There is nothing quite like the forces of nature that have created the more than 1,000 miles of barrier islands called the Outer Banks. Fresh ocean air, sunny sandy beaches and all the seafood you can possibly desire. Whether you are here to explore our miles of national parks and wild life refuges or uncover over 400 years of history these islands hold, you will be amazed and delighted. The Wright Brothers National Memorial holds the mysteries of the first flight these gentlemen dared take. It is a must see!

Restaurants:

North Beach:

• American Pie has such favorites as hand-tossed pizza, subs, wings and salads. (252) 441-3332. Beach Road, Kill Devil Hills
• Argyles Restaurant and Piano Bar has a martini bar, seafood, steaks, and pasta. (252) 261-7325. US 158 Bypass, Kitty Hawk

Roanoke Island:

• 1587 Restaurant is an upscale restaurant with a bar on the premises serving global and American cuisine. (252) 473-1587 Queen Elizabeth St., Waterfront, Manteo
• Darrell's Restaurant offers home cooking and local seafood. (252) 473-5366 US 64/264, Manteo

Hatteras Island:

• Blue Parrot Café has waterfront gourmet dining that include such favorites as seafood, steak, chicken, pasta and vegetarian. (252) 995-6993 Hwy 12, Avon
• The Captain's Table offers family style dining with choices of homemade soups, seafood, steak, and pasta. (252) 995-3117 Highway 12, Buxton. Across from Lighthouse entrance.

Things to do:

• The Monument to a Century of Flight is a tribute to the most important events in the past 100 years of flight. There are 120 wing shaped granite pillars of various shapes to signify the distance of the Wright Brothers first flight.
• The Elizabethan Gardens will give you an idea of the cultured life our 16th century ancestors must have lived with their formal sunken gardens, a Shakespearean herb garden or the thatched gazebo. Located within Fort Raleigh adjacent to Waterside Theatre at 1411 National Park Drive.
• North Carolina Aquarium will answer the age old question, "What is in those waters?" You will get a look at marine life in the Outer Banks area. 252-473-3493
• Roanoke Island Festival Park is home for the Elizabeth II, a replica of one of the ships that sailed to the new world in 1584.
• Roanoke Island Festival Park has a new exhibit hall the features the Lost Colony, Native Americans of the Outer Banks and much more. 252-475-1500
• Outer Banks is made of peninsulas and islands, which means it needs lighthouses to warn approaching ships of its location. Visit one or all of these nautical wonders.