Lying on the beach with your towel spread out and a good book in hand—who doesn’t love old-fashioned summer relaxation? But sometimes it’s nice to add a little variety to the SPF & flip flop routine. In Currituck County, North Carolina, beachgoers have more than just the sand and surf at their disposal. On this piece of the Carolina coast, opportunities to explore natural wonders and historical treasures show there can be more to a beach trip than splashing in the waves and catching rays.
History
Currituck County’s name derives from an Algonquian word meaning “land of the wild goose,” and the Native Americans from this tribe were the area’s original inhabitants. The first Europeans settled on Knotts Island, and by the mid-1600s it was a well-established section of Currituck County. After the Civil War, the county became a vacation hot spot for wealthy sportsmen and industrialists who set up hunt clubs on the shores of Currituck Sound. Today, mainland Currituck County maintains its agrarian roots, while the Currituck Outer Banks attract visitors from around the world.
Appreciate Nature
To learn about the coastal wildlife that call Currituck County home, visit the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education at Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla. Nearby is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, first lit in 1875. Work off that afternoon ice cream sundae by climbing the 158-foot structure to its top. For another look at local wildlife, take a free 45-minute ferry to Knotts Island, where you can visit Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, a premier bird-watching site. The Currituck Banks Natural Estuarine Reserve also offers a hiking trail through the marshes, where diverse species of flowers and birds can be found.
Explore the Past
A visit to Currituck County wouldn’t be complete without visiting the notable historic buildings located throughout the region. Among these is The Whalehead Club, a restored art nouveau-style 1920s residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and an excellent example of the hunt clubs of days gone by. The Confederate War Memorial, Currituck County Jail & Courthouse and Historic Jarvisburg Colored School are a few other important local landmarks.
Summer Events
The 9th annual Under the Oaks Arts Festival is being held on June 23 (today) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 24 (tomorrow) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the waterfront grounds of Currituck Heritage Park. Come enjoy more than 100 artists, music, local food, kids’ activities and an art auction.
The Currituck Heritage Park will also hold its 18th Independence Day Festival of Fireworks starting at 6 p.m. on July 4.
Have you visited Currituck County? Write a review or post photos on Gozaic.
Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.
Photos courtesy of the Currituck County Travel & Tourism Department.
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