Corolla
The historic structures seen today are reminiscent of the modest prosperity residents enjoyed around the turn of the 20th century. An 1885 chapel, an 1890 schoolhouse and the humble Parker and Grigg houses contrast with ornate vacation homes and upscale dining and shopping facilities catering to those who fancy frills.
Chances are, however, you’ll find your thrills outdoors. Unwind in a beach chair, work on your tan and be awed by the majestic ocean. Book a kayak tour or fishing charter, rent a Jet Ski or challenge your travel buddy to a game of tennis or golf. Bike, skate or walk along the Corolla Greenway, a 6-mile trail that runs parallel to SR 12 and passes wetlands, beach access points and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. A parking area and trailhead are located at Currituck Heritage Park, 1160 Village Ln.
And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Corolla’s most famous residents—the wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks. Believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs imported by 16th-century conquistadores, the steeds roam a 12,000-acre refuge situated along North Carolina’s northernmost beaches.