Ocracoke Is Stop #1 For Creative Family Beach Vacations!
“The Andy Griffith Show” was a 1960’s television show featured Andy, a sheriff in the small town of “Mayberry”. The show revolved around Andy, his friends and family, and the great fun times that they all had together. While “Mayberry” is a totally fictional town, did you know that there is a place that reminds us of it? This place hastens back to a time when life was much simpler, people were kinder to each other, and everyone seemed to know your name. The place? Ocracoke, North Carolina…located in the Outer Banks. It’s not only a great place for your family beach vacations, it’s a place that will move you in ways you won’t even realize. Read on to find out more…
Why does Ocracoke maintain this ode to “Days Gone By” when the rest of North Carolina has marched on? One reason could be the simple fact that it’s much harder to get to Ocracoke. There is no direct bridge, road, or tunnel. If you don’t have your own private boat or plane, the only way to get there is to either swim (we’re kidding…) or take one of the public ferries that run to the island and back 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.
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