The Outer Banks North Carolina a.k.a. OBX

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, affectionately known as OBX, is a long string of barrier islands off the east coast of North Carolina starting at the northeast corner of the state and covering nearly half of its northern coastline. From Bodie Island in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south, the Outer Banks have over a hundred miles of pristine beaches. In his annual ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., Dr. Beach has included a beach on the Outer Banks in each of the last ten years, most recently Cape Hatteras has been the beach chosen, but for the previous six years it was Ocracoke's Lifeguard Beach - the prettiest beach I have ever seen.

Many who visit the Outer Banks rent houses, take up residence, and relax and restore themselves in one location. Others venture forth and are rewarded with experiencing the history and charm of its varied villages. Recently, Peter and I traveled from one end of the Outer Banks to the other. In Corolla, we saw the wild Mustangs on the beach at sunset. The quaint village of Duck (yes that's the name of a village), with its infamous 25 MPH speed limit was impossible to miss, and has incredible views and sunsets over Currituck sound. The Wright Brothers National Park in Kill Devil Hills should not be missed, but if you're adventurous and want to fly on your own, you can take hang gliding lessons off the largest natural sand dune on the east coast, Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head. Peter and I climbed the dune and photographed those adventurous souls one breezy afternoon. Continuing south, you drive cross the Oregon Inlet to get to Hatteras Island. The easternmost point on the island is Cape Point, the one that gets pounded by all those hurricanes and where we found the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - one of the prettiest in the country.

It's roughly 90 miles from Corolla to Hatteras and to continue south now, you have to take a ferry to Ocracoke Island, the "jewel in the crown" of the Outer Banks. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry is free, departs every half hour, and carries cars as well as passengers. As beautiful as the northern islands are, Ocracoke was the one that stole my heart. The sands of the beaches are fine and white, the dunes are wide and traversed by elevated boardwalks, and the waters are gloriously clean. A single "highway" leading to Ocracoke village is bordered by dunes on both sides. On the way in to town, we found Howard's Pub on the right. A novelty, without a doubt created for the tourists, but one with great seafood and a roof deck with views across the dunes to either shore.

The village of Ocracoke is unpretentious and was once home to Edward Teach. "Who is that?" you ask. Well the pirate Blackbeard, of course, and this is where he was killed. The center of Ocracoke is Silver Lake where ferries to Swan Quarter and Cedar Island will get you "on or close" to the mainland once again. (These ferries, which are over two hours in length, require reservations, carry cars, and do charge a fee.) Nearby is the belle of Ocracoke, towering over the village and it's shore, the all-white Ocracoke Lighthouse can be seen near and far, and has been operating since 1823. The rewards are many if you travel the length of the Outer Banks and Peter and I can't wait to return.

  ©2011 Photos and Slide Show by Claudia Ward
Music: Vianne Confronts the Comte, by Rachel Portman from the Soundtrack of "Chocolat" 

 

This one's for you Carl!

 

Comments

[Robert]

just beautiful...I so want to get down there..

[Debra]

And I always thought you were loyal to Cape Cod! I've loved the Outer Banks for years and--lucky me--my sister and her husband own a house on the oceanside between Duck and Sanderling. So the past two Septembers have found Mick and me in residence for a couple of weeks. It doesn't look as though we will do it this year, but next time we do I promise to touch base with you and Peter.

[Claudia]

You're on, Carl!

[retireme57@optonline.net]

Thanks Claudia, this was amazing, and now you know why I love OBX so much. I will be in OBX June 23-July 2nd this year. And am looking forward to spending time with the family, and relaxing. However, this year I am going down 2 days early to visit some of the wonderful sights you so enjoyed. Maybe one year when I retire we can rent a house off season in September/October.
Love Ya