Ocracoke Recreation
Looking for something to do on Ocracoke Island? You won’t have trouble finding fun here.
From a historic ghost walk to a fishing trip to a kayak tour, there are numerous recreational opportunities available that will help you get to know this island and its people a little better. And most of Ocracoke Island’s attractions are of the best variety: free! Or at least they’re very inexpensive.
In general, attractions and recreation here are simple and unfettered, with few of the usual commercial trappings of a tourist site. There are no go-cart tracks, mini-golf courses, waterslides or movie theaters. On Ocracoke, the island itself provides the entertainment. And, it seems that when people are here, they just don’t need as much stimulation. Quiet walks on the beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), fishing and clamming, looking for shells, building a sandcastle, strolling around the village, sitting on the porch swing, observing nature or chasing ghost crabs in the moonlight: These are the simple activities on Ocracoke Island. For a little extra entertainment, bike over to the Ocracoke Lighthouse (the oldest in North Carolina and still operating) and the Preservation Museum, or go out and visit the ponies and take a little hike. You get the idea.
Remember Irvin Garrish Highway is also known as Highway N.C. 12.
Beach Outfitters
- 1053 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-6261
Beach Outfitters is part of Ocracoke Island Realty. They rent bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and appliances too cumbersome to pack, like televisions and grills.
Bella Fiore Pottery
- 80 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2826
Sarah Fiore’s working studio showcases her vividly colored pottery. Her works are microwave, oven and dishwasher safe, including plates, bowls, mugs, sushi sets and dishes, and all have handmade glazes. The gallery also stocks all-natural bath products, ceramic art, wooden sculpture, aromatic candles, handmade local jewelry and distinctive objets d’art. Think functional luxury.
Chiropractic Services
- Ocracoke
- (252) 489-1688
Call for an appointment with “Dr. Rudy” (aka Dr. Howard M. Ruderfer) for full-spine chiropractic and extremity adjusting, therapeutic massage including Cayce-Reilly, neuromuscular, reflexology, craniosacral and chakra balancing. His main practice, Hatteras Island Chiropractic, is located in Buxton, but he makes house calls on Ocracoke.
Cottage Ghost Tales
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-6300
Acclaimed professional storyteller Lou Ann Homan has been steeping herself in island lore and will captivate and delight your family and friends with an evening of storytelling in your cottage or home. Ghost and pirate tales are a specialty and are appropriate for all ages. Cost is $150.
Coyote Music
- Ocracoke
This singing and songwriting couple of Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro have a loyal following on their home island and well beyond with their engaging and spontaneous presence and colorful music tinged with folk, rock, blues and jazz. During the summer, they host their own show with Noah Paley at Deepwater Theater and Music Hall where they are also principal performers in the Ocrafolk Opry and with Molasses Creek. They are also part of the NC Arts Council Touring Artists and perform performing all over the state and beyond. Listen in for their music in the Nicholas Sparks movie, Nights in Rodanthe, released in September 2008 starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane! You’ll find their CDs for sale all over the island – (and even a documentary film inspired from one of their songs about Marcy’s cancer survival); get one to bring some of the island’s magic home with you.
Curtain Box Hunting—Russell Williams
- Ocracoke
- (252) 921-0233
Williams is a licensed guide with more than 15 years of experience who has appeared in both Wildfowl and Carolina Adventure magazines. He transports hunters to curtain blinds or sink boxes, a type of blind developed on Pamlico Sound and legal only in Hyde and Dare counties. Reservations should be made before Thanksgiving, and packages including accommodation can be arranged through the Pony Island Motel.
Deep Blue Day Spa
- 260 O’Neal Drive
- Ocracoke
- (252) 921-0182
Licensed massage therapist Amy Borland Hilton offers massage therapy and spa therapy services to restore your mind, body and spirit. She is skilled in a variety of therapy styles, including Swedish, lymph drainage therapy, connective tissue, craniosacral, ocean stone and Yogassage. Spa services include facials, dry-body brushing, body treatments and Thalassotherapy. The appointments are very popular, so it’s recommended that you make them well in advance.
Deepwater Theater and Music Hall
- 82 School Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3411
Deepwater Theater and Music Hall is the home venue of Molasses Creek, Ocracoke Island’s hometown band that’s built a loyal following with its blend of soulful singing, bluegrass fiddlin’ and occasionally wacky sense of humor. From June through September, Molasses Creek plays here on Thursday evenings. Other weekly shows include the Ocrafolk Opry, featuring a panoply of local musicians, storytellers and special visiting guests; the Rumgagger Pirate show featuring tall tales and songs of the sea, and the amazing songwriting talents of Coyote and Noah Paley. Their schedule is posted at the entrance to the theater and around the village. Doors opens at 7:30 and shows begin at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are around $10-15 for adults and $5-7 for children. (MC/Visa are accepted; there are no advance ticket sales.)
Down Creek Gallery
- 260 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4400
If you are looking for local, North Carolina, regional and national art check out one of Ocracoke’s newest galleries. Located in the heart of the village on the waterfront and representing more than 130 artists, you will find unique jewelry, pottery, art glass, metal, wood, mixed media, local painting, photography and much more. During the summer, the gallery hosts “Expose Yourself to Art” bi-weekly receptions to “Meet the Artist” showcasing local artisans and their work. Be sure to stop by.
Downpoint Decoys
- 340 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3269
This rustic shop is filled to the brim with decoys and sportsman’s paraphernalia. The resident carver has been nationally recognized for his work and is a native who can tell you a salty tale or two. There are old and new decoys, lures, oars and other crafts and scrimshaw that are great for bringing a nostalgic seaside feeling to any home.
DWI Case Management and Treatment for Addictions
- Ocracoke
- (252) 261-4512
Jo Ann Hummers, EdD, LCAS, offers DWI assessment and treatment in person and case management (by phone, mail and/or e-mail) for an out of state resident who gets a DWI in North Carolina. She offers affordable and confidential assistance to comply with NC Division of Motor Vehicles regulations. Also available is counseling for smoking cessation, alcohol and other drug abuse/addiction or gambling addiction.
Ocracoke AA meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. at the upstairs room at the Fire Station on the Back Road on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Free Workout
- 999 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke Community Center
- Ocracoke
Aerobics classes for people of all levels and ages are offered weekday mornings at the Community Center. The classes are free and meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m. from May until October and at 8 a.m. during the winter months. All equipment is supplied.
Hammock Hills Nature Trail
- 4281 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, the Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and salt marsh. It’s a great trail for nature lovers and bird watchers, and there are informative signposts along the way. The hike takes about 30 minutes.
Historic Ocracoke Tours and Tales—Ocracoke Ghost and History Walk
- 170 Howard Street, Village Craftsmen
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-6300
Led by native islanders descended from pirates, these 90-minute, one-and-a-half-mile walking tours are sure to entertain and educate. The tours explore either the ‘Round Creek or Down Point areas of the island and cost $12 ($6 for children 6-12 years old; children younger than 6, free). Tours leave from the Village Craftsmen at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday nights. Limited to 24 people, reservations are strongly recommended. Group and special tours can be arranged. Call for off-season schedules.
Island Artworks
- 89 British Cemetery Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3892
Island Artworks is a fun place to browse and shop. Owner/artist Kathleen O’Neal sells her own hand-crafted jewelry here, along with blown glass, contemporary crafts, mosaics, photography, watercolors, pottery, woodworks, sculpture, garden accessories and many other works of art. Island artists are well represented.
Island Guide Services
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2504 or (252) 928-2509
Licensed guides Kenneth Tillett and Earl Gaskins both have more than two decades of experience, hunting expertise and local knowledge. Tillett’s great-grandfather, Charlie McWilliams, and Gaskins’ grandfather, Thurston Gaskill, both led parties for the Green Island Hunting Club. Island Guide Services continues the tradition, offering stake and pit blinds, decoys and transport.
Island Path Massage and Personal Path Retreats
- 59 Creek Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 475-0869
“Have Table Will Travel” is the motto of newly licensed massage therapist Ken DeBarth. After 30 years of practice as a primary care and emergency medicine physician assistant, Ken decided to attend the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy in Virginia. Beginning in June 2009, he will offer relaxation and therapeutic massage from his office or at your rental accommodation. His lifetime of experience with health and healing and his calm and reassuring manner enable him to offer you a memorable massage experience.
In addition to massage, he and his wife, Ruth Fordon, a life coach and former psychotherapist, are available for consultation and/or for designing Personal Path Retreats that focus on health issues and the challenges of life transitions. They have a special interest in assisting burned out medical personnel and have designed a module called The Healers Path.
July 4th Celebrations
- Ocracoke
Ocracoke is famous for its July 4th celebrations. This family-oriented fun-filled day starts off with the Sandcastle Competition at the Lifeguard Beach followed by sky diving, a street parade with floats and entertainment, such as the ever-popular visit from Blackbeard himself, and many other activities.
Lake House Day Spa at The Castle B&B
- 155 Silver Lake Harbor Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3505, (800) 471-8848
The newest day spa on the island is found at The Castle B&B. The Lake house Day Spa offers a wide array of relaxing and therapeutic massage and innovative spa treatments including but not limited to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and hot stone massage. Spa treatments include salt and sugar scrubs, body masks, aromatherapy and facials. Pamper yourself at The Lake House or yours—house calls are available! Call ahead for appointments.
Mason’s Guide Service—Rodney Mason
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2887 or (252) 921-0351
Come enjoy some of the best duck hunting on the Outer Banks. Rodney is an experienced guide and will lead open water hunts in stake blinds and curtain boxes on Ocracoke Island.
Massage Therapy and Reiki
- 660 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-1311
Ann Ehringhaus offers Chinese acupressure, Rosen Method Emotional Bodywork and Reiki sessions and classes. Ann holds a Doctorate in Interfaith Ministry, a M.Ed. in Counseling and did most of her bodywork studies in Berkeley, California, and Chapel Hill, NC. Her office is next door to Oscar’s House Bed and Breakfast, which she owns and operates. She has offered bodywork since 1990 and also has an office at The Wellness Alliance in Carrboro, NC.
Molasses Creek
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3411
Based on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina, this high energy acoustic folk-fusion band delights their audiences with foot-stomping bluegrass, ballads, and a bit of wacky humor. For information on booking, ordering recordings or the touring calendar use the links to the side.
OBX® Marathon, Gateway Bank Half-marathon
- Ocracoke
If you’re a runner or walker, you don’t want to miss this event on a flat course with awesome scenery and the spirited residents of the Outer Banks cheering for you all along the way. The 2009 event will be the fourth annual marathon! There’s a family Fun Run on Saturday, November 7. Then on Sunday, November 8, you can participate in the OBX Marathon or the Gateway Bank Half-Marathon. The course for the marathon begins in Kitty Hawk, travels on through Kill Devil Hills and around the Wright Memorial, goes through Nags Head and ends on Roanoke Island. The Gateway Bank Half-Marathon begins by Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head and ends at the same place on Roanoke Island. Walkers are welcome, so there’s no excuse not to be involved. There is a $25,000 prize purse for the OBX Marathon. For information and to register, go to www.obxmarathon.org, but register early because this event sells out every year.
Ocracoke Duck Hunting
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-7170
Fourth generation island guide Wade Austin offers up to six hunters the opportunity to take aim at red heads, widgeons, pintails, blue bills, brants, geese, black duck and more. Hunters are accommodated by either curtain boxes or stake blinds. Open Water Duck Hunting assures transportation to and from the blinds, furnishes decoys and can arrange for lodging.
Ocracoke Health Center
- 305 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-1511
Call ahead for an appointment or walk in, the Ocracoke Health Center is open five days a week and will treat most medical concerns or will assist with medical ambulance or air evacuation if necessary.
Bring prescription medicines with you or plan to travel off island to get refills or replacements for lost medicines. Call 911 for an emergency or (252) 928-SICK for after-hours assistance.
