Search for bargains at the Tanger Outlet Mall, or head for Jockey's Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast.

BBC: Daily deal: Two nights in the Outer Banks

Instead of being hard on yourself (see tip 4), head to an outlet mall and buy some forgiving clothes for this stage of life.

FORBES: The Hardest Parts of Maternity Leave -- and How to Get Through Them

Scott Malkin, 52, founder of London-based high-end European outlet syndicator Value Retail and father Peter Malkin, 77, head of New York City real estate holding company that includes the Empire State Building, discuss their ties here.

FORBES: Like Father, Like Child: Is Entrepreneurial Success Inherited?