In addition to being a renowned beach destination, the Outer Banks is also home to its share of quaint towns and interesting historic sites that are worth exploring when you’re ready for a break from the beach. Visiting the Historic Corolla Village presents the opportunity to step back in time to a simpler life, in the days when school bells chimed and lighthouses needed keepers.
Many of the buildings in the Historic Corolla Village date back to the 1800s, and focus has been on restoring these historic structures to their original charm. Today, historic homes have been restored into retail shops, museums, and office spaces. The roads remain unpaved, and winding sandy paths invite visitors into a simpler time of life.
Points of Interest in the Historic Corolla Village
Take a stroll by the quaint white Corolla School, built in 1890. This one-room schoolhouse is surrounded by towering trees, providing a peaceful setting. At its inception, it was warmed by a large coal stove providing a warm place to learn for children from surrounding beach communities.
Another popular stop in the Historic Corolla Village is the Wild Horses Museum, part of the non-profit that works to protect and conserve the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam free in the Outer Banks. The museum is a place to learn more about these majestic creatures that call the Outer Banks home, as well as to pick up memorabilia and souvenirs, all proceeds of which go to help protect the horses. During summer months, activities such as horse encounters are available for kids.
Whether you’re in search of the latest novel or something with an Outer Banks theme, be sure to stop in the Island Bookstore. This shop has a surprisingly wide collection and visitors can easily become absorbed in browsing the shelves.
The nearby Currituck Beach Lighthouse dates back to 1875, with its red brick exterior a continual mainstay along the coast. Beginning at dusk and ending at dawn, the light is still used as a navigational aid today, and is unique in that it is one of the few lighthouses in the country that still houses its original first-order Fresnel lens. Visitors can climb the 220 stairs to the top of the lighthouse from mid-March until the end of the calendar year.
Plan Your Trip to the Outer Banks
Whether you’re a history buff or are simply in search of a quaint place to spend some time exploring, consider wandering the paths at the Historic Corolla Village during your trip to the Outer Banks! Contact us!
