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. View Locally Made DecoysSome local residents continue to carry on Ocracoke culture by carving decoys. While once used for hunting, many of the locally made decoys today are sold as collectables and cherished as works of art. Some carvers display their work from home while others have their work displayed in local shops. Visit the Horses at the Ocracoke Pony PensHoused in a 180-acre pasture located just off Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, the horses that live in the Ocracoke Pony Pens are a popular attraction. Maintained by the National Park Service, the once wild horses are a large part of the island's history. In the past, the herd of wild horses ranged from 200 to 500. Much like the Corolla Wild Horses, it is believed that these horses arrived on Ocracoke by swimming ashore from Spanish shipwrecks off the coast. When you make your trip to Ocracoke Island, don't forget to stop and visit the Ocracoke Pony Pens! Get Married (Or Renew Your Vows) on the BeachEach year, hundreds of people have weddings on the beaches of the Outer Banks. With all of the vacation rental homes that are available for families and friends to rent, mixed with the unforgettable backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Ocracoke's sand dunes and sea oats, it will be an unforgettable event. There are many local photographers, florists, wedding planners, entertainers and caterers that can assist with your planning. You will need to obtain a marriage license from Hyde County. If you are getting married on the beach, you will also need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service. Check Out the Community Bulletin BoardsLooking for the inside "scoop" about what's happening on the island? Check local bulletin boards at the Community Store (on the harbor), The Variety Store, the Post Office, or the gas station all located on Highway 12. You will find notices about everything from dances to yard sales to potluck dinners. Catch up on local birth and birthday announcements! Watch WildlifeOn Ocracoke, the wildlife is plentiful. You can see turtles, dolphins, otters, along with many different species of birds, including the American Oystercatcher and the ever popular Brown Pelican. Not to miss while visiting Ocracoke are the famous ponies. The ponies are thought to be descendents of horses from sailing vessels shipwrecked on the shoals. Once left to roam on their own, they are now cared for by the National Park Service where you can view them at "the pony pasture" located 7 miles north of the village. Go Waterfowl HuntingIn the 1920s, many parts of the Outer Banks were known for prime waterfowl hunting. Today, people visit the Ocracoke for many different reasons - family vacations, reunions, windsurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, research or simply to just get away for a few days. Though waterfowl hunting is not a primary pastime in the area, some hunters do still visit to hunt waterfowl. Local guides are available to take you on a hunting trip during the winter. Ocracoke NightlifeFor fun and nightlife, there are many great places to eat that also offer live music in the evenings. Some offer music during dinner and others have bands "after hours." In the summer, you can even find karaoke and dancing. All of the establishments offering nighttime entertainment are located on Highway 12, which runs through the center of the village. Teach Your Kids about the Pirate BlackbeardThere are many stories of pirates and buried treasure that are part of the unique history of the Outer Banks. The story of the notorious Pirate Blackbeard ended in Ocracoke in 1718 when he was killed in battle at Ocracoke Inlet. Throughout his "career" as a pirate, Blackbeard captured over 40 ships. Today, many businesses and streets in the area are named after Blackbeard. While you are on Ocracoke, teach your children the history of Blackbeard. Enjoy a Local Seafood DinnerThroughout Ocracoke, there are many great restaurants that serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on Ocracoke. Catch of the day on Ocracoke often includes flounder, drum, mahi-mahi and bluefish. There are also clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp. | Ocracoke RestaurantsThe Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Dajio 305 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 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunset Sweets 272 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 Ocracoke ShoppingOver the Moon64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Artworks 89 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sea Maiden's Muse 58 Creek Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Craftsmen 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Diva 37 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Lighthouse Art Gallery Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Tree Top Studio & Sandy Hands Farm 402 Back Road 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 Ghost & History Walk170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway 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 Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks 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 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 |