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Outer Banks, North
Carolina
by Jennifer Weiss
North Carolina's Outer Banks
are a popular tourist destination due to the rich historical attractions,
the miles of pristine beaches, and the abundant natural areas that are
ripe for exploration. The string of narrow barrier islands that comprise
the Outer Banks are the perfect place for your next vacation if you want
to take in America's early history or spread out on a sandy beach while
letting any stress you brought with you melt away. Make your way to the
Outer Banks for your next vacation and experience a true coastal getaway.
The Outer Banks represent the
first area that England tried to settle in America and are the perfect
place to learn more about the history of the early settlements. The Lost
Colony of Roanoke Island was in the Outer Banks and you can enjoy daily
programs aboard the Elizabeth II, a design of a 16th century sailing
vessel, at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. In addition, there are
year-round events to enjoy, an art gallery, a boardwalk, and performances
down by the water.
Another excellent historical
attraction is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates
the location where the first successful power flight occurred. There are
museum exhibits available in addition to tours of the flight trail area
for those who are intrigued by the miracle of flight. Other great
attractions include the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which recognizes
the more than 1,000 ships that have been lost along the coast, and the
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is the tallest in the country and allows
visitors to climb its steps for an amazing view over the water.
Since the string of islands
extends for over 100 miles, there are numerous sandy beaches that are
perfect for strolling along the shores or spreading out and catching some
sun. However, some of the best beaches in the area can be found on
Ocracoke Island, which can be accessed via ferry from Hatteras Island.
Here you can pursue a variety of water activities such as swimming,
windsurfing, and boating or simply roam the shore in search of the perfect
shell or the most breathtaking view.
Another great spot for water
activities is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Stretching from Nags
Head to Ocracoke Inlet, visitors can often be found surfing in the waves
or fishing off the coast in search of trout, flounder, stripers, and
numerous other species. Fishing is available in the sand, in the sound,
and off the piers, so bring your pole and tackle box, or rent one from a
nearby store, and get ready for a relaxing day listening to the sounds of
the waves as you reel in a few beauties.
For those who want to get back
to nature and catch sight of some gorgeous flora and fauna, there are
numerous parks in the Outer Banks to accommodate your needs. The Alligator
River National Wildlife Refuge is located in a remote region and allows
for numerous outdoor pursuits, such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing,
bird watching, and hiking, on its 150,000 acres of wetland habitats. If you
are interested in seeing an even more diverse selection of birds, the Pea
Island National Wildlife Refuge features over 360 species of migratory,
wading, shore, and upland birds that can be seen from the wildlife trails.
No matter what your
interests, your Outer Banks vacation can be filled with an abundance of
outdoor activities that will allow you to explore the exquisite nature of
this amazing stretch of islands. To get the most out of your free-spirited
adventure, consider
Outer Banks vacation rentals
for your lodging needs so you can stay on the island of your choice,
surrounded by the primitive beauty of the islands. Whether you want to
stay in a secluded cottage or a waterside house, there is a rental that
will make it easy to enjoy everything you love about the Outer Banks and
allow you to experience everything you want to see.
About the Author
HomeAway.com has the
most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For
an alternative lodging option, consider
Outer Banks vacation rentals
for your next trip to the North Carolina coast.
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