the (almost) forgotten history of the outer banks

The Roy Robinson house on Portsmouth Island.

From the earliest European explorations to modern times, the Outer Banks have been in the middle of the history of this country. This post from Ryan Thibodeau at Carolina Designs takes a look at some of the almost forgotten nuggets of local history from the Civil War to the end of segregated education. “It may… Continue reading the (almost) forgotten history of the outer banks

ocracoke: small island, big fun

Even in for a location as unique as the Outer Banks, Ocracoke is a special place and worth a visit at any time of year. This wonderful article from Diane Daniel of the Boston Globe shares just how delightful the island, and its people can seem to a traveler. “My partner, Lina, and I had waited until… Continue reading ocracoke: small island, big fun

southern shores flat top tour april 12!

The Southern Shores Flat Tops are an iconic piece of the birth of the Outer Banks tourist industry. A tour of the flat tops will be held Saturday April 12 and will include introductory remarks from Steve Gudas, PhD, on “The Lost Flat Tops of Southern Shores: The Vanishing Vernacular Architecture of the Northern Outer Banks.” Dr.… Continue reading southern shores flat top tour april 12!

the jolly roger: 40+ years of success on the obx

It’s tough to argue with success, and the Jolly Roger on the Beach Road has used the same winning formula for more than 40 years. Russ Lay’s article for the Outer Banks Voice does a great job of painting a true picture of an Outer Banks icon. “If you’re looking for someplace fancy, if you’re… Continue reading the jolly roger: 40+ years of success on the obx

saving the history of the cape hatteras lighthouse

It’s not only the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that has been threatened by the encroaching sea. Historic markers naming all the lighthouse keepers are perilously close to being lost. This article from National Geographic does a great job of giving a historic perspective to the light and and overview of the emotional impact of the markers.… Continue reading saving the history of the cape hatteras lighthouse

confederate ironclad comes to life in kinston

Did you know the Outer Banks played a critical role in the Civil War? We found this great blog about it over on the Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates website. Turns out, among other things, the Outer Banks was the site of the first significant Union victories of the conflict. To stop the Union advance… Continue reading confederate ironclad comes to life in kinston

haunted history tour at the lost colony in april

Take a walk on the wild side, and learn a thing a thing or two about Roanoke Island, when The Lost Colony presents a Haunted History Tour on April 22nd and 23rd. “Learn first-hand why Sir Walter Raleigh sent his colonists here, what they hoped to accomplish and the history changing outcomes of their journey.… Continue reading haunted history tour at the lost colony in april

hoi toide on the soundside: outer banks english

If you’ve ever spent any time down on Hatteras or Ocracoke Islands you’ve probably heard the brogue spoken the natives islanders. Not southern at all, I think it’s like Irish with a bit of Limey thrown in. Whatever it is, it’s pretty fascinating, and so is this video created by the North Carolina Language and Life… Continue reading hoi toide on the soundside: outer banks english

the pioneer theater in manteo – still rockin’ it old school

We love this awesome tribute by Phyllis Cole over on the North Beach Sun! Manteo’s Pioneer Theater is an oldie, but a goodie. “It’s the popcorn. The aroma is the first thing that hits you when you approach the ticket office. Okay, maybe it’s the second thing you notice after the unique Tudor exterior so reminiscent… Continue reading the pioneer theater in manteo – still rockin’ it old school

calling all artists with an “eye for art, a heart for history”

Courtesy of Outer Bank History Center

The Outer Banks History Center in Manteo is celebrating 25 years by partnering with the Dare County Arts Council to present an art exhibit showcasing the area’s vast, varied and vibrant history. Opening February of next year, this juried show will be on view nearly all year at the OBHC in Manteo. All entry materials must… Continue reading calling all artists with an “eye for art, a heart for history”