Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or are planning to relocate in North Carolina, have you considered an Outer Banks rental? The Outer Banks, as you’re likely aware, are a strip of barrier islands along the Atlantic coast. These islands stretch for 130 miles, and have a very colorful history.
Since you’re considering an Outer Banks rental, you may already be a history buff. In 1900, for example, the Wright Brothers began to experiment with aircraft at Kitty Hawk. At that time, it was the perfect place for them to practice gliding and maneuvering their plane due to its sparse population and the presence of sand dunes for a softer landing. Their first successful flight was in 1903 at Kitty Hawk. Today, kite surfing, paragliding, and hang gliding continue to be popular activities on the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks are also home to some magnificent natural and manmade structures. The highest sand dune on the east coast is at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is located in Nags Head. This sand dune is an amazing sight with peaks that are over 90 feet high.
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States is also located on the Outer Banks. Cape Hattera Lighthouse is 208 feet tall. The construction of this lighthouse was approved by Congress in 1794 to protect the shipping industry. Given that too many ships had foundered off the coast, this lighthouse provided a necessary and welcome beacon.
The waters off this area have been given the nickname, “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” This is due to the more than 1,000 ships that have sunk here since records were first made in 1526. Scuba divers and shipwreck enthusiasts alike spend time here exploring the more than 600 shipwrecks located off the coast of North Carolina. In addition to pirate ships, there are also ships from the time of the Civil War along with WWII vessels. This includes submarines as well as modern sea craft.
There is quite a bit for nature lovers to experience as well. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hattera Island is home to 400 species of birds. Wild ponies continue to roam the Outer Banks. These ponies are descended from the Spanish Mustangs that survived 16th century shipwrecks.
If you’re planning to stay for a few weeks or several months, you may be interested in Outer Banks vacation rentals, such as Nags Head vacation rentals. Why stay in a hotel when you can enjoy all the conveniences of home? Chances are that you’ll love this area so much you’ll want to move here permanently. In that case, there are a variety of Outer Banks rentals such as Outer Banks beach house rentals to consider.
