Go Jogging on the BeachWhy not take advantage of the sandy Atlantic beaches and go jogging on the beach? They say you get twice the benefit from jogging on sand versus other jogging surfaces, so give it a try! Jogging on the beach is a great way to get that workout in while you enjoy the beaches of the Outer Banks. Historic Marker of Fort OcracokeThis marker is a little hard to find, but it's worth seeking out. It's on a grassy patch behind the National Park Service Visitor Center and next to the boat ramp. Park the car and walk out to the sound and you'll see it. The marker commemorates Fort Ocracoke, the remnants of which lie submerged in Ocracoke Inlet toward Portsmouth Island. The fort was constructed by volunteers beginning in May 1861, on the day North Carolina seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy. One side of the marker lists all the men from Ocracoke and Portsmouth islands who were killed in the Civil War. It is located at Irvin Garrish Highway, behind the National Park Service Visitor Center. StargazeDid you know that Ocracoke has no traffic lights, no billboards, minimal traffic and very few public exterior lights (streets can be dark!). With minimal light pollution and very little air pollution, Ocracoke is the ideal place for stargazing. Whether you are on the beach under a clear night sky or on your deck, there will be nothing between you and the heavens. You'll be amazed at what you see. Ocracoke is a great place to bring your telescope or a star chart with you on vacation! Visit a Local BookstoreOcracoke is a fabulous place to just kick back and read a good book. Whether you are relaxing in a comfy chair on a deck or porch, sitting on the beach, or lying in a hammock, the peace and quiet of the island just begs you to slip away into the pages of an interesting read. Children will enjoy the variety of books available at local shops. Visit Art Galleries and Shops To View Local TalentBecause of the natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings on Ocracoke Island, many artists live in the area and express their love for Ocracoke in their artwork. There are several art galleries located on Ocracoke and art shows and events are held throughout the year. If you are interested in art, you will love spending a day touring galleries on Ocracoke. If the timing is right, you might also get to see an art show or attend an event! Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic MuseumThe Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995. Conveniently located next to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, a museum visit can be combined with other Hatteras Island attractions for a day off the island. Visit Ocracoke's Traditional Quilters ClubThe Ocracoke Needle and Thread Club carries on the tradition of Ocracoke quilting. They meet twice a week at Deepwater Theater. The group donates many of their finished works to aid in fundraising for island non-profits. Annually, a quilt raffle is held at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. The club also takes custom orders! Visitors and new participants are welcome. No experience necessary. Check the Deepwater Theater calendar for schedule information at www.DeepwaterTheater.com. Go Horseback Riding on the BeachYou've seen the movies with people riding horses on the beach. Why not try it for yourself during your vacation on Ocracoke? Share a ride with an experienced guide and bring a camera to capture the experience. Visit the Horses at the Ocracoke Pony PensHoused in a 180-acre pasture located just off Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, the horses that live in the Ocracoke Pony Pens are a popular attraction. Maintained by the National Park Service, the once wild horses are a large part of the island's history. In the past, the herd of wild horses ranged from 200 to 500. Much like the Corolla Wild Horses, it is believed that these horses arrived on Ocracoke by swimming ashore from Spanish shipwrecks off the coast. When you make your trip to Ocracoke Island, don't forget to stop and visit the Ocracoke Pony Pens! Watch WildlifeOn Ocracoke, the wildlife is plentiful. You can see turtles, dolphins, otters, along with many different species of birds, including the American Oystercatcher and the ever popular Brown Pelican. Not to miss while visiting Ocracoke are the famous ponies. The ponies are thought to be descendents of horses from sailing vessels shipwrecked on the shoals. Once left to roam on their own, they are now cared for by the National Park Service where you can view them at "the pony pasture" located 7 miles north of the village. | Ocracoke RestaurantsHoward's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sweet Tooth 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Pizza Company Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pony Island Restaurant 51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie 226 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Back Porch Lunchbox 747 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingIsland Girl Gifts419 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Hammock Co. 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Community Store 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Ocracoke Millwork Shop 74 Cedar Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Sunglass Shop 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Artworks 89 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Deepwater Pottery 62 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Tree Top Studio & Sandy Hands Farm 402 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Photo 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Barefoot Bohemian 214 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsAnchorage Inn & Marina205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesRide the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks 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 |