Visit This Nation's Most Beautiful and Most Unpopulated Beach - Ocracoke Island

Relative to where one might live in the United States you may well have never heard of North Carolina's Outer Banks and in particular the tiny island at the southern most tip of the outer banks called Ocracoke.

The outer banks of North Carolina consists of a narrow line of barrier islands perilously perched a few miles off the mainland. These barrier islands suffer the periodic ravages of category 4 and 5 hurricanes, but residents and summer visitors alike share the common belief that the beauty of the islands which includes the rare sight of huge, natural sand dunes boarding on uncrowded, white, sandy beaches and where one can frequently see schools of dolphins parading just off shore well worth the inconvenience of the infrequent summer hurricane threat.

The outer banks may be accessed from the North Carolina mainland by following U.S. 64 East from Raleigh, N.C. Entry onto the outer banks is just south of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the point from which the Wright Brother's first successful flight originated. A monument and small museum here, commemorates the historical event.

State route 12 is the primary (only) highway running the length of the outer banks.

Following route 12 south from Nags Head one passes through the Pea Island nature refuge and onto Hatteras island home of the famous Hatteras lighthouse, said to be the tallest brick lighthouse in the nation. From the southern tip of Hatteras island one can take a state ferry over to Ocracoke island, the southern most populated island of the outer banks.

Departing the ferry onto Ocracoke island is much like arriving in a different, almost foreign, world. The last few miles of state route 12 stretch out before you, but with the exception of the ferry landing station there is nothing in sight except for rolling dunes, white sand, and a coral blue ocean breaking as snowy white foam onto quarter mile wide beaches.

As you drive south from the ferry landing you pass frequent beach access points with ample paved parking and walkways to the beach. Stopping at any one of these you are impressed to find beautiful open and uncrowded beaches. It is not difficult to find open beach front withing 100 feet of your car where you are the only beach visitor.

As you approach Ocracoke Village you see quaint houses and shops nestled under centuries old water oaks. It is a beautiful setting.

The village is home to only 800 full time residents, most of whom make there living from the summer tourist trade or as working watermen.

The village surrounds a small protected harbor which serves as a marina and home to the U.S. coast guard station. There is also a second ferry landing here which serves as home to the ferry which connects the island to mainland North Carolina at Swans Quarter.

The harbor itself is picturesque. The entrance to the harbor yields to a horseshoe shaped marina on the western side of the island providing a protective inlet for Ocracoke's small fishing fleet as well other small crafts. It is guarded by a small lighthouse, said to be the second oldest in the nation.

Walking tours are quite popular in the village as one can see all of the sites in just a few hours. In addition to the lighthouse those on a walking tour will see numerous gift shops, craft displays, restaurants, waterman displays, remnants old shipwrecks which have washed ashore over the years, and one very special piece of British Empire.

During World War II German submarines sank several British ships including the HMS Bedfordshire and the bodies of British sailors washed up on shore. They were buried in a cemetery on the island. The land on which the sailors are buried has been given to the British and a British flag flies at all times. It is said to be the only British owned territory in the United States other than the British Embassy. The United States Coast Guard station on Ocracoke Island takes care of the property. A memorial ceremony is held each year in May of each year.

In addition to walking tours salt water fishing is a popular activity. Ocracoke offers two choices of fishing venues. The bold fisherman can charter a boat and venture into the Atlantic where any number of trophy fish can be found in abundance. The more timid fisherman welcomes fishing on the Pamlico sound side of the island where waters are more clam, but the fish still abundant and hungry.

As one walks about Ocracoke Village and makes contact with the people of Ocracoke two things stand out. First is the unique dialect of the residents. It is said to be an old English brogue. At first it is difficult to understand (even for a native southerner), but after a short while on the island one comes to appreciate the lyrical sound of the dialect. Only after three attempts did I understand the ferry dock man when he announced that the next ferry was due on a "Hoi Toid".....meaning high tide.

There are many theories as to why Oracokians speak such a unique dialect. The people on the island have ilived isolated for many years and have developed a lifestyle and family life uninfluenced by others until regular ferry service began bringing ever increasing numbers of tourists beginning in the 1950's.

One theory which prevails and of which the people of Ocracoke themselves approve is that they are the descendants of the long missing "lost Colony" which mysteriously disappeared from Roanoke Island in 1580.

It may well be true. But true or not the second outstanding feature of the people of Ocracoke is is how friendly and outgoing they are. From tiny tots to haggard old salts it is impossible to pass a native without a friendly "Hoidie Mate!".

I love Ocracoke.

You will too.