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North Carolina's Outer Banks: Fun for the Whole Family - Part 2

© Stephen Strother

In my May 2003 article titled "North Carolina's Outer Banks: Fun For the Whole Family, Part 1" I discussed the history and intrigue of North Carolina's Outer Banks. For my June article I would like to discuss some of the more popular attractions in the Outer Banks area that were not discussed in Part 1 - specifically parks/wildlife areas and popular shopping attractions. It is worth keeping in mind that in Part 1 I discuss more of the history and legend of the Outer Banks along with some suggestions on places to visit. Part 2 is strictly a review of some additional unique family attractions on or near the Outer Banks. Anyone who has never visited the Outer Banks should definitely read Part 1 before proceeding with Part 2.

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State and National Parks and Wildlife Preserves

The Outer Banks are rich in natural history as well and fortunately many parks have been opened which help to preserve the unique natural landscape of the area. Some of these include:

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Located in Nags Head, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Much of the area that is now Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills was once covered by large sand dunes. Jockey's Ridge is what remains of this sand dune system. Because of the high winds common to the Jockey's Ridge area no plants or animals can live on the dunes and therefore the dunes themselves are constantly being shifted and reshaped by the wind. As a child (and still as an adult) I always enjoyed the challenge of climbing the highest peak. Jockey's Ridge is a popular hang gliding destination and one can spend an afternoon at the park just watching the magic and beauty of these gliders as they make jump after jump. Jockey's Ridge is also a popular destination in the early evening as spectacular views of the sun setting in the west over the Roanoke Sound can be found here.

Nags Head Woods Preserve

This 640 acre nature preserve in Nags Head is operated by the North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. It is said to be one of the best remaining stands of mid-Atlantic maritime forest. We never visited this nature preserve when I was a child (it may not have existed as a park then) but it is a must stop for our family the next time we visit the Outer Banks.

Image courtesy of http://www.coastalguide.com/

Image courtesy of http://www.coastalguide.com/

Image courtesy of http://www.coastalguide.com/

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