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 family-oriented activities.
Lake House Day Spa at The Castle B&B
- 155 Silver Lake Harbor Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 588-0777
This 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, masks and steam showers. 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, (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. Reservations are required.
Mobile Therapy, Inc.
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-6683 (MOVE)
Got a hitch in your giddy-up? Mobile Therapy, Inc. will get you back on the move! Physical Therapy services are provided by Kristen Harris, PT, in the privacy of your home or rental. This service is billable to insurance and in coordination with other health care or massage professionals. Kris also offers personal training. She has a BS in Exercise and Sport Science from UNC-Greensboro and a Master of Physical Therapy from Chapel Hill.
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
NC-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.
Also sharing practice space here is Kenneth DeBarth, PA-C and NC-licensed massage therapist specializing in Cayce Reilly massage.
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, (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, but walk-ups 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 3-5, 2011. 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.
Open Water 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.
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 2011 event will be the sixth annual marathon! There’s a family Fun Run on Saturday, November 12. Then on Sunday, November 13, 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.
Pamlico Counseling
- Ocracoke
- (252) 975-2027 ext. 5# (office), (252) 402-5665 (mobile)
Pamlico Counseling is on Ocracoke once a month and provides services for individuals, couples and families. They also offer substance abuse counseling and parenting skills and are a provider for court- or school-mandated treatment programs.
Parasailing
- 395 Irvin Garrish Highway , Jolly Roger Marina
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2606, (252) 921-0011
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.
Round Creek Rickshaws
- Ocracoke
- (252) 588-2149
Round Creek Rickshaws is a pedal-oriented taxi service that will do tours, special events, romantic evenings, airport pickups and even barhopping.
Secret Garden Gallery
- 72 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2598
Secret Garden Gallery, celebrating 21 years on the island, features handcrafted jewelry by co-owner Barbara Hardy and 20 other designers. Local art work, including drawings and paintings by co-owner Bob Ray, are a must see. They also have Ocracoke watercolors by Ed Starnes, unique pottery, metal sculpture, art objects, photographs and much more.
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
- 72 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 to peruse their large collection of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art, fused glass and woodcraft. 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.
T and J Outfitters
- 285 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (256) 541-7891
This funky island business located across from the Community Square rents bikes, boogie boards and golf carts. They will also do bike repair. There are always items for sale in the yard ranging from beach dresses to plants. In the summer they are open 10 a.m. until dark. Off season they’re open when the weather is nice!
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 with some restrictions.
Starting on February 15, 2012, the National Park Service permanently closed 26 miles of beach access to vehicles along the 67-mile Cape Hatteras seashore including Ocracoke Island. Those who want to drive on the remaining 41 miles of accessible beach will have to purchase an annual permit for a cost between $90 and $150 or a weekly permit costing between $30 and $50. Those who purchase a permit will also be required to watch a 7-minute educational video at one of the park’s visitor centers. Check with the National Park Service Visitor Center on Ocracoke for the most updated information.
Lifeguards are on duty at the most popular, though by no means overcrowded, section of 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. For those with children or unsure of themselves around ocean riptides, this area would be a prudent choice. There are plenty of good spots for those looking for more solitude along the entire beach up to the Hatteras Ferry. Look for the paved parking areas, not the sandy shoulder along the highway, for parking your vehicle.
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 and for pets off leash.
