OCRACOKE ISLANDS' SAND AND SEA WORK MAGIC

Accessible only by ferry, North Carolina’s Ocracoke Island is a classic island getaway, thanks to the quiet streets, friendly locals, award-winning beaches, one-of-a-kind shopping, varied accommodations and fresh seafood. Any time is a great time to visit Ocracoke, although it can get crowded in midsummer. Spring and fall bring fewer visitors, mild weather and generally lower prices.

Best beach

Once a fairly well-kept secret outside the Southeast, Ocracoke Island landed on the GPS scene in 2007 when the island’s Lifeguard Beach was named Best Beach in America by environmental scientist and coastal expert Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman. He gave Ocracoke’s pristine beaches top scores for water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management practices. What more could a man or woman ask of an island -- or a beach?

Originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Regular Ferry Service

The North Carolina Ferry Division has offered service to the island since the 1960s, providing both passengers and vehicles relatively frequent access. With additional service added to the ferry schedule last year, getting to Ocracoke is easier than ever.

Ferries currently run between Ocracoke and three “mainland” locations: Hatteras, Swan Quarter and Cedar Island, the latter being the one most often used by road-trippers from Atlanta. Departures are more frequent from mid-May to mid-September (the island is busiest in midsummer, making shoulder season ideal crowd- and price-wise). One-way fares are $1 for pedestrians, $10 for motorcycles and $15-$45 for vehicles, depending on length. For details see www.ncferry.org.

Once there, Ocracoke Island has something for everyone. From strolling around the quaint village to lolling on the beach, this island beckons as an old-style coastal destination.

The island is about 16 miles long (including 15 miles of beach) and generally just a half-mile wide. Ocracoke Village (where the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries dock) was recognized as a town in 1753, when 20 or so families were living there. Today, about 700 people call Ocracoke home year-round. The village is on the National Register of Historic Places, with more than 150 homes and buildings on the list.

It takes a village

With most accommodations and dining options based in the heart of the village, it’s the center of island (and visitor) life. Built in 1823 and among the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Eastern Seaboard, Ocracoke Lighthouse serves as a beacon to village explorers and a few fishermen and pleasure boaters (the squat lighthouse is just 75 feet tall and the light can be seen only 14 miles out at most).

Village highlights include:
Shopping: Ocracoke Island Trading Co. (486 Irvin Garrish Highway) sells everything from sarongs to toe rings; Island Artworks (89 British Cemetery Road) offers artwork by North Carolina fine artists and artisans; and Secret Garden Gallery (80 Back Road) features contemporary crafts. Note that some businesses close or have limited hours during the winter.

Dining: Fresh seafood and lots of variety flavor the village dining scene at spots like Howard’s Pub, Cafe Atlantic, Back Porch Restaurant, and Back Porch Lunch Box.

Biking: The village is easily explored on two feet, but two wheels are also fun. Besides offering ice cream and other treats, Slushie Stand (73 Irvin Garrish Highway, www.ocracokeisland.com/slushie_stand.htm) rents bikes (as do several other spots in the village). Since the village is so compact and the beach is nearby, a visitor could park the car upon arrival and not use it again until departure.

Howard Street: The picturesque sandy lane is bordered by picket fences, small cemeteries, historic homes and the Village Craftsmen shop (170 Howard St.).

The British Cemetery: The final resting place for four British sailors who were killed aboard the H.M.S. Bedfordshire by a German sub in 1942. British Cemetery Road/Boos Lane.

Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum: Learn about the island’s history in the former 19th century home of Coast Guard chief David Williams. Across from the ferry docks, www.ocracokepreservation.org.

Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop: Explore exhibits about Blackbeard (Edward Teach) and other pirates with Ocracoke connections. West End Road/N.C. 12, www.teachshole.com.

Ocracoke Fish House: The last commercial fish house on the island serves as a visitor education center. 416 Irvin Garrish Highway, at the harbor.

Deepwater Theater: This unique venue is “home” of renowned bluegrass band Molasses Creek, as well as a fun pirate show and the Ocrafolk Opry show. School Road/Howard Street, www.molassescreek.com.

Natural beauty

Most of the island is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This haven for recreation and reflection includes beaches, maritime forests, camping, swimming, fishing and more. Nature lovers will want to hike the 3/4-mile Hammock Hills Nature Trail through forest and marsh or explore Springer Point, 120 acres of ancient tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands and sound-front beach protected by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. And keep an eye out for the herd of wild ponies that have roamed the island since the 1730s.