Explore incredible maritime history — from duck decoy carving to boat building to lifesaving stations — in the northern Outer Banks.
outer banks
Family, Faith, & Fish in Wanchese
In the village of Wanchese, two families have helped shape the local seafood industry for the past century. Today, their descendants are learning to overcome the modern-day challenges of commercial fishing and carrying on a Roanoke Island tradition that runs as deep as the ocean.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Seaside Shangri-Las
Our editor in chief reflects on the legacy of North Carolina’s classic coastal retreats.
The 1970s: Managing Our Treasured Coast
As developers discover North Carolina’s beautiful shorelines and beachfront communities, lawmakers make a plan to protect their splendor for generations to come.
Tales From the Ghost Coast
When the sun sets on long days at the beach, families still reach for Charles Harry Whedbee’s beloved Outer Banks legends and spooky stories, years after the raconteur of Nags Head put them to paper.
Quiz: Sound State of Mind
For generations, the calm waters of North Carolina’s sounds have shaped the landscape, history, and culture of the communities they border.
Design in the Dunes: A Photo Essay
Not your average beach house: From the clean lines of a flat-top cottage in Southern Shores to the extravagant opulence of an Art Nouveau icon in Corolla, landmark architecture defines our coastal villages — and chapters of our history.
Dining on (Oak) Island Time
No rush: The clocks on the walls of Oak Island Restaurant are just for decoration. All you really need to know is whether it’s Chicken & Dumplings Thursday or Fried Fish Friday.
The Crab Shack is Here to Stay
More than 45 years ago, a fishing family started a seafood market to sell their catch. The market expanded into a mainstay restaurant in Salter Path whose varied menu includes a seasonal special that celebrates coastal resilience.
