Ocracoke is a small island town along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It’s home to fewer than 1,000 people. During our trip to the Kill Devil Hills area we decided to take a day trip there. It was one of the hottest days I’ve ever spent anywhere.
It takes about two and a half hours each way which eats up a big chunk of your day. Once at the ferry the sun was high in the sky and we were baking. It was a relief to board the ship and get underway as the sea breezes cooled us.
By the time we arrived on the island we were all starving so we chose the first place that looked kid-friendly. Like most islands just about everything on Ocracoke seems relaxed—which is not always ideal. our meals took some time to arrive, so when they did, we dove into our food like we hadn’t eaten in hours—which was completely appropriate because it happened to be true.
With our bellies full we began to wander around town. The sun was relentless and I tried to remain optimistic with thoughts of iced coffee, ice cream, and air conditioning. So when we happened upon the Albert Styron General Store we filed in one-by-one. Inside they sell penny candy, souvenirs, and soda pop. When I saw the Nehi Grape Soda, I couldn’t resist. We bought a few and passed them around. The experience was almost like stepping back in time if not for the much appreciated air conditioning.
We walked a bit more and decided self-restraint was for people not sweating in all the places it’s rude to acknowledge you even have. With that done, it was time to head back to the breezy ferry.
“We walked a bit more and decided self-restraint was for people not sweating in all the places it’s rude to acknowledge you even have.”
As the sun began to set and the heat subsided we made our way across the Pamlico Sound back to Hatteras. Still hours from our beach house, and now hungry for dinner, I talked everyone into stopping at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We had the place almost to ourselves. The heat had broken, and the quiet, beautiful setting topped off a very long and even hotter day.
The photograph of my kids running through the field hangs on our living room wall. And every time I look at it I remember an incredible day with friends, and barely even remember how unbelievably hot it was.
INFO
Where we stayed: The Sea Ranch
Where we ate: Kill Devil Grill, Surfin’ Spoon Frozen Yogurt (try the dark chocolate)
Where we played: Jockey Ridge State Park
