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 Cape
Lookout National Seashore includes over 50 miles of barrier
islands. Accessible only by boat, it is the home of the Cape Lookout
Lighthouse, built in 1812, as well as the wild horses of Shackleford
Banks. Go to http://www.shacklefordhorses.org
for more information about these "Banker Ponies", smaller
than normal horses that swam ashore from sinking ships and are
believed to have lived on North Carolina's Outer Banks since the
early 1500's. There is a visitor's center at the east end of Harker's
Island. Ferry services run from Harker's Island, Beaufort, Morehead
City.
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
is located "Down East", on Harker's Island. It showcases
the work of area carvers as well as winning entries from past
Decoy Festivals that are held every December. You will also find
a live waterfowl viewing area and a gift shop. For more information,
go to http://www.coresound.com/index.html.
The Crystal Coast Amphitheatre
is home to the award winning outdoor musical drama WORTHY IS
THE LAMB. In a moving production, performers reenact the ministry
and miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ. This beautiful outdoor
setting on the banks of the White Oak River is located on the
outskirts of Cape Carteret, just off of Hwy. 58. For more information
you can go to http://www.worthyisthelamb.com/home.html.
Fort Macon State Park, located
at the Eastern end of Bogue Banks, includes a public beach with
ample parking, bathhouses, and picnic areas in addition to the
historic Fort Macon, a brick fortress constructed after the war
of 1812. A tour of the fort, the museum, and the bookstore makes
for an interesting and informative trip. For details, go to http://www.clis.com/friends.
 Hammocks
Beach State Park is on Bear Island, an unspoiled barrier island
just across the inlet at the western (Emerald Isle) end of Bogue
Banks. It is the place to go for sea shell searchers (say that
5 times fast!). Accessible only by boat, there is a passenger-only
ferry from Swansboro that operates Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
For more information go to
http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/habe/home.html.
 The
North Carolina Aquarium, located in Pine Knoll Shores on
Bogue Banks, has many outstanding exhibits as well as its popular
touch tanks. Nature trails, snake exhibits, and the Salt Marsh
Safari along Bogue Sound add to an interesting and educational
experience. In addition, both children and adults can participate
in special programs such as crabbing and clamming classes, snorkeling
classes, canoe trips, collecting cruises on the ocean, beach walks,
and barrier island excursions, to mention a few. Visitors can
also enjoy the nature trail and a gift shop. This is one of three
state sponsored aquariums. For more information, go to http://ww.ncaquariums.com.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum,
on Beaufort's waterfront, features a watercraft center where you
can watch boats being built. You will also find many exhibits,
including artifacts recovered from the recently discovered shipwreck
of the pirate Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge, just off of Beaufort
Inlet. Go to their web site at http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/default.htm
for more details as well as information about programs available
to the public.
Tryon Palace in New Bern was the
home of British Royal Governor William Tryon and was the colonial
capital of North Carolina. It burned shortly after Governor Tryon's
occupancy and was in ruins until restoration began in the 1950's.
Now the beautiful palace and formal gardens are a favorite stop.
For more information go to http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/tryon/.
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