Kelly’s in the Community

In business for almost 30 years, Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern has been a staunch supporter of the Outer Banks community not only as a successful business but as a mainstay at many Outer Banks events.   Whether for fun or a good cause, Kelly’s insists on giving back to the community that has been so welcoming and good to the business.

A Good Time on the Outer Banks

Probably one of our biggest claims to fame outside the restaurant itself is our involvement in two of the OBX’s major annual events – Taste of the Beach and the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend’s activities.  Taste of the Beach is a huge event that pulls visitors from all over North Carolina and surrounding states to sample locally prepared fares from various Outer Banks restaurants.  We host tasting events and dinners over the weekend as well as enter into the “friendly” restaurant competition.  Over the past few years, our desserts (all made in house) take home the trophy for best dessert while our restaurant as a whole is always a finalist.  Taste of the Beach takes a lot of work but we love participating and attracting new patrons of our restaurant while, at the same time, catering to our dedicated clientele who return weekly for lunch, dinner and drinks at the Tavern.  Being able to hang with our restaurant compadrés is an added bonus.

Over the same weekend (St. Patrick’s Day weekend), we also host the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the entire state of North Carolina), the Running of the Leprechaun 8K Race, and the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza, a huge traditional Irish dinner with corn beef and cabbage, soda bread and Guinness of course.  “As an Irish family, this holiday is near and dear to our hearts and we cannot imagine not being in the foreground of the entire weekend.   It is who we are,” says Mike Kelly, owner of Kelly’s Restaurant.

A Good Cause for the Outer Banks

On top of all the fun we try to bring to many Outer Banks events, we also know that it is important to give back to our beloved barrier islands.  We are partial to participating and sponsoring OBX events that benefit local organizations. Many times, for major events, we partner with our sister restaurants to sponsor and host events.  One such event is the Annual Charity Golf Tournament which we raise money for the Outer Banks Community Foundation.  Over the years, we have helped (through the golf tournament and other events) raise almost $300,000.

Another event where we are front and center is the Annual OBX Marathon weekend Fun Run on Saturday mornings.  While the proceeds from the weekend’s events go to different charities, we love being part of such a major weekend by sponsoring this event.

Lastly, another way we help local causes is by opening our facility up to in house events, luncheons and dinners.  Couture by the Shore is a luncheon and fashion show benefitting the OBX Relief Foundation.  Events such as this need a venue and Kelly’s is always ready to step up and offer our services to help make it a success.

It is All about Community

Mike Kelly believes in the importance of the community.  “It is all about community,” he says.  “If we did not have the community behind us, we would not be where we are today.  It all comes full circle.”

When you come into Kelly’s for dinner, know that we are here to provide you with an excellent dinner and even a night of live music and dancing if you decide to head over to the Tavern.  But we also want you to remember that we work hard to be an integral part of the community.  We love the Outer Banks and its people.  We just hope they love us as much.

Oh, and by the way, we have sweet potato biscuits waiting for you!

Runners Love the Outer Banks

Whenever vacationers head to the beach, for some reason, they decide to “start running.” We are not sure what causes this phenomenon but it always happens at any beach.

With the Outer Banks being a top vacation spot for summer vacationers, it is very common to see people out running—every level of runner. No matter the time of day, running on the Outer Banks is very cathartic. Whether watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean or taking in the sounds and sights in the preserves or on the trails as the day winds down, running on the Outer Banks is addictive.

While so many run during their stay here, many are unaware of how much runners love the Outer Banks. With an official running club, the OBX Running Club, there are tons of sanctioned and non-sanctioned races throughout the year. Distances vary but one thing is for sure—the races draw runners from all over North Carolina and surrounding states.

The OBX Marathon/Half Marathon is a major race that draws devoted and die-hard runners from all over the country. It takes place annually the second weekend in November and is a favorite long distance race for area and regional marathon runners. Many come with family and friends to spend a relaxing November weekend (absolute best time of the year on the OBX) capping it off with the race. The best part of this race is that there are other shorter distance races and tons of family fun all weekend.

As an established Outer Banks restaurant, Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern and its sister restaurants sponsor races throughout the year usually by providing food and beverages after races. During the OBX Marathon weekend, Kelly’s plays host to Super Saturday events for runners and spectators. A lot of people seek out Kelly’s just hoping for one of their delectable sweet potato biscuits…ok and maybe an adult beverage or two after the races!

Another hugely popular race is the Kelly’s Running of the Leprechaun 8K which happens over one of the weekends around St. Patrick’s Day.  St. Patrick’s Day is a huge weekend on the Outer Banks and of course Kelly’s is in the center of all of the festivities.  For the 8K, runners and walkers dress in their best green running attire to participate then head to Kelly’s Tavern for the post-race party and even more Outer Banks entertainment. The festivities carry all the way through the weekend with parades and parties.

Whether here for one of the OBX Running Club races or simply to spend a week of vacation, there is nothing like going for a run on the OBX.  Not only are the beaches wide and perfect for a long run, there are lanes for bikers and runners on the roads as well as trails and hills in the maritime forests and nature preserves in Kitty weekly OBX Running Club social runs. Locations vary each week so it is best to check with the OBX Running Club for the upcoming run. They welcome local guests and vacationers to run with them.  Running with locals is a great way to find out the favorite spots that are sometimes kept secret from vacationers.

Make sure to check out the other races throughout the year as well on the OBX Running Club calendar. There are so many from which to choose and they run the gamut in lengths from fun runs to 10Ks to the highly touted marathon in November.

With the Outer Banks Marathon only three months away, now is the time to make plans to spend the weekend here.  As we said earlier, there is no better time to be at the OBX than November.