Monthly Archives: November 2012

11/28/12

Outer Banks Maritime Heritage Trail

Take a journey along Highway 12 and explore the dynamic marine environment and get a sense of how it has shaped the Island and the people who have called this sandbar home for centuries.

Click here to watch videos, view photos, and listen to stories shared by Outer Banks natives.

Happy Trails!

11/27/12

2013 Beach Driving Permits

The National Park Service has announced that they will begin issuing 2013 annual Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) permits on Saturday, December 1st and weekly permits on Tuesday, January 1st. ORV permits can be obtained at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. These offices will be open year-round, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the summer season.

The cost of an annual permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120. A 7-day ORV permit (valid from the date issued) will cost $50.

Click here to view the most recent map of designated ORV routes.

What does this mean for you, our vacation guests?

• To drive an ORV on the beach, a permit will need to be purchased and a 7-minute video will need to be watched at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center

• One permit is necessary per vehicle someone intends to drive on the beach.

• You can purchase a full year permit for $120 (calendar year) or a 7-day permit for $50 (7 days from date of purchase).

• Driving will only be permitted in specified areas, and those areas are subject to closures due to “resource protection” or if the capacity limit for the area has been met. Click here to view the most recent ORV Routes map.

• The National Park Service website has been updated with FAQ’s. Click here to view their website.


Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a permit to operate a vehicle off road?

Yes. To obtain an ORV permit, you must complete a short education program, acknowledge in writing that you understand and agree to abide by the rules governing ORV use at the Seashore, and pay the applicable permit fee. Both weekly (7-day, valid from the date of issuance) and annual (calendar year) ORV permits will be available.


Is there a limit to the number of ORV permits available?

No. There will be no limit to the number of permits that the Superintendent could issue. However, use restrictions may limit the number of vehicles on a particular route at one time.
Several of my family members have ORVs that we would like to use on Seashore beaches.


Do we need to get a permit for each vehicle?

Yes. You will need to get a permit for each vehicle that you want to use for driving on designated ORV routes. You must display the proof of permit, in a manner and location specified by the Superintendent, on each vehicle that you operate on designated ORV routes within the Seashore. (The proof of permit may be a color coded windshield sticker, hang tag for the rear-view mirror, or some other indicator provided by NPS.)


Where can I operate my vehicle off road?

Once you obtain an ORV permit, you may operate a vehicle off road only on designated routes. Maps of designated ORV routes will be available in the Office of the Superintendent and on the Seashore website.


Does the ORV permit guarantee that all designated ORV routes will be open for me to use?

No. In addition to the referenced seasonal restrictions, ORV routes are subject to temporary resource and safety closures. However, past experience indicates that substantial portions of the beach designated as ORV routes will remain open for ORV use even when other sections are temporarily closed.


Are there any requirements for my vehicle?

Yes. To receive a permit to operate a vehicle on designated ORV routes, your vehicle must:
• Be registered, licensed, and insured for highway use and comply with inspection requirements for the state, country, or province where the vehicle is registered
• Have no more than two axles and be equipped with tires that are listed or approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation as described on their website. Click here to assess your tire grade.
• Be equipped with a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack, and jack support board.


Can I drive on designated ORV routes at night?

Yes, but not at all times on all routes.

From November 16 through April 30: ORVs will be allowed on designated ORV routes 24 hours a day, subject to the terms and conditions established under an ORV permit.

From May 1 through September 14: Designated ORV routes in potential sea turtle nesting habitat (ocean intertidal zone, ocean backshore, and dunes) will be closed to ORVs from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m.

From September 15 through November 15: Designated ORV routes in potential sea turtle nesting habitat (ocean intertidal zone, ocean backshore, and dunes) will remain closed to ORVs from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m., however, the Superintendent may reopen portions of designated ORV routes at night if there are no turtle nests remaining. This is a minor change to the dates in the ROD. NPS has decided it will be easier for the public to understand and more convenient to administer if the night-driving dates coincided with some of the seasonal ORV route dates. Therefore, night driving may be allowed beginning on September 15 instead of September 16. Routes that are subject to these night-driving restrictions, as well as routes or portions of routes identified as having no turtle nests remaining, will be shown on maps available in the Office of the Superintendent and on the Seashore Web site.


Is a separate permit required for night driving?

No. It will be covered by the ORV permit required to drive on the designated ORV routes in the Seashore.


I have a family member who is disabled or mobility-impaired. Can I use my ORV to drive that family member to the beach where we are gathering, even if it is not designated as an ORV route?

Yes, if you obtain a special-use permit for that purpose. The special-use permit will allow you to transport mobility-impaired individuals to a predetermined location in a beach area in front of a village that is not otherwise open to ORV use. You will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the permit. Additionally, you should keep in mind that with a standard ORV permit you will have access to many miles of beach open to ORVs year-round or seasonally. In those areas, vehicles may simply be parked in the ORV corridor.


Basic Definitions

ORV corridor means the actual physical limits of the designated ORV route in the Seashore. On the landward side, the ORV corridor on Seashore beaches will be marked when possible by posts that are located seaward of the toe of the dune or the vegetation line. On the seaward side, the corridor runs to the water line, which will not be marked by posts unless necessary. Where the ocean beach is at least 30 meters wide above the high tide line, the landward side of the corridor will be posted at least 10 meters seaward of the toe of the dune.

ORV permits: ORV permits are a form of NPS special park use permits, which are issued and administered by the Superintendent and for which the NPS charges a fee to recover its administrative costs.
(i) A permit issued by the Superintendent is required to operate a vehicle on designated ORV routes at the Seashore.
(ii) Operation of a motor vehicle authorized under an ORV permit is limited to those routes designated in the ORV routes chart.
(iii) There is no limit to the number of ORV permits that the Superintendent may issue.
(iv) Annual ORV permits are valid for the calendar year for which they are issued. Seven-day ORV permits are valid from the date of issue.
(v) In order to obtain a permit, an applicant must comply with vehicle and equipment requirements, complete a short education program in a manner and location specified by the Superintendent, acknowledge in writing an understanding of the rules governing ORV use at the Seashore, and pay the permit fee.
(vi) Each permit holder must affix the proof of permit, in a manner and location specified by the Superintendent, to the vehicle covered by the permit for use off-road.

Click here to view the most current ORV route access status.

11/26/12

December Events on Hatteras Island

The holidays are upon us and there’s plenty of cheer to go around, so grab your friends and family and head out to a few festive events on Hatteras Island!

Saturday, December 8
CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE WINTER CLIMB, 10am to 3pm in Buxton.
• Free admission. Climbers must be at least 42 inches tall and must be able to climb on their own. There are 257 steps to the top, which is the equivalent of a 12-story building.

ART SHOW, Hatteras Village Civic Center.
• Tackle that shopping list by supporting local artists.

GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC MUSEUM HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 12 to 5pm in Hatteras.
• Enjoy an afternoon of exhibits, live music, activities for children, and refreshments.

HATTERAS VILLAGE CHRISTMAS PARADE
• Parade starts at 2pm at Teach’s Lair Marina and will continue up Hwy 12 to the Hatterasman Drive-in. After the parade, join everyone at the Hatteras firehouse for cookies, hot cocoa, and an announcement of the winning floats!

CAPE HATTERAS SECONDARY SCHOOL 6TH GRADE CHRISTMAS PARTY, Hatteras Community Building.
• Enjoy great food and live music all for a good cause! Join the 6th grade class following the parade in support of their efforts for a awesome end-of-the-school-year trip…

For more holiday events on the Outer Banks, check out our calendar…

11/20/12

Access Options for Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is currently accessible via 4-wheel drive on NC-12, ferry via the Emergency Rodanthe-Stumpy Point ferry route and ferry via the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.

4-Wheel Drive Access via NC-12
The 4-wheel drive access on Pea Island along N.C. 12 is open however access is expected to be closed intermittently due to ocean overwash. Plan your travel for times of low tide when the road is most likely to be passable.

“Whenever we have high tides and strong winds, the possibility of dangerous traveling conditions due to overwash increases greatly,” said NCDOT Division Engineer Jerry Jennings. “NCDOT crews and contractors are working hard to restore N.C. 12, but we are at the mercy of the weather.”

Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles should expect a rough ride, which will include traveling over sand, damaged pavement and some water. On the sandy portions of the route, they will follow lane markers comprised of barrels, cones and/or flags.

NCDOT asks motorists to follow these important safety measures on the four-wheel drive access:

  • Only drive four-wheel drive vehicles with a high ground clearance. Cross-over four-wheel drive vehicles that are lower to the ground may get stuck in the rugged terrain;
  • If you drive at night, use extreme caution. There will be no lights staged along the route, so your vehicle’s headlights will offer the only way for you to see;
  • Drive slowly;
  • Pay close attention to the temporary traffic signals; and
  • All four-wheel drive vehicles are encouraged to lower tire pressure to minimize the chances of becoming stuck.

    • The four-wheel drive access is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because of the hazardous driving conditions, Dare County first responders are escorting drivers before dawn and after dusk when the road is accessible to traffic.

    Ferry Access via Emergency Rodanthe-Stumpy Point Route:

    As long as N.C. 12 from the Bonner Bridge south to Rodanthe remains closed to traffic, the NCDOT Ferry Division will continue to operate its Emergency Ferry route from Stumpy Point to Rodanthe.

    The current schedule for this route is:

    Departing Stumpy Point at: 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4, 6, 8 and 10; and
    Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.

    The address for Stumpy Point is: 100 Log Storage Road, Stumpy Point, NC 27978.
    The address for Rodanthe is: 23170 Myrna Perry Road, Rodanthe, NC 27968.

    Essential commodities and materials get priority, as determined by Dare County Emergency Management. These priorities will receive an orange pass at the terminals. Residents will also be given priorities on weekdays. They will get a white pass when they show a proper Hatteras Island driver license.

    To help you gauge the amount of traffic waiting to ride, visit the live webcams Dare County has stationed at Rodanthe and Stumpy Point. The cameras cannot show priority order, but they can offer a real-time look at number of vehicles in line.

    Ferry Access via Hatteras-Ocracoke Route:

    Ferry reservations are required to take the ferry onto Ocracoke from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island. The ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras does not require reservations and is free.
    Ferry reservations can be made online at www.ncferry.org or by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 2. Ferry information is available via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

    The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is running every other hour. The current schedule is:

    Departing Hatteras at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4, 6, 8, 10 and midnight; and
    Departing Ocracoke at 5 a.m., 7, 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division will offer extra departures from each side on its Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route beginning Friday, Nov. 16, through Monday, Nov. 26, to accommodate holiday traffic demand.

    The additional departures include:
    • Departing Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and
    • Departing Ocracoke at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    As a reminder, the regular fall schedule on the Pamlico Sound is:
    • Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
    • Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
    • Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

    These same extra departures will continue to be offered on weekends until NC 12 reopens north of Rodanthe and the emergency ferry route is deactivated.

    For updates on travel to Hatteras Island:

    NCDOT NC12 Facebook page (updated very regularly)
    NCDOT NC12 Twitter feed (updated very regularly)
    NCDOT NC12 Recovery Web Page
    (updated when there is news to report)
    Ferry updates: 1-800-BY-FERRY
    NC Ferry update website
    Dare County road conditions web page (updated very regularly)
    Stumpy Point ferry dock webcam
    Rodanthe ferry dock webcam

    11/20/12

    More Days of Extra Departures Added at Swan Quarter-Ocracoke Route

    Provided by NCDOT
    Friday, November 16, 2012

    MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division will offer extra departures from each side on its Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route beginning Friday, Nov. 16, through Monday, Nov. 26, to accommodate holiday traffic demand.

    The additional departures include:
    • Departing Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and
    • Departing Ocracoke at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    As a reminder, the regular fall schedule on the Pamlico Sound is:
    • Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
    • Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
    • Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

    These same extra departures will continue to be offered on weekends until NC 12 reopens north of Rodanthe and the emergency ferry route is deactivated.

    Ferry reservations can be made online at www.ncferry.org or by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 2. Ferry information is available via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

    ***NCDOT***

    11/19/12

    What do you bring to the (Thanksgiving) table?

    As Thanksgiving Day approaches here on Hatteras Island, we find many people making lists and checking them twice. There is the Thanksgiving Day meal list, the dinner guests list, the “who’s bringing what?” list, and the grocery list. It’s easy to get caught up in the planning of it all and run around like a “chicken turkey with your head cut off.”

    Do you have a signature dish that everyone looks forward to year after year? If not, and you’re always left scrambling to come up with that perfect dish, look no farther…Oyster dressing proves to be a crowd pleaser time and time again.

    Here’s how to make it…

    yield: Makes 8 -10 servings or about 10 cups
    prep time: 1 hr
    total time: 2 hr

    Ingredients:
    • 2 loaves Italian or French bread (1 lb total), cut into 3/4-inch cubes (12 cups)
    • 1/2 lb sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
    • 2 medium onions, finely chopped (2 cups)
    • 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
    • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme, crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage, crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
    • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
    • 18 oysters, shucked, drained, and chopped (3/4 cup)
    • 2 1/4 cups turkey giblet stock or low-sodium chicken broth

    Preheat oven to 325°F.
    Spread bread cubes in 2 shallow baking pans and bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of pans halfway through baking, until golden, 25 to 30 minutes total. Cool bread in pans on racks, then transfer to a large bowl.
    Meanwhile, cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving fat in skillet.
    If bacon renders less than 1/4 cup fat, add enough oil to skillet to total 1/4 cup fat. Cook onions, celery, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper in fat in skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with bread cubes, then stir in bacon, parsley, butter, and oysters. Drizzle with stock, then season with salt and pepper and toss well.
    Transfer stuffing to a buttered 3- to 3 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Bake, covered, in middle of oven 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until browned, about 30 minutes more.

    Cooks’ note: Stuffing can be assembled (without oysters and not baked) 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature and stir in oysters before baking.

    Next year, there will be no question as to what you bring to the (Thanksgiving) table!

    Enjoy!

    11/16/12

    Fan Photo Friday

    THE WAVE enjoying a romp through the ocean in Rodanthe…He seems to be delighted to be back on Hatteras Island and we’re delighted that he’s here as well!


    Photo submitted to our Facebook page by Janis Roy

    Surf or Sound Realty welcomes your best friend to the island! Click here to check out pet-friendly vacation homes…

    11/16/12

    Thanksgiving week on Hatteras Island…the what, when, and where of it all!

    If you’re here on Hatteras Island for Thanksgiving week, there are several fun events planned! Check out our compilation…
    We look forward to seeing you around the villages! Enjoy your stay and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Saturday, November 17
    HATTERAS ISLAND INDOOR COMMUNITY FESTIVAL, 12-4pm at Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Buxton.
    • Food, live entertainment, and games brought to you by the Cape Hatteras Secondary and Elementary School PTA.
    Sunday, November 18
    Nothing planned? It’s a great time of year to go beachcombing or fishing!
    Monday, November 19
    THANKS FOR GIVING YOGA, 5:30 at Klub Koru, Avon.
    • Class is free. Please bring a cash or food donation for the Hatteras Island Food Pantry.
    Tuesday, November 20
    GLASS FUSION SUNCATCHER CLASS, 10am at Studio 12, Avon.
    • Ages 6 and up. Call to register, 252-995-7891.
    REAL WATERSPORTS BLACK FRIDAY SALE, 9am-6pm.
    • Sale kicks-off Tuesday and runs through Sunday.
    Wednesday, November 21
    GLASS FUSION JEWELRY CLASS, 10am at Studio 12, Avon.
    • Ages 9 and up. Call to register, 252-995-7891.
    CHRISTMAS WINE TASTING, 5:30pm at Lee Robinson’s General Store, Hatteras.
    BLUEGRASS JAM, 7pm at Red Drum Pottery, Frisco.
    • $5 admission. Drinks and refreshments will be served during intermission.
    Thursday, November 22
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
    SURFIN’ TURKEY 5K and DRUMSTICK DASH, Hatteras village.
    • 5k starts at Hatteras Village Civic Center at 8am and loops around Hatteras village. On-site registration will be available from 7-7:30am the day of the race and includes a goody bag, t-shirt, and post race celebration. $30 for 5k and $15 for Drumstick Dash (1 mile).
    • TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING BUFFET from 11am-6pm at Good Winds Restaurant and Wine Bar, Rodanthe.
    Friday, November 23
    GLASS FUSION JEWELRY CLASS, 10am at Studio 12, Avon.
    • Ages 9 and up. Call to register, 252-995-7891.
    VISIT WITH SANTA, 1-3pm at Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum, Rodanthe.
    • Have your picture taken with Santa and enjoy free admission to the 1911 Station. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Hatteras Island Food Pantry.
    WINE DOWN, 5-8pm, Indian Town Gallery, Frisco.
    • A relaxing evening of browsing the gallery, visiting with locals and visitors, sipping on a glass of wine, and enjoying live music by Jessie.
    Saturday, November 24
    HATTERAS ISLAND ARTS AND CRAFT GUILD WINTER SHOW, 10am-4pm at Cape Hatteras Secondary School.

    OTHER ADVENTURES…
    Hatteras Island Horseback Riding…252-216-9191
    Equine Adventures…252-995-4897
    Rodanthe Pier (Avon Pier is CLOSED)…Currently, 7am-6pm. Call before you head out…252-987-0030.

    SHOP LOCAL! There will be many shops open throughout the week on Hatteras Island, offering unbeatable sales and discounts…Listed below are just a few specified Black Friday deals, but rest assured there will be many deals along Hwy 12!
    BLACK FRIDAY SALES:
    KLUB KORU, 6am-8pm.
    REAL WATERSPORTS, 9am-6pm.
    LEE ROBINSON’S GENERAL STORE, 8am-8pm.

    RESTAURANTS THAT ARE OPEN (call for hours):
    Tri-Villages
    Good Winds Restaurant and Wine Bar
    Leonardo’s Pizza
    Waves Market and Deli
    Boardwok South, Tues.-Sat. @ 5pm
    StingWray’s, Wed.-Sun.

    Avon
    Ketch 55, Wed.-Sat.
    Nino’s Pizza, Tues.-Sun.
    Burger Burger, Lunch only
    Oceana’s Bistro
    Café 12
    Gidget’s
    LaFogota Mexican Restaurant

    Buxton
    Shipwreck
    Diamond Shoals, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
    Angelo’s Pizza
    Hurricane Heather’s
    Orange Blossom Bakery, Fri.-Sun.
    Pop’s Family Restaurant

    Frisco
    Capt’n Rolo’s
    Frisco Sandwich Co., Wed.-Sat. @ 11am
    Gingerbread House Pizza, Wed.-Sat. @ 4:30-8:30

    Hatteras
    Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop, Mon.-Sat., 6:30-12pm
    Dinky’s, Thurs.-Sat. @ 5pm
    The Wreck
    Hatterasman Drive-in
    Sonny’s Restaurant

    11/14/12

    Hatteras Island Travel Advisory for Thanksgiving Week

    As of 7:00 p.m. November 14, 2012 Dare County and NCDOT have not provided an updated projection for the opening of NC-12 to non 4-wheel drive vehicles. However, given the current conditions, we are doubtful it will be in time for arrivals this weekend.

    The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route and the emergency Rodanthe-Stumpy Point ferry route continue to operate. However, reservations are required for the ferries from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to Ocracoke and are limited. We strongly advise you to call to make a ferry reservation as soon as possible.

    With increased occupancy for the holiday, we are expecting the wait for the Emergency Stumpy Point-Rodanthe ferry to be extensive for arriving guests this weekend and departing guests next week.

    If you do not get a reservation on one of the Ocracoke ferries, please expect the wait at the Stumpy Point ferry to be lengthy. Come prepared with water, food, a full tank of gas and warm clothing and blankets.

    Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

    Four Wheel Drive Access to Hatteras Island:
    Weather permitting, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles have access to Hatteras Island via NC-12. Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles should expect a rough ride, which will include traveling over sand, damaged pavement and some water. On the sandy portions of the route, they will follow lane markers comprised of barrels, cones and/or flags.

    NCDOT asks motorists to follow these important safety measures on the four-wheel drive access:

    Only drive four-wheel drive vehicles with a high ground clearance. Cross-over four-wheel drive vehicles that are lower to the ground may get stuck in the rugged terrain;

    If you drive at night, use extreme caution. There will be no lights staged along the route, so your vehicle’s headlights will offer the only way for you to see;

    Drive slowly;

    Pay close attention to the temporary traffic signals; and

    All four-wheel drive vehicles are encouraged to lower tire pressure to minimize the chances of becoming stuck.

    The four-wheel drive access is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because of the hazardous driving conditions, Dare County first responders are escorting drivers before dawn and after dusk when the road is accessible to traffic.

    For updates on four-wheel-drive access and progress on NC 12, visit www.NCDOT.org/travel/nc12recovery

    Ferry schedule:
    Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

    Directions – Rodanthe Emergency Ferry Dock
    Located at 23170 Myrna Peters Road in Rodanthe.
    • Travel to Rodanthe on NC-12.
    • Turn west onto Myrna Peters Road which is located just north of the Community Building in Rodanthe.

    Directions to Stumpy Point Emergency Ferry Dock:
    Located at 100 Log Storage Road, off Highway 264.

    From Nags Head:
    (If you are coming from the north, you might prefer to take our alternative route below so that you don’t need to go through the main Outer Banks, which is out of your way.)

    • Take the Causeway towards Manteo and continue on Virginia Dare Bridge US-64/US-264 W to Manns Harbor.
    • Turn left onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point
    • Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
    • Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

    Alternate Route from I-64 in Chesapeake
    • Take exit 291B for US-17 South, VA 168 South.
    • Take exit 15B for US-17 South, keep right on US-17 South.
    • Follow US-17 South into North Carolina.
    • Take US-17 South by-pass around Elizabeth City.
    • Continue on US-17 South to NC-37 South.
    • Turn left on NC-37 South. (NC-37 South becomes NC-32 South.)
    • Follow NC-32 South.
    • Make left onto 94 South.
    • Make right onto Benson Road.
    • Turn left on US-64 East.
    • Turn right onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point.
    • Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
    • Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

    If Using I-95 is more Convenient for You
    • Follow I-95 South to North Carolina and take Exit 138 for US-64 East toward Rocky Mount.
    • Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC.
    • From Plymouth, NC keep going East
    • Turn right onto US-264 towards Stumpy Point.
    • Follow US-264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point.
    • Signs for emergency ferry service are posted to ferry entrance that will be on your left.

    Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

    If you would like to monitor Dare County update bulletins, visit www.darenc.com

    NCDOT has a Twitter feed at: http://www.twitter.com/NCDOT

    We will continue to update our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/surforsound.