At the northernmost tip of the 125 mile stretch of barrier islands of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks lies a fairly new beach destination: Corolla. This town has a year-round population of just 500. However, during the summer months, more than 50,000 people visit Corolla each week.
Corolla was an undeveloped area until 1984, when state officials extended Highway 12 from the Dare County line into the small village of Corolla, changing a quiet town into an upscale vacation destination made up of million dollar homes. Today, over 2750 homes are in the Corolla area, most of them being second homes and vacation rentals.
In the summertime, there is much to do in Corolla. On one side is Atlantic Ocean and on the other side, the Currituck Sound, so visitors have much water in which to play. You can hit the beach, swim, kayak, rent a Jet Ski, tennis, golf, fish, go cart, and much more. About 70 wild horses have lived in the northern dunes of Corolla for the past 400 years. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of one during a horse-finding tour. This area is accessible only via four-wheel-drive.
Those who vacation in Corolla during the off-season (fall, winter, and early spring) describe it as quiet and relaxing. Most businesses and restaurants stay open, and rentals are much cheaper. One of the highlights of the fall is the Haunted Corolla Village, at Currituck Heritage Park (http://www.ncbeaches.com/OuterBanks/Corolla/CalendarOfEvents/cDetails-1338 ), in October. Other places to visit any time of the year include the Whalehead Club house and museum http://www.whaleheadclub.org/) and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education (http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg08_EducationWorkshops/Outer_Banks_Center.htm), both located at Currituck Heritage Park. Climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a favorite pastime of visitors, as is shopping in Corolla Village.
Monteray Shores Plaza on Albacore St. houses shops including Birthday Suits swimwear, The Farmer’s Daughter country store, and Kitty Hawk Kites. On the sound side, there is the Timbuck II Shopping Village (http://www.timbuckii.com/) . Shops there include Cotton Gin collectibles, Corolla Surf Shop, Grays Department Store, and Try My Nuts Nut Co.
Corolla does not lack its share of eateries. For rib lovers, there’s Sooeys (252-453-4423) at Timbuck II Shopping Village. A popular family eatery and sports bar, the Tomato Patch pizzeria (http://www.obxpizza.com/) (252-453-4500) can be found at Monteray Shores Plaza. More expensive area restaurants include Bunkers Grill and Bar at the Currituck Club (252-453-0926) and Mike Dianna’s Grill Room at Timbuck II (252-453-4336).
