When it comes to visiting the United State of America, there are many options. Most people who visit from other countries stick to the main well-known cities and amusement parks. But there are a ton of hidden gems all over the massive country which should be considered as well.
The Banks on the coast of North Carolina is a well-known destination spot for anyone living on the central east coast of the United States. But for roughly 80% of the country almost the rest of the world it still remains a hidden gem. The area is known for is beautiful beaches, surfing, nature preserves and perhaps most attractive: it’s lack of human over-population.
Something many tourists find intriguing are the wild horses which can be found up and down these coast barrier islands. These horses are direct descendants of horses which were deposited on the coast many years ago after various shipwrecks. They are relatively tame because of the century’s worth of interactions with our species.
After swimming, surfing or wild horse-gazing, you can make your way over to Island Smoothie Cafe. This is a locally owned and operated restaurant which serves up delicious healthy foods and all-natural smoothies in Corolla, North Carolina. Try the avocado toast or delicious breakfast sandwiches while you are there.
North Carolina is also known for other foods. Have you heard of the famous Carolina BBQ? This is a specialty in the region. The BBQ sauce is tangy and known for having a vinegar-based zing. The meats are smoked slow-and-low and can be enjoyed with or without sides like hush puppies or coleslaw.
The Enchanting Beauty of the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Nestled along the Atlantic coast, the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina stands as a pristine paradise where the sea meets the sky in an unbroken embrace of natural splendor. This slender chain of barrier islands, stretching over 100 miles, captivates visitors with its unspoiled shorelines, where golden sands stretch endlessly under vast, cerulean horizons.
Far from the clamor of urban life, charming seaside villages like Nags Head and Duck whisper tales of timeless tranquility, blending rustic fishing hamlets with elegant resorts that harmonize with the landscape.
The OBX’s allure lies in its diverse ecosystems, from towering dunes in Jockey’s Ridge State Park—the tallest on the East Coast—to lush maritime forests and serene marshes teeming with life. Here, bottlenose dolphins dance in the surf, while wild horses roam the beaches of Corolla, evoking a sense of untamed freedom.
Sunrises paint the ocean in hues of pink and gold, and sunsets over the sound cast a golden glow on wetlands alive with egrets and herons, creating a symphony of colors and sounds that soothe the soul.
History adds depth to this beauty, with iconic lighthouses like the Cape Hatteras sentinel standing proud against the waves, guardians of a seafaring past marked by over 3,000 shipwrecks—silent treasures for divers to explore.
Quaint towns brim with monuments to the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, reminding us of human ingenuity amid nature’s grandeur.
Beyond sights, the OBX invites adventure: windsurfing on Pamlico Sound, kayaking through maritime forests, or simply strolling beaches where the only footprints are yours.
This wild, laid-back haven fosters a profound connection to the earth, where the rhythm of tides heals and inspires.
In the Outer Banks, beauty is not just seen—it’s felt, a timeless invitation to rediscover wonder.