This is a land of wind-swept live oaks. You, our heroine, can walk, wrapped in a soft shawl, under this canopy of trees. Wander down unpaved lanes. Oyster shells crunch underfoot. Time slows. In the quiet off-season, Ocracoke seems untouched by time. No one can find you here. You've chosen wisely. What a peaceful place for your personal exile.
Ocracoke ignites the imagination. It's easy to slip into a movie or book of your own making. Shall you be Jane Eyre or feisty Jo from Little Women?
The big exhale. The Lightkeeper's Guest House provides the perfect place to write a new life. Rent the cupola room high atop the house--a perfect place to fill journal pages. Or pencil in an Awakening at Midlife workshop in May or October. Ruth Fordon, M.A., will custom craft an individualized retreat for your personal transition. T'ai chi, yoga on the beach, and massage are other options. Go to the web site for more information and contact info.www.islandpath.com
For more places to nest, consider a cottage. Ocracoke's got adorable places to rent by the week. Ocracoke Island Realty's a good place to start.
Take a look at Pickled Ocra or Bird's Eye View cottages. Not too big for solo's—or comfy to share with a friend.
Some island eateries close during the winter months. Not the venerable Howard's Pub & Raw Bar, though. Howard's is open 365 days a year, and serves up 200 different beers. www.howardspub.com. Watch the sunset from their rooftop deck.
Thai Moon offers yummy take-out Thai food. Call ahead with your order. 252-928-5100. Bring cash—no credit cards accepted.
Hip little Ocracoke Coffee, offers books to tempt minds and coffees, smoothies, bagels, pastries and more for tempting taste buds. Whole beans, too. Tucked away on a lane, follow your nose, or ask any local. You'll likely meet other islanders heading for a cup of joe.
Three ferry routes serve the island—a free one from Cape Hatteras or a toll ferry from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island. Reservations (a must during the high season) are made by phone only—not on-line--by calling the ferry terminal from which you wish to leave. Go to www.ncdot.org/transit/ferry/ or call 1-800 BY FERRY (293-3779) for more details.
