If you are truly interested in doing the Outer Banks, October is a great time. Often the weather is still very warm (however can be hit / miss). I would suggest taking US-64 all the way to Nags Head. Senator Basnight (NC Senate President) from the Outer Banks district has made sure this is mostly a very nice 4-lane journey! Many hotels to choose from. Take the ferry to Ocracoke, and the another ferry to either Swan Quarter coming back US-264 to Raleigh through Belhaven, Washington, Greenville, and Wilson!