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Martha in VA
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 8:16am | IP Logged
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We head to the Outer Banks this weekend and will be there for a week. We're staying in Kill Devil Hills. This is our first trip there since we've had children so I need to help knowing how to prepare.
What things should we be sure to pack beyond the obvious sunscreen, bathing suits, etc?
What food/meal supplies should I buy before we go? (I hear groceries are expensive there.)
Any other things I should be aware of specific to that region? (I've already bookmarked another thread with some recommended attractions to see.)
Thanks so much for the help.
Martha in VA
ETA: It may help to know our kids are 13, 12, 10, 7, and almost 4 months.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 10:49am | IP Logged
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Lists, lists and more lists..
I've never been to that side so I can't help with specifics but I travel with littles so..
Make a list of types of clothes, does everyone need sweatshirts and jeans (or skirt equvilent)
Are you doing laundry there? if you are how often do you want to be doing that.. then determine the number of outfits you need... if you'll be living in swimsuits, one outfit would probably work for a couple of days.. but the little one will probably need an extra outfit or two as well (if you only have just enough you're sure to have a diaper blow out or a major spit up incident  )
Do you need to take any bedding?
Write out a list of the meals you'll be having there.. and even if you don't shop ahead (which is sounds like you might want to) you won't have to figure it out once you're there.. you'll have your list of meals and what to buy and you can get done with that asap.
I'd make them quick simple things.. maybe take the crockpot so that you're out of the kitchen asap and onto playing.
The nice thing with the lists is that you don't have to pack everything up right then.. and in the midst of confusion, if you've been checking things off, you'll know what's been done and what hasn't.
Sometimes I even have a packing list and a loading list..
So I might list the clothes that are packed.. but list the bags (with the clothes) that need to be loaded. That way I can pack things up ahead.. and not leave anything behind on accident when it's time to load.
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mary theresa
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 1:54pm | IP Logged
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A few ideas:
Bring games, cards, movies and new library books! They are good for rainy days. 
If you are going to make pancakes, for example while you are there, bring the flour, baking soda, salt, etc in little bags or jars so you don't have to buy a whole thing of baking soda just to make cookies or pancakes.
Bring bugspray.
Other things that you usually need in a beach house (that they don't provide):
toilet paper (there might be a roll per bathroom, but you might need a few extra rolls)
hand soap/bar soap for the bathroom
paper towels
dishtowels, dishsoap, scrubbing pads
laundry and dishwasher detergent
trashbags
ziploc bags
plastic wrap, foil, etc
pens, pencils, markers, scrap paper
first aid type stuff
SOMETIMES there isn't any non-breakable bowls/plates/glasses
Find out if the rental agency provides linens. If they don't you'll need to bring sheets and bath towels.
This is all I can think of now . . . Hope this helps!
I'm envious!! 
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Jen L.
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 4:08pm | IP Logged
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Everyone has great advice!
Don't go to the grocery stores on Saturday or Sunday. I've heard of people getting Peapod just for the first day - to deliver milk etc. to get them through.
We eat our "big meal" at lunch time and avoid the strongest sun and the busiest beach.
Hats if you have
I'm sure I'll think of more (and I believe there have been other threads that talk about this).
Final Note (for now): There is a Wal-Mart a few miles away! (This always takes packing pressure off for me. I don't love Wal-Mart but I know they'll have whatever I forget.)
Have Fun!!!
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mary
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 4:12pm | IP Logged
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we just got back from a week at southern shores.
here's my biggest piece of advice: avoid highway 158 between 10am and 6pm. you will sit in traffic forever. it took us 3 hours to drive 20 miles. when you leave, get out between 8-9 am and you will have no trouble. or better yet, arrive/leave on sunday.
things we packed:
suits/towels/sunscreen/sunglasses/bugspray/goggles if you have a pool
3 sets of clothes per kid
1 travel outfit for hotel overnight
wiffel ball/bat/bases
card games
personal toiletries
frisbee/kite/football/net for sand play
shampoo/rinse/soap - bring 2 if you have an outside shower. it was nice to have one inside and one outside.
tide/bounce sheets/tp
chess/checker board (check to see if your condo has games - ours had a terrific selection and i needn't have packed so many games.)
pillows
linens and towels unless they are rented (i highly recommend renting!)
dvd player for car and movies
basic medicines
large laundry basket
boogie boards if you have them. we bought ours there
you'd need to bring a bed rail or rent a crib. you might bring a tent or awning for the beach if you are out with a baby.
if you are not oceanfront, you will need something to carry your supplies and also a cooler for drinks on the beach. you may also need chairs unless they are provided by the condo.
we bought our food and sand toys when we arrived. i also agree that making a menu really helps and then make a list of what to buy for the menu. i'd recommend getting steamer pot from steamer's to go in corolla. we try to eat seafood every day that we were there and so we have pretty simple lunches/breakfasts.
we don't do much sight seeing at obx - my kids are pretty thrilled with the beach/pool routine. we did take a boat ride to see the dolphins.
i also packed a box of ocean type books. lots of easy chapter books (like dolphin adventure, nim's island, etc) and lots of shellfish books for the littles.
let me know if i can recommend anything else! have fun, i miss it already. 
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Martha in VA
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 4:25pm | IP Logged
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I can't thank all of you enough for these great lists! 
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Blessed wife & mom to
4dds,miracle son 4/09, 2 in heaven
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Topic: How to prepare for Outer Banks trip?
