Each summer I head down to OBX with one of my best friends Bethi. It’s a perfect family vacation, and as soon as we arrive we kick off the flip flops and crack open a drink. Lounging in the baby pool is optional, but highly recommended.

While we soak up the last rays of summer, the kids play in the sand (and make Brady do the heavy lifting).

Before long, a splash in the waves is necessary to cool down. Recently, though, the OBX has been reporting quite a few shark attacks. We stuck to the baby pool in the beginning but after a few days our fears of sharks faded out of memory.

We spend the entire time in bathing suits except for one night when everyone gets dressed up in real clothes for family dinner. Naturally, many photos are taken to document our efforts.

After dinner, the two of us wandered to the nearest watering hole (a whole two blocks away). The nightlife is pretty lazy as everyone is lounging around the island.

We pulled out Bethi’s dating app, swiped through as many new friends as possible and invited them all over for a drink. Yes, them all. It certainly made us a few friends but I’d advise proceeding with caution if you choose to go this route on your next vacation.

Everything about the Outer Banks is made for vacation. You can even pick up your beer in a drive thru so you don’t lose precious time on the beach.

I absolutely love the simplicity of our time on vacation. You really need nothing but a good friend, a good book or a good view to pass the time with. It’s one of those places I can’t help going back!