2025 New Years Day Things to Do on the Outer Banks

Outer Banks Activities for New Year's Day

As we welcome the first day of 2025, the Outer Banks offers a crisp and sunny day, perfect for embracing new beginnings and traditions.

Weather Update
Today, the Outer Banks will enjoy sunny skies, making it a beautiful day to kick off the new year. High temperatures will reach around 54°F (12°C), accompanied by breezy conditions, while lows will dip to 36°F (2°C) in the evening. The Atlantic Ocean's water temperature is approximately 52°F (11°C), adding a refreshing touch to the coastal scenery. With clear weather and invigorating temperatures, it’s an ideal day for outdoor exploration and celebration.

New Year's Specials (January 1, 2025)

Henry's Restaurant-OBX

• Event: Pajama Party Day!

• Breakfast Special: Crab Meat and Cheese Omelette.

• Lunch Special: Fried Pork Chops, Collard Greens, and Black-Eyed Peas.

• Hours: Serving 7 AM - 2 PM (Closes at 2 PM).

Arts Place

• Breakfast Specials:

  • Italian Omelette ($15.50): Prosciutto, provolone, marinated tomatoes, mushrooms, grated parmesan, and fresh basil.

  • Sweet Potato Pancakes ($8.00).

Hurricane Mo's

• Lunch Specials:

  1. Grilled Cheese and Soup ($7.99): Includes soup of the day (She Crab Soup +$2.99).

  2. Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese ($9.99): Jalapeno cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon on Texas toast with fries.

  3. Cajun Fried Shrimp Burrito ($13.99): Fried shrimp, coconut rice, cabbage, Pico de Gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, and Cajun ranch with fries and sour cream.

  4. Half Rack of Ribs ($15.99): Served with green beans, fries, and BBQ sauce.

  5. Beer Battered Mahi ($11.99): Includes fries, slaw, and jalapeno tartar.

• Extras:

  • Homemade Soups: She Crab, Hatteras Chowder, White Chicken Chili.

  • Homemade Desserts: Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Almond Joy Pie, Hummingbird Cake ($5.99 each).

  • Appetizers: Potato Skins ($9.99).

• Hours: Open at 11 AM.

• Happy Hour: 3-6 PM with $0.25 Shrimp, $0.50 Wings, and $1 Tacos.

Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill

• Special: Pork Chop and Ribeye served with Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens.

Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront

• Announcement: Dinner service will be closed from January 1 - January 13, 2025.

• Note: Breakfast Lounge will also be closed on January 6 & 7, 2025.

New Year's Culinary Traditions: Pork, Black-Eyed Peas, and Collard Greens

In the Southern United States, it's customary to enjoy a meal of pork, black-eyed peas, and collard greens on New Year's Day, each symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

• Pork: Pigs root forward when foraging, symbolizing progress and moving forward, making pork a fitting choice for those looking ahead to the new year.

• Black-Eyed Peas: These legumes are thought to represent coins, signifying wealth and financial prosperity. Consuming them is believed to bring good luck.

• Collard Greens: Their green leaves resemble paper money, symbolizing economic fortune. Eating collard greens is thought to attract financial success.

A traditional Southern dish that combines these ingredients is Hoppin' John, which includes black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, often served with a side of collard greens and cornbread. This meal is enjoyed to usher in prosperity for the new year.

Pigs in the Outer Banks: A Historical Perspective

Pigs have played a role in the history of the Outer Banks, particularly in the context of early settlers and their livestock practices. Historical accounts suggest that communities in the maritime forests of the Outer Banks kept animals such as pigs, horses, and chickens, which were integral to their subsistence and way of life.

In more recent times, feral hogs have been observed in areas like Carova in the Currituck Outer Banks. These populations, though relatively small, can grow rapidly and pose challenges due to their potential for environmental damage and disease transmission. Efforts have been made to manage and control these feral hog populations to mitigate their impact on the local ecosystem.

Embrace New Beginnings

As the sun shines over the Outer Banks on this New Year's Day, it's an ideal time to reflect on traditions and the rich history of the region. Whether savoring a meal steeped in cultural significance or exploring the natural beauty of the area, the Outer Banks provides a serene backdrop for welcoming the new year.

Happy New Year!