Travel Tips

“The Andy Griffith Show” was a 1960’s television show featured Andy, a sheriff in the small town of “Mayberry”. The show revolved around Andy, his friends and family, and the great fun times that they all had together. While “Mayberry” is a totally fictional town, did you know that there is a place that reminds us of it? This place hastens back to a time when life was much simpler, people were kinder to each other, and everyone seemed to know your name. The place? Ocracoke, North Carolina…located in the Outer Banks. It’s not only a great place for your family beach vacations, it’s a place that will move you in ways you won’t even realize. Read on to find out more…

Why does Ocracoke maintain this ode to “Days Gone By” when the rest of North Carolina has marched on? One reason could be the simple fact that it’s much harder to get to Ocracoke. There is no direct bridge, road, or tunnel. If you don’t have your own private boat or plane, the only way to get there is to either swim (we’re kidding…) or take one of the public ferries that run to the island and back on a daily basis.

If you hate the idea of shopping, we suggest you “give it a go” on Ocracoke Island. There are no fast food joints or crowded shopping malls to assault your eyes here. “Downtown Ocracoke” is an array of simple stores and shops, and each of them has it’s own style and character. If you need groceries, there are two main variety stores that you can visit. There is a post office available to send a package or postcard back home. If you like flying kites, there is a shop that is dedicated to this sport…and island favorite. Oh, and we just love the relaxing walk through the tree-lined roadway…it’s a nice way to beat the summer heat…

One of the main tourist attractions at Ocracoke is it’s historic lighthouse. Built by Noah Porter, a builder from Massachusetts, in 1832, it is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina (and the second oldest in the US). It is 75 feet tall, with a diameter ranging from 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at the top. You can see the light from the top of this lighthouse 14 miles out to sea. A US Park Ranger is on duty in the summer, and while they are there, you can enter the base of the lighthouse. No climbing of the lighthouse is ever permitted.

In conclusion, Ocracoke is a great place for your family beach vacations. It has a “feel” about it that is very hard to explain or describe. All we can say is that you will just have to go there and experience it for yourself. Beware though…you may leave your heart behind… :)

Ocracoke is not the only place where you and your family can have a Creative Family Beach Vacation. Click the links to find out more…