Smokie,
I live in Cary (Raleigh) and fish the coast of NC. I've never fished VA. Closest to us are Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Beaches - about 2h15m drive from Cary. Both have intracoastal, inlets, piers and beaches with some structure, typically sloughs and sandbars. On a food day the fishing is non-stop with a variety of species around. Next is Atlantic Beach (Morehead City), which is a 3h drive. There's no question that the OBX is the best venue, but if you don't have the time these other beaches are well worth a visit.