Ocracoke: A Great Destination for Women's Retreats

The 1960's television hit "The Andy Griffith Show" centered around a small town sheriff and his family and friends in the fictional town of Mayberry. It harkened back to a simpler time, when life was slower, people more caring, and everyone knew your name.

While Mayberry is fictional, there is a place that will certainly remind you of it: Ocracoke Beach, located in North Carolina. It's a great place for women's retreats and family beach vacations. In this article we will tell you why we think Ocracoke is one of the "Top Beaches of the World", and a "must see". We warn you though...this place will move you in ways you will not expect.

While most of North Carolina has marched on in time, Ocracoke still maintains its old-time feeling. One of the major reasons is probably because it's a lot harder to get to Ocracoke compared to other vacation spots. No bridges, tunnels or roads go there directly. You will either need to have a private plane or boat, or be a good swimmer (we're kidding...), or use one of the ferries that travel back and forth on a daily basis.

Shopping in Ocracoke is different as well. While shopping on the mainland can be rush, rush, rush...shopping on Ocracoke is like a leisurely stroll through the park. The shops are all small and quaint, and many focus on only one or two things. For example, there is one shop that focuses only on kites...one of the favorite pastimes on the island. They do have two main variety stores for your grocery needs, and a post office for those postcards back to the mainland.

Ocracoke has a historic lighthouse that was built by Noah Porter (a builder from Massachusetts) in 1832. It's known as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina, as well as the second oldest in the US. It is 75 feet (23 m) tall, and it's diameter varies from 25 feet (8 m) at the base to 12 feet (3.7 m) at the top. The light from this lighthouse can be seen 14 miles out into the Atlantic. A United States National Park Ranger is on duty during the summer months. When a ranger is on duty you can enter the base of the lighthouse, but no climbing is permitted.

In conclusion, we absolutely love Ocracoke. Even if you don't enjoy going to the beach, this is the perfect place for your next women's retreat. If you often think back to "days of old" when life was simpler and more carefree, definitely check out Ocracoke. Beware, you may leave your heart there.

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Want to find out more about Ocracoke? Visit Charles Vaughn's site on Creative Family Beach Vacations.