The South - Eastern USA - page 636

Hatteras via the free Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry ( Click here ) . The ferry lands at the
northeastern end of the island. With the exception of the village, the National Park
Service owns the island.
The older residents still speak in the 17th-century British dialect known as 'Hoi
Toide' (their pronunciation of 'high tide') and refer to non-islanders as 'dingbat-
ters.' Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard the pirate, used to hide out in the area and was
killed here in 1718. You can camp by the beach where wild ponies run, have a fish
sandwich in a local pub, bike around the village's narrow streets or visit the 1823
Ocracoke Lighthouse , the oldest one still operating in North Carolina.
The island makes a terrific day trip from Hatteras Island, or you can stay the
night. There are a handful of B&Bs, a park service campground and rental cot-
tages.
For good eats, try the shrimp basket special on the patio of Dajio ( dajiorestaur-
ant.com ; 305 Irvin Garrish Hwy) from 3pm to 5pm, followed by the to-die-for lemon berry
marscapone. For drinks, savor a Grasshopper latte with chocolate mint and toffee
at Ocracoke Coffee ( www.ocracokecoffee.com ; 226 Back Rd) or quaff a beer at Howard's Pub
(mains $8-23; 11am-10pm early Mar-late Nov, may stay open later on Fri & Sat) , a big old wooden
pub that's been an island tradition for beer and fried seafood since the 1850s.
Want to get on the water? Take a a kayaking tour with Ride the Wind (
252-928-6311; www.surfocracoke.com ; 2-2½ hr tours adult/child $35/15) . The sunset tours are
easy on the arms, and the guides are easy on the eyes.
Activities
The same strong wind that helped the Wright brothers launch their biplane today propels
windsurfers, sailors and hang gliders. Other popular activities include kayaking, fishing,
cycling, horse tours, stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving. The coastal waters kick
up between August and October, creating perfect conditions for bodysurfing.
Kitty Hawk Kites ADVENTURE SPORTS
( 877-359-2447, 252-441-2426; www.kittyhawk.com ; 3933 S Croatan Hwy; hang gliding $99, bike
rental per day $25, kayaks $39-49, stand-up paddleboards $59) Has locations all over OBX of-
fering beginners' kiteboarding lessons (two hours $300) and hang-gliding lessons at
Jockey's Ridge State Park (from $99). It also rents kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddle-
boards, bikes and inline skates and offers a variety of tours and courses.
Corolla Outback Adventures DRIVING TOURS