Getting Away From it all in the Outer Banks
For a long time now people have known about the Outer Banks for the pristine beaches of white sand lapped by clear blue water. Some believe the Outer Banks have become a little too well known. During the summer season many of the beaches of the Banks, including Kitty Hawk, Duck and Nags Head to the north, and Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Salter Path and Atlantic Beach to the south become crowded and congested. Tourists and residents alike are forced to crawl along the one lane road that runs in and out of the area. As these places catered to the tourist industry that sustained them, they sacrificed some of the character that smaller, quieter towns have retained. The Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head area is not much more than a commercialized strip, while the resorts of Emerald Isle, Salter Path and Atlantic Beach surrounding Morehead City have become full of the go-cart racing, arcade shooting, family-fun centers that even many families abhor. True, you have all the necessities and large homes right on the water (although on top of each other as well), but lost in the shuffle are the quaint shops and quiet moments of true respite that temper our hectic lives. During the summer months, a calm slice of secluded beach on the Outer Banks has become a commodity hotter than the sun overhead.
A Couple Of Our Best Places...
Ocracoke- Located at the southern point of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke is accessible by ferries only. There is a free ferry from the National Seashore to the north which takes forty minutes. From Cedar Island to the south there is a charge of fifteen dollars to bring a car, three dollars for a bike, and one dollar for individuals. This trip takes about two hours. Ocracoke is a small island and many people decide to leave the car on the mainland, bringing a bike or relying on their feet for transportation. Ocracoke gets its share of tourism, but the focus is much more low key than most of the other island hot spots. Many birds flock to the island to take a break from migration. There are plenty of nature trails for walking, as well as pristine beaches where many people also enjoy fishing. You can find all you need at the Tradewinds Bait and Tackle Shop. If you don't have any luck in the water, grab a bite at Howard's Pub, which has some of the best seafood on the island, a huge beer list, and the audacity to stay open during hurricanes.
Cedar Island- Making its home in the middle of a National Wildlife Refuge and located northeast of Morehead City, Cedar Island is one of the best places to check out migrating waterfowl and other species of flora and fauna. Cedar Island doesn't have much in the way of commercial establishments, but many people believe that to be one of its strongest assets. There are several places to stay on the island, including the Driftwood Motel. Located right on the water, the Driftwood features a motel, campground and seafood restaurant with a gift shop. Cedar Island benefits from its beaches facing the east, unlike those of Ocracoke, which helps shield it from the fury of tropical storms and hurricanes that sweep through the area.
The Rest of the Best- Heading south from Cedar Island towards Beaufort and Morehead City you'll pass through the quiet towns of Atlantic, Davis and Sealevel. All have remained virtually untouched by the high profusion of tourism that has scathed the rest of the Outer Banks. These spots are worth checking out. So the next time you plan your beach vacation getaway, chart a different course. Head for these less traveled, quieter spots. More than likely, you won't miss the crowds, and if you do, they'll surely be waiting for you when you return home.
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