Under $100: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

After crossing the bridge over the Currituck Sound, one of the first towns you meet on the islands of the Outer Banks is Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of American aviation, the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight and a quaint Carolina beach town with enough to do but also plenty of opportunities to relax.

Wake up to the sounds of the Atlantic waves crashing on shore and a fresh cup of coffee or a healthy smoothie at Outer Bean Café.

It wouldn’t be a historic visit to Kitty Hawk without visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial. Technically in the town of Kill Devil Hills, the memorial sits atop a grassy knoll and commemorates the location of the first flight in 1903. The museum on the grounds features a replica of the brothers’ plane and a chance to learn more about why the brothers chose this location and how they took to the skies for the first time in history.

Savor a local lunch of North Carolina barbecue at High Cotton, where dishes include pulled pork barbecue, ribs, beef brisket and a bevy of stews.

An Outer Banks sunset must be taken in atop Jockey’s Ridge, two of the East Coast’s tallest sand dunes that require a strenuous climb but offer views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset over the sound in the opposite direction. Visitors to the dunes in the neighboring town of Nags Head can also partake in hangliding, sand-boarding and kite-flying before the sun goes down.

After sunset, treat yourself to a delectable dinner at Trio, an Italian bistro that focuses on artisan cheeses, hand-cured meats and homemade ingredients, plus 24 different beer taps!