National Geographic Traveler has named the Outer Banks’ Route 12 in its “Drives of a Lifetime” article.

Route 12 is a 114 mile drive that stretches from Corolla to Ocracoke Village.  Travelers can begin their journey in Corolla where the road literally turns into sand, and then stretches all the way to Ocracoke Village.  This route is mainly two lanes, and links the vast island system from North to South. 

Along the route is a some of the most picturesque seaside scenary, much history, and the famous lighthouses of the Outer Banks.   

Currituck Lighthouse:
This Lighthouse is located at 1101 Corolla Village Rd.  This amazing lighthouse stands an intimidating 162 feet.  A strong sense of history remains with this lighthouse as visitors can tour the adjacent lighthouse keeper’s home.  The keepers house has now been transformed into a museum and a shop.  Don’t forget your binoculars! When you reach the top of this monument, you will have a breathtaking view of the Currituck Banks Estuarine reserve of wild horses.  Take our word for it, it’s definitely worth the climb up the 214 steps! For more information call 252-453-4339 or visit www.currituckbeachlight.com

Bodie Island Lighthouse:
This Lighthouse is located six miles south of the northern entrance to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  This lighthouse stands 156 ft tall and is located right on the Albermarle Sound.  The tower was first lit in 1872 and is the third lighthouse to carry the name of Bodie Island Lighthouse.  The original was poorly constructed and was eventually abandoned.  The preceding lighthouse fell in an explosion caused by confederate troops in 1861.  This lighthouse is closed to the public but feel free to walk up and take as many photos as you see fit.  We would also highly recommend taking the stroll around the Bodie Island Pond Trail.  This is a great place to bird watch and watch other wildlife in their natural habitat.  If you are interested in learning more about this website call 252-441-5711 or visit www.nps.gov/caha/bodie-island-light-station.htm

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse:
As you walk up the circular walkway to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, you can feel the history as you tour the grounds.  This 165 foot monster of a lighthouse has been a precious possession of the Outer Banks since 1870.  This amazing piece of architecture is still extremely important to seafarers that are passing by.  As you look around at the top, you can see the Cape Hatteras National Seashore juts out into the Atlantic. Looking out into the ocean, you can see the dangerous waters known as Diamond Shoals.  This is where the northern Labrador current collides with the warm waters of the gulf stream.  This lighthouse is one of four that encompass our coast.  All of these monuments were constructed in the 1800s and still serve the same purpose as they did when they were first built.  In an area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, you can imagine the importance of the radiant beams of light that shine from our lighthouses.  Our lighthouses can be thought of by some as a beacon of hope. Over the last couple centuries, it is estimated that about 1500 vessels have perished into the depths of our waters.  Who knows how many more people would have lost their lives to the Atlantic without these lighthouses.  Let’s take a moment to look at the remaining three

Ocracoke Island/Ocracoke Lighthouse:
Your journey will eventually bring you to Hatteras Village and you will see a ferry. Don’t stop there! A 40 minute ride on the ferry will take you to scenic Ocracoke Island. Enjoy the 16 mile drive through the national seashore.  You will have a great time walking through town and see the sites, but the highlight of this town is the lighthouse.  This is the oldest lighthouse which was constructed in 1823.  The Ocracoke Lighthouse is also the shortest operating lighthouse is North Carolina. This tower is not open to  the public. For more information, you can call 252-928-4531 or visit www.nps.gov/caha/ocracoke-island-lighthouse.htm.  You can learn more about the history of Ocracoke at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum(www.ocracokepreservation.org.) At this museum, you will be able to learn all about the history  of this island Enjoy a cold beer after your long drive at Howards Pub(www.howardspub.com).  At Howard’s you can relax and enjoy some live music, or just relax and enjoy conversation with family members. 

This is a great trip any time of year, but a good tip is enjoy this ride during the “off season,” which will allow you to travel more efficiently without being slowed by traffic.  For more information, visit www.outerbanks.org