Last week I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. A family tradition, we have been going to the OBX for more than 25 years. The majority of my friends and family still tend to choose the Jersey Shore, which obviously is a lot closer to the Philadelphia area. The Jersey Shore offers a boardwalk and many activities within walking distance, but what about a vacation for simply relaxing on the beach and spending time with family? While the Outer Banks is a bit farther for us Philadelphia-based folks, it is well worth it! No boardwalk, no beach tags, no limited space on the beach and no restrictions on food or alcoholic beverages on the beach. These are just a few things that make me prefer the Outer Banks over the Jersey Shore. There are no Ferris wheels and amusement parks, and stores and shops are not in walking distance (for some), but I find this forces you to relax more on vacation. This year, we were lucky to have a week of beautiful weather, making it quite easy to just enjoy our time on the beach. Prior to leaving for vacation, the media was flooded with news of shark attacks in the OBX region. This was a bit unsettling, but once we arrived, we felt safe to enjoy the water. I would definitely recommend vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I am confident you will be more than pleased with your vacation experience! — Olivia Falcione, advertising manager