Corolla-Duck-Southern Shores

Corolla-Duck-Southern Shores

The northern communities of the Outer Banks include the three communities of Corolla, Duck and Southern Shores. From the Wild Horses of Corolla to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse this area is a wonderful part of the Outer Banks. A unique areas of the Outer Banks, Corolla, Duck and Southern Shores have a lot to offer Outer Banks visitors or vacationers.

Corolla

Whalehead Club in Corolla
Whalehead Club

Corolla  is the most northern community along the Outer Banks located in Currituck County. Currituck is an Algonquin word for “land of wild goose”. Several hunt clubs were established in the early 1900s with the most well-known being  The Whalehead Club. The Whalehead Club is a renovated and historical attraction at Currituck Heritage Park. First built in the year 1922 the county bought the club in 1993 and formed the Whalehead Preservation Trust. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it was restored to its original 1920’s décor. The club and the 39 acre surrounding grounds are open to the public. The Whalehead Club is a popular wedding location.

From Corolla north to the Virginia state line is a 12,000 acre animal sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to the wild ponies believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs from 16th century explorers to the region. The land was needed to protect the horses from increasing danger. As the area became more populated by humans, the once free roaming horses were sometimes harmed or injured by automobiles and by unkind human interaction. The horses were corralled to the far north and fenced in to provide more protection for their own protection. Access to view the wild horses is only by ATV. There are several Wild Horse Tour companies that offer guided tours to the north area where the horses roam free. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund was established to help preserve and protect the animals. The Wild Horses of Corolla Museum is located in Corolla Village.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla
Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla

Corolla is home to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The only natural red brick lighthouse on the East Coast. It stands 162 feet tall and is the most northern lighthouse of the Outer Banks. It was built in 1875. The Fresnel lens flashes every 20 seconds. The lighthouse is open to the public for climbing. The view from the top has an impressive view of the island, ocean and sound. There is also a restored Double Keeper’s House on the property but it is not open to the public. The nearby small keeper’s house is a museum and is open to the public.

Corolla is a small community normally with only about 500 permanent residents. In the summer the number of people swell to thousands due to tourist that flood this northern Outer Banks area. Traffic on the narrow 2 lane Highway 12 can be congested especially on the weekends. Highway 12 ends at Corolla. All access north of Corolla is by 4 wheel drive vehicles along the beach or by the sandy paths. There are homes in this area but they are private and are only accessed by a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Duck

South of Corolla is the community of Duck. It has 7 miles of wide clean beaches. There is no public beach access in Duck. Beaches are less crowded here because the only access is for those renting the homes or those residents that own their homes. Duck is a popular family vacation spot. It has long bike or walking/jogging paths, a sound front park and lots of businesses that cater to water sports. Water sports are a big business with several places for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. Several businesses offer lessons, equipment or rentals.

Duck Town Park is located on the Currituck Sound. The park is an 11 acre park. It has a boardwalk, walking trails, a public kayak/canoe launch, a gazebo, and a playground and picnic area. Pets are welcome and they even have their own water fountain to drink from. During the busy summer months the park offers lots of activities such as concerts and performances. The park is located at 1200 Duck Road.

Shopping in Duck is a favorite  pastime of visitors and vacationers. The shops are unique and privately owned. There are no major chain stores here. Unique shops offer candles to clothing, jewelry, one of a kind gifts and other fine accessories. Most shops are close to one another so visitors can easily walk from shop to shop enjoying the sound side views.

Accommodations in Duck  are mainly vacation rental homes. There are very few hotels. There is The Hilton and The Sanderling Resort and Spa. Both are oceanfront and upscale. The bed and breakfast Advice 5₵ on Scarborough Land has 4 guest rooms each with a private bath and balcony.

Southern Shores

Just south of Duck is Southern Shores. It is mostly a residential community with a large number of year round residents. Beach access is limited to the residents and rental home vacationers. There is no public beach access available. There is a long bike path from Southern Shores to Duck that is great for biking, walking or jogging.

Map of the Northern Beaches of the Outer Banks of NC

 

 

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