Ocracoke

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Ocracoke Island [1] is one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

[edit] Understand

Rated the #1 beach in America for 2007, the island of Ocracoke abounds in natural pleasures. Its sixteen miles of unspoiled beaches and salty ocean breezes offer great opportunities for solitude, serenity, and peace of mind. The expansive vista of ocean and soundfront marsh provides a closeness to nature highlighted with her variety of beach vegetation and bird life. Our proximity to the Gulf Stream, and consequent warm southern waters, make for perfect swimming and excellent fishing (gulf stream, surf, and sound). Water sports and a colorful history complement our vacation package. Ocracoke offers a great medium for quality family time. Our slow pace and warm, southern hospitality round out a perfect island vacation; one that insures peace, rest and relaxation.

[edit] Get in

The island is only accessible by water or air. The best way to get there is to fly into Norfolk, Virginia, rent a car, and drive down to Hatteras (on the Outer Banks) to catch the free Hatteras ferry. The ferry is a 40 minute ride that runs roughly every 30 minutes in the summer. This will take you about 4-6 hours from Norfolk to Ocracoke, depending on traffic. There are two other ferry routes: Cedar Island, which runs from the southwest, and the Swan Quarter, which runs from west of Ocracoke.

Ocracoke Ferry information: http://www.ncdot.org/transit/ferry/routes/schedule/route003.html

[edit] Get around

[edit] By car

[edit] Buses

[edit][add listing] See

  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, [2]. North Carolina's oldest lighthouse still in operation, just off Lighthouse Road in Ocracoke. Easy to bike or walk to, however not open for climbing.
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse. South of Nags Head, shortly after entering the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will come to the entrance to Bodie Island Lighthouse. Although you can not climb to the top, you will be able to step inside the lighthouse and peer up the 214 step spiral staircase. The lighthouse keeper's quarters houses a well-stocked bookstore. If you have time, take a hike to the nearby sound, or bird viewing platforms. A word of warning, the mosquitoes here are extremely vicious. Come prepared with plenty of repellant, and stay on the raised walkways.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Hang Gliding is available through local agencies.
  • Watersports are also a popular outdoor recreation.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Howard's Pub and Raw Bar, [3]. At the north end of the island. Specializes in fresh seafood, burgers, steaks, and much more.
  • Back Porch is a popular local restaurant specializing in seafood and other American-style cuisine.
  • Captain Ben's Casual dining combining Southern tradition with gourmet foods. Open for lunch and dinner daily, serving seafood, prime rib, chicken, and a wide variety of other entrees.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Sweet tea is always good in the South anywhere you can find it. Note that if you ask for "iced tea" or even just "tea," you will probably get sweet tea. Ask for "unsweetened tea" or "hot tea" if that's what you want. Also note that if "sweet tea" is too sweet and "unsweetened" tea bland for you, you could ask for "half and half" to get moderate sweetness.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • The Cove Bed and Breakfast, 21 Loop Road, ☎ +1 252-928-4192 (), [4]. This place is better than being at home, someone else does the cooking and cleaning. Has views of the Lighthouse and Pamlico Sound as well as Springer's Point (120+ acres) just down the street. edit

  • The Captain's Landing, 324 Highway 12, ☎ 252-928-1999, [5]. Oceanfront hotel with amazing views and comfortable suites. Rooms are available both nightly and weekly, and the hotel provides both boat slips and airport transportation, making travel to the area very convenient. edit

  • The Ocracoke Harbor Inn, 144 Silver Lake Road, ☎ 252-928-5731 (), [6]. Newly built with picturesque views, jacuzzi suites and boat docking available. edit

  • The Castle on Silver Lake B&B, 155 Silver Lake Road, ☎ 1-800-471-8848 (), [7]. This 11-room B&B offers its guests views of the harbor, complimentary bicycles, outdoor heated pool, poolhouse with sauna and steam showers, and a full country breakfast. edit

[edit] Stay safe

  • Pay attention to the road rules that apply everywhere. Bike on the right, walk on the left. There are no sidewalks currently, so there is traffic congestion on the busy one-lane Highway 12.
  • There is no crime recorded on the island except for a few stolen bicycles from your favorite late-night hangout.

[edit] Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

Sidewalks were added in the spring of 2007 from the village ferry to the Slushy Stand. But be careful as they are narrow.

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