ss_blog_claim=153586d22b398f619ad650eb1a29dcaa

Dec

29

Does Ocracoke Make A Great Destination for Family Beach Vacations?

Filed Under Blogs | RSS | Podcasting | Leave a Comment

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.

Shopping in Ocracoke is not at all like it’s counterpart on the mainland. While shopping on the mainland can be rush, rush, rush…shopping on Ocracoke is like a leisurely stroll through the park. The shops are all rather small and quaint, and many focus on only one or two things. For example, there is one shop that focuses primarily on kites…one of the favorite pastimes on the island. They do have two main variety stores for your grocery needs, and a post office for those postcards back to the mainland.

The historic lighthouse of Ocracoke was built in 1832 by Noah Porter (a builder from the state of Massachusetts). It has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina, and the second oldest in the U.S. It towers 75 feet (23 m) tall, and it’s diameter ranges from 25 feet (8 m) at the base, to 12 feet (3.7 m) at the top. The light from it’s tower can be seen 14 miles way out to sea. During the summer months a U.S. National Park Ranger is on duty at the lighthouse. While he/she is on duty, visitors may enter the base of the lighthouse…but nobody is permitted to climb it.

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…. :)

Want to find out more about Ocracoke, then visit Charles Vaughn’s site on Creative Family Beach Vacations.

View blog authority