Corolla, the northernmost village on North Carolina's Outer Banks, is known for its clean air and diversity. You can hunt shells on the Atlantic Ocean beach, take nature strolls through areas preserved for wildlife, or take brisk walks to where herds of wild horses roam. It's a healthy way to spend vacation time or to get away from it awhile.
History
Corolla went from quaint to nationally known after the state of North Carolina extended Route 12 to the village. People quickly discovered undeveloped land that was bordered by pristine beaches and surrounded by the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Corolla was transformed into a resort town, complete with golf courses, posh living accommodations, shops, restaurants and services.
Main Attractions
Two big attractions are Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. The walking paths and boardwalks of Currituck Heritage Village wind around the two. Walking, in fact, is the best way to navigate Corolla and the surrounding area.
Whalehead Club was built in the early 1920s by a railroad executive named Edward Collings Knight, Jr. He built it after his wife Marie was denied membership into Currituck's all-male hunt clubs. It is now a county owned waterfowl museum.
National Reserve
The Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve is located north of the village. The reserve offers two levels of walking and hiking, a 1/3-mile long boardwalk and a more challenging 1 1/2-mile primitive path.
The walk is perfect for summer mornings, when the wildlife is more active and the heat of the day has yet to arrive. Having lunch at one of the eateries that specialize in fresh seafood and locally-grown vegetables.
Heritage Park
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, located between the lighthouse and Whalehead Club, offers tours and programs about area wildlife and ecology. Make a session at the neighborhood wine-and-cheese shop part of your Heritage Park day. Corolla is known for the diversity of its eateries. The possibilities range from organic pizza to grilled mahi-mahi.
Activities
Weekly activities in summer include art shows, wine tours, wild horse days and a variety of festivals that celebrate the Outer Banks. There are scheduled nature walks and outdoor workshops where you can learn about the Atlantic Flyway waterfowl, local marine life and even the ghosts and ghost stories a maritime village must have.
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