Why You Should Visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina

One of my favorite travel sites is the Outer Banks, a narrow string of barrier islands and beautiful beaches along North Carolina's Atlantic coast. Well known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to a vast number of sunken ships offshore, the Outer Banks was the site of the site of the Wright Brother's famous first flight. Today, it boasts active tourism, thanks to its wonderful beaches and attractions.

Wright Brothers Memorial. I've been a fan of the Wright brothers since playing the part of Orville in a school play. This memorial, dedicated to the site of their famous flight on December 17, 1903, opens a floodgate of fond memories.

A must-see is the full-scale reproduction of Wright's 1903 powered flyer inside the visitor center. You can almost feel the excitement of that special day over a century later! The superb presentation adds to the excitement.

No visit to the memorial is complete without a visit to the Wright's 1902 glider. Though a replica, it brings back the young boy (or girl) in many adults!

One of the greatest things about this memorial can be found outside, however. Here, the grounds include historical markers of every attempted powered flight. This, in my opinion, delivers one powerful message: "Never give up!"

The Wright Brothers Memorial is located on US 158 Bypass, Milepost 8, in Kill Devil Hills. It's open from 9AM until 5PM daily except for Christmas. Tickets are $4, a value for such an important landmark.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Another one of my favorite historical sites, but not for the weak or infirmed. Built in 1870, "America's Lighthouse" is the tallest brick beacon in the United States, at 208-feet high. Want a somewhat strenuous workout? From mid-April to Columbus Day, you can climb this landmark for only $6 ($3 for children 12 and under).

Snap a picture! A photo of The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse also makes a great souvenir of your visit. The lighthouse is black and white spiral-striped and is well known as the symbol of the North Carolina coast.

Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center. A great stop during your visit to the Outer Banks, this museum contains one of the finest collections of Native American art, artifacts, exhibits, and history. Here, you'll learn the history of numerous Indian tribes across the US, while the art is sure to delight all ages of visitors. My favorite part of the visit is a walk through several acres of nature trails. Here, you simply relax and enjoy nature the way it was intended: serene and peaceful.

The museum is located on Highway 12 in the Village of Frisco. It's open from 11AM until 5PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family. Call (252) 995-4440 for more information.

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. This aquarium rocks, and is perfectly designed for the child in all of us. A "hands on" experience, visitors get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch hermit crabs, stingrays, and other fascinating creatures in the touch tanks. From a large viewing window, you can watch an underwater parade of fish and sharks up close and personal. See alligators, river otters, and other inhabitants of the coastal freshwater.

One of the best features of the aquarium, "Storms", gives you a personal look at hurricanes and adverse weather conditions which often effect the coastal area. Another, a replica of the USS Monitor, is a must for all visitors.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located on the north end of the island, just off Highway 64/264. It is open every day from 9AM until 5PM except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for children ages 6-17. Children five and under are free. Call (252) 473-3494 for more information.