Catch a Wave Surfing in the Outer Banks Ocean WatersBecause the Outer Banks are set farther into the ocean with deeper waters than most other coastal regions, the surf of the Outer Banks is said to have the best breaks on the East Coast. The various shipwrecks and sandbars also create unusual wave patterns for the thousands of surfers who come to the area each year to ride the waves. As with any activity in the ocean, always go with a friend and be aware of water, weather and beach conditions. Educate yourself about rip currents by visiting www.EenaProject.com. Go Sailing in the Calm Sound WatersThe good news about sailing in Ocracoke is that you don't have to own your own sailboat to partake in this activity. The Windfall is a 57' traditional gaff-rigged schooner offering scheduled cruises from Silver Lake Harbor. The Windfall looks and sails like the schooners that plied these waters in a bygone era (or, according to some, like a pirate ship!). The boat is fully equipped with modern conveniences to ensure your safety and comfort. Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the BeachGo to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find! Become a Part of the Ocracoke Community For a Week, Settle in For a Longer Stay in the Off Season or Call Ocracoke "Home"Ocracoke is a small coastal community, both is size and population. After a short time on the island, you are likely to recognize familiar faces. You will find yourself in a conversation or share a nod with a local resident. Many visitors long for the small town environment and slower pace. Luckily, many cottage homeowners offer their homes for longer term rentals outside of the peak season. For information on off season rentals call Ocracoke Island Realty at (252) 928-6261. Get an Island MassageWhether your trip to Ocracoke includes non stop activity or complete relaxation, why not include the ultimate island indulgence. Ocracoke has several wonderful massage therapists and each offers a unique touch and a variety of treatments and massages. Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront DinnerOcracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor. Take Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle on the BeachYou can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck. Some areas don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach in certain seasons, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111 or stop by the National Park Service Visitors Center on Ocracoke. Catch a Local Music Performance at the Deepwater TheaterThe Ocrafolk Opry is a colorful cast that delivers a slice of Ocracoke life through island music and stories. The Rumgagger pirate show amuses kids and adults alike with pirate music and humor. Molasses Creek is Ocracoke's own internationally acclaimed, high energy, acoustic folk band. Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro are Coyote. They enchant audiences with their folk, rock, and blues style. Noah Paley has been wowing live and radio audiences internationally since 1999. Performances are seasonal, see www.DeepwaterTheater.com or call 252-928-3411 for more information. Take a Self-Guided Walking TourThe Ocracoke Walking Tour can help you discover every nook and cranny of this scenic village. This book is designed to help you discover the joys of this magical island. The first part of this book guides you along the Ocracoke Walking Tour, a specially mapped out and well planned tour throughout this charming village. The second part of the book, the Ocracoke Island Guide, gives you the lowdown on all the great attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodations on the entire island. If you're planning a visit to the island or are already here and preparing for a tour, you're in for a real treat. Have fun exploring the history of Ocracoke! Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local SoundsThere are several docks located throughout Ocracoke to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Many rental properties are equipped with a dock or a bulkhead for your boat. You can also rent a small boat to use during your Ocracoke vacation or consider chartering a boat with an experienced captain to show you the area. | Ocracoke RestaurantsSunset Sweets272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sweet Tooth 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Pizza Company Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingOcracoke Variety Store & Hardware950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Bella Fiore Pottery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 North Carolina ABC Store Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Up Your Alley 274 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Diva 37 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 Over the Moon 64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Candyland 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Over the Moon 64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Ragpicker 515 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsOcracoke Preservation Society49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesOcracoke Ghost & History Walk170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 |