08/17/23

Hitting the Hatteras Island Bike Trails

In the summer, it seems like every other vehicle on NC Highway 12 has a bike rack strapped to the back, and there’s a good reason for this phenomenon. With a collection of smaller neighborhoods, paths, flat beaches, and miles of scenic highway, Hatteras Island can be a biker’s dream.
New to the local cycle scene? Exploring is an easy way to find the best routes, but there are a few scenic spots up and down the island that are ideal for long, easy bike rides.

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08/12/11

Hatteras Island Events: This Week on the Outer Banks

We’ve compiled the best Hatteras Island activities, events and fun things to do on the Outer Banks for August 13 – August 20. Below you will find events just for the kids, family events, evening events and a lot of FREE activities to make your Hatteras Island vacation unforgettable!

    FOR THE KIDS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
National Park Service Program: Especially for Kids

Time: 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This program offers hands-on activities that allow kids to have fun learning about the seashore. Check at the visitor center to learn the topic of the day. Free for all ages.

Monday, August 15
Digeridoo Down Under

Hatteras Library – 9:30 AM. This is a high-energy, Australia-themed program that combines music, puppetry, comedy, and audience participation. This program is free and will last approximately 1 hour. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. The Hatteras library is located directly off of Hwy 12 in the heart of Hatteras village, between the post office and fire station. For more information, call (252)986-2385.

August 16-18
REAL Kids Camp

Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: REAL Watersports in Waves village

Get your son or daughter into the water in a safe and positive instructional environment with the REAL Kids Camp! Let the coaches at REAL show your kids the ropes in and around the water. Surfing, Kiteboarding, Standup Paddleboarding and more. Ages 7-12. Call for information: (866)REAL-548 | (252)987-6000 or visit: REALWatersports.com

Tuesday, August 16
Muster 1861: Children’s Civil War Programs

10:30am – 11:30am at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

Tuesday, August 16
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites -Hatteras & Avon Villages

2 locations and times: 10am -12pm in Hatteras Village -at Hatteras Landing Shops, next to the ferry
4pm – 6pm in Avon village
Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Wednesday, August 17
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites -Rodanthe Village

4pm -7pm at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Rodanthe at Waves Village. Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Wednesday, August 17
Art Under the Oaks

2pm to 5pm at Blue Pelican Gallery in Hatteras village. Ages 4 to 12. This event is free, but please pre-register by calling (252) 986-2244. www.facebook.com/bluepelicangallery.

Thursday, August 18
Children’s Nautical Crafts (ages 3+)

10:30am – noon at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

Friday, August 19
Kid’s Painting Class

1pm-2pm at Indian Town Gallery – mile post 65 in Frisco.
This fun art class if for kids ages 6 and up. The cost is $15 and includes materials. What a great vacation memento to bring home from the beach! Please pre-register by calling (252)995-5181.

    FOR THE FAMILY

    Monday & Thursday nights

    Waterfront Concerts at REAL Watersports
    6-10pm The Kona Summer Concert Series featuring The Wilder Brothers Monday nights and MoJo Collins on Thursday nights! -This is a family friendly event! Enjoy the concert outside on the waterfront deck at the REAL Flagship Store in the Village of Waves. Dinner and drinks are available at all shows from MOJOs Sunset Café. Enjoying live music on the Bermuda grass lawn area on a beach blanket or chair is the best way to wrap up any day in Cape Hatteras with your family! For more information, call 252-987-6000.

    Thursday, August 18 & Friday, August 19
    Chain Saw Art Sculpting Demo
    Time: 11am – 4pm Watch chain saw sculptor Nick Tucci sculpt amazing art with a chainsaw! Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village. For more information, call (252)995-5181

    Thursday, August 18
    Sea Glass Wrapping Jewelry Class
    Time: 10am – 1:30pm (Classes run 30 minutes and start on the ½ hour -reservations required!). Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village. Learn to wrap a piece of sea glass into a necklace pendant with instructor Betty Kungle. Class size is limited to 8, so call early to make reservations! $10 per person plus a $5 kit fee which includes a piece of genuine sea glass! For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181.

    Friday, August 19
    Advanced Sea Glass Jewelry

    Time: 2 classes to choose from: 2:30pm and 4:30pm Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village

    Advanced sea glass necklace class lasts about 2 hours and costs $30. In this class, students will make a complete sea glass necklace using beading and wrapping techniques. Ages 12 and up. Please call and pre-register for all classes. For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181.

    Friday, August 19
    Frisco Jubilee Live Music Performance

    The Frisco Jubilee is an evening of musical entertainment for the whole family comprised of some of the best performers from Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Locals and tourists alike have discovered the rich musical heritage that exists on the Outer Banks and at the Jubilee you will hear some great music that ranges from standards and blues to bluegrass and gospel as well as original poetry. The Frisco Jubilee performance is at The Little Grove Methodist Church, mile post 67 in Frisco. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door for $10 per person. Call 252-995-3540 for more information.

    Saturday, August 13 & 20
    Join us for a good ole fashion Fish Fry at two locations on Hatteras Island: Hatteras Village and Avon Village, every Saturday evening in the summer.

    Hatteras Village Fish Fry. 5-7pm
    Hatteras Fire Station, 57689 NC 12
    Enjoy locally caught fried fish along with hushpuppies, cole slaw and potato salad. For almost six decades, the folks in Hatteras Village have hosted this fish fry. Sponsoring the fish fry is the Ladies Auxiliary at the fire department. Proceeds go to the Ladies Auxiliary, the Hatteras United Methodist Church and the Hatteras Village Civic Association.

    Kinnakeet (Avon Village) Fish Fry. 5-7pm
    Avon Fire Station, 40159 Harbor Rd.
    Enjoy fried fish, locally caught by Kinnakeet watermen. The fish fries fund civic association programs.

    More fun FAMILY activities:

    The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
    The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers weekly events throughout the summer. Admission is free and the museum is fun for all ages!
    The museum is located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village and is open Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm.
    Monday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm

    Tuesday:“Tuesdays@2:00 Speaker’s Series-My Life as Taffy of Torpedo Junction-Carol Dillon 2pm-2:45pm

    Wednesday: Island Quilting Traditions 10am to noon; Civil War Mini-talks with Drew Pullen 2pm -2:30pm and 3pm-3:30pm.

    Thursday: Canvasback Decoys with Sam Green 12:30pm – 4pm

    Friday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm.

      SUMMER PROGRAMS

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station and the National Park Service offer Daily Summer Programs. Below are some fun events for you to check out during your Hatteras Island vacation!

    WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN… Evening events on Hatteras Island offered by the Park Service

    Tuesday, August 16
    Evening Campfire

    Time: 8:00pm. Location: Buxton Lifeguarded Beach. -Spend an evening under the stars hearing stories of the Outer Banks. Topics may include shipwrecks, pirates, sea life, and legends. Bring a beach chair, a blanket, flashlight, and bug spray.

    Wednesday, August 17
    Night Lights

    Time: 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a short walk to search the tide line for glowing marine plankton and the sky for planets and constellations. Find out why protecting the dark is valuable to both people and wildlife.

    Thursday, August 18
    Night Climb
    Time: 8pm and 9pm. Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Enjoy a guided tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. ..at NIGHT!
    You will need to pre-purchase Night Climb tickets in person between 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the lighthouse ticket booth Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the week you intend to climb. Each program is limited to 30 participants and tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable and children must be at least 42″ tall. Bring a flashlight!

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station Summer Programs
    Time: All programs are at 2pm
    Location: Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station – 23645 NC Highway 12, or Milepost 39 ½ (Programs are outdoors and thus weather dependent. Programs are free with Regular Site Admission Fee)

    Monday, August 15
    Nights in Rodanthe the Movie — Behind the Scenes

    Nearly all exterior scenes were actually filmed right here in Rodanthe, where Chicamacomico is located. Site Operations Manager, Linda Molloy, was cast as Jill Torrelson opposite Richard Gere in a brief but pivotal role. Come get the scoop! Linda will autograph and personalize your book and DVD purchases here for a truly unique vacation souvenir. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Tuesday, August 16
    America’s Forgotten Heroes

    Discover the forgotten yet fascinating history of the United States Life-Saving Service, the original “Storm Warriors” who were the predecessors of today’s U.S. Coast Guard… Absorb the unbelievable details of actual rescues done here, especially the dramatic SS Mirlo story- the most highly awarded maritime rescue in U.S. history, right here! Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Wednesday, August 17
    The Real Taffy Of Torpedo Junction

    This fictional novel tells the daring antics of an independent young teenager living on Hatteras Island during World War II. ‘Taffy” was based on the real-life Carol Dillon, Hatteras Island native. She will enthrall you with her stories of what was fiction and what was not.Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Thursday, August 18
    Beach Apparatus Drill

    The U.S. Life-Saving Service required all stations to practice this rescue method weekly. Chicamacomico is now one of only two places in the country– and the ONLY one to be performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel–that performs the complete Drill. It is recommended to arrive by 1:30. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Friday, August 19
    What Really Happened to The Lost Colony?

    Where did they go? Right here on Hatteras Island, where they actually first started. Scott Dawson’s compelling delivery will have you spellbound. Documentation & evidence abound. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    FREE Park Service Events:

The Cape Hatteras National Park offers FREE Hatteras Island events for the family and kids of all ages.

Daily in the Summer:
Sentinel of the Shore

Time: Daily 12:00pm to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Learn about the rich history of, and future plans for, the park’s majestic lighthouses.

Daily in the Summer
Hatteras Island – Pirates!

Time: Daily from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -In the 1700’s, pirates frequently visited the Outer Banks. Find out why the area was so attractive to pirates and how the golden age of piracy dramatically ended.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Hatteras Island – Soundside Snorkeling

Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -It’s not the Caribbean, but the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound are home to an array of small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Limited to 20 participants.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Civil War on the Outer Banks

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a view of the Outer Banks’ role in the Civil War!

Tuesday
Old Days at the Weather Station

Time: 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Location: Hatteras U.S. Weather Bureau Station, in the heart of Hatteras Village.
Join this tour of the restored Hatteras Weather Bureau Station and hear about the villagers who worked there during both tranquil and stormy times.

Tuesday & Thursday
Graveyard of the Atlantic

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Countless ships have met their end off the Outer Banks. Learn how storms, shoals, war, and commerce have contributed to the wreckage, and hear stories of those who risked their lives to save the victims.

Wednesday Events:
Explore the Shore: Beach Walk

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am. Location: Old Lighthouse site parking lot
Enjoy an early morning ranger-led walk across the undeveloped ocean beaches of Hatteras Island. Learn about this changing shoreline and the plants and animals that make this dynamic environment their home.

Cast Netting

Time: 9:30am. Location: Pre-register at the Hatteras Island Museum at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Give it a try or just come to observe the action. You’re welcome to bring your own cast net. Wear wading shoes. Limited to 25 participants.

Seashore Arts

Time: 11:00am to 11:30am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Get in touch with your artistic side and create a lasting memory of the seashore! Bring a cotton t-shirt or pillow case to create a seashore-inspired masterpiece. Limited to 16 participants.

Thursday
Coast Guard Station Tour

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -The U.S. Coast Guard and its predecessor, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, have a long and heroic history on the Outer Banks. Sign up today and enjoy a unique tour of an active U.S. Coast Guard Station. Limited to 20 participants.

Outer Banks Events and Activities for the Family -North of Hatteras Island

    Monday through Saturday
    74th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

    Time: 8:30pm. Location: Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. -Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. Featuring lavish costumes designed by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long and directed by Robert Richmond, the story comes to life summer nights at the open air Waterside Theatre. Children 12 and under $10.00, Group rates for 10 or more. Complete the experience with a Waterside Sunset Picnic and pre-show Backstage Tour at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call (252) 473-3414 or visit thelostcolony.org


05/5/11

Create Lasting Memories On Hatteras Island With Mom!

Hatteras Island is a wonderful place to make memories while on vacation. It’s an even better place to spend your Mother’s Day! There are plenty of sights to see and activities to take part in. If you’re going to be on Hatteras Island on Mother’s Day, we’ve come up with some fun ideas for mom that are sure to create lasting and cherished memories!

Fun Activities:

1. Paint your Own Pottery at Pottery in Avon http://www.studio12hatteras.com/ (252) 995-7899. A great way to spend time with mom while creating a keepsake!

2. We’re sure mom could use some relaxation and tranquility and nothing beats the spa and a massage at “In Touch Massage” in Frisco, next to Indian Town Gallery www.intouchmassageandwellness.com, (252) 995-4067. Massage on-site at the wellness center or ask about the mobile services that bring the massage directly to you at your vacation home!

3. A unique and treasuring activity on Hatteras Island is searching for sea glass! What’s even better is sea glass jewelry, which you and mom can make together! Take her to the Sea Glass wrapping jewelry class at “Indian Town Gallery” in Frisco. Call for appointment! http://www.indiantowngallery.com/ (252)995-5181.

4. Not into sea glass, but still want to make jewelry with mom? That’s covered, too! Make your own Jewelry at “The Glass Bead” – with two locations: Avon (252) 995-7020 and Rodanthe (252) 987-2005 -thousands of beads and all the jewelry-making supplies you’ll need to create your own jewelry.

5. If mom is the adventurous type, rent some gear from REAL Watersports in the village of Waves, or grab some food at Mojos’s Sunset Cafe’ and watch the views of the sound from their deck.

Specialty Shopping:

1. “Buxton Village Books” in Buxton – books, cards and gifts http://www.buxtonvillagebooks.com/ (252) 995-4240.

2. “Island Spice and Wine” in Avon – gourmet wine, food and gifts! Specialty gift baskets available! (252) 995-7750.

3. “The Elegant Attic” in Buxton – (252) 995-4468 -Antiques shop featuring a spectacular selection of antique stained-glass windows and doors imported from England.

There are also plenty of simple and inexpensive things to do with mom on Hatteras Island as well!

1. Go for a stroll on the beach.

2. Take mom out for ice cream. Village Conery is a great place to get ice cream!

3. Climb the lighthouse together.

4. Hunt for seashells then paint them together using watercolor paints or make a simple seashell wind-chime together or save them in a decorative bowl that you find together at local shops like Lee Robinson.

5. Go for a bicycle ride through old Kinnakeet.

Another idea is a family photo! Two great photographers on Hatteras Island are:

Bryan Elkus – http://www.bryanelkus.com/

Daniel Pullen – http://www.danielpullenphotography.com/

If mom can’t be with you on vacation, bring the beach to her! Find a pretty jar from one of the local shops and fill it with sand and sea shells you find on the beach!

The possibilities to create cherished memories with mom are endless on Hatteras Island. From everyone here at Surf or Sound Realty, we wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day!


07/29/09

Hatteras prepares to host fifth annual Day at the Docks Celebration on Sept. 19

The fifth annual “Day at the Docks: A Celebration of Hatteras Island Watermen” will be on Saturday, Sept. 19, on the Hatteras village waterfront.

“The celebration this year promises to be the best ever,” said Lynne Foster, chairperson of the Day at the Docks planning committee.

The day brings local fishing families and island visitors together on the waterfront where commercial fishing boats, charter boats, and fishing gear are displayed. Continue reading


06/18/09

Free Activities for your Family on Check In Day from Kitty Hawk Kites

If you are checking in on Saturday, and arrive on Hatteras Island a little early, Kitty Hawk Kites offers plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family busy and enjoying a jump start to their vacation, while waiting for check-in.

Every Saturday during the summer, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., you can join Kitty Hawk Kites at Waves Village Kiteboarding Resort for plenty of fun while your vacation rental home is being prepped for your Hatteras Island Vacation. You can leave one person at the office to wait while you join in the fun, or everyone can head over to Kitty Hawk Kites to relax and enjoy the afternoon. Continue reading


08/27/08

Geography Gone Wild

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Geography gone wild: An overview of what makes Hatteras Island unique

North Carolina’s coast is home to a string of barrier islands composing the Outer Banks, with Hatteras Island smack in the center of this chain of long, sandy islands.

Barrier islands are not particularly unusual. Study a map of the East Coast, and you’ll find them everywhere from Maine to Florida, but locals and frequent visitors know that Hatteras Island is special, and the root of its unique character can be traced to its geography. Surrounded by water, Hatteras Island is literally 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and this makes for a pretty wild place to vacation. Continue reading


08/10/08

Hatteras Island Attractions

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

One of the most famous and recognizable in the world because of its black and white candy cane stripes, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a definite “must see” on every Hatteras Island vacation.
The lighthouse is located in Buxton and is open for climbing in the summer season for a small fee. At 208 feet, the steep narrow climb is not for the faint of heart. There is also a visitor’s center and gift shop, nearby nature trails, and a wooded picnic area.

A Day Trip to Ocracoke

Ocracoke Island is south of Hatteras Island and is accessed from Hatteras Village by a free ferry that leaves Hatteras Landing. The ferries depart hourly from 5 a.m. until midnight, and every half hour on heavy traffic days. Call (252) 986-2353 for more information on the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry.
The village of Ocracoke is a small community, just 4 square miles in diameter. The Ocracoke lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse still in operation in America. You can park and stroll around the locally owned shops and restaurants and catch a sparkling sunset over Silver Lake Harbor. Continue reading