With this in mind, we’d like to share a few safety tips which we hope will help you have fun on our shores.  You are also welcome to check the Visit Currituck site for important emergency contact information – print out the page before you arrive and keep it handy.

1) Mind the weather reports. We savor many a sunny day in Currituck, but the occasional thunderstorm does strike. If heavy rain and/or lightning is forecast for the area, consider an alternative activity until the sun reappears.

2) Sunscreen! Protect your skin while you play and lay on the beach. Even if you don’t feel the sun on you, or clouds are partly covering the sky, you are still exposed to the sun’s rays and can risk a burn. Make sure the kids are well covered with a good, long-lasting screen.

3) Look but don’t touch. If you’re lucky, you just may see a few wild horses trotting along the shoreline. Our resident Mustangs are something to see…literally. You may be tempted to get closer for a picture or a pet, but there is an ordinance in place that prohibits people from getting too close. According to the law, you have to stay at least fifty feet away. If you see horses on your trip, admire them from a distance.

4) Stay near the lifeguards. The Corolla Ocean Rescue team patrols the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day, usually from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Because rip currents are possible (and you’ll see red flags on the beach if one has been spotted), you’ll want to stay near a patrolled area if you want to swim. Beachgoers are also strongly discouraged from night swimming.

5) Keep the matches at home. Open burning and bonfires are prohibited on Currituck beaches. If you want to grill out, you’ll have to wait until you get to your vacation rental.

We hope to see you soon. Memorial Day is right around the corner and we’re already hearing from people who plan to visit. You can still find a great beach home to rent for your vacation. Come on down!

Kathryn Lively

If you like to start the morning with a bit of honey on your scones or biscuits, the Watkins Apiary on Knotts Island is a must-stop on your trip. During the summer months, the apiary offers honey fresh from the hives. However, you will want to call ahead (757-563-2275) for business hours, because they do vary. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch them when tours are held.

In the cooler months, you can order kiwis grown on the property. They are typically ready in November and December. Again, call ahead for information.

1) Corolla Mini Golf 

Close to the popular Timbuck II shopping center in Corolla is this challenging but fun 18-hole miniature golf course. With incredible views of the Currituck Sound, the kids can pretend they’re competing at the Masters! This course is open during the peak season, from May to October, and is open late into the evening. Call 252-453-6900 for more information.

2) Horsebacking Riding at Wrangler Farms

The wild horses are a big attraction here, but did you know you can also enjoy riding lessons and other fun events? Wrangler Farms offers horseback riding lessons to kids as young as four, as well as a series of awesome summer camps to help kids learn proper equestrian skills. Call 252-491-5090 for more information.

3) Miss Kitty’s Old Time Photo

A picture is worth a thousand words, and when families come to the beach for the summer it’s almost a rite of passage to have a memorable photo taken. Miss Kitty’s in Corolla lends a touch of history and/or mystery to picture taking – here kids can dress up as dashing soldiers and sophisticated ladies, and create awesome framed souvenirs to take home, or to send to the grandparents as gifts.

4) Skate Parks

Currituck County has two popular skate parks for kids and adult skaters to try. Maple Skate Park is free to use and features an 11′ keyhole  and deep bowls. On the other side of the county, Island Revolution Skate Park in Corolla charges admission but you’ll find a huge bowl with a 9′ deep end and a mini street course with wedge ramps. You can also rent boards and safety equipment, and sign up for summer skate clinics.

5) Kayaking 

Coastal Explorations of Corolla offers a great kids’ camp for those who want to learn to kayak and see the natural beauty of Currituck Outer Banks. Kids will learn to catch shrimp and crabs and enjoy the fresh air as they paddle with experienced staff along the sound. Call 252-453-9872 for camp information.

From sports on land and in the water to unique photo moments, Currituck and Corolla offer amazing fun for your kids. You definitely will not run out suggestions to keep them active and happy.

Kathryn Lively

For nearly three decades, the folks at Roberts Ridge Farm have provided locals and visitors with fresh grown corn and other Carolina produce picked at nearby farms. If you follow the “local food” movement, this is definitely where you should pick up groceries during your stay. Eat right, feel good, and maintain the energy to enjoy days at the beach and area hiking trails.

Roberts Ridge Farm is a seasonal operation, typically open from June to August. You’ll want to call ahead for hours.

Roberts Ridge Farm
501 N. Indiantown Road
Shawboro, NC 27923
252-336-4793 

Where to walk first? You can stop by the Visitor Center for ideas, or try these five suggestions. Get yourself some thick, comfortable socks and take a camera because you never know…you may happen upon a wild horse or other point of interest.

1) Charles Kurault Trail – North Carolina-born journalist Kuralt was known for his short broadcasts that emphasized out of the way places and interesting people, and it is only appropriate to have an area in the Outer Banks named in his honor. On the Kuralt Trail one can explore the wildlands along the Currituck Sound via footpaths and boardwalks. You may see geese and ducks splashing in the water and picture perfect views all around.

2) The Great Marsh Loop – If you head over to Knotts Island to check out the vineyards, make some time for this .3 mile-long path around the marsh pond. The Great Marsh Loop is a peaceful trail in a woodsy area populated with turtles and birds. Some have also spotted otters in the area, too.

3) Pine Island Birding Trail – Behind the Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Center is a 2.5 mile trail with beautiful views of the sound and nearby Audubon Sanctuary. More than a hundred species of birds have been spotted during walks throughout the year, and the colorful and fragrant flora offer many picture-taking opportunities.

4) Maple Park – Residents enjoy Maple Park for its fishing like, fitness area, and skate park. There are shorter trails in the area as well, if you are interested in a quick exercise break. Maple Park is a good place to bring the kids for a picnic and afternoon on the playground.

5) Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail – This year-long trail takes the hiker about 1 1/2 miles into forest and wetland areas. It is a peaceful walk but definitely not a boring one.

As you prepare for day hiking in the Currituck area, be sure to bring along a water bottle and protection against insects. Mind any park rules, especially where there are warnings about animals and unsafe areas. Leave the trails as you found them, and enjoy your walk!

Kathryn Lively

Photo by Mark Buckler