Just back from a long weekend at The Cabin in Kill Devil Hills, and wow did it deliver. Open the door and you’re hit with that “fresh wood” smell, like someone just sealed a treehouse in sunshine. This is the real-deal log cabin, too: thick pine rounds stacked and chinked, exposed beams you want to run your hand over, quirky angles that make the place feel one-of-a-kind. Somehow it still feels beachy, not backwoods—think cedar-scented surf shack. Layout is perfect for families. My husband and I grabbed the king room downstairs (easy bedtime escape), while our two teens owned the upstairs—two big bedrooms, each with a pair of queens, no bickering. Both baths are bright and newly tiled and so CLEAN! They’ve stocked every gadget—Keurig, blender, decent knives—so no hauling our own. When rain rolled in, we stretched across the giant sectional, queued up a movie, and listened to the storm drum on the logs. Outside is even better. Massive fenced yard strung with Edison bulbs, a hammock perfect for stargazing, grill, and a fire pit that turned into nightly s’mores therapy. The outdoor shower has twin rain heads and endless hot water, so sand never crossed the threshold. They nailed the beach gear: bikes, chairs, umbrellas, towels all waiting in the garage. We pedaled to Avalon Pier in five, strolled to the 1st Street access for sunrise shells. The hosts were so sweet and welcoming. Best. Vacay. Ever!