Ocracoke Attractions and Activities
Ocracoke’s attractions are simple and unfettered, with few of the usual commercial trappings of a tourist site. There are no go-cart tracks, mini-golf courses, waterslides or movie theaters. On Ocracoke, the island itself is an attraction. When people are here, they just don’t need as much stimulation. Quiet walks on the beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), fishing and clamming, looking for shells, building a sandcastle, strolling around the village, sitting on the porch swing, observing nature or chasing ghost crabs in the moonlight: These are the simple attractions on Ocracoke Island. For a little extra entertainment, bike over to the Ocracoke Lighthouse (the oldest in North Carolina and still operating) and the Preservation Museum, or go out and visit the ponies and take a little hike.
Museums and Lighthouses
Blackbeard Museum at Teach’s Hole (935 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke): Since 1992 this shop and pirate exhibit has delighted visitors of all ages. The life-like re-creation of Blackbeard is a highlight of a museum also featuring weapons, old bottles, original art, pirate flags and a hand-crafted models of Blackbeard’s ships, Queen Anne’s Revenge and Adventure. Take time to browse the exhibit, enjoy the history and shop for a pirate souvenir to take back home. Located on Irving Garrish Highway across from the Variety Store, there is a large parking area. Teaches Hole is open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is closed on Sundays March through May and September through November.
Ocracoke Lighthouse (360 Lighthouse Road, Ocracoke): Ocracoke Lighthouse may be the shortest of the four Outer Banks lighthouses but that only makes it all the more charming. About 70 feet tall, the whitewashed tower sits on a lawn of flawless green surrounded by a white picket fence, outbuildings and a quaint keeper’s cottage, creating a picturesque scene of old island life. Built in 1823, this is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest in the nation. It is still in operation, and its beam can be seen 14 miles out to sea. During the summer season, docents are often on hand to answer questions and offer tours of the lighthouse, though climbing is not permitted.
Ocracoke Preservation Society and Museum (49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke): For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams (see the Walking Tour section of the Ocracoke Island Walking Tour & Guidebook), the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the original architectural elements are still intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by locals. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture – our favorite one being a video on the Ocracoke brogue. There’s a small gift shop as well as rotating exhibits by local artists. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used with permission. And they’re adding outdoor exhibits such as a newly installed cistern, a Francis Lifecar used by the U.S. Lifesaving Service to rescue shipwreck victims and The Blanche, which is a traditional 1934 fishing boat.
Entertainment
Deepwater Theater (School Road, Ocracoke): Deepwater Theater is the home theater of Molasses Creek, Ocracoke Island’s hometown band that’s built a loyal following with its blend of soulful singing, bluegrass fiddlin’ and occasionally skewed sense of humor. From June through August, Molasses Creek plays here on Thursday evenings. On Wednesday evenings the Ocrafolk Opry takes over, featuring a panoply of local musicians and special visiting guests. The door opens at 7:30 and shows begin at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are around $15 for adults and $7 for children. Newly added in 2006 was the Rumgagger Pirate show, featuring tall tales and songs of the sea on Tuesdays at Deepwater Theater.
Historic Sites
British Cemetery (220 British Cemetery Road, Ocracoke): On May 11, 1942, about 40 miles south of Ocracoke, a German submarine torpedoed and sank the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. The 170-foot ship was one of 24 antisubmarine ships loaned to the United States by Winston Churchill. The entire crew of four officers and 33 crewmen drowned. U.S. Coast Guard officers found four of the bodies washed ashore three days later. The soldiers were buried on a plot of land next to a family’s cemetery on land donated to Britain. The Coast Guard still maintains the grave sites and flies a British flag over the graves. Every year on the anniversary of the sailors’ deaths, there is a ceremony to honor the British sailors. The adjacent village cemetery also provides an interesting look back into Ocracoke Island’s past.
Tours and Trails
Hammock Hills Nature Trail (Irvin Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke): Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, the Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and salt marsh. It’s a great trail for nature lovers and bird watchers, and there are informative signposts along the way. The hike takes about 30 minutes.
Activities
Birdwatching: The diversity of birdlife on the island makes it a ``birder's paradise". It is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. In the summer, herons, egrets and a wide variety of ducks make their home here. During Spring and Fall the island transition houses many various species of birds and ducks. Bird books are available at island stores.
Crabbing: A dock or pier is a good place to catch Blue Crabs, but anywhere along the shore will do. Tie a fish head or raw chicken leg to a piece of string and let it go in the water. Sit quietly while the crabs gather, then scoop them in a dipnet and place them in a bucket. Nets can be purchased at many island shops. Steam crabs until they turn red. Meat is sweet and tender.
Fishwatching: Around 4:00 p.m. when the charter boats return from a long day's fishing expedition, islanders and visitors alike line up at the docks to view the days catch, such as tuna, wahoo and dolphin. The boats also land billfish such as blue and white marlin and sailfish, but release most as a conservation measure. Look for the white and blue flags on the boats.
Golf: Ocean Edge Golf Course in Frisco is the closest course. It is a 9-hole executive course open 7 days a week. Along the Outer Banks from Corolla to Nags Head are several other 18-hole courses including The Currituck Club, a Rees Jones course, The Nags Head Links in the Villages at Nags Head and Sea Scape in Kitty Hawk. You should, of course, call ahead for tee times.
Hang Gliding: Hang gliding lessons are offered at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, the east coast's highest sand dune. Also offered are tandem hang gliding lessons. You and your instructor are towed up to 2000 feet behind an ultra-light plane and released to fly freely high above the Outer Banks. Beginner lessons average $70. Package lessons for beginners and advanced are available.
Kayak Tours: Kayak around Ocracoke on an eco tour or follow Blackbeard's trails. Take a trip to Portsmouth Island by kayak and paddle with the dolphins along the way. Tour the creeks of the island with experienced guides. Kayak tours are available at several locations on the island. Rates vary but average around $35 per person. Group rates are available. A fun-filled day or just an hour.
Kiting: Take stunt kite flying lessons or choose one of the many beautiful kites available at stores on the island. Everyone is a child at heart when the wind is blowing and your colorful kite is sailing through the air. Single line and quad line kites are also available for the more experienced kite enthusiast. Kiting contests are held on the Outer Banks several times a year where kites from around the world compete.
Miniature Golf: Along Highway 12 in Avon, Buxton and Frisco are several delightful miniature golf courses that will delight the kids and the young at heart. Go karts are also available in Frisco. Take a day trip or plan to spend the late afternoon and early evening before catching the ferry back home. Be sure to check ferry schedules BEFORE you leave home! Golf costs average around $6 per person.
Sailing Charters: Sailing the waters off Ocracoke make some people decide to chuck it all and move here permanently! You can play with a school of dolphin or just let the wind billow the cobwebs out of your mind. Charters are available at several locations along the harbor and cost around $10 - $15 per person.
Festivals and Events
Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo (Tuesday, July 28, 2009).
Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo (Tuesday, August 04, 2009).
Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo (Tuesday, August 11, 2009).
Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo (Tuesday, August 18, 2009).
Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo (Tuesday, August 25, 2009).
Ocrafolk School (Sunday, October 25, 2009).
Ocrafolk Festival Thanksgiving Concert (Friday, November 27, 2009).
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