A Waterfowl Heritage Weekend

The Sanderling 1461 Duck Road Duck, NC 27949

• Date: 3/20/2026
• Starts: Reocurring Daily

The Sanderling Resort presents an exclusive three-day immersion into the Northern Outer Banks’ storied waterfowling heritage. This curated, limited capacity weekend celebrates the region’s deep connection to waterfowl hunting, decoy carving traditions, and coastal conservation—cornerstones of Currituck County culture since the late 1800s when wealthy industrialists discovered what locals had always known: the Northern Outer Banks is “Coratank,” a Native American word meaning “land of the wild geese.”

Friday: Heritage & Horizons

Friday evening begins with a Rare Decoy Sporting Arts Showcase presented by the Carolina Decoy Collectors Association. Decoy expert Robbie Smith of Leland Little Auctions shares the history of Northern Outer Banks carvers, highlighting the legendary Alvirah Wright, while celebrated Currituck carver Chandler Sawyer demonstrates traditional carving techniques. The evening continues with an oyster roast and raw bar from Cousins’ Oysters, set against sunset views of the Currituck Sound, and concludes with s’mores tasting from Outer Banks Distilling.

Saturday: Fields & Flavors

Saturday opens with the Earl Slick Breakfast, honoring the conservationist who founded The Sanderling in 1985 and gifted the historic Pine Island Hunt Club to the National Audubon Society. Morning excursions through Historic Corolla Village feature special access to two iconic landmarks, including a private tour of the Whalehead Club led by Samantha Payne, along with visits and talks at the Corolla Maritime Museum exploring the region’s sporting heritage. Guests then gather for a Hunt Camp Lunch at the Pine Island Club, the oldest standing traditional hunt club in Currituck County (est. 1913), offering a rare opportunity to experience this storied coastal sporting landmark. The day culminates in an exceptional Wild Game Dinner by Chef Dean Neff, a 2024 James Beard Outstanding Chef finalist renowned for his dedication to sustainable seafood and the preservation of coastal foodways.

Sunday: Coastal Reflection

The Weekend concludes with a self-guided sunrise birdwatching excursion along the Atlantic Flyway, followed by a farewell breakfast at the historic Lifesaving Station.

Local pricing is $1,745 including all taxes, fees, transportation, etc.

Please email [email protected] to book!