Hidden Treasures of the Outer Banks

People stay at our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals for more than just one reason. While our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals are luxurious and packed with all the amenities you need for a vacation home away from home, they also choose to vacation with us because of the location! Whether you’re looking for a place to bring the entire family, a location for a romantic weekend getaway, or a spot for friends to reunite for days of fun and laughter, Outer Banks is a favorite vacation spot for many.

There are many reasons why the Outer Banks is loved by both its visitors and its residents alike. Most people who come here know about Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head or The Lost Colony in Manteo. They also know to visit the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and to see the wild horses of Corolla. But what about some other activities that may not be as popular? What are some of the Outer Banks hidden treasures that visitors should check out while staying in their Outer Banks oceanfront rentals?

The Island Farm in ManteoVisit a living history site that interprets daily life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s. There you can find the Etheridge farmstead, which is the oldest period restoration of a house on Roanoke Island and includes 19^th century furnishings, some of which are original to the house. There are almost a dozen buildings to explore, such as the farmhouse, a reconstructed slave cabin, outhouse, cookhouse, smokehouse, dairy, barns, chicken coop, blacksmith shop and more. Kids will be delighted to see the chickens that roam freely on the grounds, as well as the sheep, ponies, an ox and a cow. 

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Maritime Museum In this Hatteras museum, come find out why the coasts of the Outer Banks have been nicknamed “The Graveyard of the Atlantic? The museum is one of the finest, most innovative maritime facilities in the nation. Learn about chilling stories of several historical shipwrecks that have dotted our coasts, and try to solve the mystery of the Ghost Ship of Diamond Shoals. 

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve- Because these woods are shielded by ocean winds from the sandy dunes, the Nags Head Woods features a diversity of plant and animal life that is unusual to find on a barrier island. Bird lovers will be amazed that over 100 species of birds have been seen in these woods, and nature lovers will appreciate the grandeur of the oaks, hickories and beech trees; some of which are hundreds of years old. Keep your eyes out for 15 species of amphibians and 28 species of reptiles. Don’t leave your camera at one of our Outer banks oceanfront rentals!

North Carolina Roanoke Island Aquarium Tucked away in small town Manteo is the aquarium with the largest collection of sharks in the state. Bring the whole family as you spend the day interacting with scuba divers, touching an alligator and feeding the sting rays. There’s always something new to see and do here, so plan your visit while you’re staying at one of our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals.

There is something on the Outer Banks for everyone, and it’s always a treat to find one of the less visited gems of the Outer Banks. There are many more hidden treasures of the Outer Banks to visit while staying in one of our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals. A good way to find out about more hidden gems is to keep posted on our blog often and we’ll keep you updated with the best activities in the OBX. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding things to do while staying in our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals—that is, unless you’re simply having trouble deciding!