Riding my beloved orange bike around town these days has a completely different feel than in the summertime. The warmth has faded, and with it the crowds that flood the island. Hatteras in the wintertime has a special vibe quite different than the summer days. The island feels more open to exploring. It is a more intimate experience with the surrounding environment.
Evening bike ride on Kohler
This time of year best epitomizes what Hatteras Island is, one of the more rural and remote beaches in the country. It is a sandbar, at the mercy of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. A good reminder of that fact is not far from the inn. If the tide is right, there is a shipwreck sometimes visible on the beach. One of thousands of wrecks claimed by the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” It is easy to forget the fierceness of the environment when surrounded by the beauty this island has. Sunsets at Hatteras are some of the most exceptional I have ever seen, and in the winter, they seem to have an extra level of beauty to them.
Beautiful sunset photographed right down the road from the inn.
One thing is certain since we’ve taken over the inn: Hatteras Village is a close-knit community. From art shows to the Christmas tree lighting, or the Hatteras Village Christmas Parade this past Saturday, this cheery little town is always up to something. It has been a pleasure getting to know the fine folks who have long been calling this place their home. They’ve been so kind in welcoming us into this wonderful community.
The Atlantic Inn Crew at the Hatteras Christmas Parade
Our snowmen, Lex and Brooke
Katie and I’s taste buds took a hit recently. Some of our favorite local spots have closed for the winter. Isola and Happy Belly, you will be missed! The wonderful Tavern on 12 and Gingerbread House will be our beacon of hope for the next few months. But that is just one more reason to get working in the kitchen, creating delicious treats for our guests. The two of us have always loved to cook and bake, and one of the many things we love about being Innkeepers is that we get to share that with you all.
An offseason project we’ve begun sinking our teeth into is researching the history of the inn. Over the years, many of the stories passed down have been muddled, and keeping an accurate history of this wonderful building is very important to us! We’ve recently made a breakthrough on the famous plane picture in front of the inn. With help from a local friend, Buddy Swain, we’ve concluded the pilot's name is Dave Driskill, an early civilian aviator who would fly visitors out before the island was accessible by car. We’ve had wonderful past owners who have come by the Inn and shared stories with us, we owe them a debt of gratitude for helping us understand the rich past this place certainly has. During our research, we have realized how important this building has been to the community of Hatteras throughout its history. In our 2026 plans, we are focusing on hosting community events like concerts and movie nights.
Dave Driskill and his plane in front of the inn. We believe this photo may have been taken in the late 30s or early 40s, after the addition to the building.
As our season is drawing to a close, we have also been working diligently, planning for offseason improvements around the inn. For 1928, the inn is in great shape! However, the upkeep of a building like this is crucial to preserving it as long as possible. Some of the work is more mundane, keeping the foundation in tip-top shape. Some of the projects are more fun; we have plans for updates on flooring and some of the decor around the inn. Excited to see long-time visitors next year and show them what we’ve done with the place!
When Katie and I moved to Chicago a few years ago, it would have been hard to guess that running an Inn in Hatteras, North Carolina, would be in our path. We both grew up on the East Coast and were excited to adventure out to the Midwest and experience city life. Come to find out, we are not city people! We enjoyed our time in Chicago, but since moving to Hatteras in August, we agree this lifestyle is much more our pace. We have loved meeting and hosting our guests since we took over, and are excited for our first full year as innkeepers in 2026. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours. Hope to see you soon!
Snow flurries spotted!