Welcome to Ocracoke Island!
One of the barrier islands of the southernmost Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island promises guests true tranquility and isolation from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Ocracoke Island can only be reached by private plane, private boat or one of three ferries. Other than the village of Ocracoke and a few other areas such as the campground, a pony pen and a small runway, the entire island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. You’ll find that navigating the island proves easy; one two-lane road runs all the way from the village at the southern end to the ferry dock at the northern tip of the island. The wealth of indigenous wildlife and maritime forest as well as history makes Ocracoke such a treasure among beaches.
Is it any wonder that many of our visitors dream of owning a vacation home here? Miles of private, uncrowded beaches and unspoiled dunes and landscape surround a quaint village. Visitors flock to the Ocracoke to enjoy world-class sportfishing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing. This area of the Outer Banks is also one of the top three destinations in the world for shipwreck scuba diving.
I just found your blog through an OBX search. I think it is wonderful! I visited the OBX in January of this year after nearly 40 years to Kitty Hawk. I traveled over from Wilkesboro, NC. I traveled with my 2 dogs, a chow/rotti and a chow/lab. I stayed at the Travelodge in Nags Head as they are pet-friendly. On my second day, I drove out to Cape Hatteras Light Station and noticed the ferry signs. The dogs and I made the 40 minute ferry ride to Ocracoke. It was evening when we arrived. Your island is very beautiful, although I could not see much due to the darkness. Many places seemed closed. I found a very equipped general store to obtain supper and parked near the visitor’s center to eat. After some time, I made the return trip to the ferry dock. It did seem a lonely road with only one or two other vehicles. I was impressed that the ferry ran on the hour. Only one car was at the dock waiting. I thought I must have missed it, then the ferry pulled up. I wanted to pull in behind the other car, but was told no to balance. The ferry ride back was so quiet, it was hard to notice we were even moving. I plan to return this month to see your island in the daytime. My pets and I certainly had a most interesting visit!!
Valerie Hynson
Thanks Valerie for your kind comments!
I really like your recipes I hope that more are added soon. I visited the island many years ago and spent two nights in the Castle when it was privately owned by Berkley Machine works. I had a wonderful time and caught a 56 lb Cobia during my trip. I hope to visit again this summer or during the fall.