Welcome to Ocracoke Island
Resting at the most southern tip of the Outer Banks Islands sits a small island called Ocracoke Island. This elbow shaped area of islands sits rolling beaches and weeks full of adventure. Ocracoke is a 16-mile long barrier island that is part of the Outer Banks, a breathtaking series of barrier islands off the east coast of North Carolina. Today Ocracoke Island is a haven for water adventurers who have a bit of the pirate’s twinkle in their eyes, being a peaceful, safe, relaxing spot to soak in raw Mother Nature. Ocracoke island, though relatively small, initially looks expansive due to its miles and miles of pristine beaches. All of the beaches and the land of Ocracoke are owned by the National Park Service.
Getting To Ocracoke
There are only a few ways to get to this remote island. One of the easiest ways to get to Ocracoke is to drive. If you drive it’s key to understand you’ll have to take a drive on ferry to get to Ocracoke Island after driving on the barrier islands. The Hatteras Ferry to Ocracoke is free and has three ferries that run on a continuous loop. They tend to run every 30 minutes from 5am to midnight. As you ride you’ll get to see some great views of the islands from the water, you can often see fish jumping, a variety of waterfowl, and some pretty beautiful skies throughout the day. The ferry ride is always an adventure that Mary Kate and Mikey have always cherished, as that is where he proposed to her last October on their way to Ocracoke.
The Berkley Manor
The Berkley Manor is one of the crown jewels of Ocracoke, NC. Constructed in 1951 it has a feel and style reminiscent of days gone by and Mary Kate and Mikey fell in love with the location as soon as they saw it. The Berkley is located on two-and-a-half acres across from Silver Lake, this charming estate offers privacy and seclusion from Ocracoke village. As the only dedicated Ocracoke wedding venue, the Berkley Barn is our ideal place to hold our wedding!
What a Name…
Ocracoke’s name is actually derived from a mispronunciation. It’s thought a small tribe of Native Americans known as the Woccocock were its first residents. Most believe the long line of early explorers, adventurers, would-be settlers, and colonists all shared a mispronunciation of “Woccocock” that became today’s “Ocracoke.”
The island began to really take shape in the 18th century as a fishing village, surrounded by rich farming lands. Eventually, it gained notoriety as the favorite haunt of a man named Edward Teach—otherwise known as Blackbeard the Pirate. It was just off Ocracoke that he met his end at the hands of British Captain Robert Maynard. Fall events on the island still honor that history.