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.

Ocracoke Massage

• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-5801

N.C. licensed massage therapist Cindy Fiore has a dedicated clientele who enjoy and benefit from therapeutic massage. Choose from a variety of massage modalities: Swedish, acupressure, craniosacral, manual lymphatic drainage and rain drop therapy. For a special treat, experience the spa treatments now offered by Cindy. Indulge yourself with a facial, a body wrap, body mask, body polish, or a Bellanina face lift massage.

Joining the practice in 2010 is Kenneth DeBarth,PA-C and NC licensed massage therapist specializing in Cayce Reilly massage.

Ocracoke Village Voice—WOVV Community Radio Station

• Ocracoke

With help from the Ocracoke Foundation, the island’s first radio station, WOVV 90.1 FM (Ocracoke Village Voice), is online and soon to be on air as fundraising continues to bring live programs over the airwaves. Tune into this station for information and education about the island; to hear local musicians, storytellers and artists; to find out about county government news; and to hear whatever else is current and interesting on the island. Ocracoke School students and local residents volunteer time and assistance in creating the programs.

Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting

• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-5751

Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting provides a unique site for waterfowl hunters. With 4’ X 8’ bushed blinds available, there is no better way to get close to the various types of waterfowl around Pamlico Sound. Native islander Monroe Gaskill, a licensed guide, has been showing hunters the best locations for more than 20 years. Hunting has been a part of his family for more than three generations. Gaskill provides transportation to the blinds, places for dogs to rest and a full rig of more than 100 decoys per blind. Hunting seasons vary. Reservations are recommended.

Ocracoke Wave Runners

• 395 Irvin Garrish Highway, Jolly Roger Marina
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-2600 or (252) 921-0314

Wave Runners allow you to experience the waters between Ocracoke and Portsmouth at the helm of a maneuverable, fun and speedy vessel. Riders must be at least 18 to pilot or 16 with an accompanying parent or guardian. Each Wave Runner carries up to two people. Rentals are by the hour or half-hour. Reservation are recommended, and walkups at the Jolly Roger Marina are welcomed.

Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival

• Ocracoke

Since 2000, the free Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival has rapidly become for many the highlight of a spring trip to Ocracoke. The Annual Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival is always scheduled for the first weekend in June, which will fall on June 4-6, 2010. Along with the music and storytelling, there is a square dance, craft fair, fundraising auction, programs just for kids, a Sunday morning gospel sing and food booths. Don’t miss it – call early for lodging reservations! If you visit during Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, catch one of their fundraising concerts at the Ocracoke Community Center.

Outer Banks 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 2010 event will be the fifth annual marathon! There’s a family Fun Run on Saturday, November 13. Then on Sunday, November 14, you can participate in the Outer Banks 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.  For information and to register, go to www.obxmarathon.org, but register early because this event sells out every year.

Outer Banks Murder Mystery

• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-6300

For an unforgettable night of intrigue, play-acting and flat out fun, invite up to 20 of your closest friends (or those who think they’re your friends) for an interactive dinner theater. Lou Ann Homan has hosted murder mysteries for more than a decade. She will tailor characters and instructions for your “cast,” and show up with a trunk loaded with costumes and props to help get everyone in character. Please reserve at least two weeks in advance. The evening costs $250 on Ocracoke and $350 on the rest of the Outer Banks. A full Bed & Breakfast Weekend is $650.

Parasailing

• 395 Irvin Garrish Highway , Jolly Roger Marina
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-2606

Parasailing combines stunning views with the thrill of flying high above Pamlico Sound. Fly solo or with a friend. This locally owned operation runs trips throughout the day. You can make reservations at the kiosk at the Jolly Roger.

Porch Talks About Island History and Culture

• 49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke Preservation Society and Museum
• Ocracoke

Throughout the summer season, the Ocracoke Preservation Society and Museum hosts weekly porch talks on topics of local and historical interest. Check at the Museum when you arrive for a schedule of these talks. The National Park Service visitor center is just across the parking lot from the Museum. Be sure to note their calendar of NPS Ranger-led programs while you are in the vicinity.

Portsmouth Island

• Ocracoke

Portsmouth Island, just south of Ocracoke Island, makes for an incredible day trip. On the island you can explore the historic deserted village and remote beaches. Shelling, swimming, fishing, bird watching and hiking are enjoyed here in relative solitude. It takes about 20 minutes by boat to get to Portsmouth Island. There are two businesses that make regular trips: One is a guided tour that uses ATVs as transportation, and the other drops you off and lets you walk around. You can also rent motor boats or kayaks to get there. Nothing is for sale on the island, so you must take everything with you. Bring water, food, sunscreen and insect repellent. See Attractions for more information on Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions

• Irvin Garrish Highway
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-4484

This outfit ferries passengers to Portsmouth Island for four-hour guided ATV (all-terrain vehicle) excursions, either from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m. These times may vary in the off season. You can visit both the historic village and the isolated beach. The ATVs accommodate two people, and drivers must be at least 18. Children must be at least 6 to take the tour. Tours cost $85 per person, and they can accommodate parties of 12 with advance notice. Reservations are required.

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

• 294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Docks
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-4361

Rudy Austin ferries passengers to Portsmouth Island. He drops them off at the historic village with a self-guided tour map then picks them up on the beach about four hours later (those wary of bugs but looking for unparalleled beachcombing can elect to skip the village tour). The first boat leaves at 9:30 a.m., with pickup at 2 p.m. If there is demand, a second boat leaves at 11 a.m., with pickup at 3:30 p.m. The price is $20 per person. Austin also runs a 60- to 90-minute boat tour of the surrounding islands. Regular trips run in spring, summer and fall. Winter trips are on demand. Reservations are recommended.

Restless Native Boat Rentals

• 205 Irvin Garrish Highway, Anchorage Inn Marina
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-1421, (252) 921-0011

Going fishin’ is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon on Ocracoke’s pleasant soundside waters. Instead of hauling a boat or purchasing a chartered trip, you can rent a Carolina Skiff and fish, hunt shells, visit Portsmouth or just drift lazily in the current. Boats can be rented by the half day, full day or weekly.

Secret Garden Gallery

• 72 Back Road
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-2598

Secret Garden offers a stunning and graceful collection of art, representing a number of North Carolina artists, including owner Barbara Hardy’s handcrafted silver jewelry and original drawings and collages by Bob Ray. Paintings and watercolors, photography and pottery are just some of the intriguing items found here.

Springer’s Point

• Loop Road
• Ocracoke

Springer’s Point covers about 90 acres of maritime forest bordering Pamlico Sound near South Point. In 2002 after 10 years of research and negotiation, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust purchased a 31-acre tract of this land and established a nature preserve. A high point of land overlooking the inlet, Springer’s is believed to be the site of the earliest settlements on the island. Supposedly Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, met up with some fellow pirates here shortly before his 1718 death for several days of rum drinking, a pig roast, bonfires and music. He was discovered at his hangout in November and beheaded in a bloody battle. The deep hole just off the point is a popular fishing spot and still called Teach’s Hole.

Today the preserve is available for more serene pleasures. A half-mile stroll along the groomed trail takes you among the gnarled and ancient live oaks and maritime evergreen forest to the water’s edge, where a rookery of heron, egret and ibises can be spotted to the east. Along the trail visitors will see an old well, all that is left of a former home site. You should also take time to notice the amazing fences made of natural wood and vines. The inimitable Sam Jones, who once owned the property, is buried here, next to his horse.

Parking is not available, and you must walk or bike to access the property. Donations supporting maritime forest restoration can be made at the Ocracoke Preservation Society.

Stillwater Spa and Wellness

• 60 Back Road
• Ocracoke
• (252) 588-0267

Relax and renew with Laura Hardy (formerly with Deep Blue Day Spa). A licensed massage therapist, Laura offers spa treatments (facials, body scrubs, body wraps) and a variety of massage modalities including deep tissue, Swedish, hot stones, Reiki, lymphatic, craniosacral, raindrop therapy and shiatsu. Spa packages are available. You can purchase many of the spa treatment products. Call ahead to be sure to get an appointment.

Sunflower Center

• 170 Back Road
• Ocracoke
• (252) 921-0188

Plan to spend a good chunk of time at the Sunflower Center. The first level is primarily for their large collection of handcrafted jewelry, stained glass, fused glass and woodcraft. Upstairs you’ll find a wide selection of canvasses by local and locally connected artists in a variety of mediums. A special feature of the Sunflower Center is a small herbal pharmacy where one can find homeopathic and herbal treatments as well as a wide selection of vitamins and minerals. Look for the brick garden arches out front.

The Beach on Ocracoke Island

• Ocracoke

Ocracoke’s beach has attracted increasing national attention as it worked its way up Dr. Beach’s much ballyhooed list of “Best Beaches.” In 2007 we finally reached the summit and became America’s #1 Beach! The wide sandy beach is clean, and there are plenty of spots where, with a little effort, you can enjoy it undisturbed by others. The ocean reaches high temperatures of 85 F in the summer and can adopt the clear aquamarine hues of tropical waters when the conditions are right. Board sports, surf fishing, swimming, shelling, reading and napping are all popular beach pastimes. The 16 miles of oceanfront beach are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and are free of development.

There are nine on and off ramps between the beach and N.C. Highway 12, five of which provide four-wheel-drive access. The southern and northern ends of the beach, the areas most popular with surf fishermen, are open year-round to four-wheel-drive vehicles. The section of the beach between Ramp 70, by the airport, and Ramp 59, at the Hatteras ferry, is closed to vehicle traffic seasonally and has plenty of good spots for families with children and those looking for more solitude. Several threatened and endangered species, such as the piping plover and several species of sea turtles, nest on the island’s beaches, and sections may be closed to the public in order to protect these nests. You will see NPS signs posting hours of access and closures at entry ramps where there are endangered species breeding and nesting. Be sure to pay close attention to the rules as there are stiff penalties for intrusions into protected areas. Please be sure to keep you pet leashed as this will also incur a warning or a fine.

Lifeguards are on duty at the most popular, though by no means overcrowded, beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The lifeguard beach is on the right about 1.5 miles north of the village and is identifiable by a small brown swimmer sign and its large parking lot. There are restrooms, changing rooms and a shower facility here as well.

The Ocrafolk School

• Ocracoke

Like the Ocrafolk Festival, the Ocrafolk School is a non-profit event housed under the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Occurring during the last week in October, the School invites participants to join week-long workshops in arts, crafts, cooking, music, local history and sailing in a relaxed island setting. The 4th annual Ocrafolk School is scheduled for October 24-29, 2010. 

The Slushy Stand

• 473 Irvin Garrish Highway
• Ocracoke

The Slushy Stand rents adult, kid and tandem bikes by the hour, day or week. If you are looking for tag-a-long bikes, bikes with trailers and bikes with baby seats, you are in the right place. It’s at the corner of Irvin Garrish Highway and Silver Lake Drive.

The Surf Shed

• 473 Irvin Garrish Highway
• Ocracoke
• (252) 588-0250

This funky outdoor island business rents bikes and surf boards. They will also do bike repair. In the summer they are open 10 a.m. until dark. Off season they will be open when the weather is nice!

Tree Top Studio

• 402 Back Road
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-9997

Down a meandering sandy lane, Tree Top Studio features only the work of local artists. The gallery is filled with paintings in a variety of mediums. It is also a professional picture framing shop. Look for the big “Open” flag on Back Road.

Wheelie Fun Scooter Rentals

• Anchorage Marina, 180 Irvin Garrish Highway
• Ocracoke
• (252) 928-6661

Enjoy the mobility and breezes generated by one of the colorful scooters available by the hour or day at the Anchorage Marina. Helmets are provided.