~ ~ ~ Attractions, Events & Tournaments ~ ~ ~
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Outer Banks
Carova Beach ,Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
British Cemetery
Ocracoke Island
Much activity took place off the shores of Ocracoke Island during World War II. In May of 1942, the H. M. S. Bedfordshire, one of the armed British trawlers on loan to the United States, sailed out of Morehead City, NC along with her sister escort, the H. M. S. Zeno and joined a convoy of merchant ships to escort them to safe anchorage at Hatteras, NC, some 60 miles away. Exactly what happened next is uncertain, but the last communication from the Bedfordshire was on May 11. It is thought that the Bedfordshire was torpedoed and sunk. On May 14, the bodies of two of her crew were spotted in the surf off Ocracoke Island. The bodies were subsequently identified as sublieutenant Thomas Cunningham, Royal Navy Reserve, and Ordinary Telegraphist Stanley Craig, Royal Navy. They were buried in a small plot of ground adjacent to Alice Wahab Williams family cemetery on Ocracoke. A week later, two more bodies were found, but not identified, and were lain to rest next to Cunningham and Craig. The small cemetery, its grounds kept beautifully landscaped and manicured by the U. S. Coast Guard, perpetually flies a British flag provided each year by the Queen of England. The cemetery is open to the public with no admission charge. This site is one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. British Cemetery
The Banker Ponies
Ocracoke Island
Legend has it that the ancestors of the ponies found on Ocracoke Island today came from shipwrecked vessels in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, or from Spanish explorers DeSoto or Cortez. Historians seem to think the ponies came with the Raleigh expeditions and were left on Roanoke Island. The current day ponies are fenced in and cared for by the National Park Service and can be seen grazing on the sparse grasses of the island. Ocracoke Island ponies
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Nags Head
The horizontally striped lighthouse rises 159 feet above sea level just south of Nags Head. The base of the tower is open seasonally, along with restored Double Keeper's Quarters, which contains lighthouse exhibits and a book shop. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve
Buxton
The 825-acre Buxton Coastal Reserve, just south of the village of Buxton on Hatteras Island, is the largest stand of maritime forest remaining in North Carolina. Shrub thickets of live oak and red cedar... continued: Buxton Woods
Canadian Hole
Hatteras Island
Just north of Buxton on Hatteras Island wind surfers and kite boarders flock to the warm, shallow water of the Pamlico Sound, which combines with the steady Outer Banks winds to create unparalleled conditions for wind surfing and kite boarding. Canadian Hole
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Ocracoke Visitor Center
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Visitor Center seeks to educate visitors about the cultural heritage and natural history of the island. Exhibits focus on the Life Saving Station, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, pirate activity there, Ocracoke's role in the Civil War and in World War II, its British Cemetery, the native horses and other wildlife, and early tourism. Ocracoke Visitor Center
Coquina Beach
South Nags Head
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
Rodanthe
Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site preserves and interprets the oldest life saving station in North Carolina. With its original 1874 station, an original 1874 outbuilding, a larger 1911 station, and four other dependencies of various ages original to the site, Chicamacomico Life Saving Station is the most complete extant life saving station in the country. The site provides guided tours, collects and exhibits historical artifacts, and offers a variety of educational programs, lectures, and activities. Located on Hwy. 12. First U.S. Lifesaving Station in North Carolina built and manned in 1874. Original station was converted into a boathouse when a newer station was constructed in 1911; now restored to original structure. The historic seven-building site, with exhibits and displays, including one honoring the African Americans that manned the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, is open mid-April - November. Variety of programs offered during summer months. Call for schedule. Admission charged. chicamacomico.net
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Buxton
The tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Open for climbing Good Friday - Columbus Day. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Outer Banks
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources and provides a wide variety of recreational and research opportunities relating to the cultural history and natural heritage of the Outer Banks, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Main offices and research facilities for Fort Raleigh, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located at the Fort Raleigh facility. Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal). Free. Fee for camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreation.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore & Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke Island
Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore in the country. It extends from Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet and includes 13 miles of pristine beach on Ocracoke Island. Local folks call this area "the park" and it offers a wide variety of activities such as birding, boating, camping, cycling, fishing, surfing, swimming, seashelling and wind-boarding! For a wonderful look at nature, visit the Hammock Hills Nature Trail on the island. Local shops on the island offer a variety of rentals such as bikes, kayaks, wind boards, etc.to help you explore this area. Ocracoke Island has the uniqueness of having the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. These factors give the visitor a choice of water activities, depending on their abilities. There is also a National Park Campground on the island, situated between the two bodies of water with easy highway access nearby. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Deepwater Theater
Ocracoke Island
Since 1993, the Molasses Creek band has delighted audiences worldwide with their traditional bluegrass and folk tunes. Deepwater Theater is Molasses Creek's own theater on Ocracoke Island, NC. Molasses Creek will perform on Thursdays and the ''Ocrafolk Opry'' will perform on Wednesdays until the week of June 20th. Molasses Creek will then add a Tuesday performace and ''Ocrafolk Opry'' will continue on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Visit our website for a schedule. molassescreek.com
Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center
Frisco
The Frisco Native American Museum seeks to increase understanding and appreciation of Native Americans from pre-history to the present through exhibits, programs, outreach activities, and special events. Collections include representative samples from a broad range of North American cultures and include one of the most significant collections of photographs and research on the Chirichiua Apache, the tribe of Geronimo, in the world. Efforts are made to encourage preservation of native artifacts through involvement in local archaeological digs. Natural history exhibits, trails, and classroom space are available to the public for educational programming. ## Features a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits. Natural History Center includes educational displays, special films, live exhibits and a nature trail winding through beautiful maritime forest. Trail for visually-impaired persons nativeamericanmuseum.org
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Hatteras Village
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a public, non-profit, educational institution dedicated to the preservation, advancement, and presentation of maritime history and shipwrecks of the North Carolina Outer banks from the earliest periods of exploration, through colonization, to the present day with particular emphasis on the periods from 1524 to 1945. The museum preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets its collections of artifacts and other items for the benefit of the general public and specialized audiences. The museum seeks to inspire appreciation, encourage discovery, and promote an active, responsible understanding of the maritime heritage of the Outer Banks in relation to local history, US history, and the broader history of seafaring. ## A unique museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime history of the Outer Banks and the 1,000 known shipwrecks that rest off this coast. Interior construction continues behind the scenes while a section of the Museum is open and a portion of its collections is on display. These include artifacts from diverse sources: The Huron, the Cibao, the captain's desk and ship's bell from the ghostship, the Carroll A. Deering , the wheel from the John Duke , assorted beach ''finds and salvaged cargo, medals from the King of Norway and special exhibit of General Billy Mitchell on Hatteras Island. ## Civil War: describe the Civil War events at or near the site including the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark in 1861, the sinking of the USS Monitor in 1862 and other wartime shipwrecks in the area graveyardoftheatlantic.com
NCDOT Ferry System: Cedar Island / Ocracoke
Cedar Island - Ocracoke Island
Cedar Island is a small fishing village on NC Hwy 12 in eastern North Carolina. It is known for its seafood, wild horses and unique way of life. This beautiful little village is also the home of the Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry; this route is a 22-mile run and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Ocracoke is a tiny island community with huge things to offer its visitors: outstanding surfing and fishing, including several charter fishing services, beautiful beaches, one of the state's oldest lighthouses, and unique shopping opportunities. There are over a dozen motels, numerous rental properties, and many outstanding restaurants for travelers to vist during their stay. Whether you travel by bicycle, car or even walk on your visit to this picturesque section of our coast, you will not soon forget Cedar Island and Ocracoke.Reservations for this route are strongly recommended. ## Ocracoke is a tiny island community with huge things to offer its visitors: outstanding surfing and fishing, including several charter fishing services, beautiful beaches, one of the state's oldest lighthouses, and unique shopping opportunities. This beautiful little village is also the home of the Ocracoke to Cedar Island; this route is a 22-mile run and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Cedar Island is a small fishing village on NC Hwy 12 in eastern North Carolina. It is known for its seafood, wild horses and unique way of life and is a quaint, memborable part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you travel by bicycle, car or even walk on your visit to this picturesque section of our coast, you will not soon forget Ocracoke or Cedar Island. Reservations for this route are strongly recommended. North Carolina Ferry System
NCDOT Ferry System: Ocracoke /SwanQuarter
Ocracoke Island - Hyde County
North Carolina Ferry System
NCDOT Ferry System: Hatteras / Ocracoke
Hatteras Island - Ocracoke Island
North Carolina Ferry System
Outer Banks Fishing Tournament Calendar
| Offshore and inshore tournaments. Surf fishing. |
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is a 75-foot sturdy, whitewashed tower built of brick with a concrete veneer exterior. The walls of the lighthouse are five feet thick at the base. Work on the lighthouse was actually completed in 1823. The total cost for the lighthouse and other buildings around its base was less than $12,000.00. For more than 175 years, its beacon has shown out across this remote island and across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has braved countless storms and weathered many hardships. Its bright light is visible 14 miles at sea. It has led generations of sailors home and has become a symbol of the independent islanders who have made Ocracoke their home for more than 200 years. The interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public but wonderful photo opportunities are available on the grounds. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. The lighthouse is also one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. Ocracoke Light
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum - Historic Ocracoke
Ocracoke Island
Many threads of history have been woven together into the fabric of life of this small barrier island community. Over 200 homes and buildings make up the historic district and have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823, is the oldest continuously operating light on the eastern seaboard. The Union Jack proudly flies over the British Cemetery where sailors from World War II rest in peace. Native islanders speak in what is called the Ocracoke brogue, a rich dialect derived from the early Scots-Irish settlers who colonized much of the Eastern seaboard during the 18th century. Their unique speech is only part of the magic of this special island. With the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum as your starting point, whether you stroll down a sandy, tree-shaded lane, relax on an isolated bit of beach, or visit one of many fine shops or restaurants your experience will be memorial. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society rescued a 100 year-old house which was threatened by new construction in the area. Ocracoke author and historian Ellen Fulcher Cloud worked with the developers, the National Park Service, and a legion of local volunteers to relocate and restore the two-story structure built by David Williams, the first keeper of the Ocracoke lifesaving Station. The building now houses the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum and The Museum Store, offering visitors a glimpse of what life was like in earlier times through displays, artifacts, and historic photographs. The Preservation Society offices, the museum and the Museum Store are open to the public from Easter to Thanksgiving, and by appointment during the remaining portion of the year. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the preservation of Ocracoke Island's rich historical, cultural, and environmental heritage. The David Williams House was built around the year 1900. Its first occupant David Williams was the first captain of the Coast Guard Life-Saving Station of Ocracoke. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, it was moved to its present location on National Park Service property to prevent its demolition and was subsequently restored. The ground floor rooms have been converted to a museum. The second floor contains a research library and administrative offices. In midsummer, talks about local historic subjects are given on the back porch. ocracokemuseum.org
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Ocracoke Island
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is one of 44 Scenic Byways that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. From Whalebone Junction on the Outer Banks of NC, this 111 miles byway travels south along North Carolina Highway 12, on bridges and ferries across several inlets, and ending in Beaufort, NC. The Hyde County portion of this byway begins as you board the free ferry on Hatteras Island and ends on Ocracoke Island as you board a toll ferry to Cedar Island. The crossing time for the Hatteras Inlet to Ocracoke Island is about 35 minutes. The present Hatteras Inlet opened in 1846. Notice the wild horses while following North Carolina Highway 12 for 13 miles along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore across Ocracoke Island to the village of Ocracoke. The animals are Banker Ponies, descendants of horses brought by early explorers on ships wrecked in the Atlantic. A herd also is maintained on the islands south of Beaufort. Ocracoke was first called Wococon in the 1500s (when it was an Indian village) and has since gone through a series of names derived from the Algonquian for ''enclosed place.'' One of the oldest operating lighthouses on the Atlantic is located on Silver Lake, a tidal basin and harbor in the village of Ocracoke. The 75-foot tall Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built in 1823 and is the only operational lighthouse within a town. The Ocracoke Inlet, once North Carolina's primary trade inlet, was the site of the death of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard, who was killed on November 22, 1718. From Ocracoke Inlet, the Cedar Island ferry to Carteret County is a 2.5 hour ride to continue the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, or travel the Alligator River or Pamlico Scenic Byways by taking the toll ferry to Swan Quarter. Hyde County
Pamlico Sound
Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Hyde County, Cedar Island, Oriental
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Rodanthe
Between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, Visitor Center 4 miles south of Inlet. 6,000-acre refuge, haven for 365+ bird species. Observation platforms, parking. Bird walks, summer adult, children's programs; bird walks spring, summer, fall. Life-Saving Station kiosk, parking area south of Visitor Center. Guided canoe tours are available for a fee. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge"> recreation.gov
US Weather Bureau Station
Hatteras Village
Operated by The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau as the Hatteras Welcome Center, the center provides information on attractions, events and directions. Built in 1901, it was the first U.S. Weather Bureau Station.
US Weather Bureau Station
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