A mythical beast, "Old Buck"—possibly related to Belsnickel or Krampus who are companions of Saint Nicholas in Christmas festivities—is said to appear at the celebration.

Many of Rodanthe's restaurants, shops and markets are seasonal, closing during the winter months and reopening the following spring.

Provisions can still be purchased on the Outer Banks during the winter months, but a short drive south to the town of Avon or north to Nags Head is required.

Local water sports include fishing, kayaking (both ocean and sound-side), swimming, sailboarding, surfing, kiteboarding, and wreck diving.

The plant hardiness zone in Rodanthe is 8b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 16.9 °F (−8.4 °C).

[18] In November 2009, the house was damaged and declared a public nuisance by Dare County after a nor'easter storm.

[19][20] The house was saved from demolition by a private businessman, Ben Huss, a bail bondsman, from Newton, North Carolina.

Now a vacation rental, the Inn at Rodanthe has become a popular Outer Banks attraction and is booked year-round.