CS3R on the Outer Banks.

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Tour the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park

The Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park is a 69-acre industrial park that was built in 1980 to entice large-scale seafood processing companies to bring their business to Wanchese. Oregon Inlet, the East Coast's most dangerous inlet, shoaled terribly through the 1980s and few of the fishing boats could make it through the inlet, so the large-scale seafood processors never arrived. The industrial park remained mostly vacant until 1994, when smaller area businesses began moving into the park. Today, the area is almost full with various marine-related industries. The industrial park is an educational stop for visitors interested in the world of boatbuilding and sea harvesting. Visitors are welcome to come in and check out the boat docks. For more information, contact the industrial park at (252) 473-5867.

Go Sailing in the Calm Sound Waters

The good news about sailing on the Outer Banks is that you no longer have to own your own sailboat to partake in this activity. Many local shops offer sailboat lessons, rentals, excursions and charters! If you have never sailed before, don't attempt to rent one until you have had lessons. The winds on the Outer Banks are tricky and you could end up miles from shore if you aren't careful. For more information, contact Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Carolina Outdoors is another option and can be reached at the Duck location at (800) 334-4777 or the Avon location at (252) 995-6060.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society

Once the private residence to Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location on Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, and photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through the end of December. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375.

Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information.

Catch a Wave Surfing in the Outer Banks Ocean Waters

Because the Outer Banks is set farther into the ocean with deeper waters than most other coastal regions, the surf of the Outer Banks is said to have the best breaks on the East Coast. The various fishing piers, shipwrecks and sandbars also create unusual wave patters for the thousands of surfers who come to the area each year to ride the Outer Banks waves. As with anything in the ocean, always go with a friend and be aware of water, weather and beach conditions. If you don't know how to surf but would like to learn, various surf shops offering lessons are: the Corolla Surf Shop at (252) 453-WAVE, The Pit Surf Shop in Kill Devil Hills at (252) 480-3128, the Hatteras Island Surf Shop in Waves at (252) 987-2296 or the Ride the Wind Surf Shop in Ocracoke at (252) 928-6311.

Go Camping at the Ocracoke Campground

The National Park Service manages a great campground on Ocracoke Island. About twelve miles from the ferry docks and just three miles from Ocracoke Village, this oceanfront campground is in the perfect location for walking on the beach, fishing, nature walking and more! There are 136 campsites and the cost is $20 per night. To make a reservation, call (800) 365-CAMP.

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. The tallest brick lighthouse at 208 feet, it survived a move of more than 1,600 feet away from the eroding shoreline in 1999. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year. There are daily lighthouse tours, and the ticket booth opens each day at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are only available for the date of purchase, and tours normally sell out by noon each day. The cost to climb the lighthouse is $6 for adults and $3 for children and Senior Citizens. The climb is a tough one with several winding staircases, but the breathtaking views from the top will be something you will never forget. There is also a visitor center and bookstore on the premises, located in the former keepers' quarters.

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

You've seen the movies with people riding horses on the beach. Why not try it for yourself during your vacation to the Outer Banks? Equine Adventures in Buxton offers local experienced guides that lead you on scenic wooded trails to the beach. Rides are offered year round, but reservations are required. Call (252) 995-4897 for more information.

Tour the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island

The George Washington Creef Boathouse was built on the Manteo waterfront in 1940, and in 1998 was turned into the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island. Inside the museum, the crew of mostly volunteers keeps busy renovating and rebuilding wooden boats. The Elizabeth II was built here, and visitors to the museum can view a presentation on her construction. The museum is a great stop for anyone interested in boats and boatbuilding of the past and present. The museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer months, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. For more information, contact the museum at (252) 475-1750.

Go Shopping at Tanger Outlet Center

The Tanger Outlet Center is located on the south side of Nags Head on US Highway 158. If you love to shop, or even if you forgot something at home, this is a great place for you to find some Outer Banks bargains! A few of the stores at the Outlet Center are: The Gap, Ralph Lauren, Wilson Leather, The Dress Barn, Kitchen Collection, Claire's Boutique, Rack Room Shoes, Bass and Nine West. Don't forget to stop by the Tanger Outlet Center and buy yourself something special!