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


Image courtesy of http://www.coastalguide.com/
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

This reserve which is part of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve Program consists of over 1300 acres of maritime deciduous forest, swamp, and marsh. On summer days visitors can use designated trails to view such wildlife as gray fox, white tailed deer, muskrat, river otter, woodpeckers, hawks, herons, swans, wood ducks, and a rare plant called wooly beach heather.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

This national park consists of over 70 miles of Outer Banks barrier island habitat. Contained within the park are several nature trails, beach access points, shipwreck sights, as well as Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This park offers families a wonderful opportunity to experience the beach as it was meant to be - naturally.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the mainland of North Carolina just to the west of the Outer Banks this wildlife refuge boasts over 150,000 acres of wilderness. This area was once considered by many to be wasteland - a place so swampy that is was unattractive for agricultural, residential, or commercial use. Ironically it was this opinion that probably saved this land from development and it has now become an important wildlife area. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge contains substantial populations of several endangered and threatened species including the American alligator, black bear, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and the reintroduced red wolf. Portions of the refuge can be experienced through the use of established hiking paths as well as a canoe/kayak trail.

North Carolina Aquarium - Roanoke Island

The state of North Carolina maintains one of its three public aquariums on Roanoke Island near Manteo, NC. This aquarium focuses on the different fresh and salt water habitats common in North Carolina and the species that make them their home. Sea turtles, sharks, and alligators are popular attractions and the aquarium's touch tank which allows visitors to actually touch live horseshoe crabs, starfish, and other small aquatic life is sure to be a hit with younger children.

Shopping

Like most popular beach destinations the Outer Banks area is filled with a variety of shopping opportunities. There are numerous surf and beach shops to choose from for a selection of t-shirts, beach paraphernalia, surfing supplies, etc. as well as many unique and quaint book stores and souvenir shops. A few shopping highlights include (see my links section below for links to their websites):

The Christmas Shop and Island Gallery

A unique combination of a Christmas shop

The copyright of the article North Carolina's Outer Banks: Fun for the Whole Family - Part 2 in North & South Carolina is owned by Stephen Strother. Permission to republish North Carolina's Outer Banks: Fun for the Whole Family - Part 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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