Update: After visiting the outer banks this year (2017), it appears the hostel is no longer in business.
Last month a post showed up on the Full Moon Bus Club website from the owners of a hostel on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After traveling from California to NC last year in their 1985 Westfalia Vanagon, Brandon and Kristin decided to stay awhile in the town of Buxton – not far from the Hatteras Lighthouse. Here they opened the Hatteras Hostel and Vanland just off the main road through town. Since we are vacationing a couple of towns north, we decided to stop by to say hello and introduce ourselves to a couple of fellow VW enthusiasts as well as to investigate the hostel to see what it was all about. Unfortunately, Kristin was out of town, but we met Brandon, a very cheerful and welcoming person who happily showed us around and let us take a few pictures of the ’85 camper.
Conveniently located between the beach and town of Buxton (both easily accessible with a short walk), they offer individual rooms and two camper parking spaces with electric hookups. Although they are just starting out, they hope to continue renovations on the former motel buildings and expand the numbers of rooms and community spaces. Nevertheless, the current setup offers a modest yet intimate place to stay in a quiet beach neighborhood within a town of ample restaurants, shops, and activities.
We would like to thank Brandon for taking the time to chat and show us around (and for the sticker). It was an enjoyable visit and we hope to see you in the future.
Brandon next to the ’85 camper and a visitor’s tear drop camper trailer.
Martha and the kids took the short walk to the beach.
Zero to Sixty . . .Eventually 