Build a SandcastlePlan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You could have your own family sandcastle contest. No matter how the sandcastles turn out, you are sure to have fun! If you are staying on Ocracoke on July 4th, join the Sand Castle Contest or stop by for some inspiration. Go Surf Fishing on the BeachVisitors and locals to the Outer Banks share the popular sport of surf fishing. You will need to purchase a fishing license to go saltwater fishing in North Carolina. In addition, some species are regulated for size and limit. For more information about licenses and tag and release programs, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 473-5734. Fish species that are common are dogfish, bluefish, pompano, striped bass, spanish mackerel, croaker, flounder, spot, trout and drum. 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. Discover Ocracoke's Rich Fishing HistoryOcracoke Island has a rich fishing history. This history was about to come to an end with the closure of Ocracoke's last remaining fish house. A group of local fishermen joined together to form the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association. The group operates under the nonprofit Ocracoke Foundation, incorporated in August 2006. In addition to operating as a commercial fish house, Ocracoke Seafood Company has a retail storefront market that sells fresh fish to the public. The fishermen also see the fish house as a place for educating people about commercial fishing and for showing them, hands-on, the skills of their livelihood. The Ocracoke's Watermen's Association and Fish House is located at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke. For hours and information, call (252) 928-5601. Be a BirdwatcherNearly 400 species of birds have been sighted within Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its surrounding waters. This impressive number is due to several factors: a location on the Eastern Flyway, varied habitats and strong winds and storms that often bring exhausted birds to our shores. Birding is always exciting on Ocracoke. Watch for migratory shorebirds at inlet tidal flats. Ocracoke is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. The National Parks Service Visitor's Center, the Ocracoke library and the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum offer excellent resources for birders. View the Sunrise Over the Atlantic OceanHow many days of the year do you go to the beach before the sun comes up? While you are on Ocracoke, plan to get up early one day and head to the beach. Grab your beach chair, your coffee and your camera, set your alarm (it's only one day, you can do it!). Enjoy a beautiful sunrise on Ocracoke! Try Your Luck at BingoHave a night of fun while supporting the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy hotdogs, candy and drinks served by a local fireman. Bingo is held at the Fire Hall on Tuesday evenings throughout the Summer. 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. Visit Springer's Point on Ocracoke IslandResidents and guests of Ocracoke Island are fortunate to share in the beauty of the Springer's Point Preserve. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust enriches the coastal communities of North Carolina through the acquisition of open space and natural areas for conservation, education and the promotion of good land stewardship. Springer's Point offers more than 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, tidal ponds, grasslands and sound front beaches. It has been designated as one of the state's significant natural heritage areas because of its unique maritime forest and importance to coastal birds. Springer's Point is open to the public. Visitor's are invited to enjoy paths through this unique maritime forest which lead you to soundfront beaches and include an area that overlooks the infamous Teach's Hole. Please plan to travel to the preserve by foot or bicycle. Parking is not available. Take a Scenic Flight TourIf you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and water will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as ocean inlets, lighthouses, a deserted island, shipwrecks, even sharks swimming! Bring your camera, for these adventures provide great photo opportunities of both sea and sound shores and otherwise inaccessible wetlands. | Ocracoke RestaurantsThai Moon589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market 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 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pony Island Restaurant 51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Pizza Company Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingZillie's Island Pantry538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 Annabelle's Florist & Antiques 324 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Over the Moon 64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Craftsmen 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunflower Center Art Gallery 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Community Store 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pirate's Chest Gift Shop 11 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Bella Fiore Pottery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ditzy Dames 295 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Ragpicker 515 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Deepwater Pottery 62 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsJolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke396 Irvin Garrish Highway 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 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesOcracoke Youth Center1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 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 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road 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 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 |