Historic Treasures
The Northern Outer Banks is steeped in history, with landmarks and a lighthouse that have stood the test of time. Visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views, stroll through historic homes, and uncover the stories behind the region’s rich past. Every landmark tells a story—are you ready to explore them?
Itinerary
From a lighthouse to a school house to a distillery and vineyard, this three-day itinerary offers a richly layered journey through the Northern Outer Banks — where every site brings history to life.
Day 1: Corolla – Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead Club, Maritime Museum & Wildlife Education (Afternoon)
Begin your journey in historic Corolla, a hub of coastal heritage. Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, an 1875 beacon offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. Nearby, explore the opulent Whalehead Club, a 1920s Art Nouveau mansion that once hosted wealthy hunters and vacationers. Just steps away, the Currituck Maritime Museum provides a fascinating look at the region’s boatbuilding traditions and life along the water. Round out your afternoon at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, where exhibits and nature trails immerse you in the area’s ecological and cultural history—from waterfowl decoys to coastal conservation.
Day 2: Jarvisburg & Buffalo City Distillery (Afternoon)
Travel inland to Jarvisburg, where the Jarvisburg Colored School preserves the legacy of African American education in rural North Carolina. This one-room schoolhouse offers a moving narrative of resilience and community. (Note: Only open on Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. ) Then head to the Buffalo City Distillery, which honors the bootlegging and logging history of Buffalo City—a once-thriving Prohibition-era community lost to time. Sip locally crafted spirits while learning about the colorful past that shaped this legendary ghost town.
Day 3: Currituck Courthouse, Coinjock & Sanctuary Vineyards (Afternoon)
Begin your final day on the Currituck Mainland at the historic courthouse and jail complex, part of one of North Carolina’s oldest government sites. Close the ferry dock, this area is surrounded by moss-draped oaks and centuries-old buildings, reflecting the region’s deep civic and colonial roots. While not open for tours, you can walk around the grounds. Continue on to Coinjock, a waterfront town steeped in nautical tradition along the Intracoastal Waterway. Once a bustling steamboat stop, it remains a vital port for mariners today. Stroll the docks at the Coinjock Marina, where maritime history meets scenic views and enoy fresh seafood and local favorites.
Conclude your afternoon at Sanctuary Vineyards, a family-run estate whose legacy spans over 150 years. Formerly fertile farmland supporting corn, cotton, and cattle, it has transformed into a thriving vineyard that celebrates Currituck’s agricultural heritage through sustainable winemaking. Enjoy a tasting surrounded by coastal vines that tell their own story of resilience and renewal.
