The last couple posts have been about my trip to Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina over Thanksgiving. I thought I should explain a little bit about why we chose Ocracoke for our Thanksgiving vacation.
Ocracoke Island is located along the southern end of the Outer Banks, a short ferry ride from Hatteras. From the mainland it is a two plus hour ferry ride from Swan Quarters, NC. Unlike most of the vacation beach towns, Ocracoke remains unchanged from development of high rise condos, amusement parks, boardwalks and the standard vacation spot “improvements”.
The majority of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and remains undeveloped. On the south end of the Ocracoke Island, based around Silver lake lies a quaint little beach village. The village streets are lined with older, character filled, homes and a few newer homes replacing those who have fell to the weather. There is one gas station and general store, a few restaurants, a boat dock, and several small shops selling local and regional artsy stuff. One of my favorite shops to visit while on the island is Books To Be Red. They have a great selection of books written by regional locals including many about the history and lore of the area. Infact, as I was checking out with a hand full of books, the author of one of the books walked in the store. I’ll have more on the book once I complete the read.
Ocracoke is a beach person’s place. Talking to a long time visitor about the island, he said, “If you have to ask what there is to do on the island, then it is not the place for you.” Ocracoke is beach. It is where you go to lounge on the sand gazing at the rolling surf; a place where you can slow down life for a while.
The island holds some interesting history including being a pirate haven, a favorite anchorage and place of death for the famous Blackbeard. Fishing is a worthy pursuit along the miles of beach open to off-road vehicles. In the evenings, live music can be enjoyed at several different venues. Ocracoke is very proud of its local musicians. On my latest visit, I sat on a bar stool listening to a local steel guitar and fiddle band play some of my all time favorites; the perfect end to a day of fishing.
Ocracoke is not for everyone. If you are looking for big chain food stores, mega mansion beach homes, amusement park rides, and such, then Ocracoke Island is not for you. If you are looking to indulge with a slower pace on beach time, enjoying uncrowded beaches, quaint village stores, live entertainment, and good local seafood, then Ocracoke may just be the right place for you.
