Cycling and Coffee: A Perfect Start in Nags Head

Parish had a great idea to explore the area by way of coffee shops early in the morning. To watch the sunrise on our bikes and grab some java and breakfast. We highly recommend this focused adventure. It gets you up and engaged with nature while also providing early-morning exercise that benefits your mind and body throughout the day.

Our starting point was the Kill Devil Hills area. From our condo to Croatan Highway, there is a trail that leads to the main road, and they also have one that takes you through interesting parts of Nags Head I’ve never really explored! Excellent pavement, stunning views, and a wide path. Our bike path was near the Wright Brothers Memorial, and we could pass by this historic site each morning.

Here is our trek for the Java run

Front Porch Cafe

This coffee shop was 3.4 miles one way. We decided to take the Croatan Highway, but you can easily take Rt. 12, which is the beach-road access. The bike lanes are there, but they can have sand on them, so be careful.

I checked out the menu but could not find my honey coffee listed. Look for a coffee with honey in it – it was delicious! I also got the oatmeal, and Parish got a croissant with eggs and bacon. Both were delicious. We sat outside with our bikes and had a great conversation. This coffee shop is a franchise and is in a shopping strip. If you are looking for a view, this is not your spot, but the coffee is excellent, and the ride from our location is easy.

The coffee shop that was not meant to be in Collington (nearby, with an EXCELLENT ride view and a bike lane) was Higher Grounds.

Parish got up early on our first day here and explored. He found the area of Collington, and we went back to explore together and have coffee at Higher Grounds. This was 3.5 miles away. Not on the website at the time was the fun fact that they are closed on Tuesdays. We turned around and headed to our second choice for the day, The Den. 9.3 miles one way with the Higher Grounds run, but on the way back, it was only 3.2 miles.

This local favorite was a coffee shop on one side and a surf shop on the other. They had comfortable couches and chairs throughout, both for hiding away and enjoying your coffee. Their scones were delicious, and they have gluten-free options. It seemed that for all the spots, our early morning start was in our favor. By 7:30 or 8:00, lines were out the door. We kept remarking, “We got here just in time.” Parish bought a t-shirt. Cool spot.

Ashley’s Espresso Parlour & All-Time Roasting Co.

This spot was 4.1 miles one-way, and we took the scenic bike trail via Bay Drive.

This is a definite local vibe, with everyone catching up and talking. It’s small and cozy inside, with limited seating, but they do have outdoor seating. I had the Lebanese coffee and a spinach pastry. This shop supported local artists. So many treasures to look at and purchase if you like. We were pretty close to a beach access on Helga Road. This area was quiet and family-friendly. We enjoyed exploring the beach together and checking out Avalon Pier.

It’s supposed to rain for the next few days, so we will be drinking our coffee from the condo. If the storms subside, we will add some more adventures here.