Today in the Outer Banks, expect periods of clouds and sunshine with a high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 47°F (8°C). The Atlantic Ocean's water temperature is approximately 51°F (10.8°C), making it quite chilly for swimming but suitable for a brisk beach walk. No special weather statements are currently in effect.

Groundhog Day: A Quirky Tradition

Every February 2nd, people across the United States turn their attention to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will see his shadow. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, it predicts six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is anticipated. This lighthearted tradition dates back to the 19th century and has become a charming part of American culture.

As we await Phil's prediction, many of us in the Outer Banks are hopeful for an early spring, eager to enjoy warm beach days and outdoor activities. Looking ahead, the first day of summer is June 21, which is 139 days away.

National Tater Tot Day: Celebrating a Crunchy Favorite

Today is National Tater Tot Day, honoring the beloved bite-sized potato treats that have been a staple in American cuisine since their creation in the 1950s. Originally developed as a way to utilize leftover potato scraps, tater tots have grown in popularity due to their crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

If you're craving tater tots in the Outer Banks, several local restaurants feature them on their menus:

• Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill (Kitty Hawk): Known for their loaded tater tots, fried to a golden brown and topped with house-made brisket and gouda.

• Darrell's Seafood Restaurant (Manteo): Offers tater tots as a side option for their hearty breakfast platters.

• Beachside Bites (Kitty Hawk): Provides tater tots as a side choice for both breakfast and lunch items.

These establishments offer a delicious way to celebrate the day with this crunchy comfort food.

Countdown to the Super Bowl and Baseball Season

The Super Bowl is just one week away, set to take place on February 9. As excitement builds for the big game, it's a great time to plan where you'll watch the event. The Outer Banks offers several venues with lively atmospheres and big screens:

• Outer Banks Brewing Station (Kill Devil Hills): A popular spot known for its craft beers and spacious setting, perfect for game day gatherings.

• Lucky 12 Tavern (Nags Head): Features multiple TVs and a diverse menu, making it a favorite among locals for sports events.

• Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar (Kitty Hawk): Offers a lively environment with plenty of screens to catch all the action.

In addition to football festivities, baseball fans have reason to celebrate today as well. On this day in 1876, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, now known as the National League, was formed. Looking ahead, Washington Nationals' pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training in just 10 days, on February 12. This marks the unofficial start of the baseball season, bringing hope and excitement for fans eager to see their teams take the field.

Today’s Outer Restaurant Specials

🎸 Sunday Funday at Avalon Pier
Spend your Sunday at the pier with fishing, arcade games, and food/drink specials all day!
• ⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• 🎶 Live Music: Win Winslow at 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Avalon Pier, Kill Devil Hills, NC

🍴 Sunday Lunch Specials at Blue Moon Beach Grill
Enjoy these Sunday specials with ½ Price Draft Beers:
• Soup: New England Clam Chowder
• Starters: Crab & Pimento Spread, Chipotle Mac & Cheese, Rockfish & Nordic Salmon Ceviche
• Salad: Blackened Shrimp
• Entrees:
- Mahi Po’ Boy
- Smash Burger
- Blackened Rockfish Tostada
• Blue Plate Special: Fried Chicken Livers

🍗 Shipwrecks Taphouse Sunday Specials
Celebrate Fried Chicken Sunday with these amazing specials:
• Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce – $7.99
• Potato Skins topped with Bacon, Cheese & Sour Cream – $9.99
• Mac & Cheese Bites – $7.99
• Brisket Mini Subs with Fries – $12.99
• Fried Chicken Dinner with Mashed Potatoes & Veggies – $13.99
• Funnel Fries with Cinnamon Glaze – $6.99
• Catch of the Day: Wahoo
• Steak of the Day: 12oz Strip

🥔 National Tater Tot Day at Jolly Roger Restaurant
Celebrate with these tasty tots:
• Loaded Tots (Cheese & Bacon) – $9.99
• Crabby Tots – $12.99
• Pepperoni Pizza Tots – $10.99

🌮 Lunch Special at Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill
Today’s special: Deconstructed Steak Quesadilla Bowl – $15.99.
• Loaded with sautéed steak, peppers, onions, cheesy quesadilla, and topped with cilantro sour cream, chipotle ranch, and fresh pico de gallo.
• 🍹 Enjoy $1 off house Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Bud Light, and Modelo bottles.

🎭 Upcoming Special Dining Events

Mardi Gras Celebration

Blue Moon Beach Grill – Food & Cocktail Pairing Dinner

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6 PM

• Price: $95/person

• Reservations: 252-261-BLUE Menu with Pairings:

• Creole Shrimp Gumbo with Death in the Afternoon

• Muffaletta Focaccia Pizza with Abita Purple Haze Lager

• Alligator Andouille Panzanella with Cajun Martini

• Puppy Drum Almondine with Gin Ramos

• Crispy Duck Breast Jambalaya with Sazerac

• Chocolate Beignets with King Cake Latte

Valentine's Weekend

Cafe Pamlico

• Reservations: 252-995-4500 or book online Menu Highlights:

• Soups & Salads: Truffled Lobster Bisque ($14), Quail & Arugula Salad ($19)

• Appetizers: Shuck Hatteras Oysters ($24), Stuffed Mushrooms Rockefeller ($18)

• Mains:

  • Filet Neptune ($72)

  • Lobster Tail ($58)

  • Bourbon Glazed Salmon ($46)

• Desserts ($12 each): Blood Orange Sorbet, Chocolate Tres Leches, White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Wine Event

South of KDG Wine Dinner

• Date: February 4

• Six-course dinner with wine pairings by sommelier Steve Eudy

• Price: $75/person

• Reservations: [email protected]

🎉 Events & Entertainment

🎨 Art Shows

🖼️ 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show

• Opening Reception: February 7, 6:00 PM

• Display Period: February 7–March 1, 2025

• Location: Dare Arts Center

🎭 Town of Duck Rotating Art Show

• Artist: Gretchen Hargis - "Paintings and Collages"

• Dates: January 31–April 23, 2025

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

• Location: Town Hall, First Floor Conference Room

• Opening Reception: February 1, 3:00–5:00 PM

🎵 Music & Entertainment

🎲 Lost Colony Tavern

• 80's Music Bingo with Greg Smrdel

• Tonight at 6:30 PM

🎸 Jolly Roger Restaurant

• Saturday Night Entertainment:

  • Old Bar: Joel performing classics (6 PM)

  • New Bar: Trivia Night (6 PM)

  • DJ Styles (10 PM)

• Late-night food until midnight

• Now hiring: Karaoke DJ

💝 GEM Valentine's Party

• Date: Sunday, February 16th

• Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

• Location: Jolly Roger Restaurant

• Featuring: The Riff Tides

• Tickets: $15 single / $25 couple

🎈 Popular Annual 2025 OBX Events

🍽️ OBX Taste of the Beach (March 28-31, 2025)

🦐 Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October 18, 2025)

_{Outer Banks Employment}

• Black Pelican Seafood Company

  • Full-time & part-time positions

  • Housing for kitchen staff

  • Benefits: PTO, health/dental/vision, 401K

  • Apply: [email protected]

• Lighthouse Bagels and Deli

  • Summer positions available

  • Housing provided (beach/work walking distance)

  • Apply: [email protected]

• Nags Head Ocean Rescue

  • Starting pay: $19/hr ($20/hr w/EMT)

  • $600 End of Season + Labor Day Bonus

  • Training provided

  • Housing assistance available: 252-489-9371

• Ride the Wind Surf Shop

  • Summer positions

  • Applications close Jan 31st

🎓 Kitty Hawk Kites – Recruitment Season

Looking for a fun summer job? Kitty Hawk Kites is hiring! Meet our team at upcoming college career fairs:

• 1/21: Old Dominion University

• 1/22: Virginia Commonwealth University

• 1/29: Appalachian State University

• 2/5: Radford University

• 2/12: East Carolina University

• 2/12: James Madison University

• 2/26: UNC-Greensboro

🌐 Apply anytime: Kitty Hawk Kites Job Listings
📧 Questions? Email [email protected]Restaurant Specials

Restaurant Specials

Look for today’s specials from local Outer Banks restaurants.

Enjoy your day in the Outer Banks, whether you're indulging in crispy tater tots, anticipating the upcoming Super Bowl, or looking forward to the return of baseball season.