North Carolina's Outer Banks: Fun for the Whole Family - Part 1

The Graveyard of the Atlantic

The Outer Banks region has long been known as an especially dangerous shipping channel. Currents, shallow waters, and the ever shifting nature of the Outer Banks combine to make sailing hazardous. More than 600 ships have wrecked here since the 16th century and the remains of old shipwrecks (both under water and on Outer Banks beaches) are a popular tourist attraction for divers and beach combers. Due to these treacherous shipping conditions many lighthouses were constructed to help ships navigate around danger points. Of these lighthouses seven remain mainly as monuments to a time gone by - four of these lights (Currituck, Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke) are located within what is considered the northern section of the Outer Banks and are within a two hour drive/ferry ride from the Nags Head area. Of these, Cape Hatteras, characterized by its black and white spiral design, is by far the most famous as it is the tallest remaining lighthouse in the United States. Several of these lighthouses (including Hatteras) remain open to the public.

This Was Pirate Country

Very little stirs the imagination of a ten year old boy like the thought of adventure on the high seas and this is one more reason that the Outer Banks area is an appealing family vacation spot. The Outer Banks area was frequently terrorized by Pirates including the legendary Blackbeard who didn't stop at just making the Outer Banks a regular stopping point in the early 18th century. He is believed to have actually made a home in the area and was eventually killed near Ocracoke. Outer Banks lore is filled with pirate tales. Nags Head is even thought to be named after a form of treachery often used by pirates in the area.

The natural beauty of these islands combined with the history of the area make the Outer Banks a very intriguing and rewarding destination for family vacationing. In mid-June I will publish Part 2 of this two part series which will focus on specific natural and man made attractions that help to round out any family visit to the area. In my "Recommended Links" and "Steve's Travel Tips" section below you will find links to informative web sites related to Outer Banks vacationing. Enjoy your family and your vacation!

Bibliography of Sources Consulted for Article Research

North Carolina's Outer Banks web

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