Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or CanoeingPeople of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of Silver Lake Harbor or the Pamlico Sound. Silently paddle among the sailboats that are anchored in the harbor. Schools of baitfish ripple across the surface as a family of ducks swim up to join you. Ocracoke's flora and fauna will delight you, as seagulls reel overhead and a pelican dives into the water after a snack. In a kayak, you are right there at eye level with nature. Come To One of Ocracoke's Annual EventsOcracoke has all sorts of celebrations and festivals, so schedule a visit to coincide with one of them and see what all the fun is about! Memorial Day weekend offers the Fire Department Pig Pickin, Auction and Dance. The Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival has rapidly become the highlight of a spring visit. Ocracoke is also famous for its July 4th celebration. The Ocracoke Art Walk is traditionally held on the last Saturday of September, bringing all of Ocracoke's artist talent together in one place. Visit www.OcracokeGuide.com for more information. Take Your Kids To Surf CampRide the Wind Surf Shop on Ocracoke offers a kids surf camp in the summer. Classes emphasize water safety as well as surfing skills. They have operated the surf camp for several years and have introduced hundreds of kids to surfing and the surfing community. Check online for the surf camp schedule and reservations information at www.SurfOcracoke.com. Make a Friend, Talk To a LocalStrike up a conversation with a local, especially an older one, and you might be surprised how much you can learn about the island. Also known as Ocockers, the native islanders are a tight knit bunch. There is a real sense of community on Ocracoke. You're sure to notice the Ocracoke "brogue," the famous local dialect that has evolved over the past 250 years. Sit for a spell and let a real Ococker tell you about some of the historical and cultural lore of Ocracoke. 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. Join the Ocrafolk SchoolThe Ocrafolk School is a week of island heritage workshops and fun. They offer courses such photography, pottery, painting and basket weaving. Offered annually and only in October, this is a week you'll never forget! Visit the website, www.OcrafolkFestival.org or call (252) 928-0217 for more details. Go Swimming in the OceanA favorite pastime of Ocracoke visitors is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Ocracoke has one Lifeguarded Beach. It is the most popular of Ocracoke's beaches. The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach was named the Number One Beach on Dr. Beach's annual America's Best Beaches list of 2007. This beach offers public restrooms and showers, ample parking and a wooden boardwalk leading over the dunes and onto the beach. Even experienced swimmers should check with the lifeguards for information on water conditions. Educate yourself about dangerous rip currents at www.EenaProject.com. Get a Beach Family PortraitThe picture perfect backdrop of Ocracoke's beaches provide the ideal setting for a family portrait. The Atlantic Ocean's jeweled tones against soft, light sand with dune grasses and sea oats waving behind you ... can't you just see it? There are several Ocracoke photographers available to capture that special portrait of family or friends. 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. 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. | Ocracoke RestaurantsOcracoke Pizza CompanyIrvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 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 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Dajio 305 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie 226 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingIsland Memories271 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 BW's Surf Shop 274 Irwin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Sunglass Shop 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Deepwater Pottery 62 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Restoration 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Girl Gifts 419 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Community Store 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Hammock Co. 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fat Boy's Fish Co. 300 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsAnchorage Inn & Marina205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesPortsmouth Island Boat Tours278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square 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 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 |