Visit the Deserted Portsmouth IslandPortsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250. Take a Free Wildlife Education ProgramStop by the National Park Service Ocracoke Island Visitor Center for information on informative programs including subjects such as Barrier Island Nature, Outer Banks History or Graveyard of the Atlantic. For a closer look at life on a sandy beach, attend Explore the Shore, participate in a talk on the Banker Ponies or join in the Morning Bird Walk. By attending programs and completing a workbook, kids ages 5-13 can become a Seashore Ranger. Offerings and schedules vary by season. For further information on Seashore programs, contact the Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531 or check the park website at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/things2do.htm. Go on an Adventure To View Local ShipwrecksBecause the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, you may stumble upon the remains of a shipwreck while enjoying our pristine beaches. Unidentified wooden remains can be viewed on the beach between the Pony Pen parking lot and the next northern paved parking area. For information on other remains, inquire at the National Park Service Visitor Center located near the ferry terminal in the village. Get Married (Or Renew Your Vows) on the BeachEach year, hundreds of people have weddings on the beaches of the Outer Banks. With all of the vacation rental homes that are available for families and friends to rent, mixed with the unforgettable backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Ocracoke's sand dunes and sea oats, it will be an unforgettable event. There are many local photographers, florists, wedding planners, entertainers and caterers that can assist with your planning. You will need to obtain a marriage license from Hyde County. If you are getting married on the beach, you will also need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service. Catch a Local Music Performance at the Deepwater TheaterThe Ocrafolk Opry is a colorful cast that delivers a slice of Ocracoke life through island music and stories. The Rumgagger pirate show amuses kids and adults alike with pirate music and humor. Molasses Creek is Ocracoke's own internationally acclaimed, high energy, acoustic folk band. Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro are Coyote. They enchant audiences with their folk, rock, and blues style. Noah Paley has been wowing live and radio audiences internationally since 1999. Performances are seasonal, see www.DeepwaterTheater.com or call 252-928-3411 for more information. Discover the Sound Via Robbie's WayA 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. Go Beachcombing For ShellsBeachcombing 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. Discover Ocracoke's Rich Fishing HistoryOcracoke Island has a rich fishing history. This history was about to come to an end with the closure of Ocracoke's last remaining fish house. A group of local fishermen joined together to form the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association. The group operates under the nonprofit Ocracoke Foundation, incorporated in August 2006. In addition to operating as a commercial fish house, Ocracoke Seafood Company has a retail storefront market that sells fresh fish to the public. The fishermen also see the fish house as a place for educating people about commercial fishing and for showing them, hands-on, the skills of their livelihood. The Ocracoke's Watermen's Association and Fish House is located at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke. For hours and information, call (252) 928-5601. 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. Be a BirdwatcherNearly 400 species of birds have been sighted within Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its surrounding waters. This impressive number is due to several factors: a location on the Eastern Flyway, varied habitats and strong winds and storms that often bring exhausted birds to our shores. Birding is always exciting on Ocracoke. Watch for migratory shorebirds at inlet tidal flats. Ocracoke is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. The National Parks Service Visitor's Center, the Ocracoke library and the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum offer excellent resources for birders. | Ocracoke RestaurantsPony Island Restaurant51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Pizza Company Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunset Sweets 272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingTradewinds Tackle Shop1094 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Trading Company 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Over the Moon 64 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Candyland 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Community Store 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Restoration 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 North Carolina ABC Store Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Albert Styron Store 300 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 Albert Styron Store 300 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Photo 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsTeach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard ExhibitIrvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesAustin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 |