Buy Local Art, Music, or LiteratureOcracoke's natural beauty lures many artists, musicians, and writers to make their home on the island. As a result, there is a huge variety of creative originals to be found in the many shops and art galleries. Find a piece of art, a book or a music CD and take a piece of Ocracoke home with you! Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront DinnerOcracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor. Discover Ocracoke's Rich Fishing HistoryOcracoke Island has a rich fishing history. This history was about to come to an end with the closure of Ocracoke's last remaining fish house. A group of local fishermen joined together to form the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association. The group operates under the nonprofit Ocracoke Foundation, incorporated in August 2006. In addition to operating as a commercial fish house, Ocracoke Seafood Company has a retail storefront market that sells fresh fish to the public. The fishermen also see the fish house as a place for educating people about commercial fishing and for showing them, hands-on, the skills of their livelihood. The Ocracoke's Watermen's Association and Fish House is located at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke. For hours and information, call (252) 928-5601. Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic MuseumThe Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995. Conveniently located next to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, a museum visit can be combined with other Hatteras Island attractions for a day off the island. Teach Your Kids about the Pirate BlackbeardThere are many stories of pirates and buried treasure that are part of the unique history of the Outer Banks. The story of the notorious Pirate Blackbeard ended in Ocracoke in 1718 when he was killed in battle at Ocracoke Inlet. Throughout his "career" as a pirate, Blackbeard captured over 40 ships. Today, many businesses and streets in the area are named after Blackbeard. While you are on Ocracoke, teach your children the history of Blackbeard. Take Your Kids To Surf CampRide the Wind Surf Shop on Ocracoke offers a kids surf camp in the summer. Classes emphasize water safety as well as surfing skills. They have operated the surf camp for several years and have introduced hundreds of kids to surfing and the surfing community. Check online for the surf camp schedule and reservations information at www.SurfOcracoke.com. Go Hiking on the Hammock Hills Nature TrailLocated north of Ocracoke Village, the 3/4 mile Hammock Hills Nature Trail will take you on a 30-minute walk through various environments found on the island, including sand dunes, maritime forest and a salt marsh. Signs along the trail teach about the Ocracoke weather, nature elements and various plant life. You will want to remember your camera and insect repellent. The trailhead is located just across Highway 12 from the Ocracoke National Park Service Campground. Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation SocietyOnce the private residence of Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location near Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings and memorabilia reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, visitors and friends. Photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through late Fall. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375. Special events include Porch Talks during summer and the Tree Lighting and Wassail Party in December. Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the BeachGo to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find! StargazeDid you know that Ocracoke has no traffic lights, no billboards, minimal traffic and very few public exterior lights (streets can be dark!). With minimal light pollution and very little air pollution, Ocracoke is the ideal place for stargazing. Whether you are on the beach under a clear night sky or on your deck, there will be nothing between you and the heavens. You'll be amazed at what you see. Ocracoke is a great place to bring your telescope or a star chart with you on vacation! | Ocracoke RestaurantsHoward's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Back Porch Lunchbox 747 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pony Island Restaurant 51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingMermaid's Folly259 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Zillie's Island Pantry 538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road) Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Olde Ocracoke Gathering Place Corner of Irvin Garrish Highway and School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Memories 271 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Candyland 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Woodworks 158 Ocean View Rd Ocracoke, NC 27960 Tree Top Studio & Sandy Hands Farm 402 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Bella Fiore Pottery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Tradewinds Tackle Shop 1094 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Sunglass Shop 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsJolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesCoastal Helicopters, LLC158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 |