Do you remember the TV program "The Andy Griffith Show"? Basically, it was about a small town sheriff in a fictitious town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Those were simpler times when people cared for each other, and life was less hectic. While Mayberry doesn't really exist, and time has marched on since this TV show first aired in the 1960's...how about visiting the "next best thing"?

Ocracoke Beach, which is located in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, is indeed a step back into the past. Come see why we believe that Ocracoke is one of the "Top Beaches of the World". We warn you, this place will move you. Once you visit it you will never be the same...

Why is Ocracoke able to maintain this ode to "Days Gone By" when the rest of North Carolina has marched on into the future? Well, one of these reasons could be the fact that it is a bit harder to get to. There is no roadway to Ocracoke, no bridge, no tunnel. The only way to get to this island is via your own private boat, or private plane, or more commonly, via one of the public ferries that visit the island daily.

If you hate the idea of shopping, we suggest you give this simple pastime a go on Ocracoke Island.  No shopping malls or fast food joints will assault your eyes here.  Downtown Ocracoke is an array of simple shops and stores, each with their own style and character.  If you need groceries, there are two main variety stores.  There is a post office to send a package or postcard back home.  If you like flying kites, there is a shop that is dedicated to this pursuit.  Oh, and we love the simple walk through the tree-lined roadway...a nice way to beat the summer heat and cool yourself off...

Ocracoke's harbor has a more formal name...Silver Lake Harbor.  It was man-made back in 1931.  Once created, it forever changed the direction of the island.  Before the harbor the island economy was based on tourism.  After the harbor was created, it switched to tourism.  It is from Silver Lake Harbor that you can take one of the two toll ferries to the North Carolina mainland.

Ocracoke's Historic Lighthouse was built in 1832 by Noah Porter, a builder from the state of Massachusetts. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina, and the second oldest in the United States. It stands 75 feet (23 m) tall, and it's diameter ranges from 25 feet (8 m) at the base of the lighthouse, to 12 feet (3.7 m) at the top. The light from it's tower can be seen 14 miles out to sea.

During the summer a U.S. National Park Ranger is on duty at the lighthouse. When he/she is on duty, visitors may enter the base of the lighthouse...but you are not permitted to climb it.

On the list of beautiful beaches, Ocracoke beach is one of the best beaches around. You will see families, some couples on the beach, and sole "sun worshippers" enjoying this little "slice of heaven". If you are tired of going to the beach, struggling to find a little "spot" to reside, and having to ignore the congestion and noise, you will love Ocracoke Beach.

Since Ocracoke is more remote than beaches on the mainland, most of the time you can sit back and relax, and tan that beach body, in relative peace and quiet. Having said this, July is the "busy season", so if you must come at this time of the year, be prepared for the islands own brand of "rush hour traffic".

Ocracoke is one of the few remaining beaches where you can drive your car. It's quite the experience. This privilege might be withdrawn in the future, so be sure to give it a try. Better to say "I did that" rather than "I wished I had of".  Don't forget to bring your camera for those "one in a lifetime" candid beach pics.

For those who like to roam in nature, Ocracoke has something to offer as well.  There are trails that meander throughout the island, providing the hiker with plenty of scenic wonders of the local flora and fauna.  You can take in a slice of good ole' mother earth and soak in that fresh ocean breeze at the same time.   Ahhhh....memories...

Nobody is totally sure where the ponies of Ocracoke came from. One common theory is that they swam ashore from a sinking ship. With no predators, they flourished on the island. There was a time when they roamed the island "wild", but they have been rounded up. Visitors to the island now have the opportunity to see them from a viewing location near the north-end of the island.

In conclusion, what do we think of Ocracoke? We love it...we absolutely love it. Even if you don't enjoy beach life, this is the perfect place for your next beach vacation, or beach vacations... If you often think back to "days of old" when life was simpler and more carefree...definitely check out Ocracoke. Beware...you may leave your heart there.... :)

If you would like additional information on this and other related subjects, please check out our beach pictures below, and these websites...

• http://www.creative-family-beach-vacations.com/
• http://www.math-comic-strips.com/
• http://www.how-to-write-a.com/

along with these these blogs...

• http://blog.creative-family-beach-vacations.com/
• http://blog.math-comic-strips.com/
• http://blog.how-to-write-a.com/