Currituck Outer Banks Visitor's Guide

Visit Currituck’s

Outer Banks & Mainland

In Northeastern North Carolina

For visitor information, call 877-287-7488 today

www.VisitCurrituck.com

Tucked Away... like a love letter in a drawer, a sequined

discovered especially for its popular,

friends; lovers fall and refall in love;

gown at the far end of the closet, a

family beaches. Countless residents

groups gather to celebrate weddings,

cherished memory in the back of your

and tourists have fallen in love with this

anniversaries and birthdays; and all

mind; tucked away as in hidden, not

seaside retreat, not more than a day’s

leave with memories

easy to find, but always there waiting for

drive from most places on the Eastern

tucked away to be

the right moment, holding that spark to

Seaboard and known for its mainland

revisited as often

ignite your emotions and carry you away.

rustic chic and oceanside appeal.

as desired.

The Currituck Outer Banks — always

Currituck’s residents and businesses

ready when you are — is tucked away

are ready to offer an unforgettable

in the northeastern-most corner of

vacation in a place where families grow

North Carolina. Tucked away, yet

closer; friends reunite and make new

On the Beach

Currituck’s Outer Banks

Here’s where wild horses roam the

sports enthusiasts golf, kayak, fish,

dunes, sunsets blaze over the sound,

swim, surf, hike and bike; epicureans

migratory birds and osprey soar and

dine on the daily catch of fresh seafood

dolphins surf ocean waves. This is also

and local produce; nature-lovers inhale

where history buffs find stirring stories;

salt-tinged air and thrill at the feel of sand between their toes; shoppers find treasures in locally owned boutiques and outlet stores; and vacationers do as much as they want or as little as possible in a setting that’s inspired countless people to be just “tucked away.”

Wild Horses of Corolla Currituck Heritage Park Currituck Lighthouse Corolla Village Audubon Sanctuary Shop & Dine Recreational Activities Golf on the Outer Banks Especially for Kids Within a Day's Drive Family Reunions Seasonal Savings Say “I Do” Be a Beach Superstar Beach Equipment Hotels & Inns Renting a Vacation Home Beach Vacation Rentals

2 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15

Currituck Map Map Overview

16

Across the Sound The Mainland & Knotts Island

Golf on the Mainland 18 Mainland Marinas 20 Parks & Recreation 20 The Weeping Radish 21 Farm Markets 21 Visit Knotts Island 22 Vineyards 22 Currituck Cuisine 23 Historical Sites 23 Monster Fun 24 Grave Digger Truck 24 Accommodations 25 For Your Trip Temperatures 26 Events 26 Telephone Directory 27 Services 28 Travel/Transportation 28 Driving on the Beach 29 Discounts 29 Hurricane Evacuation 30 Rules & Safety 30 Rip Currents 31 Helpful Beach Info.

31

On the Beach Currituck’s Outer Banks

The Currituck Outer Banks may be tucked away in the northeastern-most corner of North Carolina, but our beaches are wide open.

The ocean is our number-one attraction for good reason: Twenty miles of wide, sandy beaches grace our shoreline. Our other shore, along Currituck Sound, provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

From sparkling sunrises to glorious sunsets, our beaches will entice you for celebrations and family time, for rejuvenation and memory making. Like a sand dollar on the shore, a dolphin in a wave, a wild horse on the dune, a kite tail flapping overhead, a lover’s whisper in the moonlight, a child’s squeal in the surf, or the glint of joy in a grandparent’s eyes, our beaches are tucked away to make each moment uniquely yours.

For your convenience, this guide has been divided to highlight both the wonders of our majestic Outer Banks and those on the Currituck mainland. Currituck’s Outer Banks attractions begin here. For information on attractions on the mainland, please see page 18.

Wild Horses

of Corolla Wild things. We’re drawn to them, admiring the unbridled power of untamed creatures, but encountering a wild thing is becoming harder to do. Some people hike through wilderness; others go on safari; and some go to the beach. Yes, the beach, specifically ours.

Wild horses roam the beaches north of the paved

section of Route 12 in Corolla on the 7,000-acre Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

Accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles only, this area draws visitors who testify that seeing these wild animals against this sandy backdrop is their vacation highlight.

These horses are descendants of Spanish Colonial Mustangs that have grazed, bred and galloped here for almost five centuries.

In 2010, they were designated North Carolina’s official state horse. This herd remains a dramatic reminder of the dynamic history of the Outer Banks, where settlers and explorers off-boarded livestock onto the shoreline and shipwrecks made

Wild Horse Days

An annual event. Meet a gentled Spanish Mustang; enjoy live music, great food and more. See Events, page 26.

The wild horses are best enjoyed from a safe distance of at least 50 feet and cannot be fed. (Please remember, they are wild.)

man and beast inadvertent castaways.

Though often spotted in the Carova area, the wild horses can be seen anywhere north of the protective fence at Corolla.

People walk the beach to see them, drive their own vehicles, or even find them in their backyards. Yet the best way to view the wild horses is to book a tour with one of several local outfitters.

For a personalized excursion, you can ride along with Herd Manager Wes Stallings on one of his daily runs in a spacious, air-conditioned SUV. That experience is one benefit of becoming a high-level member ($250 to $500) in the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a non-profit organization founded to preserve the horses. The tour leaves from the organization’s Wild Horse Museum located in Historic Corolla Village.

You may come to Currituck for the ocean, but you won’t want to miss the wild things.

1129 Corolla Village Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8002 www.corollawildhorses.com

Wild Horse Tours Back Country Safari Tours 107 C Corolla Light Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0877 www.outerbankstours.com

Wesley Stallings is the herd manager of the

wild horses of Corolla The non-profit Corolla Wild Horse Fund employs Wesley Stallings as herd manager for Corolla's wild horses. While he is responsible for their health and safety, Wes neither feeds the horses nor provides shelter, but studies and documents their lives.

He’s been a farrier, a professional bull rider, a rancher, and he graduated from NCSU’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, experiences that benefit the horses and the thousands of visitors who come to see them.

Wes wants people to visit, especially, “at different times of the year because horses are affected by the seasons . . . from May through August the mares foal, have babies, and you can see the strong social dynamics that affect the herd.”

Beach Jeeps of Corolla 1159 H Austin St. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-6141 www.beachjeepsofcorolla.com Corolla Jeep Rentals & Tours 1070 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-6899 www.corollajeepadventures.com Corolla Outback Adventures, LTD 1150 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4484 www.corollaoutback.com Corolla Wild Horse Fund 1129 Corolla Village Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8002 www.corollawildhorses.com Rick’s Jeep Adventures 610 Currituck Clubhouse Dr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-489-4878 www.corollajeeps.com Wild Horse Adventure Tours & Rentals 610 Currituck Clubhouse Dr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-489-2020 www.wildhorsetour.com

On the Beach

3

Currituck Heritage Park

Idyllic, homespun, wholesome — if there were a town square for Currituck, Currituck Heritage Park would be it.

Perfect for a family picnic, a seasonal festival, or a fireworks display, this 39 acres of soundfront property houses three distinct, captivating landmarks: the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead in Historic Corolla, and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education.

Outdoor activities such as fishing, crabbing and kayaking the Currituck Sound are regular occurrences in and around the park; bicycles, Segways, and leashed pets are welcomed.

1100 Club Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9040 www.visitwhalehead.com

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On the Beach

Whalehead in Historic Corolla Whalehead in Historic Corolla, the pale-yellow, fivefloored, 21,000-square-foot building that dominates one side of Currituck Heritage Park, often makes visitors ask, “What is that?”

The quick answer: The second home and luxe hunting enclave of owners Edward Collings Knight Jr., and wife, Marie Louise Lebel Bonat Knight, who lived here in the “Roaring Twenties.”

The more profound: the link between then and now.

Jill Landen, curator of the curious property, has been chasing Whalehead’s history since 2004. She’s scoured documents, even hired private investigators, yet it’s unknown how Edward and

Marie first met, how their courtship progressed, how their love for each other and hunting evolved into buying this property, building the winter retreat, and making it a private playground locals labeled the “mansion by the sea.”

“The Knights, their guests and servants lived a ‘Great Gatsby’ lifestyle,” Landen maintains. “How their vacation home came to be in what once was a very remote area in the 1920s is fascinating.”

Dealing with historians, researchers and the occasional charlatan, Landen has reclaimed original furniture, hardware, lighting and building components and acquired period pieces to make Whalehead more like what it was during the Knights’ tenure from 19251936. Tiffany light fixtures, the marble-topped sideboard that holds Mr. Knight’s cast-iron safe and a Steinway piano adorn the mansion.

But the stories behind the history help guests see this as much more than a

“house museum.”

“As one of the most opulent examples of Art Nouveau in America, Whalehead,” says Landen, “is a must see. There’s nothing else like it on the Outer Banks. As visitors tour the building, hear about the restoration, and see exhibits and the accounts of days gone by, they come away with a real connection between then and now.”

They also come away with an answer to the question: “What is that?”

Jill Landen is the curator of Whalehead

in Historic Corolla

1100 Club Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9040 www.visitwhalehead.com

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education has an 8,000-gallon aquarium, models of hunting and fishing boats, a duck blind, a milliondollar decoy collection, an auditorium, and what many visitors especially like — what’s waiting outside.

“We like to call it the best backyard around,” Curator Sharon Meade says of the historic boat basin with 80-foot dock plus a 950foot boardwalk available for free center activities. “The view over the sound is amazing, and you just never know what you’re going to see... raccoon, fox, snakes, these are things we can show you.”

The Center sits between the ocean and the Currituck Sound that helped put this area on the map for waterfowl hunting at the turn of the 20th century.

Meade knows the area’s history: “Currituck County has been a tourist destination for quite some time. People came

here for the waterfowl. It was known, literally, the world over.”

“We were a phenomenon in terms of the migratory path of birds. We honor that (hunting and fishing) culture. We can help you explore it, because we go from history to right outside making some of our own: crabbing off the dock, teaching how to fish, exploring our maritime side down on the ocean. We try to offer a well-rounded bounty of what we have available here.”

Sharon Meade is the curator of the Outer Banks Center

for Wildlife Education

1160 Village Ln. • Corolla, NC 27927 Admission is free • 252-453-0221 www.ncwildlife.org/obx

Currituck Beach Lighthouse The beam from Currituck Beach Lighthouse stretches 21 miles, but not as bright as the smile Site Manager Meghan Agresto flashes when she starts talking about this 162-foot, redbrick beacon that’s stood since 1875 to protect mariners from this section of ocean called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

“This was the last, tall, brick lighthouse built on the North Carolina coast. This Meghan Agresto is the site tower and dwelling manager of the Currituck are still preserved (and) may be the best Beach Lighthouse example of an 1870s light station you’ll find these days. The sense of place here is unique and exceptionally authentic.”

Call Agresto a Renaissance woman as her work encompasses all aspects of the lighthouse from researching its past to enlightening guests who view the site. Calling her the lightkeeper is tempting, because it would be easy to imagine her carrying fuel up the 214 steps, trimming the four-inch-wide wicks, living in the keepers’ home, a duplex that housed 24 people in 1880.

Agresto loves it when visitors want details: the lighthouse is one of only nine still standing in the U.S. with an operational, first-order Fresnel lens; a million bricks were used in its construction.

Agresto promises, “We have a history, we have a story, and I want you to know it because it’s an interesting one.”

A small fee is charged to climb the lighthouse. Open daily from Easter to Thanksgiving (closed Thanksgiving Day).

1101 Corolla Village Rd. • Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4939 • www.currituckbeachlight.com

On the Beach

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Historic Corolla Village Unlike most places on the Outer Banks, Historic Corolla Village is a pedestrian experience with many significant landmarks within walking distance of one another: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead, Corolla schoolhouse and the Corolla chapel.

Walk down the narrow roads and pause to listen, read the signage about the buildings, go inside. Coming to these landmarks helps visitors connect to the original and current inhabitants.

While the Village, as locals call it, has food and shopping, it’s far from a shopping center.

All the shop owners know and easily share the stories. The stores are unique. What they sell gives you a sense of place as well as community.

This place reflects a simpler time. Life slows under a canopy of live oaks.

During the school year, kids ring the school bell at 3:30 as they’re dismissed from the K-6, multi-aged classroom.

Everyone in Corolla Village hears that and understands the link between what is, was, and will be.

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On the Beach

Wild Horse Museum and Store

Corolla Schoolhouse

Corolla Village is home to the Corolla Wild Horse Museum and Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a non-profit organization that raises funds to protect the horses.

The museum offers fun, educational activities for children during the summer months.

There is no admission fee and only nominal fees for children’s programs.

1129 Corolla Village Rd. • Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8002 • www.corollawildhorses.com

Corolla’s two-room historic schoolhouse, built in the late 1800s to serve the children of lighthouse keepers and surfmen, reopened in 2012 as the first charter school on the Outer Banks. In its first year, it served 16 children in grades K-6.

Corolla Chapel Part of the Outer Banks since 1885, it’s the only year-round

1126 Schoolhouse Ln. Corolla, NC 27927 • 252-455-9449 www.watersedgevillageschool.com

church in Corolla and a favorite for weddings.

1136 Corolla Village Rd. • Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4224 • www.corollachapel.com

Lifesaving Station

Unique Shopping

Constructed in 1878, the U.S. Lifesaving Station was moved from its original site in Kill Devil Hills to its current location in Corolla. It now houses the sales office of Twiddy & Co. Realtors.

Stately live oak trees line narrow streets and unpaved roads where homes dating from the late 19th to early 20th century are now shops and businesses supplying everything from books to barbecue to the latest fashion.

1140 Ocean Tr. • Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3325

For more on shopping, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Shopping

Carolina Carriages Take a historic tour of Corolla Village by horse drawn carriage.

Learn the history of the area including Whalehead in Historic Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and Corolla Chapel from a knowledgeable guide while enjoying the relaxing pace of a horse drawn carriage. Reservations required.

Corolla, NC 27927 • 252-619-5745 www.harvestmoonhorses.com

Audubon Sanctuary at Pine Island

The Audubon Society isn’t just “for the birds,” as many think, but covers all Earth’s creatures, humans included. Fortunately for Currituck County, the Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Audubon Sanctuary and Center at Pine Island is taking a lead in conservation and restoration efforts.

Locally called Pine Island Sanctuary, this refuge lies across from Hampton Inn and Suites in Corolla in a section of undeveloped scrub just past the Welcome to Currituck County sign on NC 12. Nicely hidden is a three-mile nature trail and viewing stands open to the public. Farther back amidst the marsh, forest and grassland is a modest complex of buildings with big plans: to become an educational center and research station.

The center’s staff love sharing news about this preserve brought about by a 3,000-acre donation from the Earl Slick family in the ‘70s. Photography lovers can focus their lenses to capture migratory waterfowl, deer, heron, raccoon, osprey and even bobcats.

Pine Island is a sanctuary for birds and people, a place where visitors can step into nature and experience something that they can’t do anywhere else on the Outer Banks.

300 Audubon Dr. • Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0603

On the Beach

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Shop & Dine

Recreational Opportunities

From local artists to local wines, from fresh seafood to Italian fare, the Currituck Outer Banks features an endless array of unique shopping and dining experiences. In addition to tourists, our area is a magnet for creative, innovative, pioneering people who settle here and bring the best of what they do, which continually adds talent and diversity to supplement the already flourishing foundation of trade.

Coastal Explorations Kayak rentals, kayak tours, kayak fishing, boat tours, fishing and crabbing trips and various classes.

1118 Corolla Village Ln. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9872 www.coastalexplorations.com

Businesses new and old present their products and services with a pride that bursts with a desire to please. So you will find shops that sell unique designer labels as well as sundry stores with that perfect postcard to send home or a hand-made souvenir you will cherish forever — lighthouse keepsakes are popular as is beach glass jewelry.

Restaurants run the gamut from traditional dishes like pulled-fromlocal-waters seafood to cutting-edge cuisine.

Shopping and dining say a lot about an area.

If the proof, as has been said, is in the pudding, we’re sure you’ll love ours.

Not sure where to shop or dine? Request a shopping and dining guide at www.VisitCurrituck.com/Guide

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On the Beach

Corolla Kayak Co. Tour the beautiful marshes around Currituck Heritage Park in a guided or self-guided kayak adventure.

1070 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0077 www.corollajeepadventures.net Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School Surf lessons, kayak tours, kayak rentals, surfboard rentals and stand up paddleboards.

790 Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-261-0145 www.khkss.com

Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve This unique area is a relatively undisturbed cross-section of a barrier island between the Atlantic and the Currituck Sound.

252-261-8891 www.nccoastalreserve.net

Outer Banks Restaurant Tours Offers walking/driving tours to OBX restaurants, cooking classes and winery tour.

2013 Midland Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-722-2229 www.outerbanksrestauranttours.com

Segway of the Outer Banks An off-road or historical adventure on a Segway in the Currituck Outer Banks.

107 C Corolla Light Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0877 www.outerbankstours.com Eden Day Spa & Salon / Didario Academy Premier salons offering a comprehensive menu of spa and beauty services.

817 C Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0712 2870 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929 252-232-1306 www.edendayspasalon.com

Backwater Adventures Adventures in bass, fly and other light tackle freshwater fishing.

123 Pinewood Acres Dr. Powells Point, NC 27966 252-202-3112 www.backwateradventures.com

TW’s Bait & Tackle Corolla’s largest and most fully equipped tackle shop, specializing in surf and freshwater fishing.

815 B Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3339 www.twstackle.com

Corolla Bait & Tackle Charter fishing adventures, offering affordable fishing trips and tackle for all ages.

101 Austin St. (and) 601 Currituck Clubhouse Dr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9500 • 252-453-9690 www.corollabaitandtackle.com North Beach Movie Diner Movies playing all day on three huge screens and live entertainment in Theater 4.

815 E Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-2999 www.corollamovies.com Corolla Water Sports Jet-skis, parasails, kayak eco-tours, paddle boats and mini-golf.

785 Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-6900 www.corollawatersports.com

Golf by the Sea The Currituck Club

The Currituck Club is a feather in the cap of Currituck golf.

Thank Rees Jones for that.

Since 1974, he’s designed or redesigned more than 170 golf courses worldwide. This 6,885yard, par-72 championship

course in Corolla is among them. His nickname, “The Open Doctor,” refers to working on seven U.S. Open venues, seven PGA Championship courses, four Ryder Cup and two Walker Cup sites. Included is Pinehurst Country Club (Course No. 2) in Pinehurst, NC, where the 2014 Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens will be held.

His philosophy is “to create courses that are fair, challenging, continually interesting to play and visually exciting.” That perfectly defines The Currituck Club.

Ranked among the Top-100 in North Carolina, The Currituck Club offers a tough test of ability but a fairness to let anyone compete. The scenery is breathtaking, as can be the stiff breeze coming off the sound.

Rees Jones is legendary; so will be The Currituck Club.

620 Currituck Clubhouse Dr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9400 www.thecurrituckgolfclub.com

On the Beach

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Especially for Kids

Most visitors to the Currituck Outer Banks are kids at heart, but for “real” kids, coming here is a memory maker: sandcastles, dolphin, kites, fishing, riding a wave, kayaking, finding sea shells.

Places to go; things to do, many for the first time: seeing the ocean, rushing into a wave and running out screaming, climbing the lighthouse, seeing the wild horses, viewing baby turtles crawl to the sea, learning to crab at the wildlife center, watching an osprey catch a fish, standing next to “Grave Digger,” marveling at the setting sun, getting a hole in one (at mini-golf), examining a horseshoe crab, eating ice cream under a live oak tree, hearing pirate stories at family bedtime.

Lots of fun, many memories, for the kids and those who brought them.

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On the Beach

Corolla Surf Shop Renting surfboards, body boards, skim boards, wetsuits, bikes and standup paddleboards.

807 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9273 www.corollasurfshop.com

Kitty Hawk Surf Co. Provides surf lessons, kayak tours, and stand up paddleboard lessons on the Outer Banks.

790 Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4999 www.khsurf.com

Island Revolution Surf Co. & Skate Park Island Revolution is a surf shop featuring a skatepark plus surf, skate and paddleboard lessons.

1210 East Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9484 www.islandrevolution.com

Corolla Adventure Golf & Bumper Cars Corolla’s newest adventure: three mini golf courses and Spin Zone bumper cars.

Fun for all ages.

810 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-7777

Corolla Raceway Karts for all ages! Bumper cars and arcade.

790 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9100 www.corollaraceway.com Golf Links Bring the entire family for fun on this course located on the Currituck Sound.

798 Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-6900 www.corollawatersports.com The Grass Course 20-holes on scenic, soundside, all-natural grass course.

1024 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4198 www.thegrasscourse.com

Flying Smiles Kites Your source for high quality kites and kite repairs, games and puzzles.

1159 Austin St., Unit F Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8442 www.flyingsmileskites.com Kitty Hawk Kites Part of the world’s largest kite shop.

Recreation opportunities, free activities and workshops daily.

785 L Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3685 www.kittyhawkkites.com Miss Kitty’s Old Time Photo Souvenirs, old fashioned clothing, props for photos, frames, posters.

794 K Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-457-5011 www.oldtimephoto.net

SEAL for Kids Program A two-hour program allows kids to interact with local lifeguards to learn about, and help create, a safer aquatic environment.

Across from Currituck Lighthouse Corolla, NC 27927 252-619-2285 www.corollaoceanrescue.com Wildlife Programs The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education highlights the connection between the natural and cultural history of the Currituck Sound.

1160 Village Ln. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-0221 www.ncwildlife.org/obx

Within a Day’s Drive There are a wide variety of attractions on the Outer Banks just a short drive from Currituck: Wright Brothers National Memorial The grounds, located in Kill Devil Hills, include historical markers, replica camp buildings, and a 60-foot granite monument honoring Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first powered flight.

Open year-round. Closed Christmas Day. Admission.

252-441-7430; www.nps.gov/wrbr Jockey’s Ridge State Park Jockey’s Ridge State Park consists of 426 acres in Nags Head. Enjoy hang gliding, kite flying and hiking.

Hours vary according to season. Free. 252-441-7132; www.jockeysridgestatepark.com North Carolina Aquarium Located in Manteo, watch fish and sharks in a 285,000-gallon “Graveyard of the Atlantic” exhibit.

Open year-round. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission.

800-832-3474 ext.4, 252-473-3494; www.ncaquariums.com The Lost Colony Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green’s The Lost Colony recounts the exciting historical events leading to the disappearance of the first English colonists who settled here more than 400 years ago.

Call for performance dates and admission costs.

252-473-6000; www.thelostcolony.org Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Standing 210 feet high, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick beacon in the world. Constructed in 1870, the lighthouse is open for climbing from mid-April to Columbus Day. Call for hours and admission cost. 252-995-4474; www.nps.gov/caha Ocracoke Island This 14-mile island and fishing village was once the home of the notorious pirate Blackbeard.

Visit Ocracoke Island via the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry.

888-493-3826; www.hydecounty.org

On the Beach

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Plan a Family Reunion Beautiful, serene and certainly accommodating, the Currituck Outer Banks is the perfect setting for an annual get-together or a long awaited family reunion.

Not only is the area more than you imagined, it’s also less expensive to visit than you may think. The Currituck Outer Banks is an excellent value any time of year. Many vacation rental homes have enough bedrooms to house three or four generations under one roof, and with everyone chipping in, a week at the beach fits comfortably into most vacation budgets. Rates are highest in the summer, yet still reasonable. If, however, your schedule is flexible, consider holding your reunion in the spring, fall or even winter, when rates are lower.

The Perfect Place to Say “I Do”

We’re Open Year Round The Currituck Outer Banks is a great place to visit, even after the summer ends. Visitors who come during the fall, winter and spring months will enjoy seasonal savings at local hotels, vacation rental homes, stores and restaurants.

In addition, there are fewer visitors this time of year, making the beach even more peaceful. Mild year-round temperatures make the Currituck Outer Banks an enjoyable place to be during the off-season. Once you experience the crisp days and cool nights by the ocean, you will see why more and more people are making the Currituck Outer Banks their fall, holiday and spring destination.

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On the Beach

Breathtaking scenery, warm coastal breezes, spectacular sunsets and an array of modern amenities make the Currituck Outer Banks the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony.

The choices for ceremony locations are endless — from

the magnificent soundside setting at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla to oceanside beach house venues to the quaint charm of the Corolla Chapel. No matter which site you choose, your wedding will be supported by a full selection of local event planners, florists, caterers and photographers.

For more information, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Weddings

Be a Beach Superstar!

Currituck’s Outer Banks is known not only for having some of the most secluded, pristine and family-friendly beaches on the East Coast, but also for the safe, clean and fun beach experience the area offers. This is made possible by those amazing people we like to call Beach Superstars!

Beach Superstars are conscientious, responsible beachgoers who pledge to do their part to keep our shoreline safe, clean and fun for everyone.

So take the pledge, and enjoy your vacation on the tucked-away beaches of Currituck’s Outer Banks! For complete beach safety tips and rules, visit

www.beachsuperstar.com.

Equipment Rental Just for the Beach Rentals

Why bring it when you can rent it? Delivery available for bikes, kayaks, surf, skim and boogie boards, beach umbrellas, chairs, carts, baby cribs, joggers and much more.

At Ocean Club Centre 501 A Old Stoney Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9388 www.justforthebeach.com

Moneysworth Beach Home Equipment Rentals

Complete selection of vacation equipment, including linens, bikes, baby equipment, kayaks, gas grills, beach chairs and umbrellas. Free delivery from Corolla to Hatteras.

At Corolla Light Town Center 1102 Corolla Village Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-261-6999 www.mworth.com

Ocean Atlantic Rentals

Renting everything you need for the beach: surfboards, kayaks, bicycles, strollers, beach umbrellas and more.

103 A Corolla Light Town Center Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-2440 www.oceanatlanticrentals.com

On the Beach

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Hotels & Inns

Renting a Vacation Home

Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks Corolla

Retreat from the world, where quiet comforts and uncommon luxury complement the extraordinary oceanfront setting. Stay for a night, a weekend, or an entire vacation, and enjoy the hospitality that makes this Inn an award-winning hotel.

333 Audubon Dr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-6565 www.outerbanks.hamptoninn.com Inn At Corolla Light

The Inn offers a choice of 43 newly refurbished accommodations, many with fireplaces and whirlpools.

Soundside rooms offer guests spectacular sunset views. The Inn is ideal for a romantic getaway or family retreat.

1066 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3340 www.innatcorolla.com

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On the Beach

Overwhelmingly, the most available accommodation option on the Currituck Outer Banks is renting a vacation home.

Home rentals can save money when calculating cost per person per night.

Renting allows at-home cooking or even bringing in a private chef, great options with Currituck’s bountiful access to fresh seafood and local produce.

“Rentals range from classic, charming

cottages to large, elaborate houses, so before starting your search, think about the needs for your family,” suggests a local Realtor. Consider location, how many bedrooms you’ll need, specific dates to visit, and what particular amenities you’d like to have. Some homes feature pools, hot tubs, game rooms, media rooms and even elevators, which are especially good for multi-generational vacationing.

Room rental options in Corolla are a soundside inn plus a highly-ranked, nationally-branded oceanfront property.

Whether with a house or hotel room, courteous staff members are waiting to help create a vacation to remember.

Rental Terms

Beach Vacation Rentals

If you’re new to renting a beach home, here’s a guide to terms: • Oceanfront – The house fronts the ocean (no homes between you and the waves).

• Semi-oceanfront – Typically, the house is located one lot back from oceanfront.

• Oceanside – The house is on the ocean side of the first road that runs parallel to the sea, but it could be three lots back, i.e., close proximity to the waves.

• Oceanview – The location can be anywhere, but from the top of the home itself you can see the ocean.

• Soundside – Follows the same characteristics as ocean property, but the property is located on the Currituck Sound. One major advantage to a soundside location is the sunsets. Unique to this part of the Outer Banks, it’s possible to have oceanview and soundview, as well.

Atlantic Realty 1180 Duck Rd. Duck, NC 27949 252-261-8340 www.atlanticrealty-nc.com

Corolla Light Resort 1197 B Franklyn St. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-2455 www.corollalightresort.com

Beach Realty & Construction/ Kitty Hawk Rentals 807 H Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-4141 www.beachrealtync.com

Karichele Realty 795 Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-2377 www.karichele.com

Seaside Vacations 603 Currituck Clubhouse Dr., Suite C Corolla, NC 27927 252-261-5500 www.outerbanksvacations.com Shoreline OBX, LLC 1070 C Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-597-1235 www.vacationinobx.com

Brindley Beach Vacations & Sales 1023 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3033 www.brindleybeach.com

Southern Shores Realty 5 Ocean Blvd.

Southern Shores, NC 27949 252-261-2000 www.southernshores.com

Carolina Designs Realty 1197 Duck Rd. Duck, NC 27949 252-261-3934 www.carolinadesigns.com

Stan White Realty & Construction, Inc. 812 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-441-5355 www.outerbanksrentals.com

Carolina Shores Vacation Rentals 799 Sunset Blvd., Suite A Corolla, NC 27927 866-418-5263 www.outerbankscarolina vacations.com Carova Beach 4x4 Vacation Rental 2237 Tarpon Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 814-926-3391 www.sandycheeks.net Corolla Classic Vacations 1196 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9660 www.corollaclassic vacations.com

Kitty Dunes Rentals 1109 A Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3863 www.kittydunes.com Paramount Destinations 520 A Old Stoney Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-3045 www.paramount destinations.com Resort Realty 791 A Sunset Blvd.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8700 www.resortrealty.com

Sun Realty 1135 Ocean Tr. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-8822 www.sunrealtync.com Twiddy & Company Realtors 1127 A Schoolhouse Ln. Corolla, NC 27927 252-457-1100 www.twiddy.com Village Realty 510 Old Stoney Rd. Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9650 www.villagerealtyobx.com

On the Beach

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17

The Mainland & Knotts Island

Reflecting an envied, slower-paced lifestyle, Currituck County’s rustic mainland offers discovery of its own.

Both sides of the highway tempt with mom-and-pop produce stands and large farm markets with fresh seasonal produce and seafood. Roadside vineyards, upscale beach shops, a funky thrift shop here, a horse farm there, roadside attractions abound.

Towns like Moyock, Grandy, Powells Point and Coinjock hold gems as well.

Monster truck fans nationwide flock to the Digger’s Dungeon complex, where native-son Dennis Anderson’s Grave Digger is displayed.

Sprinkled in the mainland mix are six golf courses including a Top 100 pick in NC, and

accommodations from a quaint B&B to simple and soundfront lodging.

Whether passing through, overnighting or day-tripping, discover Currituck’s mainland.

18

On the Mainland

A

Golfer’s Dream

The Carolina Club This course is a “Locals’ Choice” for a fun day of golf. Groomed for the pro but friendly for all players, this 7,000yard, par-72 course ensures all skill levels will have an enjoyable time.

127 Carolina Club Dr. Grandy, NC 27939 252-453-3588 www.thecarolinaclub.com

Most come to the Currituck Outer Banks for ocean waves and sand castles, yet for some it wouldn’t be a vacation without water hazards and sand traps. Golfers can play seven distinct courses here, including two — Kilmarlic Golf Club and The Currituck Club (pg. 9) — named Top-100Courses in North Carolina.

Kilmarlic’s Director of Golf Bryan Sullivan comments on the rankings: “People are realizing we’re every bit as special as Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head.” The Tom Steeledesigned Kilmarlic, sitting on 605 acres of maritime forest and wetlands, hosted the North Carolina Open in 2004 and 2009.

Grandy Golf Club The front nine of this 6,191-yard, par-72 course has wide-open fairways, and the back nine winds in and out of the forest. Six ponds, sand bunkers and large oak and pine trees are situated to create very interesting play.

6562 Caratoke Hwy. Grandy, NC 27939 252-453-4008 www.grandygolfclub.com

Holly Ridge Golf Course This 5,600-yard, par-71 course is located just over the bridge on the Currituck mainland.

LPGA Major Champion Cathy Johnston-Forbes uses the grounds to conduct individual and group lessons.

8818 Caratoke Hwy. Harbinger, NC 27941 252-491-2893 www.hollyridgeobx.com

Other mainland courses are The Pointe Golf Club, sporting some of the finest putting surfaces in the Southeast; its sister course The Carolina Club boasts a striking par-3 island green. Grandy Golf Club, The Golf Club at Eagle Creek and Holly Ridge Golf Course are traditional-style courses that will test any level of play.

Only The Currituck Club is located on the beach.

Designed by the

Kilmarlic Golf Club Kilmarlic is ranked one of the Top-100-Courses in North Carolina.

This 6,607-yard, par-73 course balances the harmony of environment, development and golf.

Kilmarlic is as aesthetic as it is a top-flight test of skills.

215 West Side Ln. Powells Point, NC 27966 252-491-8329 www.kilmarlicgolfclub.com

legendary Rees Jones, it highlights maritime terrain and spectacular views.

Sullivan says, “The best thing about Currituck golf is variety. You can play target golf or wideopen courses, some very player friendly, some, like Kilmarlic, built for tournaments.”

As to driving from the beach to the mainland for a day of play, Sullivan says: “We’re close together. You can easily play two different courses in one day.

Many visitors from metropolitan areas are used

The Golf Club at Eagle Creek This 6,716-yard, par-72 course was created with players of all levels in mind. Generous landing areas allow some margin of error and hazards are placed to entice players to simply have a fun time.

109 Greenview Dr. Moyock, NC 27958 252-232-9901 www.eaglecreekgc.com

to driving across town to their favorite courses, but our drive is much more scenic.

“Get off the main highway.

Get back on one of these courses.

You’ll be amazed what you’ll see on a daily basis playing golf.”

With mild year-round temperatures and challenging courses with nature-compatible designs, it’s easy to see why Currituck County is an emerging golf destination.

For more on golf on Currituck's Outer Banks and Mainland, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Golf

The Pointe Golf Club The USGA says this 6,343-yard, par-71 course has some of the finest putting surfaces in the Southeast.

Fairways adorned with pristine pines, wax myrtles and cypress showcase The Pointe’s natural beauty.

308 Pointe Golf Club Dr. Powells Point, NC 27966 252-491-8388 www.thepointegolfclub.com

On the Mainland

19

Mainland Marinas Midway Marina & Motel Discover Midway Marina & Motel on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. For the boat traveler, they offer many amenities: store, dock, boat ramp, pool, hot tub, laundry, free Internet access, and they are pet friendly. Visit the popular Crabbie’s Restaurant right on the premises.

The owner and staff are dedicated to making your stay the best possible.

157 Coinjock Development Rd. Coinjock, NC 27923 252-453-3625 www.midwaymarinamotel.com

Coinjock Marina & Restaurant This beautiful Intracoastal Waterway stop is open year-round. Boater services include a marina restaurant, fully-stocked ships store, discount fuel, shore electrical power, laundry, showers, pumpout and Internet, with a mechanic on call.

321 Waterlily Rd. Coinjock, NC 27923 252-453-3271 www.coinjockmarina.com

Bay Villa Marina & Restaurant Bay Villa is a full-service marina located directly across the Currituck Sound from Carova Beach with a beautiful view of the bay. Enjoy a nonsmoking, family dining room separate from the bar area featuring homemade, daily dinner specials.

112 Bay Villa Ln. Knotts Island, NC 27950 252-429-3559

Parks & Recreation Parks Searching for the perfect place for a picnic or a family game of volleyball? Then visit one of our five public parks.

For a list of park locations, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Parks, or call 1-877-287-7488.

Fishing Both off-shore and in-shore charters are available. For most recreational fishing, a license is required for those 16 years of age and older (available at most bait and tackle shops).

Currituck Sports Offering bait and tackle supplies.

Hunting and fishing licenses are available.

4306 Caratoke Hwy. Barco, NC 27917 252-453-2480 www.curritucksports.com Bait Barn Veteran-owned and operated business selling fish bait and fishing tackle.

1818 Shortcut Rd. Shawboro, NC 27973 252-331-7009 www.baitbarn158.org

20

On the Mainland

Food Network Features The Weeping Radish Uli Bennewitz, owner of The Weeping Radish Farm Brewery and Restaurant in Grandy, is dedicated to craft brewing, sustainable agriculture and farm-totable products. Everything sold at the farm-brewerybutchery complex has local roots: every vegetable, egg, herb, meat, fish, cheese, sauce, and, of course, beer.

The Weeping Radish has garnered many honors, but coverage from Guy Fieri, host of the Food Network’s TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” was icing on the cake.

The spikey, bleachedblond Fieri sampled three standout, madefrom-scratch dishes: sweet potato liverwurst, described as smooth, creamy and delicious; the Ruben sandwich of “housemade bread, house-made pastrami, house-made sauerkraut. It’s right there.

It’s big flavor. It is the real deal;” and the baked

Off the Vine Farm Markets potato soup Fieri called as close to farm-to-table as it gets, “especially when it’s in your own back field – 14 acres. That’s how you do it.

That’s good soup!”

Those are Fieri’s opinions; it’s best to stop and form your own.

6810 Caratoke Hwy. Jarvisburg, NC 27947 252-491-5205 www.weepingradish.com

Living off the land is a proud Currituck County tradition.

Visitors driving the mainland road fondly peer over fields that bear a bounty of crops.

Alongside the road, travelers also see shops, stands and markets where farmers offer their seasonal harvests along with a big helping of hospitality.

Spring brings asparagus and strawberries; summer yields corn, peaches, tomatoes, watermelon, beans, squash; in fall, it’s pumpkins and gourds; then sweet potatoes and collards are ready.

Also available are homemade cider, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, baked goods, sauces, honey, ice cream, salad dressings, and incidentals like beach supplies and even antiques.

Down-home people and fresh from the field produce make eating local all the better.

On the Mainland

21

Visit the Island

Take a romantic ferry ride from mainland Currituck to Knotts Island. You will see wildlife in abundance in this small, rural community, but don’t let the remoteness fool you.

There is a winery and an orchard where families can pick their own peaches, grapes and apples in season.

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, on the north end of the island, is a birder’s paradise, home to 160 species.

The refuge also supports white-tailed deer, raccoon, mink, muskrat, otter, fox, bobcat and opossum. There are observation points along the roads and almost 10 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. Most trails are suitable for bicycles.

Along with the Currituck Ferry, the island can also be reached via back roads of Virginia Beach to Marsh Causeway on the north end (State Route 615).

800-BY-FERRY • www.ncferry.org For information on Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Charles Kuralt Trail, call 252-429-3100 or visit www.fws.gov/mackayisland

22

On the Mainland

Vineyards Famed writer Robert Louis Stevenson wrote “Wine is bottled poetry.”

Currituck visitors can sample poetic bliss and some of the East Coast’s finest wines. Nestled among the fertile fields of Currituck County are two vineyards producing wonderful wines. Well worth a day trip, the Currituck wineries are great places to sample wines and find unique gifts.

Sanctuary Vineyards, located in Jarvisburg, is the closest vineyard to the Outer Banks.

Open for tours; tastings are free. Among the winery’s award winners is its double gold medal blackberry wine (NC

State Fair). In addition to its dessert-style wines, Sanctuary Vineyards also features a number of classic varietals.

Knotts Island is home to Martin Vineyards, offering a number of selections, including dry reds, dry whites and classic sweeter wines of the coastal plain.

Sanctuary Vineyards Visit the winery, take a free tour and sample fine wines from coastal vines.

6957 Caratoke Hwy. Jarvisburg, NC 27947 252-491-2387 www.sanctuaryvineyards.com

Martin Orchard & Vineyards Take a leisurely ferry ride to Knotts Island and have a picnic on the bay.

213 Martin Farm Ln. Knotts Island, NC 27950 252-429-3542 www.martinvineyards.net

Currituck Cuisine

Rich in History

Something truly unique to the Currituck mainland, authentic northeastern North Carolina barbecue is born of a simple recipe using smoked pork, vinegar and red pepper.

The meat is succulent, juicy and just a little spicy. Stop at one of several mainland

Established in 1668, Currituck County was one of the first areas settled in the U.S. and was once home to a thriving port. A number of historical sites and architectural treasures still highlight the landscape on the mainland.

Currituck County’s original courthouse was constructed in the early 1700s. The building was replaced in 1842 and remodeled in 1898.

Today, the Historic Courthouse houses the county’s governmental

barbecue joints offering this classic southern dish and find out what all the locals are squealing about.

Along with its bastion of barbecue restaurants, the mainland offers a variety of casual dining options including sandwich shops, many of which bake their own breads and pastries daily.

Perk up or satisfy that sweet tooth at local coffee shops and old fashioned ice cream parlors.

Some establishments have boat docks available, offering diners a unique way to spend a day or evening enjoying the scenic beauty of Currituck’s mainland.

For more on dining, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Dining

administrative offices.

Next to the Courthouse sits the original Currituck Jail. This jail was built after receiving legislative permission in 1776 and is one of the four oldest jails in North Carolina.

Civil War Trails has recognized Currituck County as a significant location during the Civil War. Eight Civil War markers throughout the county denote important sites and events.

Educators and historians will appreciate viewing the renovated Historic Jarvisburg Colored School. This building is a rare example of a pre-Rosenwald African-American

school and was officially registered in 1867. It is the oldest AfricanAmerican school in North Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Confederate War Memorial, Historic Courthouse and Jail 145 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929 The Jarvisburg School 7300 Caratoke Hwy. Jarvisburg, NC 27947 252-453-8234 www.historicjarvisburg coloredschool.com Civil War Trails 252-232-2075, 252-232-0719 www.civilwartrails.org

On the Mainland

23

Monster Fun on the Mainland

Dennis Anderson’s Muddy Motor Sports Park Up the road from Digger’s Dungeon, this event complex hosts mud races, auto cross, as well as carnivals and live music.

5243 Caratoke Hwy. Aydlett, NC 27961 252-457-5086 www.dammpark.com

Outer Banks Harley-Davidson OBX’s only full-service Harley-Davidson dealership offering sales, service, parts, accessories, motorclothes, collectibles and rentals.

8739 Caratoke Hwy. Harbinger, NC 27941 252-338-8866 www.outerbankshd.com

24

On the Mainland

Grave Digger: Local Boy Made Good Monster trucks are soupedup pickup trucks with tires five-feet high and motors that growl like wild animals.

On the mainland road in Poplar Branch lives one of the most popular: Grave Digger, built and raced by Currituck County’s most famous athlete, Dennis Anderson, actually the only local who has his own action figure.

Digger’s Dungeon, a compound built around the Grave Digger with its renowned green flames and ghostly skull, is a genuine roadside attraction. Visitors can take photos, view the garage, ride in a monster van on a mud track, eat at Digger’s Diner,

visit the petting zoo, let the kids drive mini-trucks, and shop for memorabilia, complete with that action figure.

The ultimate “local boy made good,” Anderson tells how he started in 1981: “A friend was trash talking me about racing in front of everybody, so we got into a mouth fight. I told him, ‘I’ll take that junk and dig you a grave.’ And I grabbed a can of spray paint and sprayed ‘Grave

Digger’ on the side of an old ’51 Ford truck. That’s how I made it up, standing at Currituck Grain with corn dust all over me, mouth fighting with Gary Todd.”

Anderson won, and the rest is history, lots of it.

5650 Caratoke Hwy. Poplar Branch, NC 27965 252-453-4121 www.gravedigger.com

Accommodations on Currituck’s Mainland Barnes Hunting Lodge 108 Barnes Ln. • Knotts Island, NC 29750 252-429-3163 Bells Island Campground 769 Bells Island Rd. • Currituck, NC 27929 252-232-2590 www.bellsislandcampground.com Hampton Lodge Camping Resort 1631 Waterlily Rd. • Coinjock, NC 27923 252-453-2732 Midway Marina & Motel 157 Coinjock Development Rd. Coinjock, NC 27923 • 252-453-3625 www.midwaymarinamotel.com My NC Rental 163 Simpson Rd. • Barco, NC 27917 757-558-3653 • www.myncrental.com Riviera Motel & Restaurant 5566 Caratoke Hwy. Poplar Branch, NC 27965 252-453-2141 Sandy Point Resort Campground 176 Sandy Point Dr. Knotts Island, NC 27950 • 252-429-3094 www.sandypointresortcampground.com Sea Oats Motel 112 North River Rd. • Jarvisburg, NC 27947 252-491-8455 • www.seaoatsmotel.net Trisha’s Bed & Breakfast 192 Caratoke Hwy. • Moyock, NC 27958 252-232-0301 • www.trishasinn.com Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge & Sports Center 169 Walnut Island Blvd. • Grandy, NC 27939 252-453-2261 • www.walnutisland.com

On the Mainland

25

Average Monthly Temperatures & Precipitation

Events

March Graveyard 100 (Corolla) Start in Corolla and run south via scenic Hwy. 12 in one of two running events (100 mile and 100K) ending at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island.

April Outer Banks Bike Week (Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Harbinger) Cruise the same stretch of sand traveled by pirates nearly 300 years ago.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

H L A P

50° 53° 59° 68° 75° 83° 32° 33° 39° 47° 56° 65° 41° 43° 49° 57° 65° 74° 4.3 3.4 4.0 2.8 4.0 3.5

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

H L A P

87° 86° 81° 72° 63° 55° 70° 69° 65° 54° 44° 37° 79° 77° 73° 63° 54° 46° 4.5 5.4 4.5 3.6 3.0 3.1

Currituck Home, Flower & Garden Show (Barco) A one stop shop for your gardening needs. Plants of all varieties, crafts, and plenty of gardening enthusiasts that can answer all of your questions.

Barry’s Bike Week (Barry’s on Walnut Island, Grandy) Barry’s Bar and Grill welcomes bikers to join the fun with live music, games, food and contests.

H-High, L-Low, A-Average, P-Precipitation, Temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, Precipitation in inches The Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism strives to provide information that is accurate,reliable and up-to-date; however, any person who relies on information obtained from this guide does so at his or her own risk. The department will not be held liable for any losses caused by relying on such information.

The business listings, phone numbers and web links published in this guide are maintained by public and private organizations other than the County of Currituck, and therefore are not endorsed by the county.

This information is included for the convenience of users to provide a range of informational resources. Information contained within this guide should not be construed as a recommendation but merely a list of businesses and services provided for visitors to Currituck County.

26

For Your Trip

May Outer Banks Music Festival (Corolla) Enjoy live blues music and delicious Southern cuisine on the grounds of Currituck Heritage Park.

OBX Ultramarathon (Corolla) This challenging run starts at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla and continues for 50 kilometers along the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks.

May (Cont.)

September

December

Surfside Scute 5k Race (Corolla) Kick off the summer in a healthy way by running or walking in this one-of-a-kind, 3.12-mile race organized by Corolla Ocean Rescue.

Wine & Swine OBX (Corolla) Wine & Swine features the very best of Outer Banks BBQ and eclectic food offerings; area wine and craft beer; local bands to kick back and relax to or get up and dance the day away; activities for attendees of all ages; and plenty of goodies from area artisans.

Silver Bells Craft Show (Barco) An annual holiday tradition, featuring arts and crafts from local artists.

The Burg (Jarvisburg) Local wine, great food, live music.... need we say more?

June Under the Oaks Arts Festival (Corolla) This festival features the unique talents of more than 100 artists plus music, local food, an art auction and children’s activities. Held at Currituck Heritage Park.

Peach Festival (Knotts Island) An event for the whole family, come try local peaches, live music and plenty of activities and fun.

July Wild Horse Days (Corolla) Meet a gentled Spanish Mustang, and enjoy live music, great food and more.

Currituck Outer Banks Annual Independence Day Celebration (Corolla) This July 4th event features live music, activities for children and an awesome display of fireworks at Currituck Heritage Park.

Currituck Food & Wine Festival (Jarvisburg) Taste Sanctuary Vineyards’ extraordinary, awardwinning wines at the Cotton Gin; live music and great food.

Currituck Wildlife Festival (Barco) The Currituck Wildlife Festival is a local tradition that features world-renowned carvers, painters and other artists.

Outer Banks Bike Show (Grandy) One of the oldest motorcycle events in Northeastern North Carolina. Features vendors, bands, contests, food and more. Held Labor Day Weekend.

October Wrangler Farms Fall Festival (Grandy) Enjoy hay rides, choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, pet a horse and much more.

Telephone Directory

Christmas at the Farm (Grandy) The activities are endless: horse drawn “jingle bell” wagon rides, pony rides, caroling and more.

Emergency: Ambulance, Fire, Police 9-1-1 For non-emergency help or to report violations Corolla 252-453-2121 Main Office 252-453-8204 Knotts Island 252-429-3827

Currituck Heritage Park Illumination Celebration and Holiday Tour (Corolla) Enjoy free hot chocolate and sing carols while the giant cedar tree in Currituck Heritage Park and the Currituck Lighthouse are simultaneously illuminated.

Visitor Information: Currituck Visitor Centers Mainland 877-287-7488 Corolla 252-453-9612 Public Information 252-232-0719 Chamber of Commerce 252-453-9497 Satellite Office Corolla 252-453-8555

For more information on these and other events on the Currituck Outer Banks, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/Events

Medical Services: Outer Banks Hospital Nags Head 252-449-4500 Beach Medical Kitty Hawk 252-261-4187 Albemarle Hospital Elizabeth City 252-355-0531 Chesapeake General Chesapeake, VA 757-312 -8121 Currituck County Health Department 252-232-2271 Useful Information: Animal Control 252-453-8682 Currituck Airport 252-453-8032 Hurricane Evac./Re-entry 252-232-2115 Barco Library 252-453-8345 Corolla Library 252-453-0496 Magistrate 252-232-3404 NCDOT Ferry 800-BY-FERRY

For Your Trip

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Services

Travel & Transportation

Delivery Genie Grocery delivery service and personal shopper since 2005, they do the shopping while you enjoy your vacation.

252-599-9262 www.deliverygenie.com

By far most of the visitors who arrive on the Currituck Outer Banks come by automobiles.

Route 168/158 is the main highway (Caratoke Hwy.) to the Outer Banks. Then take a left on Highway 12, and you will arrive in Corolla, NC, in about 12 miles.

Currituck County Regional Airport Publicly owned general aviation airport that is open to the public located in the northeastern region of North Carolina.

264 Airport Rd. Maple, NC 27956 252-453-8032 Norfolk International Airport Major airport serving coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

American, Delta, Southwest, United and US Airways offer convenient daily access to hundreds of cities worldwide.

2200 Norview Ave. Norfolk, VA 23518 757-857-3351 www.norfolkairport.com

First Flight Storage The area’s largest parking facility for boats, campers, RVs, motor homes and trailers.

9086 Caratoke Hwy. Point Harbor, NC 27964 252-491-5322 Outer Banks Helping Hands Will deliver groceries on the day of your arrival or send a qualified babysitter to your vacation home or hotel.

Corolla, NC 27927 252-202-7675 www.obxhelpinghands.com

28

For Your Trip

Linear Air Linear Air’s air taxi service allows travelers to reserve a private plane, getting them to the OBX with no missed connections and no waiting.

1724 Robins St., Hangar 3 Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 781-860-9696 or 1-877-2-LINEAR www.linearair.com Jetpool A premier, veteran-owned aircraft management, charter and shares firm headquartered at a private, executive terminal in Charlotte, NC. 4690 First Flight Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 704-359-4674 or 1-866-981-0382 www.flyjetpool.com

Driving on the Beach

Get More Out of Your Stay.

Get a Currituck More Card

Visitors to the Currituck Outer Banks are welcome to enjoy driving on the most northern beaches as long as they travel via four-wheeldrive (4WD) vehicle and follow the established laws. Driving on the beach is a unique experience and requires drivers to take many safety measures. Here are a few things to keep in mind while driving on the northern beaches.

• All vehicles must be registered, properly licensed and insured.

• Gas tanks should be full before driving onto the beach. There are no gas stations on the beach.

• Air down your tires to 15-20 psi in a legal parking area before approaching the beach ramp entrance.

Stop by one of our visitor’s centers and we’ll welcome you with a free More Card entitling you to special discounts at shops and restaurants.

Get ready to save with the Currituck MORE Card! This discount card is good at participating stores, attractions and restaurants located throughout Currituck County… and best of all, it’s FREE! The Currituck MORE Card is the most convenient way to receive great discounts while having fun at the beach.

• Do not stop or park in the beach ramp entrance area. Use 4WD onto the ramp and maintain a slow, steady speed, watching for pedestrians at all times.

• Parking is not allowed on the beach until you reach milepost 14, which is 1.5 miles north of the entry point to the beaches.

• The speed limit on the beach is 35 mph.

When traveling within 300 feet of any person, the speed limit is 15 mph.

• Driving lanes in the 4WD area are located just east of the dune line and west of the water’s edge. Parking is not allowed in this area.

• Parked vehicles and personal property must be kept between the driving lanes at all times.

• All equipment must be removed from the beach each night before sunset.

• Always remember to watch for pedestrians and horses while driving on the beach.

For complete beach driving tips and rules, visit www.VisitCurrituck.com/BeachDriving

Download Your MORE Card at

www.VisitCurrituck.com/Discounts For Your Trip

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Hurricane Evacuation Over the past several years, U.S. hurricane warning systems have provided adequate time for people on barrier islands and the immediate coastline to move inland when hurricanes threaten. Most visitors in hurricane-prone areas have never experienced the core of a “major” hurricane; this often leads to delayed actions, which could result in the loss of lives.

If Evacuation Becomes Necessary:

• Follow the Hurricane Evacuation Route road signs.

• Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

• Give yourself plenty of time; roads and bridges frequently become crowded and traffic moves slowly.

• Relatives and friends will be concerned about your safety; let someone know where you are to help relieve their fear and anxiety.

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For Your Trip

How to Find Evacuation/ Re-entry Information:

• Contact your accommodation provider; they should have the most current information.

• Call Currituck County Emergency Communications, 252-232-2115. This is the official source of emergency information for Currituck County.

• Visit www.VisitCurrituck.com or www.CurrituckGovernment.com for the most up-to-date information.

• Tune into local TV or radio stations.

Rules & Safety • ATV permits are issued to Currituck County property owners only. These permits are available at the government offices in Corolla and at the Historic Currituck Courthouse. Operators of ATVs must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, liability insurance and a permit issued by Currituck County.

• Jet skis are not allowed to be launched on the ocean at any location on the Currituck Outer Banks. Riding jet skis is permitted in the Currituck Sound.

• Fireworks are extremely hazardous because of dry beach grasses, closely-built wood structures, high winds and other factors. It is illegal to launch fireworks that are self-propelled or ones that fly, spin or explode. Purchasers are responsible for making sure the fireworks they buy are legal in North Carolina.

The state regulations for fireworks are strictly enforced on the beach, behind the dunes and throughout all of Currituck County.

• The use of sky lanterns (miniature unmanned hot air balloons relying on an open flame for propulsion) is prohibited by Currituck County ordinance.

• Unattended personal items should not be left on the beach after sunset. Items include, but are not limited to, volleyball, badminton and tennis nets, poles, tents, horseshoe stakes, croquet courses, grills, umbrellas and equipment, cabanas and canopies.

Rip Currents

Other Helpful Beach Info.

Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach-goers. They are particularly dangerous for weak swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically one-to-two feet per second. However, speeds as high as eight feet per second have been recorded. This is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint.

Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. If you see red flags flying, this indicates that a rip current has been spotted, or due to the conditions in the water, a rip current is likely to occur. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t panic; it will pull you away from shore but it won’t pull you under water. Here are some tips to help you get out of the situation safely: • Don’t try to swim directly to shore; swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline.

• Once you get out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore.

• If you become tired, try floating or treading water.

• Always swim near a lifeguard. If you need assistance, wave your arms for help. You should never swim alone.

Emergency Services:

• Corolla Ocean Rescue 827 Whalehead Dr., Corolla, NC 252-453-3242 • Carova Beach Fire & Rescue 2169 Carova Rd., Corolla, NC 252-453-3688

Each year, thousands of visitors enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Currituck Outer Banks. Here are some ways in which you can help keep our beaches safe and protected while following county ordinances: • The dunes have been protected since the 1930s; there is no walking or driving on the dunes.

• Open burning — including bonfires — along the beaches is prohibited; licensed commercial fishermen engaged in fishing are excluded.

• Overnight camping on the beach is prohibited.

• The wild horses should be enjoyed from a safe distance of at least 50 feet and cannot be fed. (Please remember, they are wild.)

• Do not park or set up beach equipment next to the water’s edge or dune line.

These are designated fire, emergency and vehicular traffic lanes.

Currituck County would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contribution of photography to this guide: • Brooke Mayo (horses & family-front cover, seagull-back cover, bride & flower girls-p.12, pelicans-p.20) • Eve Turek (osprey-p.7, beach-p.13) • Holger Obenaus (golf course-p.18) • John Aylor (fireworks-p.26) • J.S. Fletcher & Kathy M. Newbern (Dennis Anderson-p.24, Digger's Dungeon-p.25)

For Your Trip

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Visitor Center

500 Hunt Club Drive, Corolla, NC (Ocean Club Centre, 3 miles south of the TimBuck II Shopping Center) 252-453-9612

Welcome Center

106 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC (At the North Carolina/Virginia State Line) 252-435-2947

Produced/published in 2013 by: Currituck County Dept. of Travel & Tourism 106 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC 27958 877-287-7488 • 252-435-2947 www.VisitCurrituck.com Download the CorollaOBX Mobile App on iTunes for Maps, Discounts and More.

www.VisitCurrituck.com