on ground level. This was confusing for most other guests arriving, but for us it made us curious to explore. When we found the check in desk we were lucky to find no line which made check in a breeze. The front desk staff member was very friendly and gave me all the information about the hotel. We got our keys and joyfully made it to or room.

For this trip we booked a studio with king size bed. At first glance the room was very modern, much like the outside of the building. It comes with an economy kitchen (full size fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and two burner stove top). It also has a Keurig coffee maker and toaster. The staff, if asked, will replace your K-cups daily with a refresh of your room; which is a big plus for these two coffee lovers. Everything was clean and neat, which is always a bonus when you arrive at a hotel after a long day. The bathroom contains a stand up shower w/no tub, and provides its own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Another thing to note about Towneplace is, the entire hotel is pet friendly; every room comes with a magnet you put outside your door to indicate there is a pet inside. We were pleasantly surprised by how many dogs were there during our stay.  

The biggest attraction from talking to most guest is how dog friendly the hotel is. It was a mecca of furr lovers during the week we were there; which made my wife miss her buddy, Chewy (we didn’t bring him this time because we were unsure of how he would do in the room, and we didn’t want to disturb others) but this didn’t seem to be a problem. During the whole time we were there the noise from pets was little to none. If you love your furry friend and do not want to leave him at home, bring him along and Towneplace will become their home away from home. 

Aside from being pet friendly; the next big attraction during our stay was breakfast. Everyday starting at 7am- 930am the hotel has a continental breakfast. This breakfast has fresh brewed coffee, bagels/toast, yogurts, eggs and sausage, and a waffle making station. Our suggestion is to get there as early as possible to avoid waiting in the long lines of people, and for the staff to replenish items. Also, if you are not a fan of making your own coffee, breakfast coffee is only available till 10am; any time after that and you will be out of luck! After you have successfully filled your plate you have the option of sitting in the main dining area with beautiful tables and chairs or there is also a bar table facing out of long window to watch the sunrise or if you would like to sit on the balcony; they have tables there too. 

In between our scheduled events and  downtime we took a more thorough tour of the hotel. They have a 24 hour gym, and a salt water swimming pool that is open 6am-11 pm. Other amenities that I already mentioned earlier were two grill stations outside with large table to entertain large groups. Also, little things like wash stations were on each side of the hotel to wash off all that sand from the beach; which is a nice touch. While touring the hotel and talking to other guest we heard rumors of the hotel expanding and adding to the amenities it already had.

Rumor had it the owners would be adding on to the hotel. We confirmed with management and with permission are allowed to share they would be building a clubhouse across the street. This clubhouse will have beach access, with bathrooms and showers. There will also be a swimming pool for those who love the water and not the sand. To top it all off there will be a bar to enjoy a drink while soaking in the sun. This is very exciting news and we hope to review it when it is up and running next year. For now we leave our first visit to OBX feeling fully refreshed and ready for the next adventure! 

“A Night Out at The Sandbars Raw Bar and Grill”

Melt in your mouth Mahi Tacos!

 

During our anniversary trip in the Outer banks my wife and I visited the Sandbars Raw Bar & Grill in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The Sandbars Raw Bar & Grill is located off of US 158 in a shopping center next to Food Lion. At the moment, it is one of the Outer Banks Best Kept secrets, but not too much of a secret with the locals! This place hit us in the “feels” as it was reminiscent of one of our Favorite bars, O Sullivan’s, we frequented when we were dating.

We were greeted at the door by a welcoming gentleman, who we would later find out was the Raw Bar’s owner, Chef Mark. As we walked inside the restaurant/bar had a modern, clean look, and was divided by a wall. On one side was a Bar with tables to dine at,while the other side was equipped with another bar with pool tables as well as room for live entertainment. As I’ve followed them on social media I’ve seen numerous local artists do live music there which is perfect setting for those who have had their full of the sun and the sand.

As soon as we stepped in we were warmly greeted by our server, Nicole. Nicole had a smile on her face which gave us smiles as well. We all have had those servers who don’t want to be there…but Nicole was one hard worker, which was most evident in her way of double checking every order . She let us know about the amazingly priced drink and meal specials on the happy hour. We went on a Wednesday night,so they had ½ off wine and $5.99 burgers. The prices at this Raw Bar even without the happy hour are very reasonable, but the extra discount allows for more drinks or extra wings to be sampled. We are not the biggest raw bar eaters but the awesome thing about Chef Mark’s menu is there is literally something for everyone. From a child’s menu to late night, you will find something to eat to your hearts content. My wife informed our server of her allergies to gluten and soy. Chef Mark came out to personally speak with us and discuss all the options on the menu. To our surprise Chef Mark was able to accommodate most of his menu to make it Gluten Free and Soy Free. We also got to enjoy hearing about Chef Mark’s experience as a Chef, and his involvement with the local community. In that conversation we could hear and feel the passion he has to make good quality food that’s both affordable and fun. That;s exactly what he has accomplished at this establishment. We also  saw, by evidence of pictures hanging around, that he has a love for photography; the pictures that adorn his restaurant were personally taken by Chef Mark himself. 

You can even see where your oysters are from!

Here is some of the Daily Happy Hour Specials!

Named “Best of the Beach” by The Outer Banks Voice these are Served daily from 3 to 6 p.m.

James River Oysters

Order in half or full dozen increments .69 each

Oysters of the Day

Order in half or full dozen increments .80 each

Steamed Clams

Order in half or full dozen increments .65 each

Chicken Wings

Order in increments of 5. Choose Hot, medium, mild, teriyaki, BBQ, sweet Thai chili, honey/Old Bay or our famous “Samantha’s Sauce.”.75 each

Eddie Taco

Lettuce, tomato, onion and teriyaki beef

Shrimp Taco

Seasoned, fried shrimp, Asian red cabbage slaw, tomatoes and homemade cilantro sauce

Beef Slider

With cheese, Additional toppings.50 each

Steamed Shrimp

Half pound (6), Full pound (12)

Steamed Snow Crab Legs

Raw Bar Crab Legs, oysters and Shrimp

Half or full pound -Market price

After a great conversation with Chef Mark my wife and I ordered dinner. We both decided on the Sandbar Burger on a Gluten Free bun with a side of steamed veggies, but we couldn’t pass up a plate of the Blackened Mahi Tuna Tacos. While we waited for our food my wife enjoyed a bottle of Prosecco on happy hour, and I sipped on a sweet tea. We spent some time talking to locals playing pool. This is  very much a local’s place and enjoyed by many, that is a key sign that you are successful in the industry when you have a faithful locals following. From the numerous patrons we spoke to, everyone spouted their love for this place! They raved about the delicious food, especially because you can not beat their happy hour prices along with the quality of food. If you want bar food you can get bar food, but if you want a nice more fine dining meal, well Chef Mark will make that too!

Our food arrived and was beautifully plated, as in could be a picture for a food magazine. Although I don’t think I could capture all the plating in a picture, The burgers were cooked to the correct temp as we asked, veggies were perfectly sauted without being mushy. The steamed veggies were a combination of zucchini and squash with red onions. They were steamed al dente where they still had a bite to them, which is how my wife loves her veggies. The highlight for me was the Blackened Mahi Tuna Tacos on a leaf lettuce with a side of sour cream dressed with a lime wedge. These Tacos sound like something so simple, yet the fullness of flavor in each bite will rival even the nicest sit down restaurants. Everything we ordered was delicious, gluten free as well as soy free and we ate every bite!

After we finished dinner we thanked Chef Mark for not only serving safe allergy friendly food, but his delicious gluten free food that had his special touches. After our meal we spent the evening hanging out on the other side, playing a few rounds of pool,speaking with the staff, and smack talking some locals. It was a very fun night of food and drinks that we know will remind us for years to come to stop in and visit in the future.

Overall, the evening of food, drinks and entertainment made for a successful date night. As all men know this is a goal of most men, affordable meal, happy hour, happy wife, without breaking the bank! The Sandbar is a place that welcomes all patrons, to come try out his menu. If there is something you would like special he makes it known that he is up for the task, and is up to possibly create something new. There is something to be said about someone who is not afraid to take risks and to go out of their way to share what they love. In this case it is the love of people and food that the Sandbar has, so the next time you are in OBX stop in and pay a visit to Chef Mark. You will not be disappointed, let him know Bucket List Travel sent you! 

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