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Outer
Banks Ecological Attractions
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Full of history and beauty for the whole family to enjoy,
The Elizabethan Gardens
are a living memorial to Queen Elizabeth
and Sir Walter Raleigh's "lost
colonists," who mysteriously disappeared
from this area. The gardens are filled with beautiful antique
statues as well as herb, wildflower and rose
gardens. The Elizabethan Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April,
May, September and October); Monday thru Saturday
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (June thru August);
daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (March and November); and
daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (December thru February). Admission
is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens over 61, $2 for children ages
6 to 18, and FREE for children 5 and under.
Call us at 252-473-3234 for group discount
rates and for additional information. Facilities include
a gift shop and free parking. Interpretive
tours are available with advanced notice. |
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| The Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods consists
of more than 1200 acres of protected forest. This
ecological preserve is open to the public for nature
activities, such as hiking or bird-watching. There
are also special programs that the conservancy offers
that require pre-registration. These include Ecocamps
for children, kayak tours, school group tours, family
days and more. Facilities include a gift shop, restrooms, parking
and self-guided trails. Located in south Kill Devil
Hills, call 252-441-2525 for more information or
visit www.nature.org/northcarolina. |
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The North Carolina
Aquarium on Roanoke Island is situated on
14 acres of property overlooking
the Croatan Sound. The 68,000 square feet building
houses aquariums ranging from 300 gallons to
285,000 gallons, two "touch tanks," interactive
exhibits, classrooms, meeting rooms, research
space, a large auditorium and a gift shop.
Outside is a nature trail, shoreline boardwalk
with observation decks and mounted telescopes,
and an excavation area where visitors can dig
for fossilized shark teeth. The aquarium is
open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6
for adults, $5 for seniors and active military,
$2 for children ages 6 to 17, and FREE for Aquarium
Society members, AZA members, registered school
groups and children under 6. Call 252-473-3493
for more information or visit www.ncaquariums.com/ri/riindex.htm. |
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| Stretched over 70 miles
of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
is a fascinating combination
of natural and cultural resources, and provides a
wide variety of recreational opportunities to enjoy on your family vacation. Once
dubbed the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for
its treacherous currents, shoals, and storms, Cape
Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks,
lighthouses, and the US Lifesaving Service. These
dynamic islands provide a variety of habitats and
are a valuable wintering area for migrating waterfowl.
The fishing and surfing at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is considered the
best on the east coast. Admission is free. Facilities include parking and restrooms. There are a variety
of programs offered that require prior reservations.
Visit www.nps.gov/caha for
more information. |
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Another fun family vacation idea. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
is midway on the Atlantic Flyway and is a
much used and valued feeding and resting
area for numerous wintering waterfowl. More
than 265 species are known to visit the area
with regularity. Wildlife includes snow geese,
egrets, herons and a large variety of wading,
shore and song birds. Winter, spring and
fall provide ample opportunity for bird-watching.
The refuge is located on the northernmost
section of Hatteras Island, between Oregon
Inlet and Rodanthe. The Visitor Center and
wildlife trail are located 5 miles south of
Oregon Inlet. The refuge is open daily during
daylight hours and admission is free (there is a fee
for guided canoe tours). There are bird walks
and children's programs scheduled regularly
during the summer months, with fall bird
walks and other programs necessary to be
arranged in advance. There is free parking,
observation platforms, towers with spotting
scopes, a visitor center and restrooms. Call
252-473-1131, extension 19 or visit peaisland.fws.gov for
more details.
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