In the 1960's there was a television hit called "The Andy Griffith Show". The show centered around a small town sheriff and his family and friends in the fictional town of "Mayberry". It hastened back to a simpler time, when life was slower, people more caring, and everyone knew your name. While "Mayberry" is totally fictional, there is a place that will certainly remind you of it. Where is that place? Ocracoke Beach, which is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It's a great place for family beach vacations. In this article we will be focusing on why we think Ocracoke is one of the "Top Beaches of the World", and a "must see". We warn you though...this place will move you in ways you will not expect.
North Carolina is a very modern state, so why is Ocracoke able to maintain this ode to "Days Gone By"? One reason could be that Ocracoke is a bit harder to get to. There is no direct road, no tunnel, no bridge... To get to Ocracoke you need to have either a private boat, or a private plane, or go via one of the public ferries that visit the island on a daily basis.
Even if you hate shopping on the mainland, we think you will like it in Ocracoke. The shops are all small and quaint, and just browsing in them will bring back thoughts of "Mayberry". If you need to buy groceries there are only two main variety stores. They do have a post office to mail letters and postcards back to the mainland. One shop is dedicated to "just kites", a wonderful way to pass time on the island. The tree-lined roadway that covers the shops in the main shopping area is another feature that we just love.
Ocracoke has a historic lighthouse that was built by Noah Porter (a builder from Massachusetts) in 1832. It's known as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina, as well as the second oldest in the US. It is 75 feet (23 m) tall, and it's diameter varies from 25 feet (8 m) at the base to 12 feet (3.7 m) at the top. The light from this lighthouse can be seen 14 miles out into the Atlantic. A United States National Park Ranger is on duty during the summer months. When a ranger is on duty you can enter the base of the lighthouse...but no climbing is permitted.
In conclusion, what do we think of Ocracoke? We absolutely love it...love it. Even if you don't enjoy going to the beach, this is the perfect place for your next family beach vacation, or family beach vacations... If you often think back to "days of old" when life was simpler and more carefree...definitely check out Ocracoke. Beware...you may leave your heart there.... :) - 31368
North Carolina is a very modern state, so why is Ocracoke able to maintain this ode to "Days Gone By"? One reason could be that Ocracoke is a bit harder to get to. There is no direct road, no tunnel, no bridge... To get to Ocracoke you need to have either a private boat, or a private plane, or go via one of the public ferries that visit the island on a daily basis.
Even if you hate shopping on the mainland, we think you will like it in Ocracoke. The shops are all small and quaint, and just browsing in them will bring back thoughts of "Mayberry". If you need to buy groceries there are only two main variety stores. They do have a post office to mail letters and postcards back to the mainland. One shop is dedicated to "just kites", a wonderful way to pass time on the island. The tree-lined roadway that covers the shops in the main shopping area is another feature that we just love.
Ocracoke has a historic lighthouse that was built by Noah Porter (a builder from Massachusetts) in 1832. It's known as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina, as well as the second oldest in the US. It is 75 feet (23 m) tall, and it's diameter varies from 25 feet (8 m) at the base to 12 feet (3.7 m) at the top. The light from this lighthouse can be seen 14 miles out into the Atlantic. A United States National Park Ranger is on duty during the summer months. When a ranger is on duty you can enter the base of the lighthouse...but no climbing is permitted.
In conclusion, what do we think of Ocracoke? We absolutely love it...love it. Even if you don't enjoy going to the beach, this is the perfect place for your next family beach vacation, or family beach vacations... If you often think back to "days of old" when life was simpler and more carefree...definitely check out Ocracoke. Beware...you may leave your heart there.... :) - 31368
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Want to find out more about Ocracoke, then visit Charles Vaughn's site on Creative Family Beach Vacations.
