Ocracoke Is Stop #1 For Creative Family Beach Vacations!
In the 1960's there was a television hit called "The Andy Griffith Show". The show centered around a small town sheriff and his family and friends in the fictional town of "Mayberry". It hastened back to a simpler time, when life was slower, people more caring, and everyone knew your name. While "Mayberry" is totally fictional, there is a place that will certainly remind you of it. Where is that place? Ocracoke Beach, which is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It's a great place for family beach vacations. In this article we will be focusing on why we think Ocracoke is one of the "Top Beaches of the World", and a "must see". We warn you though...this place will move you in ways you will not expect.
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.
Even if you hate shopping on the mainland, we think you will like it in Ocracoke. The shops are all small and quaint, and just browsing in them will bring back thoughts of "Mayberry". If you need to buy groceries there are only two main variety stores. They do have a post office to mail letters and postcards back to the mainland. One shop is dedicated to "just kites", a wonderful way to pass time on the island. The tree-lined roadway that covers the shops in the main shopping area is another feature that we just love.
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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