Outer Banks

Proposed Schedule

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.

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.

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 Ocracoke or Cedar Island.

Reservations for this route are strongly recommended. ncferry.org

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.

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.

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. nps.gov

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. Salt-water fishing requires no license or permit. 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

The tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Open for climbing Good Friday - Columbus Day.

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.

Waves

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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.

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

Homeport of Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative sailing vessel. Experience a working Settlement Site, Adventure Museum with 400 years of Outer Banks history, Art Gallery, Museum Store, performing arts, summer children's series and boardwalks through natural marshes.

Roanoke Island Fesitival Park, a 27-acre North Carolina State Site and cultural center, is a celebration of history, education and the arts. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a representative 16th century sailing vessel with garbed interpreters. Visit with soldiers in the newly expanded Settlement Site. The Roanoke Adventure Museum explores 400 years of Outer Bank history. Learn how the arrival of the English Colonists changed the lives of the Native American inhabitants forever by watching the 50 minute docudrama, The Legend of Two-Path. View a new artist each month in The Art Gallery.

Visit the Museum Store, which is overflowing with unique gifts inspired by the English whose first attempts at colonization in the New World were on Roanoke Island. During the summer months, experience the "illuminations" Performing Arts Series that is presented by students for the North Carolina School of the Arts. Top quality children's performances are offered in the indoor Film Theatre.

Stroll our boardwalks, through natural marshes, and get up close to nature and observe its hidden pristine beauty and quiet surroundings. The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, just a block away, features a working boathouse and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. The screw-pile light is a reproduction of one that stood near the site. A permanent display is provided on the history of the light.

Civil War: museum includes a very good Civil War display with maps, artifacts and some interesting stories about the February 1862 battle for the island and other war-time events in the area. Roanoke Island Festival Park


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Nags Head / Manteo Causeway
www.fishpiratescove.com

The refuge has over 150,000 acres of wetland habitats and a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from wood ducks and alligators to black bears and red wolves. Plant species including the Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, wildflowers and shrubs are abundant. Hiking and wildlife trails plus fishing areas. Trails for kayaking and canoeing; guided canoe tours are available for a fee. On Hwy 64/264 west from Manteo. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov

 Information, artifacts and merchandise dealing with red wolves. Seasonal howling safaris on the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. redwolves.com

A living memorial garden to the English colonists who came to America in 1584-1587. Designed by the renowned firm of Innocenti and Webel, it contains elements of 16th-century statuary, indigenous plants and herbs. Elizabethan Gardens

Cross a narrow gang-plank and experience 16th century shipboard life in motion. A 69 foot sailing vessel, representative of those sailed to the New World in 1585, awaits your discovery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. See Roanoke Island Festival Park for additional information.

A begining chapter in the story of America is kept on the north end of Roanoke Island at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the place of England's first colonization efforts. Sir Walter Raleigh's explorers and colonists established settlements in this area in 1585 and 1587. The site is home to the nation's longest running outdoor symphonic drama The Lost Colony, staged during the summer at the park's Waterside Theatre. Also within the site is The Elizabeth Gardens, a year-round living memorial to England's first colonists.

The Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony is recognized as a historic National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. A marker was erected in 2001 to designate the site of a permanent colony on Roanoke Island between 1862 and 1867. Most of its 3,000 residents had been slaves three years earlier in northeastern North Carolina. Today, there is a path through the woods north of Fort Raleigh that leads visitors to a commemorative park along Croatan Sound.

Civil War: Freedmen's Colony set up after Union forces captured the island. Slaves escaping the mainland flocked to the protection of the Federal army. A formal colony was established in May 1863. Several units of Union troops were raised from the colony.

Waterside Theater has been the home of Paul Green's THE LOST COLONY since its inception in 1937. As the oldest outdoor symphonic dramas in America, THE LOST COLONY portrays the fascinating story of 117 men, women and children as they attempt to make a new home in an untamed land, then disappear without a trace.

THE LOST COLONY has remained one of history's greatest mysteries for more than 400 years. Director Drew Scott Harris has woven Paul Green's dream into a tapestry of Elizabethan England and the world the colonists found on Roanoke Island. The classic love story - transcending English social boundaries - is at the center of Paul Green's American epic. Clashes with Indians, overcoming adversity, and the ability to still find humor in everyday life keep audiences - young and old - captivated. Lost Colony

The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, located in the historic George Washington Creef Boathouse is a working boat shop where volunteers and staff take on projects including small craft restoration, exhibit design, and new boat construction. The shop has restored several traditional sailing watercraft that, in season, grace the waters of Shallowbag Bay in front of the museum.

The Boathouse namesake, George Washington Creef, was a local builder who developed a unique style of workboat called a Shad boat for the surrounding waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The Shad boat is designated as the State Boat of North Carolina.

The museum exhibits a number of small watercraft representing the region's maritime history - an 1883 Creef Shad boat, spritsail skiffs, and a 1948 Davis Runabout - and offers a variety of educational programs. NCDCR

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is situated on 14 acres of property overlooking the Croatan Sound. North Carolina's largest saltwater facility, the 68,000-square-foot building houses aquariums ranging from 300 gallons to 285,00 gallons, two touch tanks, interactive exhibits, classrooms, meeting rooms, research space, a large auditorium and a gift shop. Outside are nature trails and a shoreline boardwalk with observation decks and mounted telescopes. The Aquarium seeks to promote awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments through exhibits, programs, and informal learning opportunities.

The aquarium's variety of exhibits promise to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters, see largemouth and striped bass, river otters and the American alligators. Explore saltwater habitats from grass flats to Gulf Stream waters. Gently stroke a stingray or a hermit crab at the touch tanks. Watch hundreds of fish flash by the 35-foot long viewing window of the 285,000-gallon ''Graveyard of the Atlantic'' tank. Sharks and sea turtles cruise by only inches away. History buffs will marvel at the one-third scale replica of the USS Monitor. Step into ''Storms'', and take an inside, personal look at Outer Banks hurricanes and nor'easters. Get face to face with an electric eel, giant tarantula, black widow spider, venomous snakes and lionfish in the, ''Bite, Shock, Sting'' exhibit. Special activities daily.

Open year-round at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thankgiving, Christmas, and New Years. ncaquariums.com

Outer Banks historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, an extensive private collection of North Carolina to the NC Department of Cultural Resources. Utilizing this core collection, the department built a unique, regional research facility in Manteo—the Outer Banks History Center.

In July 1986 Outer Banks historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, an extensive private collection of North Caroliniana, to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Utilizing this core collection, the department built a unique, regional research facility in Manteo-the Outer Banks History Center or OBHC. Although the holdings of the OBHC are a preeminent source of information about the Outer Banks, they also address many historical, cultural, economic, governmental, and scientific topics pertaining to North Carolina and to neighboring states. NCDCR (1) NCDCR (2)

The lighthouse contains exhibits highlighting Roanoke Island's maritime heritage, including a history of the Marshes Lighthouse and its keepers. The original screw-pile lighthouse was located in Croatan Sound on the west side of Roanoke Island. Built in 1877, it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard in 1955. outerbanks.org

Visit the quaint village of Wanchese and watch fresh fish and seafood being packed and shipped around the world. outerbanks.org

The only Federal, State and County-financed project devoted entirely to the seafood processing and fishing industries. Where large sport fishing boats and trawlers are built and repaired. nccommerce.com/wanchese

nature.org ncnerr.org

A 1,400 acre maritime forest with over five miles of hiking trails, visitor's information center. nature.org

Art galleries, jewelry, crafts

Rising 110 feet, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the east coast. Hiking, hang gliding, kite flying and sunset watching over Roanoke Sound. Facilities include picnic area, museum and auditorium.

Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States. It is an example of a medano-a huge hill of shifting sand that lacks vegetation. Long before the first European settlers, the Algonquian Indians inhabited the Outer Banks. Following its sighting by Spanish and French explorers, the ridge became an important landmark for mariners. Jockey's Ridge, which was in danger of being compromised by commercial development, was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1974 and became a State Park in 1975.

Visitors to this park can enjoy nature trails, educational programs, a museum that interprets the natural and cultural history of the site, and recreational activities including hang gliding. Jockey's Ridge State Park jockeysridgestatepark.com nature.org

The oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, ''Giants of the Sea,'' showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages.

Aquarium education classes run Monday - Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. jennettespier.net

Known widely as the world's largest Hang Gliding School for over 25 years, Kitty Hawk Kites is the Outer Banks' Family Adventure Center. Try one of our many family adventures, on the water or off. Learn to Hang Glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor to 2000 ft. The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks for their first flight, so can you. More adventure activities available are Kite Surfing, the newest watersport phenomenon, Dolphin Tours on a 24-passenger Jet Boat, challenging Rock Climbing Walls, for all ages, and much more. Don't forget to check out one or all of our kite and toy stores, full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Kid's programs run throughout the summer, as well as many spectacular kiting and hang gliding events! Kitty Hawk Kites

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. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Coquina Beach photo tour. Great beach with very good facilities. The remains of the shipwreck of the Laura Barnes are located here. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Site of the world's first controlled powered flights by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903. Museum exhibits, reproduction of the 1903 airplane and 1902 glider. Monument to the Wright Brothers, reproduction of living quarters and hangar. First flight grounds. Wright Brothers National Memorial recreation.gov

The center is called Outer Banks at a Glance and includes 17 state-of-the-art displays, a theater and brochure gazebo. Enjoy displays which combine computers, photography, video graphics, period music and sound effects, giving visitors an overview of the Outer Banks. outerbanks.org

This charming village is a great location for browsing in boutiques, galleries and gift shops. townofduck.com

The Field Research Facility, located north of Duck on Hwy. 12, helps scientists study the ocean processes. Summer tours are offered Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. Free - mid June thru mid August. frf.usace.army.mil

Discover the unique eco-system and natural history of the Outer Banks with the area's leader in eco-tourism. Kitty Hawk Kites is also the world's largest hang-gliding school and kite store with adventures in rock wall climbing, kite surfing, parasailing, paragliding and more!

This watersports division of Kitty Hawk Kites has quickly become the Outer Banks' leading Kayak Eco-tour operator with a variety of flat water tours in addition to sea & surf kayak lessons. They operate many watersports and retail locations along the Outer Banks from Corolla through Hatteras(Outposts in Nags Head, Duck, Corolla, Manteo, Avon, Hatteras ) offering Eco-tours, a full line of sea, surf and touring kayaks for sale and rental as well as a full line of accessories and adventure wear. Ask about kid's programming available in the summer months, and be sure to visit during one of their popular paddling events. Kitty Hawk Kites

Capture the true spirit of the Outer Banks in beautiful original art work, etchings and photos. Quality heart-warming designs in jewelry, pottery, tiles, metal work, carvings, and much more. Custom matting and framing available. Open year round. dolphinwatchgallery.com

The orginial half of the building was built in 1884 and the north side addition was added in 1908. The building still contains the old post office boxes, the postmaster window, display boxes and the safe from its historic past. Currituck County Tourism

Built 1890, there was no public school so the children of government employees went to the Government School whose teachers were paid by their parents. Currituck County Tourism

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, operated by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. (OBC), under a lease agreement with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Division of Archives and History, preserves, maintains, and exhibits the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse, its restored Keepers Quarters, and several dependencies for the enjoyment and education of the public. Exhibits interpret the construction, significance, and social history of this lighthouse. Collections including oral histories, institutional archives, photographs, and a variety of miscellaneous published and unpublished manuscripts are housed in the corporate offices of the OBC and at the Outer Banks History Center, both at Festival Park in Manteo. First illuminated on Dec. 1, 1875. Over 1,000,000 red bricks were used to build this lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 214 steps to get a breathtaking view of the ocean and sound. Open 10 to 6 daily, April thru October.

Admission is $5.00 for all people 8 years and older. currituckbeachlight.com

To the west is the North River, to the south is the Albemarle Sound and to the east is the Currituck Sound. Millions of vacationers are attracted to the wide, clean and beautiful beaches each year. Open year round.

The chapel was built in 1885 and served the Community until 1958. It was not used again until 1987 when a new congregation was established. In 2002 a large addition was built to accommodate the growing attendance. The interior of the new addition was built to resemble the style of the original section, even replica pews were installed. Many visitors come to see the pelican altar window and hear its story. The Corolla Chapel is also a popular wedding site. Currituck County Tourism

Life by Water's Rhythms , is the theme of this educational facility dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina s wildlife, natural history and cultural heritage. Located in Corolla,at Currituck Heritage Park between the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. The center offers both indoor and outdoor classes and attractions. Admission and all classes are free.

Registration is required. Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education (also see NCWildlife main site)

The Whalehead Club, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, was the private residence of Mr. & Mrs. E.C. Knight, Jr. of Philadelphia. Originally named Corolla Island, the Knight's built this substantial house between the years 1922 and 1925 as an exclusive hunting lodge and winter home. Art nouveau architecture, mahogany woodwork, Tiffany lighting fixtures, corduroy walls and cork flooring contribute to its unique style. The 21,000 square foot structure houses the first basement and elevator on the Outer Banks. The grounds also had the first swimming pool. Restorations of the home and dependencies made possible by the Whalehead Preservation Trust pave the way for the future of this site as home to the Currituck County Museum and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The Whalehead Club presently displays some history exhibits and is open to the public for tours while restorations continue and the Education Center is built.

Built in the 1920s, this restored hunt club is known as the ''Crown Jewel of the Outer Banks.'' On 28.5 acres, the first home on the Outer Banks to have an elevator, swimming pool, and basement. Open for tours daily May through October.

Admission is $6.00 for those 8 and older. Listed on the national Register of Historic Places. Whalehead Club

Corolla from the North Beach access 4-wheel drive ramp. Two miles of wildlife preserve for hiking and beach activities. Inhabited by a variety of native wildlife showcasing a prime example of maritime forest. Foot and four wheel drive access only. ncnerr.org noaa.gov nature.org

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge recreation.gov