What do pirates, wild horses and airplanes have in common? Other than each being pretty cool in their own right, they are all integral parts of the culture and personality of the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Located on the East Coast of the United States, the OBX (as its fans refer to it) is a chain of islands between the shores of the State of North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Although about 200 miles in length, the islands are quite narrow. In most places, you are able to see the sound on one side, do a quick twirl and be treated to ocean views as well.
But there’s so much more to the OBX than just beautiful beaches. This vacation destination has a unique personality, rich with history and distinctive character. Pirate culture rules on the Outer Banks: there have been many shipwrecks throughout OBX history and Ocracoke Island to the south was the home of Blackbeard the Pirate. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located on Hatteras Island, where relics from various shipwrecks on the OBX are on display.
Ships might not have been so lucky there, but OBX surely proved a fortuitous place for two industrious young brothers named Wilbur and Orville Wright. In 1903, the Wright Brothers famously flew the world’s first successful airplane in Kitty Hawk on the OBX, changing the world and how we travel forever. The Wright Brothers National Memorial allows you to view a replica of the first flying machine, visit reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ original living quarters and hangar, and even climb atop the dunes and see the spot where the very first plane took off.
Another feature of the OBX that separates it from other beach areas are the wild horses. Thought to be descendants from horses brought over by Spanish explorers, they primarily roam the northern beaches. Corova, a north OBX burg which is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles, is home to many of these majestic beasts. Visitors to Corova instantly realize that these horses will be their constant vacation companions. It isn’t unusual for these horses to come so close to vacation homes that they begin feel like an extra guest!
In addition to the amazing local charm of the Outer Banks, as a vacation destination, the OBX truly offers something for every kind of beach traveler. Corova, with its 4×4 only entree and horse friends, allows vacationers the rustic feel of getting away from it all — taking advantage of the natural splendor of the beach, while still enjoying the creature comforts of a large seaside home. Just south are the hamlets of Corolla and Duck, where families can stay and play, grocery stores and restaurants ensuring that even the little ones have everything they need. Near the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk are where the action is! Flying kites, surfing, tons of shopping and even dune-sliding are available here. As you keep heading south in the OBX, things slow down a little. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides beach camping for holidaymakers who really want to rough it! Finally, down in Ocracoke, home of Blackbeard and where there are locals aplenty, you can really get a feel for the culture and way-of-life of the Outer Banks.
A journey to the Outer Banks can be whatever you envision. If you want an active vacation, there are museums and monuments to visit; not to mention a plethora of lighthouses dating back to 1798. If you really want to get back to nature, hit one of the campgrounds. And, if you’re like me, you can enjoy the sand, sun and surf all day but end the day by drinking a cocktail on the deck. No matter what kind of holiday you’re seeking, the Outer Banks is the place to find it!
For more information, visit:
www.visitob.com
www.nps.gov/wrbr/ (The Wright Brothers Memorial)
www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com
