The Wright Brothers may have been born and raised in the state of Ohio but they certainly made their mark in the small town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina when they successfully flew the first powered aircraft in the world. Orville and Wilbur Wright undoubtedly altered history on December 17, 1903. These pioneers of flight chose the then isolated location of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with its consistently strong winds, high dunes, and soft sand suitable for landing. If you’re planning a visit, here are some Kitty Hawk North Carolina vacation tips that will help you on your holiday.
Kitty Hawk is one of the many small towns lining up the Outer Banks, a stretch of islands off the coast of the state of North Carolina. The Wright Brothers might have chosen the town for their scientific experiments but it didn’t take long for tourism to catch on. After their historic accomplishment, the public began to take notice of the long stretch of beaches with fine and soft sand, dozens of shipwreck diving sites, and typical coastal atmosphere. As a result, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina now ranks as one of the best seaside destination in the eastern coast of the United States.
Kitty Hawk North Carolina Vacation Tips
How to Get There
Most visitors arriving by air will have to rely on Norfolk International Airport (ORF) some 80 miles north of Kitty Hawk. From then on, rent a car and drive south down State Highway 158 onto Interstate Highway 64. The latter thoroughfare is the main road for most coastal destinations in the Mid-Atlantic beginning with Virginia Beach, so keep that tidbit in mind when planning your vacation.
If you happen to carry a pilot license and be affluent enough to fly your own plane, your best bet is to fly into the smaller First Flight Airport , which sits right next to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Arrivals are limited to single engine planes since the landing strip is quite small.
Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk is a very small town that stretches around 10 miles long and 3 miles wide but the accommodation choices are varied enough to suit most people’s preferences. There are dozens of houses overlooking the beach for rent, RV parks to accommodate your motor home rental , and hotels and inns for those looking a bit of pampering. Websites like VRBO and Sun Realty NC lists plenty of houses for rent, some of which are literally right of the beach. If you’re traveling with your family or a large group of folks and planning to stay at least a week, this might be your best option. For those planning shorter stays, consider booking a room at the relatively new Hilton Garden Inn or stay at the Buccaneer Motel and Beach Suites when planning your Kitty Hawk vacation, especially if your budget is a little tight.
Must-See Attractions to Visit
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a must-see attraction.
The park contains the exact locations where Orville and Wilbur Wright conducted the first successful powered flight as well as a couple replicas of the trademark plane that was used. There’s a small museum inside the Visitor Center that recounts the brothers’ lives as newspaper delivery boys and bicycle mechanics from Ohio as well as details from their chronological milestones including creating a miniature wind tunnel. Some of the artifacts on display include the brothers’ diaries and tools they used to build the planes. Don’t miss the 30-40 minute animated ranger lecture given every top of the hour that explain the process of how the brothers ended up in Kitty Hawk and the details of their successes and failures. Lastly, don’t miss the 15-minute hike atop the memorial stone, which provides visitors with superb panoramic views of the beaches at Kitty Hawk and the surrounding Outer Banks towns.
Another aviation history spot worth stopping by is the Monument to a Century Flight, located a stone’s throw away from the Outerbanks Visitor Center. It was unveiled in 2003 to commemorate the Wright Brother’s first flight. The columns that gradually increase in height symbolize the continuing quest for exploration and innovation. A closer look will reveal a list of dates significant to aviation history.
The beaches of Kitty Hawk are also a must see. It stretches over five miles, with free public access on a good chunk of them. Pets are allowed as well as food and drinks. Be cautious of notifications however. Dangerous riptides are known to be common so pay close attention to markers and check weather conditions prior to swimming.
Have you been to Kitty Hawk? Share some Kitty Hawk North Carolina vacation tips below!
没有评论:
发表评论