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