The most important meal of the day is never overlooked on the Outer Banks, and breakfast patrons can take their pick from a number of local restaurants, cafes, or fast food joints to saddle up for a hearty 3 egg omelet or a quick coffee to go.

Naturally, seafood finds a way into the Outer Banks breakfast scene and spices up a typical early morning meal. On the Outer Banks, breakfast goers will find unique takes on the classics, such as seafood or crabmeat omelets, or "crabs benedict," a local specialty that adds a healthy handful of crabmeat to the standard egg, English muffin, and hollandaise concoction.

While there are several establishments that feature breakfast selections all day long, the majority of local restaurants stop serving breakfast at 10:30 or 11:00, so it's best to get there early, particularly on check-out days and weekends when a Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast can be a popular endeavor. Also, be sure and ask about the local cup of Joe or fresh fruit smoothie - some restaurants and cafes pride themselves on their Outer Banks java blends, or early-morning frozen treats filled with fresh strawberries, bananas, peaches, mango, and even protein or nutrient powders upon request for an extra dose of energy.

A full day of swimming, surfing, shopping, kayaking or just relaxing on the sand deserves a good beginning, so treat yourself to one of the Outer Banks' many fine breakfast establishments, and get a jump start on another great day at the beach.