Category Archives: North Carolina

A Photographic Review of My 2017 Travel Blogs

I have had so much fun writing about my many travels that took place in 2017 and past travel as well.  Here is an overview of my blog posts for this past year.  Don’t forget to select the link to check out more photos and additional information regarding each attraction.  Enjoy!

Indonesia:  Bali

Kuta Beach

An Evening Stroll Along Kuta Beach

North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple:  The Most Photographed Temple in Bali

Mexico:  Cabo San Lucas

El Arco in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico:  Mazatlan

The Port of Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico:  Puerto Vallarta

A Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

Turkey: Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

DSC_2204, hagia Sophia

The Facade of the Hagia Sophia

United States:  Arizona

The Grand Canyon

The Colorado River Runs Through the Grand Canyon

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Painted Desert

The Spectacular Colors of the Painted Desert

Rawhide

Rawhide, Arizona

United States:  California

San Diego

Spectacular California Sunset

Sebastiani

An Amazing Visit to Sebastiani

Viansa Winery

Acres of Vineyards in Sonoma, California

United States:  Colorado

The Rocky Mountains

Camping in the Rocky Mountains

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans:  Black & White Photos

The Old Absinthe Bar

United States:  Ohio

The Farm Restaurant in Adena

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at The Farm

The Merchant House

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at the Merchant House

The Old Arcana Restaurant

The Bourbon Praline French Toast

Cincinnati:  National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Columbus:  Ohio Village

Celebrating 100 Years of Beatrix Potter at Ohio Village 

Springfield:

Farmer’s Market

The Historical Springfield Farmer’s Market

Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright

The Westcott House

Clifton Mill Lights at Christmas

Gorgeous Holiday Lights in Clifton

Ohio Wineries:

Bardwell Winery

Brandeberry Winery

Hafle Winery

Knotty Vines Winery

Meranda Nixon Winery

Plum Run Winery

United States:  Tennessee

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

United States:  Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

United States:  West Virginia

New River Gorge

Floating down the Lower Gauley at the New River Gorge

I hope you enjoyed checking out all of my travels and post-related photos for 2017! I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings! Happy New Year!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla, North Carolina

From the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, we had a beautiful bird’s eye view of Currituck Heritage Park below.  The 39-acre property includes the lighthouse as well as the Whalehead Club located along the sound.  Our walk was a short stroll from the light.  Through the parking lot, we traveled towards the footbridge crossing over the pond to explore the waterfront.

It was a great change from a day at the beach as we strolled among the breezy 80 degree weather.  Various water fowl gathered in the shallow end of the marsh looking for their afternoon snack while tourists were securing their life jackets for a short kayak trip around the Currituck Sound.

Overhead we noticed an osprey flying towards the Whalehead Club, so out of curiosity, we followed it and watched it come to rest at the crest of the rooftop.  Fragments of thick, tall grass draped over the roof which suggested there was a nest.  Walking further away from the building, we had a clearer view of the tiny beaks stretching up towards the sky.  The children mimicked the birds with their necks distended trying to catch a glimpse of the baby birds.  They lit up with excitement as their father put each one on his shoulders so they could have a clearer view and a few minutes to watch the baby chicks.

The Whalehead Club was built by Edward and Marie Louise Knight in the 1920s.  During this time, it was not uncommon for the wealthy northeasterners to build hunt clubs and invite their friends for some recreational waterfowl and duck hunting.  The former mansion is available for tours by appointment.

Following the walking path, we passed by the main pond where we noticed a family taking their chance at crabbing.  They added a piece of chicken to the end of a string and waited for a crab to clamp down.  It wasn’t long until one of the young boys, about seven years old, pulled up on his twine and a little crab was holding tightly to the end of it.  We were just as excited for him as he handed over his catch of the day.

Throughout the park were beautiful outstretched oaks that provided adequate shade for a picnic or solitary space to relax.  There were several walking trails that followed along the saltwater pond, led to the canal that feeds into the sound and directed visitors to waterfront vistas and boardwalks.

Displayed outside of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education was the skull a whale that had washed ashore in September of 2009.  By the time it was discovered, it had already decomposed to the point that its bones were exposed.  The placard notes that the whale was “found  to be a male, sub-adult approximately three years old and twenty four feet in length.”

Additional exhibits showcasing the Outer Banks’ ecosystem continued inside the 5,000 square foot complex.   There were numerous attractions and artifacts as well as an 8,000 gallon aquarium. A life-sized demonstration of the saltwater marsh duck-blind was a reminder of Currituck’s history of water-fowl hunting.

Have you visited Currituck Heritage Park?  Have you attended one of their events?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Currituck and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Currituck Heritage Park
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 0221

  • Admission Fee:  There is no fee to enter the park.
  • Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Amenities:  fishing, picnicking, nearby Currituck lighthouse, rental of the Whalehead Club, kayaking, bird watching
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of the sound from the bridge; beautiful views of the area from the lighthouse.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Corolla Light
9606, 1066 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927
Telephone: 252 453 3340

Where to Eat:

Outer Banks Boil Company
Timbuck II Shopping Village
9501 Suite D, 785 Sunset Blvd.
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 6578

We ordered the shrimp boil pot which included jumbo shrimp, Louisiana spicy andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob and Vidalia onion which are all cooked together in a pot.

Duck Donuts
1190 Duck Road
Duck, NC  27949
Telephone:  252 480 3304

Try their maple bacon donut!c

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Ocracoke Village and Harbor, North Carolina

The 45-minute ferry ride from Hatteras is half the fun of visiting Ocracoke Island.  Our family’s annual summer vacations included a day trip to the island for fresh seafood and a visit to see the Ocracoke ponies.  Located on the southernmost edge of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke has consistently been voted one of the Best Beaches in the country.

Ocracoke Village is a hub of action with its charming boutiques and waterfront restaurants.  Measuring 9.5 square miles, it is the perfect getaway from the mainland to enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere and island attitude.

One of my favorite activities on Ocracoke Island is to visit the  Blackbeard Museum at Teach’s Hole.  The kids loved reading about the island’s pirate history and learned more about the life of  Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.  They were fascinated by the larger-than-life-sized Blackbeard wearing his pirate’s regalia and the replica of his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.

Blackbeard was known for terrorizing the Atlantic seas and the mention of his name would terrorize even the burliest of seamen.  Standing nearly seven feet tall, his bushy beard was the deep dark color of night and it was said that he looked like the devil himself.  Sinking and capturing ships along the coast, he made Ocracoke Island his home base, building a two-story house known as “Blackbeard’s Castle.” Present day maps still identify Teach’s Hole, which is where Blackbeard met his demise on November 22, 1718. Stabbed twenty-two times and shot five, Lt. Maynard ordered his decapitation and his body tied to Maynard’s ship, ending the Golden Age of Piracy.

Several 18th century residences along the village date back to the time of Blackbeard.  The British Cemetery  was established when British ships were sunk by German submarines along the shores of the island during World War II.

In 1998, Fort Ocracoke was discovered about two miles from Ocracoke Village.  Previously constructed  as a Confederate fortification for the War of 1812, the octagon-shaped structure was built on Beacon Island in Ocracoke Inlet. Destroyed by the hurricanes of 1933, the fort has submerged into the Ocracoke inlet, although a memorial marks it location.

Quite a few outdoor activities include kiteboarding at Kite Point Beach, fishing at the various inlets and hiking the nature trail at Springer’s Point, a favorite hideout for Blackbeard.   We enjoyed finishing our active day at Ocracoke Harbor to gaze out on the fishing boats, sail boats and ferry transports running back and forth to the mainland.  Before sunset, we found a seat at a local restaurant to watch the sun disappear into the horizon before taking the ferry back to the mainland.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ocracoke Island?  What was your favorite activity?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my day visit to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blackbeard’s Exhibit at Teach’s Hole
935 Irvin Garrish Highway
PO Box 1718
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 1718

  • Admission Fee:  Adults: $4 and Children, ages 7 to 12: $3   Children under seven are free with an adult and senior rates, 64 and over, are $3.
  • Hours:  Open Wednesday through Saturday 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
  • Amenities:   Gift shop and exhibits
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is only open in the afternoon.  Small children may be fearful of the Blackbeard figure.

Where to Stay:

The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 3505

Where to Eat:

SmacNally’s Bar & Grill
180 Irvin Garrish Hwy
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Telephone:  252 928 9999

One of my favorite pastimes in the Outer Banks is to order peel ‘n eat shrimp.  I ordered a half a pound and some fried okra.  I was in southern cuisine heaven.

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season.  You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.

What to Read: 

  • Blackbeard the Pirate:  A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee

Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island

  • The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
  • Ocracoke Harbor
  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

Wright Brothers Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, NC

Approaching the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the colossal granite sculpture was the first monument that came into view.   The shrine had been erected at the location of the first engine-powered flights on Carolina’s natural sand dunes in the year 1903.

Since Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane in 1903 at Kill Devil Hills, the field of aviation has come a long way.  Two young brothers from Dayton, Ohio decided that the Outer Banks would be the perfect location for launching their aircraft based on its wide open spaces and optimal wind conditions.

The national park’s Visitor Center doubled as a small museum displaying a replica of the first airplane.  In addition, relics from the Wrights’ original research and initial experiments are also exhibited.  A new structure opened in 2003 marking the hundred-year anniversary of the Wright brother’s “First in Flight” accomplishment, referred to as the “Century of Flight” museum.

Within the glider room, there was a staging area for park ranger talks about the Wright Brothers and their successful attempts of flight.  The walls were covered with other notable flight pioneers who have contributed to aeronautical advancement throughout the years.

Outdoors, visitors walked the Flight Line, which is the length of each of the four successful flights as indicated by stone markers.  Nearby were replicas of the Wrights’ temporary living quarters and the first airplane hangar.  Small monuments honoring the Wright Brothers and the first flight were sparsely staged throughout the field to include a tablet erected in 1923 by the National Aeronautical Association and a roundel of the 100th anniversary of the first flight.

During the unveiling of the 60 foot monolith memorial in 1932, Orville Wright was present.  At the top of the monument is a  lighthouse-like beacon at the top where, with advanced reservations, a select few can explore.  Built on the 90 foot tall Kill Devil Hills, the granite monument is flanked by busts of both Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Wright Brothers National Memorial is an amazing historical park for enthusiastic aviators and history buffs.  Several interactive opportunities and ranger talks are provided to visitors of all ages.

Have you visited Wright Brothers National Memorial?  I would be interested in hearing about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my blog post about the Wright Brothers National Memorial and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Local Attraction:

Wright Brothers National Memorial
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone:  252 473 2111

  • Admission Fee:  An entrance pass is required for all visitors.  The cost for an individual adult is $10 per person, 16 years and older.  Children 15 years and younger are free.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM to 5:00PM with the exception of Christmas Day
  • Amenities:  ranger demonstrations, historical talks, reconstructed historical buildings, visitor’s center
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of the sand dunes and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking as there is an uphill walk towards the entrance.  Bring a kite to fly at nearby Jockey’s Ridge Sand Dunes!  For the outside exhibits, wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water.

Hotel Accommodation:

Days Inn by Wyndham
201 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC  27948
Telephone:  252 489 4181

Restaurant Recommendation:

Henry’s Restaurant
3396 N. Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC  27948
Telephone;  252 261 2025

For a starter, I had to try the she crab bisque, which was creamy and loaded with crab.  For my main meal, I ordered the BBQ lunch platter which included cole slaw, french fries and hushpuppies, a classic Carolina meal.

 

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, North Carolina

Standing at the base of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, I noticed the impressive, ominous tower of bricks reaching 158 feet towards the Carolina sky.  My family and I had stopped at the historic Corolla Village to climb the 214 steps that leads to the gallery deck for phenomenal views of the North Carolina coast.

We could see the lighthouse from our summer rental home and the children were fascinated with watching the lights at night.  Counting the seconds as the glow circled back to the house, the kids giggled at each passing of the light and jumped up and down in excitement.

It was a hot summer day and although the lighthouse cast a shadow as if to protect us in line, we realized it was going to be steamy climb on the inside. Slow and steady we climbed each step, reaching the tight circular deck at the top.  From here we would be able to experience gorgeous views of the Outer Banks that reached all the way to the Virginia state line.

The metal, spiral staircase was secure but made us feel weak in the knees.  The distance between each step was shallow, so we were more cautious to ensure that we would not trip nor lose our footing.  Windows had been inserted randomly giving us a breath of fresh air to carry on with our climb. The breeze felt great but we could feel the sweat dripping through our clothes and we had not yet reached the top.

There were signs at each window that labeled the thickness of the lighthouse at each stopping point.  With walls measuring 5 foot 8 inches at the bottom, the depth of the walls tapered off to 3 feet towards the top.

We loved the fact that the Currituck Beach Lighthouse had not been painted so the one million bricks were exposed.  Compared to the other Outer Banks lighthouses, Currituck Light was the last major brick lighthouse built on the shores of North Carolina.

It seemed like eternity but we finally reached the top and were met with a stunning view and a gentle breeze.  We carefully stepped onto the gallery and realized once again, we were weak in the from the height and instantly grabbed onto the rail.  Cautiously walking the circular overlook, I too found myself white-knuckling the banister but soon become more comfortable enough to loosen my grip.  We couldn’t get enough of the breeze and the spectacular panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Currituck Sound and the beautiful homes along the coast.

On the sound side of our view, the Whalehead Club stood out with its daisy yellow color and delicate dormers.  The Currituck Heritage Park was beautifully landscaped with Carolina foliage and was home to native birds, such as the osprey.

I was fascinated with the untouched natural habitat that had not yet been commercialized by local real estate. I learned from the lighthouse curator that the area had been preserved from further development and generations of visitors will have the opportunity to experience this view.

Around the corner of the platform, the  children were searching for the rental house where we were staying.   The group of homes made it somewhat difficult to confirm, but it was fun to watch how easily the kids were entertained.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was completed in December of 1875 and lit by the first lighthouse keeper, Nathaniel G. Burris.   We learned that the lighthouse is known as a first order lighthouse meaning that it has the largest of seven Fresnel lenses.

Since 1939, the beacon’s light has been automated, illuminating at dusk and ending at dawn. It can be seen for 18 nautical miles.

For more information about the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, visit the museum and lighthouse exhibits on the ground floor.  Learn more about the Fresnel lens, the shipwrecks and history of the lighthouse keepers.

Check out the website for the lighthouse to learn more about upcoming events such as educational series, wine tastings, historical sessions, and a Halloween event.

Email the lighthouse directly at info@currituckbeachlight.com or call 252 453 8152.

What to See and What to Do:

Curritick Beach Lighthouse
1101 Corolla Village Road
PO Box 58
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 4939

Where to Stay:

Inn at Corolla Light
9606, 1066 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone: 252 453 3340

Where to Eat:

The Oceanfront Grille
1197 Franklyn Street
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone: 252 453 4748

The Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops were drizzled with teriyaki sauce, which I ordered as an appetizer.  For my entree, I wanted to try the Filet Mignon as well as the Crabcake which was available as a combination meal.

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

Ocracoke’s Wild Horses

The highlight of our Hatteras vacation is always a stop at Ocracoke Island and what makes it more exciting is a stop at the corral to see the small herd of mustang ponies.  Known as the Banker Horse, these wild mustangs are said to have been descendants of the Spanish Galleon shipwrecks.  Their story dates back to 1565 when it was believed that the arrival of a ship from Spain, the Tiger, ran aground off of the coast of North Carolina.  The captain of the ship unloaded the livestock overboard to lighten its load and the horses swam to shore.   Their presence on Ocracoke Island was recorded in the 1730s when settlers first noticed them.  They were also found on the Hatteras islands as far north as Corolla and Nag’s Head.

As settlers continued to populate the coast of the Outer Banks, they captured the Banker Horse to tame them.  Soon the locals were racing the mustangs to see which horse was the fastest.  Eventually race tracks were created such as Jockey’s Ridge, southwest of the great sand dune at Nag’s Head beach.  The grandstands were built into the sand dunes which drew thousands of people to its site.  These races continued for several years, but today, most of these ponies reside on Ocracoke Island, protected as an endangered animal species.

By 1959, the Ocracoke ponies were secured by a fenced in property of 180 acres.  As tourism grew on the island and NC Highway 12 was completed, the horses were in danger of auto traffic and the National Park Service took action to provide shelter for them.

Scientific studies have confirmed that the Ocracoke herd of ponies exhibit the same DNA matching those of the Spanish Mustangs (the Q-ac genetic marker) and have similar physical attributes.  Such traits include their small height which measures anywhere from 52 to 59 inches, compact frames, a short back and smaller legs. They are also known to have wide foreheads and strong, short necks.  Their ability to carry heavy weight is due to their increased bone density which is five to ten times greater than the average horse.

The Bankers’ diet consists mainly of grass, bulrush, sea oats  and maritime forest, which would eventually have an impact on the ecology of the islands.  While many assumed it was the result of overgrazing, additional research determined that it was the horses’ hooves that were damaging the vegetative growth.  The horses, relying on pools of rainwater to drink, were known to “dig” with their hooves to reach surface water from 2.5 to 4 feet deep.  For this reason, the park system does not shoe the ponies.

Protected by the National Park Service, these ponies are feral and although they have a docile temperament, petting them is prohibited. The Park Service provides scheduled talks at the Ocracoke pony pen for those who want to see the Bankers and learn more about their history.  There is also an opportunity to “Adopt A Pony” with a small donation.  Donors will receive a photo of the horse they have adopted, an adoption certificate and summary of the pony’s history.  The charitable gift will help to feed the horses and contribute to their health care.

Have you visited the Ocracoke ponies?  I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about the beautiful Bankers on Ocracoke and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ocracoke Horses & Ponies

Where to Stay:

The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 3505

Where to Eat:

SMacNally’s Bar & Grill
180 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 9999

There were several restaurant options, but we wanted a restaurant along the water.  A menu full of fried food, I had to try the Shrimp Po’Boy which came with fries.  We also decided to add the hushpuppies and coleslaw to our order, which were absolutely delicious!

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season.  You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.

What to Read: 

  • Blackbeard the Pirate:  A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee

Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island

  • The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
  • Ocracoke Harbor
  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Hatteras and Ocracoke Ferries

Cruising towards the island of  Ocracoke, the ferry is surrounded by an aggressive flock of seagulls.  The sea salt spray fills the air as the birds scavenge around for leftover food and fish churned up from the underside of the commuter boat.

The roundtrip Hatteras/Ocracoke route is the most popular of the seven itineraries that operates along the Carolina coastline. Lasting 45 minutes, the ferry transports bikes, cars, trucks and passengers on foot, 365 days a year, free of charge. During the summer season, the ferry runs ever 30 minutes starting at 5 AM in the morning until midnight. Wait times for the ferry can run from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the time of the year and is on a first come, first serve basis. Trips to Ocracoke Island from the mainland are also accessible from both the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.

Nearby the Hatteras Ferry terminal is the Hatteras Landing shopping center with a convenience store and deli as well as trendy boutiques and a surf shop.  Popular food stands provide plenty of options for grabbing a convenient meal before catching the boat ride over to the island.

For those with limited time, there are vending machines at the Visitor’s Center, where tourists can also pick up information about the island’s attractions.

At Hatteras Village, watch the fishermen bring in their day’s catch in the afternoon to have it weighed and cleaned.  There are fabulous seafood restaurants at The Harbors as well as spectacular waterfront views.

Once the ferry arrives at the terminal on Ocracoke Island, there is a 13-mile drive to reach Ocracoke Village.  Sand dunes provide a buffer between the beaches and the byway with plenty of beach access for the day.

Compared to the Hatteras Terminal, the Ocracoke Ferry Terminal is more primitive and simple with only a vending machine for snacks and basic restroom facilities.   A beach is within walking distance and can be accessed by one of three paths along the sound.

No reservations are required to ride the Ocracoke Ferry as it is a first come, first served facility.  There is no charge for the ride which runs 365 days per year, depending on the weather.  Vehicle parking is clearly marked  and visitors can leave their car and stroll around the terminal and nearby beach.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recommends that passengers prepare to board the ferry by waiting inside of their vehicle 10 minutes before the time of departure.

The NCDOT provides a list of tips for traveling the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferries.

  • Avoid Tuesdays – Thursdays which are the most popular days during the summer.  Prime hours are considered 9 AM to 5 PM where waits can take up to several hours.
  • Visit Ocracoke Island in the evening and make plans to travel to Hatteras in the morning.  The shops in Ocracoke stay open late, closing around sunset or later.
  • Be ready to board the ferry 5 – 10 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat!
  • Smoking is not permitted on the ferry, including in your car.  Passengers may be fined if they disregard this rule.
  • Feeding the seagulls is not permitted.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash while riding the ferry.
  • The NCDOT reserves the right to check your driver’s license before boarding.  This is part of the Homeland Security program.
  • Priority passage lanes for those who have a priority pass.  No exceptions!
  • The last ferry from Hatteras Island or Ocracoke is 12:00 AM.  Don’t miss the boat!
  • The ferry terminal reserves the right to postpone or cancel ferry service due to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds.
  • The most scenic time  to take the ferry is at sunset or sunrise.

During our vacations to the Outer Banks, our family has continued  the tradition of taking the Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry to explore the island.   The look on the children’s faces as we drive our cars on the ramp is an enjoyable moment.  They love the seagulls and feeling the sea mist upon their faces.  You can’t beat the price and experience of this entertaining mode of transportation and the memories that are made are forever priceless.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Okracoke Island by taking the Hatteras Ferry?  What are some of your most cherished memories of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful memories of the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Protecting the treacherous coastline of the Diamond Shoals, the Cape Hatteras Light Station is the most famous of the lighthouses along the Outer Banks. With an impressive height of 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick beacon of light in the US offering spectacular coast views that extend from Avon to Hatteras Village.  It was at the insistence of Alexander Hamilton, who grew up on this dangerous coast that insisted on the building of Cape Hatteras lighthouse.

I remember when I was young our family would visit the Outer Banks over the summer.  I enjoyed the moments we spent at the beach, but a visit to the Cape Hatteras was a vacation pilgrimage.  During each visit, we would climb the 257 steps to the top and look out into the ocean and the sound.  We considered it one of the highlights of our Cape Hatteras trip.

Our family experienced a once in a lifetime event at Cape Hatteras in 1999.  Watching the historical move of the lighthouse, inching its way across the sand, was a week we would never forget.  My grandfather even bought the t-shirt to prove he was there.

Due to storms and hurricanes, the beach was gradually eroding, threatening the stabilization of the structure.  It was feared that the lighthouse would eventually collapse into the Atlantic Ocean, so it was decided that it should be transported about 2,900 feet inland.

The Cape Hatteras Light Station is open seven days a week from Easter to Thanksgiving. National Park rangers provide guided tours to the top for a small fee.   Over 175,000 visitors drop in on the famous lighthouse with its familiar black and white barber pole stripes.  Operated by the National Park Service is the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea in close proximity to the lighthouse.  There are several exhibits, the visitor center, ranger programs and a bookstore as well as a .75 mile nature trail  to Cape Point and a shaded picnic area nearby. For many visitors to the Outer Banks, spending time at Cape Hatteras is a family tradition with fond memories of their visit to this fabulous coastal destination.

Have you visited the Cape Hatteras Light Station?  What were some of the highlights of your trip to the Outer Banks!  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time spent at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
46368 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, NC  27920
Telephone:  252 473 2111

Where to Stay:

Hatteras Island Inn
46745 NC-12
Buxton, NC  27920
Telephone:  252 995 6100

Where to Eat:

The Captain’s Table
47048 NC-12
Buxton, NC  27920
Telephone:  252 995 3117

We had already eaten lunch up in Corolla, so we thought we would enjoy a small meal to tie us over for dinner.  I was excited to try the fried oysters, taking advantage of the local seafood.

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

The Ocracoke Lighthouse, Oldest Lighthouse in the US

Reaching only 76 feet in height, the stubby white Ocracoke Lighthouse may not be the tallest along the North Carolina Coast, but it is the oldest. Some resources claim that it is the second oldest in the United States. To help ship’s captains navigate through the Ocracoke Inlet, a wooden light was constructed in the vicinity of Shell Island in 1794.  A second lighthouse was constructed in 1822 by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter, and is the current, white conical shaped beacon that stands today. Located at the southern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Lighthouse Road, the lighthouse’s original Fourth Order Fresnel Lens was replaced with it was automated in the early 1900s.  The Ocracoke lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as Ocracoke Light Station.

Ocracoke Island was once an important trading route off of the coast of North Carolina dating back to the late 1500s. It was known to harbor pirates, including the most famous of all buccaneers, Blackbeard. Although he sailed up and down the coast as well as scouted the Caribbean Islands, it was said that Ocracoke was his favorite of the islands. It was here where he would set up camp, when he was not pillaging of course and where his  notable brigand lived, drank and caused many a raucous.

Blackbeard’s given name was Edward Drummond and he became a seafarer at an early age, starting out as a cabin boy. He eventually went to work for the Queen of England, attacking French merchant ships and sharing the wealth of their plunder with his crew.  He would eventually receive the title of privateer, a sort of legal pirate for the royal families.  All one would need was a government issued license and of course the pay was incredibly rich. Yet, when England and France became alliances once again, the role of privateer was abolished.

At the end of Queen Anne’s War, the privateers were offered amnesty, were required to end their pirating ways and forced to swear that they would no longer raid the merchant ships.  It was at this time that Drummond changed his name to Edward Teach and refused to adhere to the new requirements.  Naming his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge, he continued his life as a pirate.

Teach later settled in Bath, North Carolina, continuing his pirating ways until he was shot by LIeutenant Robert Maynard in a shootout on November 22nd, 1718.

To learn more about Blackbeard, visit the Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop.

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse does not allow visitors to climb to the top of the light.  Local shops provide plenty of memorabilia, souvenirs and lighthouse books about the Ocracoke Light Station.

What to See and What to Do:

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Telephone:  252 928 4531

Where to Stay:

The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 3505

Where to Eat:

1718 Brewing Ocracoke
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 2337

Stopping just for a drink, we enjoyed the Essential Pale Ale.

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season.  You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.

What to Read: 

  • Blackbeard the Pirate:  A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee

Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island

  • The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
  • Ocracoke Harbor
  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

 

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Driving south towards Ocracoke on Highway 12, I caught a glimpse of the Bodie (pronounced “Body”) Island Lighthouse in the distance.  I was halfway there, but decided to take the side road to have a closer look.  Towering over 156 feet, there are 214 steps to reach the top with spectacular views of the Albemarle Sound, the Oregon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.  The lighthouse recently reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation and is the third lighthouse to stand in this place.

Bodie Light initially opened in 1872, under the recommendation of Lieutenant Napoleon L. Coste who was tasked with deciding the placement of lighthouses along the North Carolina Coast.  It was his opinion during his 1837 examination that “more vessels are lost there than on any other part of our coast” resulting in Congress’s decision to allocate funds to the project.

Unfortunately, the first lighthouse built on the site met with many challenges from the purchasing of the land and lack of experience to complete the project.  At 54 feet in height, the initial lighthouse was not only leaning, it would have cost more for the repairs than to start from the ground up.  This lighthouse project was abandoned in 1859.  That same year, a second lighthouse was constructed in close proximity to the first light reaching 80 feet in height.  Unfortunately, with the start of the Civil War, Confederate troops destroyed the lighthouse in fear that Union soldiers would use it in battle.

The lighthouse that stands today on the 15-acre site is north of the original lighthouses and was completed in 1872.  Surrounded by saltwater ponds, marshlands and maritime forest, it too had its problems as geese were known to have been flying into the lens and adequate grounding had not been installed to absorb the electric from lightning strikes.

The lightkeeper’s quarters was completed in 1872 as well, but due to its isolating location, the family lived off site during the cold winter months.  Eventually, there would be an improvement to access on the island and the families would live at the Keepers’ Quarters year around.   Once the light was electrified in 1932, the former keeper’s quarters was eventually converted into the visitor’s center.  Public tours of the lighthouse are permitted each year by purchasing tickets online.

Have you visited the Bodie Island Lighthouse?  Did you climb to the top to see the spectacular views?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Bodie Island Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
Telephone:  252 441 5711

  • Admission Fee:  There is a fee for climbing Bodie Lighthouse:  $10 for adults (13+) and $5 for children 12 and under.
  • Hours:  Visitor’s Center open daily from 9AM to 5PM, with the exception to Christmas; Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing;  Open 3rd Friday in April through Columbus Day
  • Amenities:  visitor center, lighthouse climb
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Hatteras coastline from the top of the lighthouse
  • Length of Visit:  less than 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes and be careful climbing the lighthouse

Where to Stay:

Scarborough Inn
524 US-64
Manteo, NC  27954
Telephone:    252 473 3979

Where to Eat:

Fish Heads Bar & Grill
8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC  27959
Telephone:  252 441 5740

What more can you want?  Ocean views, seafood and a variety of craft beers?  Starting with the conch fritters, I enjoyed the light breading on the outside, yummy conch on the inside with a side of Napoleon Complex Pale Ale from Wicked Weed Brewing in Ashville, NC.  For my main meal, I decided on the crabcake without the bun and it was prepared perfectly!  I ordered the Pineapple Cider from Austin Eastciders Collaboratory from Austin, Texas, which had a refreshing tropical taste.

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo