Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

The barrier islands of North Carolina may not be the most obvious choice for your next vacation, but if you have a soft spot for nature, history, or unique geography, the Outer Banks are worth a look.

Because this region was accessible only by boat until the 1930s, it has a feel of charming isolation and a relaxed pace. That’s not to say that the Outer Banks lack intrigue or development. Area exhibits and ancestors of the first settlers will tell you all about the rich and colorful events of the islands’ past, and the emphasis placed on conservation certainly shows a knack for forward-thinking.

For starters, this was the site of the first English colony, and Blackbeard famously anchored just offshore. A few bloody battles have been waged nearby, and as you may know, Orville and Wilbur Wright chose this as the setting for the first powered airplane flight. A look around will convince you that this is a place like none other, and taking the time to dig a little deeper will better acquaint you with this fascinating and beautiful span of shoreline.

Obviously, the expansive coast makes water-themed activities a huge draw for tourists. Summertime invites swimming, boating, windsurfing, crabbing, and anything else you might feel inclined to do while wearing a swimsuit. Deep sea fishing could produce your best catch ever, and keep your eyes open for the wild horses that roam the far north and south beaches.

If you’d like to fill your mind with fun facts while you’re here, visit one of the many museums, take an informative sight-seeing tour, or enjoy a cultural festival. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest of the many trademark structures that line the coast of the Outer Banks, and it welcomes visitors to take in an ocean view from 208 feet above the ground. The Roanoke Island Festival Park contains an art gallery, several natural marshes, and a 16th century sailing vessel. History buffs won’t want to miss the Civil War Trail, and the Wright Brothers Memorial is a local source of pride. All in all, this area offers a surprising array of interesting diversions, and you’ll surely leave more knowledgeable than when you arrived.

Nature lovers, especially those with an appreciation for untouched beauty, will be impressed by the large portions of land that are protected from modern influences. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of 150,000 acres of wetland habitats, and visitors will have a chance to see black bears, red wolves and, of course, alligators, as they hike and kayak. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge claims to attract 360 species of birds, so don’t forget binoculars if you’re fond of feathery friends.

The independent and adventurous personality of the Outer Banks makes it easy to understand why vacation rentals are the way to go when it comes to lodging. Many areas do not even have hotels, so embrace the spirit of your surroundings and look into renting a cozy and secluded ocean side cottage or a Victorian-style house big enough to allow for the whole family to spread out.

The Outer Banks are inviting you to do things differently, so take a walk off the beaten path and entertain the possibility of discovering a whole new world. If this sounds like the kind of vacation you are looking for, then visit HomeAway.com for a number of great OuterBanks Vacation Rentals.

Visit CyberRentals.com to further explore the vacation rental options in the destination of your choice.

After months of saving, planning, and packing, you’re finally ready to embark on your vacation to North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks. You have the itinerary memorized – days and day of play on the beach, with maybe an excursion to the Currituck Beach lighthouse or the Wright Brothers memorial in Kitty Hawk. The trip promises to be wonderful, but if you are a fan of the grape it could be enhanced with tours of area wineries.

Yes, wine is made in the Outer Banks. One might never expect this area to be associated with good wine, but if you plan ahead you will be able not only to enlighten your palate during a vineyard tour, but perhaps join the locals and other wine aficianados for an evening of tasting, food, and fun. Consider these additional stops on your tour of the Outer Banks.

Moonrise Bay Winery

Set against the calm waters of the bay in Knotts Island, Moonrise Bay has produced a number of tasty vintages since the turn of the century. Here visitors are offered a selection of dry reds and whites, and sweet whites from the ever popular Muscadine. Among the wines available are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Norton, Syrah, Chambourcin, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Tours run daily from noon to five, or by special appointment.

Sanctuary Vineyards

If you are visiting from out of state, best to buy your Sanctuary wine here, as they only ship to North Carolina and Virginia. Sanctuary not only offers wine from other area vineyards, but also sells unique blends under their own label. If you enjoy full-bodied blended reds with a peppery finish, or perhaps a semi-dry combination of Chardonnay and Sangiovese with a sweet finish, find sanctuary in a tour of this vineyard. For directions and more information on area vineyards, be sure to visit http://www.VisitCurrituck.com and request free brochures.

Martin Vineyards

The sandy soil of Knotts Island produces great wine, and at Martin Vineyards one will find acres of Muscadines waiting to be picked. In addition to a variety of dry and sweet table wines, guests at the vineyard may also pick seasonal fruits from the surrounding orchards. July is especially welcoming, since the vineyards hosts the annual Knotts Island Peach Festival. Bring the family for a picnic by the sea.

Mother Vineyard

Like a bit of mystery with your wine? Well, more than likely you won’t find anything to sample at the Mother Vineyard, because the vines are on private property, yet visitors flock to this area near Manteo anyway if only to catch a glimpse of the oldest grapevines in North Carolina. It isn’t known who planted these vines, believed to be over 400 years old, but the sheer enormity and thickness of the vines (to say nothing of the sweet Muscadine grapes growing from them) always leaves visitors in awe, and thirsty!

A vacation in the Outer Banks is wonderful, yet one enhanced by tours of area wineries adds a sweetness one is certain to savor.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who contributes site content and articles to various travel websites, including VisitCurrituck.com (http://www.visitcurrituck.com), the official site of Currituck County Travel and Tourism.

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