Castle Villa II - WP21

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Check Out the Community Bulletin Boards

Looking 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!

View the Sunrise Over the Atlantic Ocean

How many days of the year do you go to the beach before the sun comes up? While you are on Ocracoke, plan to get up early one day and head to the beach. Grab your beach chair, your coffee and your camera, set your alarm (it's only one day, you can do it!). Enjoy a beautiful sunrise on Ocracoke!

Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of Ocracoke is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is still home to a live sea creature, set it back in the sand and keep searching.

Go Scuba Diving To View Underwater Shipwrecks and Sea Life

The Outer Banks is otherwise known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the more than 100 shipwrecks that have remains on the ocean floor between Corolla and Ocracoke. Wreckage from these ships is located at various depths in the ocean, and a great way to see them is by going scuba diving.

Take a Guided Ghost and Historic Walking Tour

Delight in Ocracoke folklore and local legend, as you are led through the winding roads past reportedly haunted houses and into the graveyards of Ocracoke's founding families. Shipwrecks, hurricanes, the Civil and World Wars have all left their share of ghosts on Ocracoke Island.

Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the Beach

Go to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find!

Go Waterfowl Hunting

In 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.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society

Once the private residence of Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location near Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings and memorabilia reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, visitors and friends. Photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through late Fall. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375. Special events include Porch Talks during summer and the Tree Lighting and Wassail Party in December.

Discover the Sound Via Robbie's Way

A sandy footpath leading to Pamlico Sound can be found along the western end of Silver Lake Road. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to use Robbie's Way to go clamming, watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet moment on the sound. Please walk or bike since no parking is available.

Browse the Local Gift Shops and Boutiques

Whether your shopping interests are boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, local souvenir shops or seafood markets, you will find a variety of interesting stores on Ocracoke, and since the village is so small, you can walk or bike between most stores.