Go Jogging on the BeachWhy not take advantage of the sandy Atlantic beaches and go jogging on the beach? They say you get twice the benefit from jogging on sand versus other jogging surfaces, so give it a try! Jogging on the beach is a great way to get that workout in while you enjoy the beaches of the Outer Banks. 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. 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 Surf Fishing on the BeachVisitors and locals to the Outer Banks share the popular sport of surf fishing. You will need to purchase a fishing license to go saltwater fishing in North Carolina. In addition, some species are regulated for size and limit. For more information about licenses and tag and release programs, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 473-5734. Fish species that are common are dogfish, bluefish, pompano, striped bass, spanish mackerel, croaker, flounder, spot, trout and drum. Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation SocietyOnce 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. Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront DinnerOcracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor. Get an Island MassageWhether your trip to Ocracoke includes non stop activity or complete relaxation, why not include the ultimate island indulgence. Ocracoke has several wonderful massage therapists and each offers a unique touch and a variety of treatments and massages. 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. Historic Marker of Fort OcracokeThis marker is a little hard to find, but it's worth seeking out. It's on a grassy patch behind the National Park Service Visitor Center and next to the boat ramp. Park the car and walk out to the sound and you'll see it. The marker commemorates Fort Ocracoke, the remnants of which lie submerged in Ocracoke Inlet toward Portsmouth Island. The fort was constructed by volunteers beginning in May 1861, on the day North Carolina seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy. One side of the marker lists all the men from Ocracoke and Portsmouth islands who were killed in the Civil War. It is located at Irvin Garrish Highway, behind the National Park Service Visitor Center. Visit a Local BookstoreOcracoke is a fabulous place to just kick back and read a good book. Whether you are relaxing in a comfy chair on a deck or porch, sitting on the beach, or lying in a hammock, the peace and quiet of the island just begs you to slip away into the pages of an interesting read. Children will enjoy the variety of books available at local shops. | Ocracoke RestaurantsHoward's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pony Island Restaurant 51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunset Sweets 272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingPirate's Chest Gift Shop11 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Craftsmen 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Village Diva 37 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Ocracoke Millwork Shop 74 Cedar Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Bella Fiore Pottery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Albert Styron Store 300 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Restoration 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Ragpicker 515 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsAnchorage Inn & Marina205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant 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 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesOcracoke Ghost & History Walk170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road 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 |