OBX Fun Facts
Fun Facts about the Outer Banks
Welcome to Fast Facts - interesting tidbits of trivia about the Outer Banks. You'll read about Pirates, Wild Horses, ATV's, Golf, Birding and more.
Break out those 2 wheelers
Bicycling is quite popular here in the Outer Banks. There are bike lanes on Route 158 and stretches of Route 12 (the ocean road).
Always adrift...
The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands made up entirely of sand - undersea sand bars. These islands are without the keel of rock that anchors most islands. Due to vegetation, the islands have stabilized and are suitable for habitation. (Vacationers soaking up the sun, surf, and sand!).
Graveyard of the Atlantic
The waters off the shores of the Outer Banks are known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" where over 500 ships have gone down. Some of the most notable include:
The Monitor
Built for the Union forces during the Civil War, the Monitor was one of the first ironclad warships. This ship and it's Confederate counterpart, the Virginia, were the predecessors of the submarine. The Monitor and Virginia battled to a draw off the coast of Virginia in 1862. And on New Year's Eve in 1862, the Monitor went down off Cape Hatteras during a storm.
U-85
The first Nazi submarine destroyed during World War II by Americans was sunk off Bodie Island. Apparently, the Germans had a stranglehold on US supply lines and shipping routes in the early stages of the war. U-85, a Type VIIb, German submarine went down after an attack by the USS Roper on April 14, 1942.
Wild Horses
There are small herds of true Spanish Mustangs, wild since the 1500's, roaming the Islands. As the islands became settled, the horses were pressed into service for transportation, pulling fishing nets, and beach patrol with the U.S. Life Saving Service (predecessor of the Coast Guard). The horse herds split north and south of Nags Head as the human population grew. Today, horses can be found in Currituck County (northern beaches) and in Ocracoke (southern beaches) at the Pony Pens. These horses are wild and protected by law. Please obey all local laws pertaining to these animals.
Blackbeard the Pirate
Edward Teach also known as Blackbeard the Pirate lived, pirated, and died on the Outer Banks. Blackbeard was very successful in his chosen occupation being a tall, intimidating man decorated with cutlasses and pistols. During combat, his beard was braided with ribbons and he wore lit cannon fuses in his hair. Edward Teach died in hand-to-hand combat with members of the Royal Navy at Ocracoke Inlet on November 22, 1718.
Birding on the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are part of the "Atlantic flyway". Pea Island is renowned for its year round birding. Mid-November and December are the best months to observe southward migrations. Some of the birds you may see include Peregrines, Glossy and White ibises, American Bitterns, Black and Surf scoters, Northern Gannets, Double-crested Cormorants, Red-breasted Mergansers, gulls, terns, ...(a large and seemingly endless list here). Sightings of rare birds occur frequently.
The US Lifesaving Service
The forerunner to the Coast Guard was funded by Congress in 1873 to establish 29 stations - all but 4 of these were to be located on the North Carolina coast. The service was established to provide rescue operations when storms hit the coastal areas. These jobs were definitely not for the faint of heart - service men died trying to rescue stranded sailors and travelers.
Golf Comes to the Outer Banks
And you thought that this was just a beach vacation spot! There are four 18 hole courses and one 9 hole 'executive' course currently open with two more courses due to open for the 1995 summer season. Here's a brief overview of the courses:
Duck Woods Country Club
Southern Shores * 18 holes * Semi-private course * 14 holes parallel water
Southern Shores * 18 holes * Semi-private course * 14 holes parallel water
Sea Scape Golf Resort
Kitty Hawk * 18 holes * 6200-yard par 72 * Views of the ocean from many tee boxes
Nags Head Golf Links
Nags Head * 18 holes * 6000-yard par 70 * 18th hole called "one of the most beautiful holes on the East Coast" by Golf Digest
Ocean Edge Golf
Frisco * 9 holes * 1800-yard 'executive' course * Known as the "hole-in-one course" with 54 recorded.
Goose Creek Golf and Country Club
Grandy * 18 holes * 6200-yard part 72 * Tight course designed for enjoyment
The Pointe Golf Club
Powells Point * 18 holes * 6000-yard par 71
Holly Ridge Golf
Harbinger * 9 holes * 1800-yard 'executive' course
Reviews and Feedback from our valued guests:
Jonathan B. of VA: Gee, I had so much fun! You can put the fun in a can and sell it wholesale :)
Jessica J. of NC: I LOVED my experience in your shop. Can't wait till next time. Thanks :)
Pam S. Of Arcade, New York: Highly recommend old time photos. Its a blast with your pets too. We took our Rottweiler and French Bulldog! Thanks you're the real deal in fun and photos! Chris, Pam, Lexa and Oui Oui dogs.
Jeff B. of VA: This is the most fun I have ever had having my picture taken. I can't wait to go back and do it again.
Matt N. of PA: Thanks again for the awesome photo shoot! Looking forward to seeing you next year!
Tamika F. of NC: Would like to say "THANKS" for a great photo session. I've never had so much fun taking pictures. The photos are beautiful. You all are the best!
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