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Hike on the Buxton Woods Nature Trail

If you want to get some exercise while you are in Buxton but aren't crazy about climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Buxton Woods Nature Trail is the place for you! The trailhead is just past the turnoff to the Lighthouse on the right side of the road. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills in a shaded area just beside the trailhead. The trail is a .75 mile loop that will take you through marshes, trees, grasses and wildlife. Cottonmouth snakes, which are fat, rough-scaled and look brown, yellow, gray or black, are prevalent in this area in the warm months, so give them their space. If you see one, let it get away. If it doesn't move, get away from it. The hike has a few small inclines and is a gravel trail with a few uneven spots, so is not recommended for disabled visitors or small children. Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Visit the Historic British Cemetery

Located in Ocracoke, the British Cemetery is a memorial cemetery for the crew of the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. On May 11, 1942, a German submarine torpedoed and sank this 170-foot British ship that had four officers and 33 enlisted soldiers on board. All men on board the ship drowned, and a few days later four of the bodies were found on shore by local U.S. Coast Guard officers. Ocracoke residents gave Britain a 12 by 14 foot section of land next to the Island's cemetery and buried the soldiers there. Today, the cemetery is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard of Ocracoke Island and a ceremony is performed at the Cemetery each year on the anniversary of the deaths of the British sailors.

Visit the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary

Ducks, geese, rabbits, deer, fox and many other animal species live in the 5,400-acre wildlife refuge known as the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, located between Duck and Corolla on the northern Outer Banks. Many trees and marsh grasses also grow in this secluded wetland area. A trailhead is located at the Sanderling Inn and gives access to a 2.5 mile clay trail that takes hikers, bikers and strollers through a part of the Sanctuary.

Feed the Birds on the Beach

There are many species of sea birds that call the shores of the Outer Banks home. They normally eat fish, sea kelp and other interesting things that may wash onshore. One afternoon, buy a couple loaves of bread and head to the beach. There may be only a few birds in sight when you arrive, but throw some bread out to them and watch as the birds multiply in front of your eyes. If you are afraid of birds, you may not want to try this, because they LOVE food and aren't afraid to get too close to you!

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright (otherwise known as the Wright Brothers) soared in their homemade flying machine for more than 852 feet, staying in the air for 59 seconds. They were the first to get a powered airplane to fly in the sky. In 1932, a granite monument was built in their memory on a steep hill in the center of Kill Devil Hills, which is the same monument thousands of visitors visit each year. The site is managed by the National Park Service and there is also a visitor center, gift shop and museum. Tours and summer programs are available. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children 15 and under. For more information, contact the Wright Brothers National Memorial at (252) 441-7430.

Taste Authentic German Food and Beer at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery

The Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, located in Jarvisburg at 6810 Caratoke Highway, offers authentic German-brewed beer, a deli featuring a variety of smoked meat for sale, and a German cafe/deli. The Weeping Radish is proud to be North Carolina's oldest micro brewery, with all beers brewed with only water, hops and barley. Brewery Tours are available each week at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery. The Farmer to Fork Butchery at Weeping Radish features brats, beer brats, apple brats, sweet potato liverwurst, salami, bacon, and more. The Deli Cafe serves draft beer and samples from the Butchery. For more information, contact the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery at (252) 491-5205.

Learn about Local Environment at Jeanette's Pier

Jeanette's Pier is a local historic landmark located in Nags Head at Milepost 16.5. Although Hurricane Isabel took 540 feet of the pier in 2003, the pier house reopened in 2004. The pier is owned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, which has a unique partnership with the North Carolina Aquarium. There are plans in place to enlarge and rebuild the property. In the peak season, there are daily educational activities in the ocean classroom located in the pier house. Programs such as Beach Exploring, Family Fishing, Beach Fun and Safety, Marsh Adventure for Kids, Beach Creatures of the Night and more are offered throughout the week. For more information, contact Jeanette's Pier at (252) 441-6421.

Enjoy a Local Seafood Dinner

You can't spend any time at the Outer Banks without having a local seafood dinner. Throughout the Outer Banks, there are many great restaurants that will serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on the Outer Banks. Many of the restaurants will prepare YOUR catch of the day for you, if you have been out fishing and don't want to cook your own catch. All you have to do is ask!

Enjoy a Performance of the Lost Colony

The Lost Colony performance is what many would consider the most popular summertime event on the Outer Banks. This historical story of the first English settlement in North America is the nation's longest-running outdoor drama. Based on the adventures of Sir Walter Raleigh's early explorers who settled near the theater in 1585, The Lost Colony is a musical performance that will not disappoint you. The show runs the end of May to late August, and begins every night (except Sunday) at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20-$24 for adults, $12 for children 11 and under and $19-$245 for Senior Citizens (adults 62 and over). For more information on the show or to purchase tickets, contact (252) 473-3414. Group rates are available.

Go Shopping at Hatteras Landing

Located in Hatteras Village next to the ferry docks, Hatteras Landing is a great shopping area where you can pass the time while you wait in the ferry line, or just stop and browse when you have a bit of extra time. Hatteras Landing Provision Company, Graveyard Deli and Market, Birthday Suits, Surfside Casuals, Farmer's Daughter and Kitty Hawk Kites/Carolina Outdoors are the shops that are featured in this fun shopping area. A local beach style is reflected in most of the inventory of these popular shops. For more information, contact Hatteras Landing at (252) 986-2205.