Lazy Daze

Six Bedroom Oceanside House, Located in Corolla

Hike on the Buxton Woods Nature Trail

If you want to get some exercise while you are in Buxton but aren't crazy about climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Buxton Woods Nature Trail is the place for you! The trailhead is just past the turnoff to the Lighthouse on the right side of the road. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills in a shaded area just beside the trailhead. The trail is a .75 mile loop that will take you through marshes, trees, grasses and wildlife. Cottonmouth snakes, which are fat, rough-scaled and look brown, yellow, gray or black, are prevalent in this area in the warm months, so give them their space. If you see one, let it get away. If it doesn't move, get away from it. The hike has a few small inclines and is a gravel trail with a few uneven spots, so is not recommended for disabled visitors or small children. Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Go Windsurfing in the Calm Sound Waters Throughout the Outer Banks

There are several great sound side locations on the Outer Banks where you can go windsurfing. Canadian Hole, located between Avon and Buxton, is the most popular because of the wind and water conditions in the area. Nags Head sound side access at Milepost 16 and Jockey Ridge State Park's sound side access are popular spots to launch as well. If you don't know how to windsurf but would like to try it, you can take lessons at numerous places on the Outer Banks. If you are in the northern Outer Banks, you may want to try Kitty Hawk Watersports of Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. If you are on Hatteras Island, you can take lessons from Windsurfing Hatteras at (866) 995-6644 or Hatteras Island Sail Shop at (252) 987-2292.

Learn about Local Environment at Jeanette's Pier

Jeanette's Pier is a local historic landmark located in Nags Head at Milepost 16.5. Although Hurricane Isabel took 540 feet of the pier in 2003, the pier house reopened in 2004. The pier is owned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, which has a unique partnership with the North Carolina Aquarium. There are plans in place to enlarge and rebuild the property. In the peak season, there are daily educational activities in the ocean classroom located in the pier house. Programs such as Beach Exploring, Family Fishing, Beach Fun and Safety, Marsh Adventure for Kids, Beach Creatures of the Night and more are offered throughout the week. For more information, contact Jeanette's Pier at (252) 441-6421.

Tour the Historic Corolla Village

The original village of Corolla began to grow in 1875 after the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built. By 1890, the small village had 200 residents, but population declined during and after World War II. Corolla was home to just a few residents until the 1980s, when the development of the Currituck Outer Banks started with a public paved road. Today, visitors can tour Schoolhouse Lane and Corolla Village Lane to get a taste of the original Corolla Village. Visitors can view the Corolla Schoolhouse and other historic homes that have since been restored and turned into local shops. Take a step back in time and visit Historic Corolla Village!

Take a Boat Cruise To View Local Attractions and Wildlife

If you aren't interested in fishing or watersports, there is also a variety of boat cruises offered on the Outer Banks. Depending on which tour you choose, you could see dolphins, shipwrecks, sunsets, various sights and local attractions, various bird species, and more! In Nags Head, contact Bodie Island Adventures at (252) 441-6682. Outer Banks Cruises in Manteo is also an option, and can be reached at (252) 473-1475. Captain Clam in Hatteras, though it is primarily a headboat fishing charter, also offers pirate tours some evenings in the summer, and can be reached at (252) 986-2365.

Buy a Hermit Crab and Take Your New Pet Home

As you may know, hermit crabs are very popular pets. Similar to letting a child have a goldfish or a hamster, hermit crabs are also low maintenance pets. They need a small living area (a goldfish bowl or empty fish aquarium) with sand and some water. They like to eat cornmeal. At first, the hermit crab is a bit like a turtle and is afraid to come out of his shell. But, after he gets used to you and his surroundings, he will come out to say hello and be very active. When your hermit crab gets large enough and runs out of room in their current shell, he will leave that shell and move to a larger one. While you are visiting the Outer Banks, you can look on the beach for some larger empty shells for your new pet to grow into and put them in his house with him. Many of the local Reef and Wings stores sell hermit crabs and houses at reasonable prices.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Studio 12

Studio 12 is a small, locally owned pottery shop located on Highway 12 in Avon. They have many pieces of unfinished pottery. You pick the pottery piece that you would like to paint. You choose your colors and design and sit down and paint the pottery. The owners will fire and glaze your piece for you and send you on your way. What would make a better Outer Banks souvenir than a piece of pottery that you chose and painted yourself? You won't regret spending a few hours in Studio 12.

Go Swimming in the Ocean

A favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe!

Try Your Luck at Crabbing

Crabs can be caught in local sound waters from late spring into early fall, but the best months for crabbing are May, June and July. Crabbing can be a fun activity for both adults and children and is relatively simple. You need a length of cord with suitable bait tied to one end. Chicken necks or fish heads work well for enticing the crabs onto your line. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull gently on the line to see if you have a crab nibbling on the other end. Some more experienced crabbers prefer to use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. When you are done, boil your catch, and enjoy! If you prefer not to eat your catch, it is also fun to catch and release them back into the water.

Go Fishing on a Private Charter

There are a large variety of inshore and offshore charters located throughout the Outer Banks. For any of the charters, you will want to make reservations at least one month in advance. The cost of private charter day trips range from $400 to $1,300, depending on the size of your group and the boat you choose. Some of the marinas are as follows: Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (800) 367-4728, Thicket Thump Marina in Wanchese at (252) 473-4500, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island at (800) 272-5199, Hatteras Harbor Marina at (800) 676-4939, Teach's Lair Marina at (252) 986-2460 and Ocracoke Fishing Center at (252) 928-6661.

 

Corolla Restaurants

Clubhouse Cafe
1197 Franklyn Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Northern Lights Pastry & Coffee
109 Austin Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Bagels
1109 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Pizza & Deli
1152 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Big Mama's Breakfast, Seafood, Ice Cream & Yogurt
1152 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Cosmo's Pizzeria
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Wild Horse Cafe
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Nicolettas Italian Cafe
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Fat Crabs Rib Co.
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Ned's Ice Cream & Convenience
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Outer Banks Cheese-Steaks
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Lighthouse Bagels
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Shopping

Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Gift Shop
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Northern Lights Pastry & Coffee
109 Austin Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Bait & Tackle
101 Austin Street
Corolla, NC 27927

Beach Bag Books & Music
1109 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Spry Creek Dry Goods
1122 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Wink's Grocery & Market
1150 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Lighthouse Garden
1129 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Old Corolla Trading Co.
1129 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

The Island Bookstore
1130 Corolla Village Road
Historic Corolla Village
Corolla, NC 27927

The Lightkeeper's Wife
1130 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

The Village Fisherman Unique Gifts
1130 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Outer Banks Style
1134 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Attractions

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927

Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Gift Shop
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927

The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park
1100 Club Road
Corolla, NC 27927

The Corolla Wild Horse Museum at The Historic Corolla Schoolhouse
1126 Schoolhouse Lane
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Activities

Corolla Jeep Rentals & Tours
1070 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Bob's Wild Horse Tours
1066 Ocean Trail
Inn at Corolla Light
Corolla, NC 27927

Corolla Outback Adventures, Ltd.
1150 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Back Country Outfitters & Guides
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Beach Jeeps of Corolla
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Island Revolution Surf Co. & Skatepark
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla Light Town Center
Corolla, NC 27927

Wild Horse Safari
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Kayak Corolla
1210 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Kitty Hawk Kites
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

Carolina Outdoors
817 Ocean Trail
Monterey Plaza
Corolla, NC 27927

R/C Theatres of the Outer Banks
815 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo
794 Sunset Boulevard
Tim Buck II Shopping Center
Corolla, NC 27927