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. Visit the Ocracoke LibraryShared with the local school, library hours vary according to school activities and are posted on the front door. Internet is available for public use. The library's onsite collection includes Civil War, WWII, Ocracoke family history and pirate resources. Collection information is available online at http://www.bhmlib.org/bhm/Ocracoke.htm. Contact the library at (252) 928-4436. Go on an Adventure To View Local ShipwrecksBecause the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, you may stumble upon the remains of a shipwreck while enjoying our pristine beaches. Unidentified wooden remains can be viewed on the beach between the Pony Pen parking lot and the next northern paved parking area. For information on other remains, inquire at the National Park Service Visitor Center located near the ferry terminal in the village. View the Sunset Over the SoundAfter a day of sightseeing, shopping, fishing or surfing, take time to relax and watch the sunset over the Pamlico Sound. Sunset views from the island are breathtaking. The National Park Service Boat Ramp area is a popular spot to watch the sunset on Ocracoke. 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. Go To a Wine TastingSeasonal wine tastings are hosted by Zillie's Pantry, a specialty gourmet shop, located on Ocracoke. They feature a great selection of wines, micro-brews, and beers from around the world, along with gourmet foods, cheeses, and cigars. Five wines are paired with hors' doerves from the pantry. Selections change weekly and space is limited, so call for a reservation, (252) 928-9036. Take a Photography Adventure with Your CameraInstead of purchasing postcards to take home with you as souvenirs of your Ocracoke vacation, take a photography adventure with your own camera. Whether you choose to photograph the lighthouse, different species of birds, sunrises and sunsets, historic homes, boats or any of the other many highlights of Ocracoke, the natural beauty is sure to come through in your photographs. You can take your original photographs home and show them to all of your friends, or frame them and hang them in your home or office so you will always have a reminder of your stay! Buy Local Art, Music, or LiteratureOcracoke's natural beauty lures many artists, musicians, and writers to make their home on the island. As a result, there is a huge variety of creative originals to be found in the many shops and art galleries. Find a piece of art, a book or a music CD and take a piece of Ocracoke home with you! 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. Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation SocietyOnce the private residence of Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location near Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings and memorabilia reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, visitors and friends. Photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through late Fall. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375. Special events include Porch Talks during summer and the Tree Lighting and Wassail Party in December. | Ocracoke RestaurantsPony Island Restaurant51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Back Porch Lunchbox 747 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunset Sweets 272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sweet Tooth 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingThe Olde Ocracoke Gathering PlaceCorner of Irvin Garrish Highway and School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Up Your Alley 274 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Girl Gifts 419 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Memories 271 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Over the Moon 64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sweet Tooth 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Books to be Red 34 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Mermaid's Folly 259 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Blackbeard's Ice Chest 45 Trent Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Down Creek Gallery 260 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsOcracoke Island Lighthouse1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesOcracoke Youth Center1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road 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 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 |