Ohio Motorist....

NORTH CAROLINA'S OUTER BANKS:

BEACHES, HISTORY, & WHOLE LOT MORE

The Outer Banks of North Carolina just may be the perfect Mid-Atlantic beach destination. With 130 miles of pristine beaches, lots of outdoor activities, several interesting historic attractions, other sightseeing possibilities, and varied accommodations and dining options, the Outer Banks are definitely 'in' with motorists in-the-know.

North Carolina's Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands located in the northeastern corner of the state, midway along the Atlantic seaboard. They are just 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia, and easily reached by several modern highways. Small towns like Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras, Ocracoke and others make the Outer Banks a throwback to beach vacations of the past (but with all the modern amenities).

Several high-flying visitors started coming to the Outer Banks in the late-1800s, thanks to a pitch from postmaster William J. Tate. Orville and Wilbur Wright were told by Tate that the region "...would be a fine place; our winds are always steady...If you decide to try your machine here, I assure you, you will find a hospitable people when you come among us."

The winds and hospitality attracted the Wright brothers for annual trips the next four years and still attract many return visitors. Their flights of fancy became reality on the Outer Banks on a blustery December 17th morning in 1903. The historic flights of that day are remembered at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

A granite pylon rising 60 feet stands atop Kill Devil Hill as a tribute to the first flight. After retracing the paths of the four flights the brothers made that day, visitors can view a replica of the original plane, as well as other exhibits.

The spirit that powered that first flight remains a part of the Outer Banks. One of the most interesting activities is to take a hang gliding lesson at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head. Nearby, Kitty Hawk Kites operates the largest hang gliding school in the world. A popular 414-acre park, Jockey's Ridge includes the tallest sand dune on the east coast (about 140 feet). A trek to the top provides a spectacular view of both Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, as well as Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic Ocean on opposite sides of the narrow stretch of land making up the Outer Banks.

Of course, there were visitors to the Outer Banks well before the Wright brothers. English settlers first came to Roanoke Island in the late-16th century. Though their colony mysteriously disappeared, their efforts paved the way for the future colonization of America.

Ask any Outer Banks natives and you'll surely hear a different version of what happened to these original settlers. Some say local Indians kidnapped or even killed them, while others claim the settlers were shipwrecked on a nearby island. The story of Sir Walter Raleigh and his colonists is recounted in Manteo each summer in "The Lost Colony," the oldest outdoor drama in the nation.

Roanoke Island Festival Park, also located in Manteo, is the home port of the Elizabeth II, a representation of the ships that brought the colonists to America. Once on board, sailors dressed in authentic garb and speaking in the traditional 16th century English accent tell of their experiences. Nearby are the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, a recreation of a 16th century year-round pleasure garden.

Upon leaving the historic mystery of Roanoke Island, modern Mother Nature awaits at Cape Hatteras National Seashore awaits. The country's first national seashore, this 75-mile run of beach is the composite name for all of the Outer Banks coastline from Bodie Island, across Hatteras Island, and down to Ocracoke Island. Strict building regulations limit development on these shores.

The lightly developed shores of the Outer Banks are a beachlovers delight. More than 30,000 acres of surf and sand provide limitless potential for fun. Once you've gotten your fill of swimming and sunning, popular pursuits like windsurfing and sea kayaking await. Teachers from one of many area outfitters can have you windsurfing in less than two hours or exploring quiet bays by sea kayak in a matter of minutes.

If fishing is more your style, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (on the northern tip of Hatteras Island) and Pirates Cove Yacht Club (between Manteo and Nags Head) both offer charters for inland and world-famous offshore fishing. Many local restaurants will be happy to cook your catch. Those who just want a boat tour will also find many seaworthy sightseeing options.

Down at the southern tip of Hatteras Island, you can't miss majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The present lighthouse was built in 1867 and is the tallest on the east coast.

The final island in this stunning stretch of sand is Ocracoke Island, which is reached only by year-round ferry. While taking the 40-minute trip to this last Outer Banks bounty, be sure to ask about Ocracoke's most famous visitor, Blackbeard. Even the notorious pirate liked the Outer Banks.

For further information (including a wide array of house rentals), call the Dare County Tourist Bureau at 800/446-6262.