The Outer Banks of North Carolina
are as favorite a destination for today’s travelers as they
have always been, and they have been for a very long time. From
Native American fishermen to the infamous and ill-fated first
English colony on Roanoke Island, from briefly reformed Outer
Banks home-owner Edward Teach (a.k.a. Blackbeard, FYI) to the
multitude of beach bums, jet-skiers and wild-life conservationists
of today, the ‘Banks just draws them in. When one sees the
lonely, wind-blown beauty of this 100-mile arc of dune-strewn
barriers islands and yet-wild wetlands, it isn’t hard to
understand why.
Before visitors tackle the limitless outdoor adventure opportunities
the Outer Banks provides it’s wise to stock up on goods
and information along the 16-mile stretch of Bodie Island that’s
home to the towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nag’s
Head. Kitty Hawk is home to the Visitors Centers, which provide
lots of handy and pertinent tips for enjoying your stay. There
are accommodations throughout the islands, and chances are you
can find a hotel, motel, B&B or private campground or cottage
anywhere from Duck to Stumpy Point.
Site seers at Outer Banks will find plenty of places of interest.
The Wright Brothers National Monument on Kill Devil Hills commemorates
birthplace of air travel with a granite, art-deco statue and plaque.
The Fort Raleigh National Historic site has exhibits and shows
about the late 16th century colonies. Several historic lighthouses
dot the islands, like the one at Cape Hateras, which is the tallest
brick lighthouse in the U.S.
Bird watcher and wildlife enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the many
parks and refuges in the Outer Banks. Hiking in Peas Island Wildlife
Refuge allows people to observe the 400 species of birds found
in the islands, including Snow Geese, Tundra Swans and 25 species
of duck. Canoeing through Alligator River National Wildlife refuge
is an excellent way to see its eponymous ‘gators as well
as Black Bears, Red Wolves, Bald Cyprus and beautiful Atlantic
White Cedar. Horseback riders will love the trails in Buxton Woods
as much as hikers will appreciate those at Nag’s Head Woods.
Active types will have a ball at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
where they can take hang-gliding lessons, rent everything from
bikes to skates or take a pontoon boat tour. Divers will do back-flips
over the SCUBA and shipwrecks in Moorhead City on the Crystal
Coast. All the water-sporting opportunities are first-rate, but
the surfing is so good that the Outer Banks hosts the East Coast
Surfing Championships every September. And all of this only scratches
the surface when it comes to Outer Banks’ outdoor adventures.
