Merry Winds

Four Bedroom Oceanfront House, Located in Corolla

Look at the Horses at the Ocracoke Pony Pens

Housed in a 180-acre pasture located just off Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, the 30 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. At times in history, 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!

Teach Your Kids about Pirate Blackbeard and Let Them Find "Buried Treasure"

There 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 in the Outer Banks, teach your children the history of Blackbeard and let them search for his buried treasure. Create a treasure map and bury a treasure at the end of it. Help them with the treasure hunt by playing along. This is a great way for you and your children to experience the true pirate history of the area!

Visit the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, located on Roanoke Island, was designated as a National Historic Site in 1941. Situated on more than 500 acres, this location offers a sound side beach, the Fort Raleigh Visitor Center and nature trails. The Visitor Center is home to a small museum with interpretive exhibits, and this site is a must-see for American history enthusiasts. Self-guided tours or tours led by knowledgeable National Park Service staff are available. The Site is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week (hours are extended during the summer months.) For more information, contact Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at (252) 473-5772.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Manteo

One of the oldest Outer Banks communities, Manteo is the county seat of Dare County and is home to several old office buildings that are still in use today. Manteo also has several bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, shops and attractions - all of which attract thousands of visitors to Roanoke Island each season. The downtown area is located on the waterfront, which has 53 modern dockside boat slips and a comfort station with showers and bathrooms. The downtown area has many independently owned shops and restaurants that provide for an interesting afternoon of shopping. Also in the area is the American Bicentennial Park, which has a wooden boardwalk along the waterfront, a gazebo area and picnic tables for resting and a playground for the kids. In Historic Downtown Manteo, there is something for everyone!

Enjoy a Performance of the Lost Colony

The Lost Colony performance is what many would consider the most popular summertime event on the Outer Banks. This historical story of the first English settlement in North America is the nation's longest-running outdoor drama. Based on the adventures of Sir Walter Raleigh's early explorers who settled near the theater in 1585, The Lost Colony is a musical performance that will not disappoint you. The show runs the end of May to late August, and begins every night (except Sunday) at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20-$24 for adults, $12 for children 11 and under and $19-$245 for Senior Citizens (adults 62 and over). For more information on the show or to purchase tickets, contact (252) 473-3414. Group rates are available.

Tour the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at "Duck Pier"

Situated on 173 acres just north of Duck Village, the Waterways Experiment Station of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been helping scientists study ocean processes since 1977. The site's equipment to monitor sand movement, wave forces, water currents, temperatures and sedimentation have helped the facility gain a reputation as one of the best coastal field research facilities in the world. From mid-June to mid-August, tours are available at the research facility at 10:00 a.m. between Monday and Friday. For more information, contact the Field Research Facility at (252) 261-6850, ext. 401.

Take a Scenic Flight Tour

If you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and waters will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as the Oregon Inlet, one of the four area lighthouses, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and more! For a tour of the northern Outer Banks, you may contact Kitty Hawk Aero Tours at (877) 274-2461 or Outer Banks Seaplanes at (252) 475-1007. Kitty Hawk Aero Tours depart from the Manteo Airport. Outer Banks Seaplanes take off and land on the Roanoke Sound. For a tour of Hatteras and/or Ocracoke Islands, contact Burris Flying Service at (252) 986-2679. Prices for the above services start between $30 and $75 per person, depending on the size of your group and the length of your flight. You will want to call ahead to make reservations.

Watch Birds and Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1938 as a winter preserve for snow geese. Today, the refuge is managed by the National Park Service and consists of 5,915 acres attracting almost 400 observed bird species. Naturalists, birdwatchers and fans of the sea turtle all frequent the Refuge during their trips to the Outer Banks. There is a Visitor Center on-site as well as a trail leading along the sound marshes in the area. There is no charge for this attraction, but don't forget to bring your insect repellent! For more information, contact the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at (252) 987-2394.

Taste Authentic German Food and Beer at the Weeping Radish Brewery

The Weeping Radish Brewery is a Bavarian-style restaurant and brewery in Manteo. On the grounds of the restaurant, the Weeping Radish brewmaster makes both light and dark beers. Brewery tours are available in June, July and August and free samples are given on the tour. The restaurant holds an Oktoberfest festival each year, normally the weekend after Labor Day. This restaurant is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. For more information, you can contact the restaurant at (252) 473-1157. Stop by and check it out!

Visit the Historic British Cemetery

Located in Ocracoke, the British Cemetery is a memorial cemetery for the crew of the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. On May 11, 1942, a German submarine torpedoed and sank this 170-foot British ship that had four officers and 33 enlisted soldiers on board. All men on board the ship drowned, and a few days later four of the bodies were found on shore by local U.S. Coast Guard officers. Ocracoke residents gave Britain a 12 by 14 foot section of land next to the Island's cemetery and buried the soldiers there. Today, the cemetery is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard of Ocracoke Island and a ceremony is performed at the Cemetery each year on the anniversary of the deaths of the British sailors.

 

Corolla Restaurants

Corolla Bagels
1109 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Pizza & Deli
1152 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Big Mama's Breakfast, Seafood, Ice Cream & Yogurt
1152 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Cosmo's Pizzeria
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Wild Horse Cafe
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Nicolettas Italian Cafe
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Fat Crabs Rib Co.
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Ned's Ice Cream & Convenience
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Outer Banks Cheese-Steaks
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Clubhouse Cafe
1197 Franklyn Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Northern Lights Pastry & Coffee
109 Austin Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Lighthouse Bagels
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Shopping

Beach Bag Books & Music
1109 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Wink's Grocery & Market
1150 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Back Country Outfitters & Guides
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Ocean Threads Beachwear
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Mustang Sally's
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Extreme T's
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Island Revolution Surf Co. & Skatepark
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Tailgaters Sportswear & Essentials
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

The Village Fisherman Unique Gifts
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

The General Store
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Lighthouse Garden
1129 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Old Corolla Trading Co.
1129 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Attractions

The Corolla Wild Horse Museum at The Historic Corolla Schoolhouse
1126 Schoolhouse Lane
Corolla, NC 27927

Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Gift Shop
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927

The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park
1100 Club Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Activities

Corolla Outback Adventures, Ltd.
1150 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Back Country Outfitters & Guides
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Beach Jeeps of Corolla
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Island Revolution Surf Co. & Skatepark
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Wild Horse Safari
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Kayak Corolla
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Jeep Rentals & Tours
1070 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Bob's Wild Horse Tours
1066 Ocean Trail
Inn at Corolla Light
Corolla, NC 27927

Kitty Hawk Kites
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

Carolina Outdoors
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

R/C Theatres of the Outer Banks
815 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo
794 Sunset Boulevard
Tim Buck II Shopping Center
Corolla, NC 27927