Anchor's Hold Beach House (Outer Banks, NC)

Getting Away From It All! (Really.)

Now that I have dogs, and can no longer run off to Europe at the drop of a hat, I am always on the lookout for easily accessible dog-friendly vacation spots. I want more than a dog-friendly hotel--I want to vacation in a place where I can have fun with my dogs. Fun with my dogs usually means off-leash activity. This luxurious rental house, The Anchors Hold, on Carova Beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina fit the bill perfectly.

Vacation Highlights:

• Luxury beach house (pool, hot tub, fireplace, jacuzzies, porch, grill)
• Dogs off leash on the beach;
• 4 wheel drive access only (via an 8-mile drive on the beach);
• Wild horses (really!);
• No civilization (stores, banks, bars or restaurants).

Imagine letting your dogs run off leash on the beach for an entire week! Imagine staying in a luxury summer home with all amenities without any of the trappings of civilization. This was, hands down, the best dog-friendly vacation ever! I know, I know. I say that after all of my vacations, but this time I really, really mean it. And my sister and her husband and their dogs, who shared the house with me and my Westy Girls, totally agree.

The house. OMG. Spacious! Beautiful. Luxurious. Fantastic views. The living area is on the top floor (with ocean views) with a gated porch that runs the width of the house. Not only could I see the ocean, but I could hear it too.

About Carova Beach & Getting There

This is tricky. Anchor's Hold is located on Carova Beach, one of several communities located on the northernmost part of the Outer Banks--a paved road free resort area. Travel to Anchor's Hold is via 4-wheel drive only on the beach (preferably at low tide). There are no stores, bars or restaurants in Carova Beach.