What Are the Outer Banks? #WGTravel #outerbanks #northcarolina #coastalbeauty

Most of us aren't currently venturing far from home due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. However, that doesn't mean we can do some research and planning now so we're ready whenever it's safe to hit the road! Why not consider the Outer Banks islands and peninsulas that line the eastern coast of North Carolina? Today, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing some handy information about this popular tourist destination. The article may contain affiliate links.

The Outer Banks in North Carolina are a 200-mile long string of barrier islands and peninsulas. They lie on the east coast of the U.S. and line much of the North Carolina coastline. Going from north to south, the largest of these barrier islands and peninsulas is Bodie Island -- which used to be an island, but is now a peninsula. Other islands in the Outer Banks include Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Portsmouth Island, and the Core Banks. The Outer Banks area is a huge tourist destination known for its vast beaches. One of the biggest economic sectors in the area is the service industry that has been built up around the tourism trade. 

History In the Outer Banks

There's also a lot of interesting history surrounding the Outer Banks! For example, there are hundreds of shipwrecks that lie offshore along the Outer Banks. For this reason, the Outer Banks and the surrounding area have been given the nickname "graveyard of the Atlantic." The English Roanoke Colony vanished from Roanoke Island in 1587, and the Wright Brother’s first-ever powered airplane took flight near the town of Kitty Hawk in 1903.

Visiting the Outer Banks

There are many other interesting facts about the Outer Banks. Whether you're planning a trip to the Outer Banks, or simply want to learn more about this wonderful area, check out the infographic below. It will help you learn more about this amazing piece of North Carolina coastline.  

Infographic Design by Carolina Designs