Detailed directions aren’t always necessary on Ocracoke Island. On an island with a deep familiarity with landmarks and favorite shops, directions usually begin a description of where to turn and what to look for instead of street names.
You can navigate yourself around the island with a little help of a village map. Leave the GPS gadgets at home and enjoy the freedom of knowing you can’t get lost. It’s a good idea to park your car and rent a bike or walk with the congestion that occurs on the island roads.
Day-trippers from “up the beach” usually have limited time on Ocracoke, determined by ferry schedules through the north end. And those visitors passing through from the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries may find themselves driving straight down Highway 12 without the opportunity to explore off the main highway. While many visitors are attracted immediately to enjoying the miles and miles of beach, exploration of the village and side roads proves just as fun. You can’t get lost.
The island’s older residents remember when you were either Down Point, near Lighthouse Road, or Up Trent, towards the residential area of Oyster Creek. Today, you have more choices and more scenery.
The Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses along the east coast, sits on Lighthouse Road. We promise. It’s a little hard to see, but it is on your right, just past the old Albert Styron Store. Follow Lighthouse Road to the end and take a left onto Loop Road. At the next curve is the entrance to Springer’s Point, a 31-acre tract of land recently purchased by the NC Coastal Land Trust to preserve the land and surrounding water. It is also the burial place of Sam Jones and his horse, Ikey D. There is an interpretive nature trail for visitors with signs and markers to lead the way. There is no parking here and you should see this area on foot.
Along the harbor, there are kayak stands, boat rentals, parasail trips, and fishing charters to explore the Pamlico Sound. Visit the marinas to see what the charter boats caught for the day while you enjoy outdoor dining nearby.
Visit the Ocracoke Preservation Museum near the ferry docks along the harbor to learn of the island’s rich history, unique brogue, and traditions. Across the parking lot is the National Park Service Visitors Center where you can learn about the wild ponies and Ocracoke’s role in World War II or have a talk with one of the guides.
The British Cemetery, on British Cemetery Road, has attracted visitors for over 50 years. When a German sub sank the HMS Bedfordshire in WWII, four bodies of British soldiers washed up on Ocracoke’s shore and were respectfully buried in this small cemetery, which still has a service each May with military honors.
The Back Road of Ocracoke has unique jewelry, art, and gifts in several shops. Enjoy a hot or cold coffee-inspired treat at the coffee shop anytime, see Ocracoke’s health center, school, and library and don’t forget BINGO at the Fire Department on Thursday nights.
In front of the Fire Department, turn down Sunset Drive, locally know as Firehouse Road or Ammunition Dump Road, to explore Oyster Creek and its surroundings. Although you can’t buy a souvenir in this area of the island, you will catch a glimpse of the serenity that calls to Ocracoke residents.
You may be on your way back to a ferry or still exploring, but don’t miss historic Howard Street. This is one of the original roads of the island, now ‘paved’ with broken oyster shells and lined with cedar trees and old oaks. The cemeteries at the end of the road hint at the lives of the first settlers of Ocracoke.
Make the most of your limited time on Ocracoke by car, bike, or foot. Don’t be afraid to get lost and leave with a gift of the island pace that you can treasure until you visit again. |
