Outer Banks, NC: Wild and Wonderful

Outer Banks, NC: Wild and Wonderful

Trip Duration: 5 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Wild Horse Tour with Corolla Outback Adventures

Enjoy a wild horse tour with Corolla Outback Adventures! Venture into the "Outback" area in a safari vehicle, traveling beyond the end of the road and through various refuge areas and sanctuary sites, including the Wild Horse Estates Conservation Easement. Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse array of shore birds and other wildlife, and, of course, the majestic Colonial Spanish Mustangs! Our experienced guides will share the rich history and local lore, revealing what makes this wild part of the Outer Banks truly unique.

Tours will proceed in light rain, but will not depart in heavy downpours or thunderstorms.

 

Timbuck II

Enjoy free time shopping, dining, and exploring Timbuck II, featuring over 60 unique shops, diverse restaurants, and recreational activities. Overlooking the beautiful Currituck Sound in the Northern Outer Banks, Timbuck II offers something for everyone.

 

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Dedicated to exploring the wildlife, natural history, and heritage of coastal North Carolina, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Located in Corolla at the beautiful Currituck Heritage Park, between Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Whalehead, this educational facility offers both indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors to enjoy. Embark on a self-guided tour that includes a 20-minute feature presentation, "Life by Water's Rhythms," in the auditorium. This documentary explores the role of Currituck Sound in the natural and cultural history of the region. Be sure to visit the N.C. Wild Store, offering a variety of nature-oriented merchandise, including books, posters, gifts, artwork, and apparel.

 

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

On December 1, 1875, the beacon of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse illuminated the last remaining "dark spot" on the North Carolina coast, bridging the gap between the Cape Henry light to the north and Bodie Island to the south. Twenty years ago, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was in desperate need of repair. The nonprofit Outer Banks Conservationists (OBC) stepped in to preserve this national landmark when no one else would. Over the past two decades, the OBC has dedicated nearly $1.5 million in private funds to restore, maintain, and operate the lighthouse. The OBC proudly opened the lighthouse to the public in 1991.

 

Whalehead

Take a step back in time when you visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla! Originally built in the 1920s, this magnificent residence has been restored to its original grandeur. Over the years, it has served as a military barracks, a boarding school, a rocket fuel testing site, and briefly stood abandoned. Located within Currituck Heritage Park, Whalehead is set on 39 acres of pristine waterfront property in the heart of Historic Corolla.

 

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The current Bodie Island Lighthouse, modeled after the Cape Lookout Lighthouse but featuring an exposed granite base, stands as a testament to maritime history. Today, it is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the historic keeper's house has been transformed into a visitor's center and museum, offering a glimpse into the lighthouse's storied past.

 

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

With its two stations and five outbuildings, Chicamacomico (pronounced chik-a-ma-COM-i-co) stands as the most complete life-saving station site in North Carolina and one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Located on Hatteras Island in the village of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks, Chicamacomico was established in 1874 as the first United States Life-Saving Service station in North Carolina. It was dedicated to the sole purpose of rescuing lives in peril from the sea.

 

Wright Brothers Memorial and Museum

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history with the first successful, sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine. This monumental achievement is commemorated by a 60-foot granite monument, dedicated in 1932, which stands atop the 90-foot Kill Devil Hill. During your visit, explore the museum exhibits, tour the reconstructed camp buildings and first flight trail area, and climb Kill Devil Hill to view the impressive memorial pylon honoring the visionaries from Dayton, Ohio.

 

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Off North Carolina's Outer Banks, the waters hold a somber legacy with thousands of sunken vessels and the stories of mariners who faced war, piracy, and nature's wrath. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this area boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of shipwrecks, preserving America's significant maritime history. Beyond a mere collection of artifacts, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum stands as a premier cultural attraction along the Atlantic Seaboard. Renowned for its innovation and commitment to maritime heritage, it offers a profound journey through time and the sea's enduring impact.

 

Local Historian Talk

Scott Dawson, a local historian renowned for his expertise on Roanoke Island, will join us for dinner on Day 3. Prepare to delve into fascinating historical narratives and gain deeper insights into the rich heritage of this unique island.

 

Dolphin Watch Tour

Join us for a captivating eco-tour as we search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore the vibrant wildlife of the Outer Banks! Conducted by biologists from the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, these tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about these beloved aquatic animals and their natural habitat. Led by experts aboard spacious 40-foot covered pontoon boats on the tranquil Roanoke Sound, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours. You'll gain insights into the ongoing research efforts and discoveries accumulated over a decade of study.

As the boat glides through the waters, dolphins often play alongside, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Learn about the area's rich ecology and history, and observe pelicans, osprey, and other bird species that thrive in these surroundings.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day 1 will be served at the Jolly Roger. Menus are TBA

 

Dinner Day 3 is included at Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe.

Entree choices are:

• Baked Parmesan encrusted chicken breast in a cream sauce

• Pan Blackened NC Fresh Fish

• Fresh NC Broiled Shrimp

• Chef's Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Primavera (Vegetarian)

Entrees come with potato of the day, seasonal vegetable of the day, homemade cornbread, and non-alcoholic beverages. Classic Tossed salad with fresh mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and a ranch or herb vinaigrette is included, as well as Key Lime Pie bars for dessert.

 

Menu subject to change.

 

 

Need to Know:

Wild Horse Tour: Embark on an exciting off-road adventure in a safari vehicle! Expect bumpy and uneven terrain. Dress comfortably; sensible shoes or flip-flops are acceptable. You'll also enjoy a short walk on the beach. A jacket is recommended, and a waiver is required for participation.

 

Currituck Lighthouse: All participants must sign a liability statement, including their signature and home address.

 

Dolphin Watch Boat Cruise: You may get wet, so dress accordingly. We recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. A light jacket or pullover and comfortable footwear are also suggested for your comfort.

 

 

Accessibility:

Whalehead - Only the first floor is wheelchair accessible. Guests must navigate stairs to access the upper floors.

 

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk, NC

Welcome to Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk hotel, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina. Admire views of the beautiful beach at the fishing pier from the private balcony of your guest room.

 

The hotel features a restaurant, indoor and outdoor (seasonal) pools and a fitness room. Guestrooms include coffee maker, hairdryer, iron/board, microwave, and mini-refrigerator.