By Jennifer C. O’Donnell
Published: May 6, 2008
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With gas prices being what they are, and the economy so uncertain, it’s no wonder so many families are opting to stay close to home this summer. If your family opts to vacation-at-home, you might want to consider a day or overnight trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Within an hour and a half drive, you can find yourself enjoying one of the country’s best beaches – and some reasonably good seafood as well. If it’s been awhile since you last visited a few things might have changed. Take a look at what we discovered on a recent trip.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
This center, located in Corolla, is the newest offering for tourists and locals. The center is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sound and offers a slew of programs for children and adults – many are free but require pre-registration. The center’s movie about the history of Outer Banks wildlife is enough of a reason to visit, but there’s also a very interesting exhibit which provides an overview of the rich natural and cultural history of the northeastern North Carolina. Another exhibits focuses specifically on decoys and the center’s history hunt makes the exhibit interactive and fun for kids. Plan on spending three hours here – if it’s a nice day bring a picnic lunch and relax on the center’s grounds. 252-453-0221. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The largest sand dune on the East Coast, Jockey’s Ridge offers what many consider to be the best view on the Outer Banks. At the dune’s tallest elevation, you can view both the Sound and the Ocean from one spot. The dune is what’s known as a medano, which is a dune devoid of vegetation. Wind shifts the dunes from day to day giving Jockey’s Ridge visitors a different experience everytime they visit. Kids enjoy running up and down the dunes and watching kite flyers take to the air. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes – you may end up leaving them in the sand as you take the dunes barefoot. Plan on spending an hour and a half here. 252-441-7132. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Much smaller than the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, the North Carolina Aquarium is still a fun, educational visit and worth the trip. Located on Roanoke Island overlooking the Croatan Sound, the aquarium boasts an 285,000 gallon tank which includes a variety of fish, sharks and rays. Fish feedings and other demonstrations are a favorite with kids, as are some of the special craft programs and educational workshops. River otters, turtles and alligators call the aquarium home and if you’re hungry, an in-season café offers a quick snack or lunch or hungry patrons. You’ll need two hours to see the entire exhibit. 252-473-3494. Roanoke Island Festival Park
This stop offers up history, fun and lots of interaction. The Elizabeth II is a replica of a 16th century sailing vessel. The crew allows for plenty of questions and they encourage visitors to explore the ship and try their hand at some of the chores 16th century sailors had to complete. The settlement site at Roanoke Island is even more fun as actors portray some of the early English settlers. The Roanoke Adventure museum takes you through the history of the island, period by period, ending in a vintage grocery story of the early 20th century. Shoppers should keep in mind the fabulous gift shop here, it’s packed with unique gift ideas and some really cool toys, too. Admission fee applies and you’ll need at least three hours to see everything. 252-475-1500. The Wright Brothers National Memorial
A trip to the Outer Banks has to include a visit to the spot where aviation history all began. The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills honors the men who first flew on the very site where the memorial stands. The museum honors them as well as other men and women who have made aviation history. Replicas of the famous first planes, the Wright brothers’ lodging camp, and a time-line of events are also shared with visitors. Ask the Park Rangers about their patch program which allows kids to answer questions about the memorial, upon completion children receive a Wright Brothers patch to take home. You’ll need at least two hours here.
