"Graveyard of the Atlantic"- Outer Banks of North Carolina - scary, mysterious, or beautiful? Keep exploring with Haque's EYE!
As an explorer, it is my passion to look for quirky and unique places to visit, outer banks is one of the most interesting places I have been to! This giant sandbar is composed of sand and sediment and is not actually attached to anything as an island would be!
Outer Banks is also called "The Graveyard Of The Atlantic". It gets its ominous nickname because at least 500 shipwrecks occurred there over the centuries. The treacherous combination of strong currents, shifting shoals, and unpredictable weather conditions made navigation perilous for ships, leading to numerous maritime disasters!
How to Get There?
There are 2 ways you can get to OBX, one is to drive and the other is to take a car ferry. I have followed the route shown below, where you can combine both driving and ferry options for the memory of a lifetime. To get details about the ferry timing and reservation check the link above.
Haque's EYE Recommended Ferries:
Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry
Crossing Time: 60 minutes
Reservations: Not accepted
Fare: Free
Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry
Crossing Time: 2.5 hours
Reservations: (800) 293-3779
Fare: Toll
Where to Go?
The best thing to do when you are in Outer Banks is to Go on a cool Wild Horse Tour in the Outer Banks!
The origin of the Corolla Wild Horses in the Outer Banks is a bit of a mystery! People aren't sure where the Corolla Wild Horses originally came from. Some think they might be descendants of horses brought by Spanish explorers a long time ago. Others believe they could be from more recent times when settlers had horses for their farms.
A family of wild horses, enjoying the morning sun.
Run time for the Kiddo!
How magnificent these creatures are!?
About 100 Wild Horses Run The Beaches Of Corolla – it is a unique sight for any adventure lover. See amazing horses running around on the beach and in the sand. Guides will tell you interesting stories, and you'll have a fun adventure you won't forget!
I have been there with my friends and took a guided tour with one of the Corolla wild horse tours available.
The ticket price was about 50$ per person and they took us on a two-hour tour in an open-air safari-style truck.
Haque's EYE
Be prepared to be exposed to salty air, dust, and sand, as the 4 wheeler will take you through the beach. At some part of the trip has bumpy and rough surface with lots of uneven paths, be careful to hold on to your phone/camera sturdily.
Abundance of Beaches in Outer Banks
Explore the beaches in the Outer Banks, where golden sands meet the Atlantic's gentle waves. From the wide stretches of Nags Head to the serene beauty of Corolla, each beach offers a unique experience. This is the beach at Nags Head in the picture.
Whether you're into water sports, family picnics, or simply relaxing by the shore, the Outer Banks beaches promise a coastal haven for every beach lover. The sunset was amazing!
Other Top Sights
In 1903, the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight just outside Kitty Hawk. They have the Wright Brothers National Memorial in this area, don't forget to give a visit to become a part of aviation history! To learn details click here.
This city often offers unique experiences and events all year round. I was lucky to attend the 4th of July festival. It is absolutely unforgettable, details here.
Another must-see would be the lighthouses in the Banks, here is the story of lighthouse hunting.
Roanoke is where the oldest mystery in the United States happened. In 1587, 115 settlers disappeared, and nobody knows what happened to them. It's a mystery that still doesn't have an answer. A play about The Lost Colony still runs to this day from 1937– making it the longest-running outdoor symphonic drama!
Also, do not forget to try some awesome foods from this seafood heaven!
Say 'I Do' to Unforgettable Moments: Your Dream Destination Wedding Awaits!
Planning a destination wedding and looking for the best place to tie the knot? Consider the OBX the 3rd most popular wedding destination in the United States, competes closely with Hawaii and Las Vegas! With over 3,500 weddings annually, it's a cherished choice for couples seeking a special place to celebrate their love.
Planning Ahead....
Next time I would like to attend the "Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree" which is mostly held in October. I don't want to give you a history lesson but found it interesting so sharing my knowledge, you can completely ignore lol :P
Who is Blackbeard in the Outer Banks?
Born in 1618, English pirate Edward Teach, later known as Blackbeard, got his scary name because he looked fierce and had a thick, black beard. His ship Queen Anne's Revenge, struck fear into sailors for good reason, as a black flag featuring a skeleton piercing a bloody red heart flew above his vessel. In October 1718 Blackbeard Hosted The Largest Ever Pirate Gathering In Ocracoke.
Pirate Flag of Blackbeard/Edward Teach (c. 1680 – 22 November 1718)
In the 18th century, he and his crew caused trouble along the North Carolina shores, including the Outer Banks, scaring people with their violent crimes. The jamboree seeks to educate, entertain, and bring people together to enjoy the maritime legacy of the Outer Banks.
Also, Visit Blackbeard's Museum in the Outer Banks to learn all about the pirate's story, his exciting sailing adventures, and his famous hideout on Ocracoke Island.
22nd November 1718, After fighting with the Governor of Virginia, Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, got shot five times and slashed over twenty times with blades. It's hard to say which injury caused his death. They hung Blackbeard's head on the mast, and almost all the captured pirates, except two, were later hanged.
OK enough about the history, let's get back to the bright part of the Banks!
When to Go?
Though the population of OBX is less than 60000, about 5 million people visit every year here! So be well prepared to avoid crowds. On summer Saturdays, it's tough to find the fastest way to get from the north to the Outer Banks because there's a lot of traffic and many people looking for directions. So try to avoid Saturday!
Haque's EYE
Consider visiting the OBX during fall, spring, or winter for unique experiences, fewer people, and more affordable prices. Additionally, you'll encounter significantly reduced traffic during these seasons.
There is a popular series on NETFLIX named OUTER BANKS, which I find more interesting after visiting OBX by myself! Try to get the most out of this trip by planning it ahead, and keep aside at least 2-3 days to explore all the attractions I have mentioned above.
See you in some other part of the World, till then keep exploring with Haque's EYE.
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