| The Outer Banks of North Carolina have an | | | | Historic Place. This sprawling private residence, |
| unmistakable allure; for many people it's not too much | | | | boathouse, foot bridge and park are worth taking a |
| of a hassle to get there, and once you arrive you | | | | look around if you have any interest in the ways of |
| feel a million miles away. Maybe it's the starkly | | | | old time mariners. |
| different landscape, the presence of the ocean or | | | | As for fun in the sun and on the ocean, hopefully |
| the wild ponies, but there's definitely something | | | | you'll arrive equipped to see and do it all. The |
| magical about this popular vacation destination. For a | | | | conditions along the Outer Banks are perfect for |
| better understanding of this unique phenomenon, | | | | water sports that demand steady winds, like kite |
| take a closer look at one of the Outer Banks' rising | | | | boarding and windsurfing, two up-and-coming |
| stars; Corolla is the northernmost town in the region | | | | activities that shouldn't be missed if you have an |
| and has what it takes to deliver a truly fabulous | | | | appetite for adrenaline. Surfing is popular due to the |
| taste of all things welcoming, relaxing and luxurious. | | | | ample breaks and warm water, and sailing allows |
| Ask anyone who's a seasoned Outer Banks visitor; | | | | visitors to enjoy the seascape in all its glory. There's |
| they don't go there to run themselves ragged with | | | | even more to float your boat around here, so |
| sight seeing or to experience the culture of a new | | | | investigate your options when you arrive. |
| city. Instead, they arrive with duffel bags filled with | | | | If you have a desire to cast a rod and reel in the |
| casual clothes and paperback novels, their loved ones | | | | catch of a lifetime, or just dinner, you've come to |
| in tow, ready to make a resort experience on their | | | | the right place. Fishing is a major event here, with |
| own terms, in their own style, and without ever | | | | boats to take you out, advisors to help you capture |
| venturing too far from home base. | | | | a big one, and all the supplies you'll need if you want |
| If this sounds like your kind of vacation, read on. | | | | to do it on your own. From speckled trout to striped |
| Corolla (pronounced cor-ahh-lah, by the way) has | | | | bass, croaker to pompano, you'll find several varieties |
| been called one of the top ten undiscovered beaches | | | | swimming below the surface. |
| in the nation and delivers a particular brand of | | | | Other than that, your vacation is up to you. You'll |
| isolation, splendor and refinement. Touring the area | | | | likely find that swimming, sunning, and lounging will |
| will likely produce a few dropped jaws among real | | | | easily fill a day, so don't forget to plan ahead to allow |
| estate addicts, as there are huge mansion-like | | | | for all the other stuff as well. After an initial nap-filled |
| estates and big beach houses everywhere you look. | | | | decompression period, you'll be bursting with energy |
| Perfect for sheltering big groups, even family | | | | and verve, making this the likely time for all the |
| reunions, many of these properties have just | | | | water sports and exploring that will make your Outer |
| recently been built and still sparkle and shine with | | | | Banks vacation complete. |
| newness. | | | | Actually, what will really make it complete is a |
| That's not to say that there's no history in Corolla; | | | | vacation rental. The house you choose for you and |
| far from it. Spanish conquistadors landed here in the | | | | your group will set the tone for the entire trip, so be |
| 1500's, introducing the horses whose descendents still | | | | sure to pick out a winner. Since it's Corolla we're |
| roam the sandy shores. The red brick lighthouse that | | | | talking about, you probably couldn't pick a stinker if |
| stands guard on the beach was built over a hundred | | | | you tried, but do go online soon to scrutinize the |
| years ago, and is the only one in the state that still | | | | vast array of Corolla Vacation Rentals available. You'll |
| retains its original structure. Other remnants of | | | | be surprised by what you see, and that's a very |
| seafaring life can be glimpsed at the Visitors Center | | | | good thing. |
| and the Whalehead Club, a nationally recognized | | | | |