The Enchanting Outer Banks of North Carolina

• HelloHey y'all
  [hey y'all]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see ya later]
• YesYup
  [yup]
• NoNope
  [nope]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
• Thank youThank ya
  [thank ya]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry
  [pardon me/sorry]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how y'all doin']
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fine. and you?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [y'all speak English?]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I ain't catchin' on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI wanna see the menu, please
  [I wanna see the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay, please
  [I wanna pay, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [Git outta here!]
• Call the Police!Call the Sheriff!
  [Call the Sheriff!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin' poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [I'm just lookin']
• How much is it?How much is that?
  [How much is that?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya bring down the price?
  [Can ya bring down the price?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [Can ya show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

In 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh sent a group of settlers to establish the first English colony in the New World on Roanoke Island. Led by John White, the group mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind only the word 'CROATOAN' carved into a post. The fate of the Lost Colony remains one of America's oldest unsolved mysteries.

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered flight in human history at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk. Their successful flights marked the beginning of the aviation era and are commemorated at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

The treacherous waters off the coast of the Outer Banks have earned the nickname 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' due to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred over the centuries. Factors such as shifting sandbars, strong currents, and frequent storms have combined to create hazardous conditions for sailors. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras preserves the maritime history and artifacts from these shipwrecks.

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was one of the most infamous pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. He frequented the waters of the Outer Banks and used Ocracoke Island as a hideout. In 1718, Blackbeard was killed in a battle with British naval forces off the coast of Ocracoke. His legacy lives on in local lore and legends.

During the American Civil War, the Outer Banks were strategically important for both the Union and the Confederacy. In 1861, Union forces captured Hatteras Island and the town of Roanoke Island, securing a foothold in North Carolina and disrupting Confederate supply lines. The Battle of Roanoke Island was a significant early victory for the Union.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, completed in 1870, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It was built to warn ships of the dangerous Diamond Shoals. In 1999, the lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion, a remarkable engineering feat. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and maritime heritage.

Established in 1874, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station was one of the first of its kind in the United States. The station and its crew performed numerous daring rescues of shipwrecked sailors. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and its successor, the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Outer Banks can be accessed primarily by car. The most common route is via U.S. Highway 158 or N.C. Highway 12 if you're coming from the north. The nearest major airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Norfolk, Virginia, which is about 82 miles away from Kitty Hawk. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is another option, located approximately 192 miles from the Outer Banks. Car rentals are available at both airports. During the summer, ferries also provide access to the southern parts of the Outer Banks, such as Ocracoke Island.

While the Outer Banks are best explored by car, there are other transportation options available. Local taxi services and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Bicycles can be rented and are a popular way to explore the towns and scenic routes. During peak tourist season, some areas offer trolley services for easy navigation. Public transportation is limited, so planning ahead for your travel needs is advisable.

The official currency of the United States, including the Outer Banks, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments, particularly in more remote areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks are generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always wise. Additionally, be cautious of rip currents and follow local guidelines when swimming in the ocean.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Outer Banks have several medical facilities, including the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head. Urgent care centers and pharmacies are also available in various towns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For weather-related emergencies, such as hurricanes, stay informed through local news and heed evacuation orders if issued.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for beach activities. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect against sunburn. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting historical churches and cemeteries. Public Transport: Do plan ahead as public transportation is limited. Consider renting a car for convenience. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Southern hospitality is a staple of the region. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies like shrimp and grits or crab cakes. Don't litter on the beaches; use designated trash bins.

To experience the Outer Banks like a local, visit the farmers' markets for fresh produce and locally made items. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's rich history. Don't miss out on the unique experiences like climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or taking a wild horse tour in Corolla. For a quieter experience, explore the lesser-known beaches and nature trails.