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