By Claire Taylor
Things to Do in Corolla, North Carolina
A
beach community in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Corolla is home to just 500 residents. In summertime, however, thousands of visitors from surrounding counties and states make their way to this small town to enjoy the outdoors, the clean crispy miles of ocean and
beaches, and other local attractions.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses in the country with an exposed brick facade (most are painted or covered with limestone or other materials). Built in 1875, it is still functioning, although it is now fully automated. Visitors can still climb to the outdoor deck, where they can enjoy wonderful views of the water and the green open spaces surrounding the premises. There are several structures around the lighthouse itself that are also open, including a small museum, cisterns and a storage building. The lightkeeper's quarter is under renovation and will at some point be converted into an additional museum building.
Currituck Heritage Park
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-8152
Corolla Shores and The Whalehead Club
No visit to this small beach community is complete without spending some time walking its shores. Miles of clean white sand and mild waves make this a great place to relax with the kids, go for a swim or take to the waters on a rented boat. Lots of special events are held at the Whalehead Club (a mansion from the 1920s) throughout the year, ranging from wine tastings to art shows. The club, the former home of millionaires Edward and Marie Louise Knight, is now open for self-guided tours and offers tons of trails and picnic spots throughout its large gardens. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is just steps away.
The Whalehead Club
1100 Club Road, Rt. 12 N.
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-9040
Corolla Wild Horses
Corolla is home to Banker horses, a feral community of horses native to North Carolina. The Banker horses are small (52 to 59 inches tall) and docile, which is why they have been designated as feral rather than wild. Still, the animals live on the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, including several miles around the coast on Corolla. Here, they occupy 1,800 acres of fenced land (to protect the horses from nearby Highway 12 and from human interference), where they can be seen grazing and galloping. While the sanctuary itself does not allow visitors, the horses can be spotted easily by driving alongside Highway 12.
Corolla Wild Horse Fund
1126 Old Schoolhouse Lane
Corolla, NC. 27927
(252) 453-8002
Resources
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Emily T.
