What To Do & See On Our Little Island
Tours & Exhibits
170 Howard Street, Village Craftsmen, Ocracoke (252) 928-5541 Family operated by native islanders descended from pirates, these 90-minute, 1.5-mile walking tours are sure to entertain and educate. The tours explore either the Around Creek or Down Point areas of the island and cost $15 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Tours leave from the Village Craftsmen at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday nights, and space is limited. Reservations are strongly recommended. Group and special tours may be arranged. Call the Village Craftsmen for more information and off-season schedules.
38 Irvin Garrish Highway The majority of land on Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is publicly owned and administered by the National Park Service. The NPS Visitor Center, located at the southernmost end of N.C. Highway 12 near the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry docks, is a clearinghouse for all types of island and national seashore information. You’ll find an information desk, helpful staff, a bookshop, free maps, informational brochures and exhibits about the island and public restrooms. From Memorial Day through Labor Day three or four ranger-led programs are offered daily. The visitor center is open year-round. (252) 928-4531
Springer’s Point covers about 90 acres of maritime forest bordering Pamlico Sound near South Point. In 2002 after 10 years of research and negotiation, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust purchased a 31-acre tract of this land and established a nature preserve. A high point of land overlooking the inlet, Springer’s is believed to be the site of the earliest settlements on the island. Supposedly Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, met up with some fellow pirates here shortly before his 1718 death for several days of rum drinking, a pig roast, bonfires and music. He was discovered at his hangout in November and beheaded in a bloody battle. The deep hole just off the point is a popular fishing spot and still called “Teach’s Hole.”
Today the preserve is available for more serene pleasures. A half-mile stroll along the groomed trail takes you among the gnarled and ancient live oaks and maritime evergreen forest to the water’s edge, where a rookery of heron, egret and ibises can be spotted to the east. Along the trail visitors will see an old well, all which is left of a former home site. Also, take time to notice the amazing fences made of natural wood and vines. The inimitable Sam Jones, who once owned the property, is buried here, next to his horse. Parking is not available; you must walk or bike to access the property. Donations supporting maritime forest restoration can be made at www.coastallandtrust.org.
360 Lighthouse Road, Ocracoke (252) 473-2111 Ocracoke Lighthouse may be the shortest of the four Outer Banks lighthouses but that only makes it all the more charming. Rising only about 70 feet into the sky, the whitewashed tower sits on a lawn of flawless green surrounded by a white picket fence, outbuildings and a quaint keeper’s cottage, creating a picturesque scene of old island life. Built in 1823, this is the second-oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. It is still in operation, and its beam can be seen 14 miles out to sea. During the Fourth of July celebrations and other indicated times, historians are on hand to answer questions and offer a peek into the interior of the lighthouse, though climbing is not permitted.
38 Irvin Garrish Highway, behind the NPS Visitor CenterThis 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 on May 20, 1861; 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 served in the Civil War.
220 British Cemetery Road On May 11, 1942, about 40 miles south of Ocracoke, a German submarine torpedoed and sank the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. The 170-foot ship was one of 24 antisubmarine ships loaned to the United States by Winston Churchill. The entire crew of four officers and 33 crewmen drowned. U.S. Coast Guard officers found four of the bodies washed ashore three days later. The soldiers were buried on a plot of land next to a family’s cemetery on land donated to Britain. The Coast Guard still maintains the grave sites and flies a British flag over the graves. Every year on the Friday closest to the May 11th anniversary of the sailors’ deaths, there is a formal military ceremony with invited guest speakers to honor the British sailors. The adjacent village cemetery also provides an interesting look back into Ocracoke Island’s past.
Irvin Garrish Highway When driving to the village from the lifeguard beach, look for a large black granite marker on the right side of N.C. Highway 12 just before you reach the village boundary. Behind the marker, up past the dunes is an area of the island called Loop Shack Hill, the site of a little known WWII U.S. Navy project called the Beach Jumpers. This marker was installed in the fall of 2009 at a reunion of the U.S. Navy Beach Jumper Association held at Ocracoke to commemorate the island’s participation in this top secret operation. The story of the Beach Jumpers has only come to light in recent years. In 1943, during WWII before the Naval Station was built on the island, Ocracoke hosted an advanced amphibious training base where tactical cover and deception units, precursors to the celebrated Navy Seals, were organized and trained for the U.S. Navy. This undercover military project was known as the Beach Jumpers and existed not only on Ocracoke but also in other prime locations along the East Coast. In addition to training, these tactical cover and deception units monitored hidden German submarine activity off the eastern coast of the United States during the war. As part of the project a facility was established at Loop Shack Hill to receive pulses from a magnetic cable that ran from Ocracoke to Buxton that indicated when underwater vessels, possibly German submarines, were in the area. The Ocracoke Preservation Museum has an exhibit with photos that tells the complete story of this remarkable project. Go check out this wonderful display and learn about the major role that well-known actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr. played in the development of the Beach Jumpers as well as other astounding facts that surround this operation.
294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Docks, Ocracoke Ocracoke is one of the few remaining working maritime communities. Round out your Ocracoke cultural education and learn about the life and history of the local Ocracoke watermen at this exhibit. Located at the former Will Willis Store & Fish House, ca. 1930, on the Community Square docks, the exhibit explores the traditions and daily lives of island watermen, past and present. The mission of the exhibit is to educate people about the important link between community, environment, traditional work methods and the local economy – and of course the benefit of buying fresh, local seafood! The exhibit is open usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the summer. While you’re there, sit on the porch and enjoy the scenic view of the Ocracoke Lighthouse across Silver Lake Harbor.
82 School Road Molasses Creek’s Deepwater Theater and Music Hall is the home venue of Molasses Creek, Ocracoke Island’s hometown band that’s built an international following with its blend of soulful singing and songwriting, blazing instrumentals and occasionally wacky sense of humor. From June through September, Molasses Creek plays here on Thursday evenings. There’s also a weekly show on Wednesday night, Ocrafolk Opry, featuring a variety of island musicians and storytellers. Detailed schedules and information about other special events are posted online, at the entrance to the theater and around the village. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and shows begin at 8. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $7 for children. (252) 928-3411
49 Water Plant Road For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a pleasant gift shop. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks that feature a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge of Ocracoke Island stories and history. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. (252) 928-7375
Ocracoke’s beach has attracted increasing national attention as it worked its way up Dr. Beach’s acclaimed list of Best Beaches. In 2007, Ocracoke became America’s #1 Beach! The wide, sandy beach is clean, and there are plenty of spots where, with a little effort, you can enjoy it undisturbed by others. The ocean reaches high temperatures of 85 F in the summer and can adopt the clear aquamarine hues of tropical waters when the conditions are right. Board sports, surf fishing, swimming, shelling, reading and napping are all popular beach pastimes. The 16 miles of oceanfront beach are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and are free of development. Pets are welcome, but must be on a 6′ leash at all times. Confirm seasonal routes, beach closures, and ramp openings with the National Park Service. All vehicles on the beach must apply for an off-road vehicle (ORV) beach driving permit. The 2015 annual permit, which costs $120 per vehicle, will be valid from the date of purchase through December 31, 2014. Weeklong permits, valid for 7 consecutive days, cost $50. Those who purchase a permit will be required to watch a 7-minute educational video at one of the park’s visitor centers. The ORV permit offices are open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round except Christmas Day.
Permits can be obtained at the NPS visitor center (40 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC). There are restrooms, changing rooms and a shower facility located at the day use area on Highway 12 just outside the village. There are plenty of good spots for those looking for more solitude along the entire beach up to the Hatteras Ferry. Look for the paved parking areas, not the sandy shoulder along the highway, for parking your vehicle. Several threatened and endangered species, such as the piping plover and several species of sea turtles, nest on the island’s beaches, and sections may be closed to the public in order to protect these nests. You will see NPS signs posting hours of access and closures at entry ramps where there are endangered species breeding and nesting. Be sure to pay close attention to the park regulations. Violations for intrusions into protected areas and for pets off leash are strictly enforced by park rangers. Check with the National Park Service Visitor Center on Ocracoke for the most updated information.
The Ocracoke Wild Banker Ponies can be seen from a Highway 12 roadside pasture area about 5 miles north of the village. The 100+ acre site includes a sturdy boardwalk through a section of scenic maritime forest that leads to a viewing platform with a spectacular view of pastures and sound.
7669 Irvin Garrish Highway There are many theories about how ponies found their way to Ocracoke Island. Some say they arrived on English ships during 16th-century exploration, others say they were victims of Spanish shipwrecks and some say they were simply livestock for the locals. However they got here, the ponies roamed the island freely for at least two centuries and were very much a part of the island lifestyle in days gone by. The local Boy Scouts even rode them, making them the only mounted troop in the country. When N.C. Highway 12 was paved in 1957, cars and ponies began to collide. The National Park Service wanted to get rid of the entire herd, but the islanders protested and the Park Service agreed to contain some of the ponies on the island. In 1959, they developed the Ocracoke Pony Pens, a 180-acre pasture area that today houses about 24 ponies. Several ponies are rotated up to the front pasture so that visitors can always get a look at these unusual equines. The Ocracoke ponies have distinctive physical characteristics: five lumbar vertebrae instead of the six found in most horses, 17 ribs instead of 18 and a unique shape, posture, color, size and weight. The pens are located on N.C. 12 about 7 miles north of the village. It’s free to visit, but donations are welcomed to help pay for the food and veterinary care of the ponies. Remember: The ponies are not tame, and they may try to kick or bite you if you try to feed or touch them. Also, remember that people food can be very dangerous for horses, so don’t take the chance of making one of these wonderful creatures ill by offering chips or the rest of your sandwich.
Fishing & Boating
486 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-6311 Ride the Wind is one of the most popular places on Ocracoke to get you in touch with the beauty and fun that surrounds you on this magic little island. They provide a myriad of classes and adventures: guided kayak ecotours and rentals, surf camps, surf lessons and SUP Yoga. The guided sunrise, midday, sunset and full moon kayak ecotours accommodate up to 10 people and provide all necessary equipment and training. You should bring water shoes, water, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera. These tours are very popular, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. You can also rent kayaks here for your own adventure. Ride the Wind introduces surfing and ocean safety through their group and private lesson programs. From June to early August, these group lessons are held Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and are designed for all ages. They will also arrange special camps for your group. All instructors are trained in ocean safety, first aid and CPR, and they use softboards to minimize the chance of injury. Ride the Wind also offers personal private lessons to get you started on your surfing journey. Lessons are scheduled individually or for your group in one-hour blocks. Their instructors are experienced surfers who live to spread the gospel of surfing. In SUP yoga you can flow through yoga poses as you enjoy the warmth of the sun, the smell of the salt air and your fingertips grazing the water as you float on your board. SUP Yoga challenges your balance and increases core stability. Classes are offered weekly. No experience is needed, but advance reservations are required. https://surfocracoke.com/
205 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-1101 Anchorage Marina is located in Silver Lake Harbor across the street from The Anchorage Inn. The marina offers transient dockage, a boat ramp, fuel, ice, bait and a small ships store. Gas and diesel fuel are available for vehicles as well as boats. Charter fishing trips for the Gulf Stream and inshore are available here. The onsite dockside cafe, SmacNally’s, is a popular hangout with fishermen, charter fishing customers and anyone who likes a cold drink in an open-air waterside bar. SmacNally’s is open in season only. Nearby, you can rent bikes, golf carts and small boats. The marina is open mid-March through mid-November.
oin Capt. Ryan O’Neal aboard his Tarheel 252-928-4841 or 252-928-8064. Also available for flounder giggin’, light tackle fishing and night trips in the Pamlico Sound.
Sign up for an excursion with Marcus Lawson to explore the surrounding waters in a 24-foot Carolina skiff, complete with all the equipment you need to gather clams and gig flounder. (252) 921-0279
205 Irvin Garrish Highway, Anchorage Inn Marina, Ocracoke (252) 928-1421/ (252) 921-0011 Going fishin’ is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon on Ocracoke’s pleasant soundside waters, and you can explore the waters between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island on your own. You are the captain when you rent one of the Restless Native center console 18′ to 24′ boats. The Pamlico Sound offers beautiful sightseeing, fishing and clamming. Enjoy a day over at Portsmouth Island, fish in Teach’s Hole, discover a secluded sandbar or anchor up by historic Springer’s Point. All safety equipment is included, and a thorough lesson is given on where to go and how to operate the boats. Half-day, daily, three-day and weekly rentals are available.
395 Irvin Garrish Highway, Jolly Roger Marina, Ocracoke (252) 928-2606 Parasailing combines stunning views with the thrill of flying high above Pamlico Sound. Fly solo or with a friend – they can take up to six people. This locally owned, USCG–licensed operation runs trips throughout the day. No experience is required, and you can make reservations at the kiosk at Jolly Roger Marina.
(252) 928-2606- Come FLY with us, single or double. 928-2606. Ocracokeparasail.com.
294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Docks, Ocracoke (252) 928-7245 Capt. Rob Temple will take you for sunset cruises, 1.5-hour sails, private charters and weddings at sea on the 32’ schooner Windfall II (for up to six passengers). You can sign up for any of these excursions by phoning for a reservation or stopping by the Community Square docks.
1/2 & 1 hour rentals, 928-2600 or 921-0314
Jolly Roger Marina. Captain John Ferrara specializes in light tackle fishing trips for families with children and novice or experienced adults. Groups can spend two, four, six or eight hours on the calm waters of the Pamlico Sound catching summer flounder, red drum, grey trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Spring and Fall inlet fishing for red drum is also available. NC saltwater fishing license, bait, tackle, ice and fish cleaning are included on all trips. (252) 921-0224
Located at the end of the large public parking lot, just past the Museum.
Restaurants/Bars
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-4441 Fun, funky and casual, Howard’s serves lunch and dinner every day from early spring until late fall. Fresh, local seafood from the Pamlico Sound is the highlight, but there are also steaks, ribs, burgers, salads, sandwiches and soups worth ferrying in for (and many do). Sit indoors in the air-conditioned dining room, at the long wooden bar, out on the expansive screened porch with circling ceiling fans or on the rooftop deck. The bar features more than 100 bottled beers from around the world plus 24 craft beers on tap, wine and signature cocktails. Kids have their own menu with the meals served on a Frisbee, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of this popular spot. Multiple televisions, the beloved ring hook game, Foosball and wall-to-wall memorabilia make Howard’s Pub a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages.
621 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-0200 Ocracoke Oyster Company, now in a new location for 2020, appeals to locals and visitors, featuring local seafood with a large variety of oysters on the half shell. Serving fig wood-smoked barbecue, ribs, brisket and chicken, they also offer vegetarian options and a kids’ menu. They have a large selection of craft beers. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Look for a live music schedule this summer.
1110 Irvin Garrish Highway. (252) 928-3434 Jason’s Restaurant has a lot of loyal local customers because it serves tasty, traditional and reasonably priced food in a casual atmosphere. Pizza, pasta, subs, sandwiches, salads, steaks, chicken and, of course, fresh seafood are served for lunch and dinner. See their beer and wine menu for drink choices. Don’t miss the mouthwatering homemade desserts for the finishing touch for your meal.
corner of Lawton Lane and Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-0234 Eduardo’s offers authentic, regional Mexican cuisine prepared by Eduardo Chavez Perez. In a new location near Spencer’s Market, this food-truck establishment serves traditional Mexican fare from family recipes and his own creations intertwined with fresh locally sourced seafood and organic ingredients when possible. Eduardo is known for his generous portions and delicious items, often custom made to meet the dietary requirements of the customer. Eduardo’s is open all year, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering is available.
410 Irvin Garrish Highway. The Jolly Roger Pub and Marina is an open-air restaurant perched right over the harbor. Casual lunches and dinners are served daily, with seafood, sandwiches, humongous burgers, Mexican dishes as well as tasty appetizers. Around sunset, it’s the locals’ favorite spot to sit with a cold drink and listen to live music. They’re open seasonally, mid-April to mid-October. (252) 928-3703
305 Irvin Garrish Highway. Dajio is nestled down in Ocracoke’s waterfront village. Husband and wife team, Doug and Judy Eifert, prepare sweet, succulent plates of locally caught fish, shrimp and oysters. They bring to the table a fusion of delicious, innovative and satisfying dishes from the surrounding sea, farms, breweries and vineyards. Chef Doug fires up the wood-burning brick oven to make homemade breads, artisan pizzas and roast organic whole chickens. They are open seasonally from March to November serving breakfast, lunch, shrimp hour and dinner. Enjoy the air conditioning interior or alfresco dining on the jasmine-filled patio and lively music at the Dajio bar many summer nights. The menu includes extensive gluten free and vegetarian options. Bring in your catch and they will cook it for you. (252) 928-7119
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-2337 A craft brewery and tasting room on N.C. Highway 12 at the edge of the village. Come enjoy a rotating selection of beers brewed on-site, ranging from Kolsch to IPA to coffee stout utilizing local ingredients like fig, honey, prickly pear and coffee in many brews.
51 Ocean View Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-5701 The Pony, as the locals call this restaurant, was opened in 1959 as the Ocracoke Restaurant and is the island’s oldest eating establishment. It is casual, family-friendly and serves breakfast daily. Enjoy your meal in the original dining room surrounded by vintage period pictures or on the back patio nestled under beautiful crape myrtles. The big Southern breakfast also includes local seafood and healthy choice options to start your day off right. For those on the go, the Pony Express pick-up window is open.
72 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Shops, Ocracoke (252) 475-4462Confections and refreshments abound at The Fudge & Ice Cream Shop. Stop by for homemade fudge made right in the shop and be sure to try their famous Nor’easter and Espresso milkshakes (Nor’easters are like Blizzards with candy mixed in). They serve chocolate and vanilla soft-serve and many flavors of hand-dipped ice cream by the scoop, which you can get in sundaes, splits, floats and milkshakes. The waffle cones and brownies for the sundaes are made in house. They also have smoothies. Sit down outside and enjoy their great view of Silver Lake and the lighthouse. You’ll find it in Community Square next to Kitty Hawk Kites. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all summer.
181 Back Rd on Ocracoke Island. (252) 928-2533 With 50 years of experience as a chef in New Orleans and Ocracoke, Michael Schramel brings great talent to The Flying Melon. The very popular cafe serves dinner in an attractive, casual dining room. The cooks draw inspiration from traditional French, Southern and Creole cooking. A variety of local seafood shares menu space with fresh and flavorful pasta, steak, lamb and chicken. Specials – such as Parmesan-encrusted flounder and pecan-encrusted drum with lemon beurre blanc – change nightly. Save room for one of their delicious homemade desserts. A full bar, including beer, wine and mixed drinks, is available. Flying Melon has a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a certified sommelier.
589 Irvin Garrish Highway, Spencer’s Market. Thai Moon adds a refreshing taste to the island dining scene. Start with lemongrass or coconut soup with chicken or shrimp, spring rolls, fried egg rolls or satay skewers. There are many vegetarian entrees, curries including mussman, yellow, red and green as well as drum fish, ginger fish and crab and shrimp entrees all prepared with fresh local seafood. Sample Pad Thai, noodles, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef and bean curd prepared with lemongrass, cilantro, chilies, lime juice and other spices when you’ve had enough fried fish. Check out the sushi, which is made fresh every day and ready to go. For those who like to cook, they now have a sampling of many Thai ingredients in their small grocery. It’s open for lunch and dinner. This is a cash-only and take-out restaurant. (252) 928-5100
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-7586 As the restaurant inside 1718 Brewery, Plum Pointe Kitchen’s menu items are particularly suited to enjoying with the house-brewed beers or selections from the wine list. The menu changes frequently, but always features small plates, a cheese plate, sliders, salads, grilled wings and dinner plates. Local seafood is always on the menu and specials board. It’s open for lunch and dinner.
659 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-7777 Sorella’s specializes in authentic Italian dishes, salads, pastas and, of course, pizza. The pasta dishes are sublime, and the pizzas are gourmet quality. Patrons have the option of full-service, sit-down dining in the small dining room, where a bar and Tuscan colors make for a relaxing setting. You can also order take out and pick up your order from a special to-go window. Or, free delivery is available throughout the village. The menu options here are the perfect way to feed family and friends at the end of a busy day at the beach.
538 Back Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-9036 Think Zillie’s on the Back Road when looking for the island’s best selection of beer and wine. Surf the web while sipping on your favorite beverage on their wine-and-WiFi deck. Beer lovers can mix and match six packs from more than 300 craft and international selections. There’s also an ever-changing selection of eight eclectic beers on tap and fine wine served by the bottle or glass. They offer wine and beer flights as well as growler fills. Cigars and other gift items can be found here too. This cozy shop is loaded with gourmet goodies: cheeses, smoked salmon, sausages, pates, tapenades, olives, marinades, dips and organic chocolates. They are open all year, and in the cooler months Zillie’s is a popular place to gather around the fire pits on the deck. The friendly and informed staff will happily put together a gift basket; be on the lookout for their twice-weekly wine tastings (in-season) and special holiday events.
180 Irvin Garrish Highway. SmacNally’s is an entirely outdoor establishment smack on the harbor docks. Fresh seafood, cold beer and breathtaking sunsets make it a happening spot to hang out. Excitement reaches a peak around 4 p.m. when the charter boats pull up and unload their catch. Gather around the bar for some outstanding steamed shrimp. You can also order Black Angus burgers and sandwiches off the grill. It’s open daily in the warm season for lunch and dinner. (252) 928-9999
226 Back Road. People from all over the island find their way to Ocracoke Coffee Company at all hours of the day, lured by fresh-roasted coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies, bagels and baked goods. It’s known as “THE coffee shop” to the locals, and once you are there, you’ll find it’s hard to leave. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and hang out for a while on the front porch or in one of the comfortable chairs in the yard under the trees. Don’t forget your OCC coffee, mugs and T-shirts to show off once you are home again. (252) 928-7473
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-3481 The Fig Tree Bakery and Deli serves breakfast and lunch menu items that offer choices for every craving. Breakfast combinations are available on biscuits, bagels and English muffins. Deli sandwiches and wraps are made to order, as are salads with fresh ingredients. Enjoy breakfast or lunch under the umbrellas on the outdoor seating area or grab and go on the way to the beach or ferry. You’ll find it hard to resist the offerings of the Sweet Tooth, with a variety of desserts, pastries, ice cream and homemade fig cake, an Ocracoke tradition
747 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-3651 At the Lunchbox you can pick up a quick meal for the beach or take-out for the ferry ride. Or get good food—fast—and spend your time lounging at a shady picnic table or on their lawn. The outdoor space on the Pony Island Motel lawn accommodates Frisbees, pets and energetic kids. They offer a variety of sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian selections. Top off your meal with some of their delicious baked goods, smoothies, ice cream, drinks and sweets. (252) 928-3651
Shopping
170 Howard Street, Ocracoke (252) 928-5541 Walking to Village Craftsmen is almost as much fun as visiting the store. It’s at the end of live-oak covered, historic Howard Street, about a block from the harbor. This gallery, run by island natives since 1970, features exquisite traditional and contemporary American-made crafts. You’ll find pottery, blown glass, stained glass, wooden kitchen items, musical instruments, jewelry in a variety of price ranges, hand-carved birds, CDs featuring local musicians, books and much more. While you are there, you can also sign up for one of their Ocracoke Ghost and History Walks.
486 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-6311 Ride the Wind is one of the most popular places on Ocracoke to get you in touch with the beauty and fun that surrounds you on this magic little island. They provide a myriad of classes and adventures: guided kayak ecotours and rentals, surf camps, surf lessons and SUP Yoga. The guided sunrise, midday, sunset and full moon kayak ecotours accommodate up to 10 people and provide all necessary equipment and training. You should bring water shoes, water, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera. These tours are very popular, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. You can also rent kayaks here for your own adventure. Ride the Wind introduces surfing and ocean safety through their group and private lesson programs. From June to early August, these group lessons are held Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and are designed for all ages. They will also arrange special camps for your group. All instructors are trained in ocean safety, first aid and CPR, and they use softboards to minimize the chance of injury. Ride the Wind also offers personal private lessons to get you started on your surfing journey. Lessons are scheduled individually or for your group in one-hour blocks. Their instructors are experienced surfers who live to spread the gospel of surfing. In SUP yoga you can flow through yoga poses as you enjoy the warmth of the sun, the smell of the salt air and your fingertips grazing the water as you float on your board. SUP Yoga challenges your balance and increases core stability. Classes are offered weekly. No experience is needed, but advance reservations are required. https://surfocracoke.com/
990 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 650-4202 Jerniman’s is a collective campground, restaurant, gas station and golf cart rental business. The campground is the closest accommodation to the ocean on Ocracoke Island, less than a half-mile shy of the first beach access road. It offers 29 sites, 24 of which can accommodate RVs and campers. Tent camping is allowed, and all sites have adequate space for parking. The sites offer electrical and water hookups, and some have septic as well. A communal deck, bathhouse and dumping station are also on site. Adding to the convenience factor is a grocery store and hardware store right next to the campground. Reservations can be made online, and be sure to check their website for their list of fun events happening all year round. Jerniman’s on-site restaurant and bar (opening April 2020) serves Southern-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and fresh-made biscuits in the morning, then come back for Southern specialties like fried chicken and barbecue, plus burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and chef’s specials, six days a week. The bar serves mixed drinks, beer and wine.
340 Back Road, Ocracoke (252) 573-9195 This local studio features original pastel artwork and prints. The resident artist teaches a two- to three-hour pastel class with all materials provided. Call for reservations or more information.
34 School Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-8026 These two shops share space in a historic home on School House Road. Deepwater Pottery sells incredible ceramic pieces, but it’s also a gift shop with candles, soaps and body products, home and garden accessories and whimsical items you won’t see anywhere else. Books to Be Red is small as bookstores go, but the well-chosen selection of titles makes it a literary powerhouse. Local interest, fiction, poetry, cards and journals are sold here. There is a special collection of books and educational toys just for children. Plan to linger.
326 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-9991 The eclectic selection at Captain’s Cargo includes coastal arts and crafts along with an array of fun and functional items that make for a great remembrance of an island vacation.
260 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-4400 Down Creek Gallery is in the heart of the village on the waterfront and represents more than 100 Outer Banks and North Carolina artists. This venue has a wide variety of fine art and photography, jewelry, pottery, unique glass works, metal, wood, mixed media and much more. Call the gallery throughout the year for more information about hours and exhibits.
340 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-3269 This rustic shop is filled to the brim with decoys and sportsman’s paraphernalia. The resident carver has been nationally recognized for his work and is a native who can tell you a salty tale or two. There are old and new decoys, lures, oars and other crafts and scrimshaw that are perfect for bringing a nostalgic seaside feeling to any home.
229 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-3111 An Ocracoke mainstay since 1965, this gift shop across from the Harborside Motel offers resort clothing, brand-name women’s wear, Sea Dog t-shirts, fine arts and gift items as well as beer and wine.
515 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-7571 Island Ragpicker is an Ocracoke shopping tradition selling unique home accessories, art and fine crafts, bath and body products, enlightening books, a wide selection of greeting cards, local music on CD and other goods for soulful living. It carries pottery, chimes and toys and a nice selection of items made in America. There are lots of t-shirts for men, women and children as well as some stylish beach fashions for women.
Community Square, 270 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-4563, Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With more than 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as flags, toys, boomerangs and games. You’ll find a wide selection of beach sportswear and footwear from Crocs, Olukai, Chaco, Hey Dude, Southern Fried and Life is Good apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, outdoor clothing, sunglasses and more. Kitty Hawk Kites also offers a number of adventure activities including hang gliding, kayak and SUP tours, lessons and rentals, dolphin tours, tours to and of various Outer Banks locations, parasailing, Jet Skis, fishing tournaments and more. At Kitty Hawk Kites’ Waves Village Watersports Resort in Rodanthe, you can learn kiteboarding; buy and rent kiteboarding gear; rent a kayak, surfboard or standup paddleboard or climb the adventure tower/ropes course. Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School at Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head offers private lessons, beginner lessons, advanced lessons and training packages for hang gliding, as well as retail merchandise and sand boards available for rent.
1053 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-6261 Beach Outfitters is part of Ocracoke Island Realty. They rent bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and other convenience items too cumbersome to pack, such as baby highchairs, portable cribs and charcoal grills. Free delivery and pick-up is available for all orders more than $75 (Ocracoke Island delivery only). Orders less than $75 incur a $10 delivery charge. Advance orders allow the convenience of delivery and pick-up from your rental house.
950 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-4911 The Variety Store is the one-stop island shop where you’ll find produce, meats, beer and wine and almost all of your grocery needs. It’s also the place for t-shirts, beach supplies, ice, household items, over-the-counter medicines and gifts. The front foyer has a bulletin board and racks containing local announcements, news, menus, advertisements and information about island happenings.
11 Back Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-4992 Pirate’s Chest is a treasure trove of souvenirs and merchandise for all ages. There is an astounding variety of clothing, books, collectibles, shells, jewelry, toys, home decor and inexpensive trinkets for the kids. Look for the big boat of conch shells at the corner of Back Road and Irvin Garrish Highway.
1094 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-5491 There’s no question that Ocracoke is an angler’s paradise. When you’re ready to sink a line, head here for a complete line of bait and tackle for inshore, offshore and surf fishing. They also offer fishing advice, current fishing reports and equipment for other activities such as clamming and crabbing. You’ll find lots of visitor information here too. Follow recent catches on their Facebook page or website. They’re open daily spring through fall.
108 Loop Rd, Ocracoke (252)916- 0133, You might be well aware of the thrill an off-road drive along Cape Hatteras National Seashore can provide, or maybe you’re only just now being introduced to the idea. Either way, Beach Ride Rentals is here to outfit the beach-ride dreamer with the tools to do. If you’re on the Outer Banks without the luxury of a 4WD vehicle, be glad you saved on gas getting here! An off-road cruise down the coast is a quick phone call away.
Take your pick: We offer an array of SUVs and open-top vehicles, including Jeep Cherokees, Jeep Wranglers, Chevy Blazers and Montero Sports. All of them are clean and in good condition. Most of them are equipped with rod racks, so don’t forget to bring your fishing gear. You’ll have the option of an automatic or manual transmission. To make things even easier, we’ll provide the necessary permit, as well as useful maps and information about the area. Please make your reservation 96 hours ahead of time to ensure you get your top pick.
Make a day out of it! Everything you need for an unfettered off-road adventure is at Beach Ride Rentals located in the heart of Ocracoke.
285 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (256) 541-7891 This funky island business across from the Community Square rents bikes, boogie boards and golf carts and sells a range of items in the yard. It’s the home of the “Walkin’ Tacos.” Enjoy your lunch in the shade under the trees. This is a cash-only business.
Wellness & Fitness
141 Sand Dollar Road, Angie’s Gym, Ocracoke (252) 921-0182 Local resident Amy Borland Hilton, RYT, teaches hatha yoga and Yogassage classes year round at Angie’s Gym on Sand Dollar Road. All levels of experience are welcome. She teaches how to incorporate alignment, breathing practices and meditation to deepen the connection to body, mind and spirit. Amy loves combining and sharing her passion of bodywork and yoga. Yogassage, a combination of self-massage techniques with foam rollers, balls and yoga postures, helps students reconnect to their bodies and learn to release tension and pain areas themselves.
141 Sand Dollar Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-2496 Angie’s Gym is a full-service fitness center with cardio and strength machines, free weights and an aerobics/dance studio offering classes including yoga, turbo kick, TRX and PiYo. Angie’s Gym is off the main highway near the Sand Dollar Motel. You will find rates for all kinds of membership options, including fees for daily use or for single-class enrollment during your vacation on Ocracoke. http://www.angies-gym.com/
305 Back Road, (252) 928-1511, Ocracoke (252) 928-1511 The only medical facility on the island, Ocracoke Health Center offers preventative care and sick visits to all ages. Appointments are suggested, though walk-ins are welcome. The health center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Call 911 for emergencies.
72 Back Road, Ocracoke (252) 588-0267 Relax and renew at Stillwater Spa & Wellness on Ocracoke Island. N.C.-licensed massage therapists offer spa treatments (facials, body scrubs, body wraps) and a variety of massage styles. Therapists customize a session just for you whether you are looking to indulge and de-stress with a spa package, alleviate chronic pain or relax with a refreshing foot treatment. The diverse backgrounds of this unique group of therapists include the following modalities: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Ashiatsu, Reiki, Lymphatic, Prenatal, Craniosacral, Sports, Trigger Point, Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone, Thai massage and more. Local owner and licensed massage therapist Casey Winslow handcrafts all spa products using organic, all-natural ingredients. Gift certificates and packages are available, and wellness products can be purchased in the spa. Stillwater Spa is able to accommodate groups and has four treatment rooms on the island. Same-day appointments are available; however, it is open by appointment only, so call ahead or email to book.
Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, the Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and salt marsh. It’s a great trail for nature lovers and bird watchers, and there are informative signposts along the way. The hike takes about 30 minutes. There are parking places for several vehicles, or you can access the nature trail by foot or bicycle using the paved bike trail that starts at the village edge across from Howard’s Pub. Be sure to bring along insect repellent—the trail is also popular with mosquitoes!
Walking the Hammock Hills Nature Trail will wind you through several ecosystems — dunes, salt marsh and low maritime forests. Plaques along the .75-mile (1.2 kilometers) path provide notes on pine forest and wetlands ecology, and a platform provides the opportunity to view long-legged birds dabbling in the salt marsh edging Pamlico Sound. The trail is along Highway 12 north of the village opposite the campground.
Deepwater Theatre, School Road. Local resident Amy Borland Hilton offers Hatha yoga classes at Deepwater Theater on School Road year round. All levels of students are welcome. Call for hours. Cost is $15 for a 75-minute class. (252) 921-0182
999 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke Community Center, Ocracoke (252) 928-7291 Aerobics, Tabata, toning and strength-building classes for people of all levels and ages are offered weekday mornings at the Community Center. The classes are free and meet on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 a.m. from April until October. Classes offered in the winter months start 30 minutes later. All equipment is supplied.
Island Hopping
Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the last Atlantic coast islands that is free of development, thanks to its status as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There is much to do on this island, all of it free and simple, filled with history and the allure of the natural world. On the north end of the island is a veritable ghost town known as Portsmouth Village. The village was once one of the largest settlements on the Outer Banks, though no one lives there now, save a caretaker. Portsmouth Village was established in 1753 on the shores of Ocracoke Inlet, and it was predominantly a “lightering” village. Large ships that used Ocracoke Inlet as a major trade route to the mainland would have to be unloaded to pass through the inlet and the shallow sounds and then reloaded as they found deeper waters. The residents of Portsmouth Village did the lightering of the load by moving goods to several smaller flatboats and then reloading the ships a ways down the water. A large community sprang up around this business, with a post office, a church, a school and many homes. In 1846 Hatteras Inlet opened in a hurricane and was deeper and safer than Ocracoke Inlet. The shipping route shifted to the north, and the Portsmouth villagers had to find other ways to make a living. Later, during the Civil War, many islanders fled to the mainland to avoid advancing Union troops and never came back after the war. Portsmouth Village’s population continued to decline until there were only three residents left in 1970. In 1971, one of them died and the other two left the island reluctantly. In 1976 Portsmouth Village was saved when Cape Lookout National Seashore was established. The village is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings have been restored, and visitors can enter the church, Coast Guard station, school house and post office for a peek at old island life. The interiors look as if the people have just left, and you can look into the windows of some old buildings and see the villagers’ former belongings. There is also a visitor center in a restored house where you’ll find restrooms and exhibits on the island’s history. You can walk from the village to the beach, though it is a long walk so be prepared. The beach at Portsmouth Island is expansive and clean, and the shelling is outstanding. Conveniences are few on Portsmouth Island. Restrooms are available, but drinking water and food are not. Bring your own, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. The mosquitoes are voracious on Portsmouth Island. The island is only accessible by boat. Tours to Portsmouth are available through Rudy and Donald Austin. Their number is (252) 928-4361 or (252) 928- 5431.
Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 928-4484 This outfit ferries passengers to Portsmouth Island for four-hour, guided ATV (all-terrain vehicle) excursions, either from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m. These times may vary in the off season. You can visit both the historic village and the isolated beach. The ATVs accommodate two people, and drivers must be at least 18 years old. Children must be at least age 5 to take the tour. Tours can accommodate parties of 12 with advance notice. Reservations are required. http://portsmouthislandatv.com/ *(Shelling Opportunity)
294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Docks, Ocracoke (252) 928-4361/ (252) 928-5431 Brothers Rudy and Donald Austin, both former ferry captains, offer boat tours to historic Portsmouth Island. Departing daily from Silver Lake Harbor at the dock shared by the Watermen’s Museum, the Austins are excellent guides for local history as well. You will be dropped off at the historic village with a self-guided tour map and have four hours to explore the village and beach area. Ask the Austins for advice about mosquitoes in the village prior to your trip (those wary of bugs but looking for unparalleled beachcombing can elect to skip the village tour). The Austins also run a 60- to 90-minute boat tour of the surrounding islands, a dolphin cruise and a sunset cruise. Regular trips run in spring, summer and fall. Winter trips are on demand. They are also happy to work with special event requests such as school groups, weddings and group charters. Reservations are recommended.
Tour the ghost town of Historic Portsmouth, a 20-minute boat ride away from Ocracoke. A former shipping center, it was once the largest settlement of the Outer Banks. Daily trips to Portsmouth start in June and depart from Ocracoke at 9:30am and return to Portsmouth for pickup at 2pm. Boat tours may be scheduled anytime. (252) 928-4361
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place where ocean, sound, dunes, estuaries and maritime forest come together in stunning formation. Managed by the National Park Service, the 30,351-acre park includes three lighthouses (Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Lighthouse), four campgrounds (Oregon Inlet Campground, Cape Hatteras Campground, Frisco Campground and Ocracoke Campground), three visitors center, a variety of beach access facilities and activities, soundside access points, boat ramps, nature trails, family-oriented programs and more. Fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, swimming, shell-seeking, hiking, camping, off-road driving, hunting, birding and wildlife viewing are just some of the activities permitted in the seashore. In addition to offering recreational resources for millions of visitors a year, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a commitment to the preservation of the barrier island environment and its wildlife, which results in closures of facilities and beaches from time to time. For all of the information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Getting Around
45 Trent Road, Ocracoke (252) 928-0382 Coast and Go rents electric bicycles on Ocracoke Island. The fat-tire e-bikes are perfect for exploring the island and can be rented by the hour or day. Rentals include a helmet and lock.
875 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252) 921-0216 The lineup of brightly colored golf carts next to Pony Island Motel is sure to catch your eye. Stop in to rent an electric or gas cart from this friendly local family. They will deliver your cart to your rental house or hotel, or if you’re just on Ocracoke for the day, they’ll let you park and scoot off into the village, with the fresh air on your cheeks. If you are flying into the tiny Ocracoke airstrip, they’ll pick you up and get you set up with a cart for your time on the island and deliver you back when it’s time to go. Wheelie’s great customer service has earned them lots of repeat business, so reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome as well.
216 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke (252)928-0090 Ocracoke Island Golf Carts, with the red bulls-eye logo, offers a perfect way to get the most out of your stay on the island. Park your car and explore the village in a small, economical and easy-to-drive electric golf cart. Sightseeing, shopping and dining out become less of a hassle with the small footprint and easy parking. Easy to access for all ages and fun at a slower pace, the open-air design brings a more personal experience on Ocracoke. The business is easy to find near the NPS parking lot at the south end of the village with parking areas to leave the gas guzzlers behind. Rental can be done on-site at the office located across from The Anchorage Inn and Marina, or you can call them for pick-up and delivery. Reservations are always the better choice during the busy summer season. They have a large fleet of four- and six-passenger carts for rent with hourly, daily and weekly rates. Remember: Golf carts are for use only in the village, not on the bike path, highway or beach.
Radio Stations
Ocracoke’s community radio station WOVV 90.1 FM invites island visitors to tune in to hear live local programming featuring music and entertainment, local news, weather, sports and coverage of local civic and business affairs. The programming is produced and presented by and for locals and visitors alike, broadcasting from the station’s studio in the heart of Ocracoke Village. If you get Ocracoke fever when you’re away and need a little taste of the island, you can listen online at WOVV.org. Your donations mean a lot to a small, non-profit station like WOVV, so if you’re inclined to support the station where you can tune in any time of year to hear what’s happening on the island, make your tax deductible contribution at the website, or mail it to Ocracoke Community Radio WOVV, P.O. Box 1447, Ocracoke NC, 27960.