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The Anchorage Inn & Marina $$$-$$$$
NC 12, Ocracoke
(252) 928-1101
www.theanchorageinn.com
The Anchorage Inn overlooks Silver Lake
and the village. Besides 35 motel-style
rooms, the inn has a marina and fishing
center, recreational amenities, an outdoor
cafe, and gift shops nearby. The attractive
five-story redbrick building with white
trim has elevator access to each floor. Accommodations offer some of the
best bird's-eye views available of the harbor and Ocracoke Village, especially from
upper-floor rooms. Most of the rooms
have some view of Silver Lake Harbor.
Each of the rooms has a king- or queen-
size bed or two double beds, full bath,
direct-dial phone, and cable TV with
Showtime and Cinemax. The fourth-floor
units are nonsmoking rooms and have
king-size beds. Wheelchair-accessible
rooms are available. Pets are allowed in
some rooms for a $20 fee. This is also the
only hotel in Ocracoke with an elevator. The Anchorage Inn offers its guests a complimentary continental breakfast, a private pool with a sundeck situated on the harbor, and an on-premises boat dock and ramp. The gazebo at Silver Lake is a perfect place to watch an early evening sunset. Guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and the historical sites on Ocracoke Island. Bike rentals are available. Fishing charters, which depart from the dock across the street, can be booked with the marina's dockmaster. The inn is open year-round.
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Blackbeard's Lodge $$$$
Back Rd., Ocracoke
(252) 928-3421, (800) 892-5314
www.blackbeardslodge.com Ocracoke's oldest hotel, Blackbeard's Lodge, was built in 1936 by local entrepreneur, developer, and visionary Stanley Wahab. The building's first floor originally housed Ocracoke's only movie theater on one side and skating rink on the other. "Rooms for hire" occupied the second floor and often accommodated visiting dignitaries, movie stars, and well-heeled types who flew their planes to the island, landed on the barren sand flats, and taxied right up to the front door. A subsequent owner added some rooms to the gabled third floor and stretched the building out with additional rooms in the wing now called the annex. In 1999 Ann and Buffy Warner (owners of Ocracoke's popular Howard's Pub) purchased the 37-unit lodge and undertook a complete renovation.
This is a family-oriented property during the vacation season that changes focus to accommodate "outdoors and sporting types" and those wanting to quietly get away from it all during the fall, winter, and spring. Blackbeard's units range from a room with one double bed to a room that sleeps eight with a full kitchen and dining area. All rooms have television. Some rooms feature whirlpool baths, while others may include a kitchenette, king-size bed, refrigerator, or wet bar. Several pet-friendly rooms are available; call ahead to reserve. A game room complete with pool table, foosball, and electronic games is available for inclement days or for nights when friendly competition is in order. A fleet of bicycles are for rent. The lodge has a heated swimming pool with sundeck, wraparound porch with rockers, fish-cleaning table, and free water access for rinsing the salt and sand off your vehicle if surf fishing or beach driving is your passion. Blackbeard's Lodge is open all year long. In the off-season, a complimentary hot breakfast is served from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M.
The Captain's Landing $$$$
324 NC 12, Ocracoke
(252) 928-1999
www.thecaptainslanding.com Breathe in the fresh sea air and feel the soft ocean breeze while your stay at The Captain's Landing on scenic Silver Lake in Ocracoke. Luxury suites and a penthouse apartment provide panomamic views of the lighthouse, the village, and harbor life. The first and second floors offer suites with queen-size beds, one and a half baths, a sleeper sofa in the master suite, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious private deck. The penthouse has a queen-size bed in the master suite and a guest room with two double beds. A sleeper sofa is located in the office. The penthouse has two full baths, a laundry room, expansive dining and living areas, and a well-stocked gourmet kitchen. Enjoy spectaular sunsets fromthe decks, which are accessible from most rooms.
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The
Castle Bed & Breakfast on Silver Lake $$$$
155 Silver Lake Drive, Ocracoke
(252) 928-3505, (800) 471-8848
www.thecastlebb.com
Among the finest accommodations on Ocracoke Island, the Castle has been part of the local scenery and part of the island's rich history for almost 50 years. Each of the 11 bedrooms, which have been extensively renovated and redecorated, are furnished with antiques and offer a private bath, television, small refrigerator, and phone. The house has a large living room
with a surround-sound entertainment system, central air-conditioning, and a custom
9-foot pool table. A full country breakfast is
served from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. (Breakfast is
for bed-and-breakfast guests only.) Children age 12 and older are welcome. The top of the Castle has a cupola, private to the Lighthouse Suite, that overlooks
the Silver Lake with panoramic views from
the sound to the ocean. There is also a
large deck extending from the cupola that
may be used for sunning, relaxing, or
watching the sunset. The pier on Silver
Lake offers large and small boat dockage in
slips up to 50 feet. Hookups are 50 and 30
amp, with telephone and cable service.
Dockage is available on a complimentary
first-come basis for all guests. In addition to The Castle Bed &
Breakfast, Courtyard and Villa suites are
available. One-, two-, and three-bedrooms
are available, each with large whirlpool
tubs, full kitchens, and spacious, comfortable living areas. Studio bedrooms are
also available with kitchenettes. Everyone who stays at any of the
Castle properties may use the heated
pool, steam showers, sauna, bicycles,
and the conference room equipped with
an Internet-access computer. Located within the pool house is the
Deep Blue Day Spa. Amy Borland Hilton, a
certified massage therapist and yoga
instructor, operates the spa.
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The
Cove Bed and Breakfast $$$-$$$$
21 Loop Road, Ocracoke
(252) 928-4192
www.thecovebb.com
The Cove is a beautiful beach home
located within walking distance of Ocracoke's many shops and restaurants. This
bed-and-breakfast is a large place-more
than 5,000 square feet-and is within view
of the sound and Ocracoke's lighthouse.
Rooms come equipped with cable TVs and
hair dryers. Each room has its own balcony
and bath. Full breakfasts are served each
day in the large common area. A large
screened porch beckons you to sit awhile
and absorb the wonderful, clean Ocracoke
air at the end of a beach day. Two suites are available with queen-
size four-poster beds and large jetted
tub/shower combinations. Two rooms are
available, each with a queen-size bed and
one single bed. The inn is a nonsmoking establishment;
children age 15 and older are welcome, but
pets are not. A public boat dock for
launching a kayak or small craft is nearby.
Complimentary bicycles are available for
touring around town. Transportation is
provided to and from the airstrip.
Crews Inn Bed and Breakfast $
Back Road, Ocracoke
(252) 928-7011
The Crews Inn is a place to get away from
it all. No phones or TVs will disturb your
privacy here. Three rooms have private
baths, and two share a bath. All have double beds. The wraparound porch is an
especially nice spot for guests to gather,
for the building is surrounded by large live
oaks and is far enough away from traffic
for easy chatting. This is a nonsmoking
establishment, but smoking is allowed on
the porch. The inn serves mostly a continental but occasionally a full breakfast.
Crews Inn is open year-round. No credit
cards accepted.
Edwards of Ocracoke $$
Pony Island Road, Ocracoke
(252) 928-4801, (800) 254-1359
www.edwardsofocracoke.com
This refurbished motel, away from the center of Ocracoke and off the main route near
The Back Porch Restaurant, consists of
eight motel rooms, three efficiencies, six
apartments, and two cottages. Most of the
units have screened porches and phones.
Some open onto a veranda. All have cable
TV. Cottages rent weekly during the summer, and efficiencies require a three-day
minimum stay. Some have refrigerators. The
rate guideline above pertains to nightly
rentals of the motel rooms only. The motel offers inexpensive accommodations in a family setting with a carefully landscaped green lawn, flower beds,
and pine trees. The motel is open mid-
March through Thanksgiving and for New
Year's eve.
Harborside Motel $$$
Across from Silver Lake Harbor
Ocracoke
(252) 928-3111
This charming motel offers 18 rooms and
4 efficiencies, all well kept and comfortable with cable TV, phones, and refrigerators. Most rooms offer two double beds;
one has three double beds, and two have
one double bed. Guests can use the
waterfront sundeck, docks, and boat ramp
across the street. Nonsmoking rooms are
available. Harborside has its own gift shop offering a wide selection of clothing, books,
gourmet foods, and small gifts. Other
shops and restaurants of Ocracoke Village
are within walking distance. The Swan
Quarter and Cedar Island ferry docks are
nearby. The same family has owned this
property since 1965, and their hospitality
and service are firmly established. A complimentary breakfast of homemade muffins, coffee, juice, and tea is provided. The motel is open Easter through
mid-November. AAA members receive a
discount.
The Island Inn $-$$$
NC 12, Ocracoke
(252) 928-4351, (877) 456-3466
www.ocracokeislandinn.com
The Island Inn, owned by Cee and Bob
Touhey, provides a variety of accommodations suitable for single adults, couples,
and families with children. Originally built
as an Odd Fellows Lodge in 1901, the main
building has served as a school, a private
residence, and naval officers' quarters. It
was restored by former owners and has
been recognized in Country Inns of the
Old South, Southern Living, Cuisine, and
The Saturday Evening Post. The owners had their first date on
Ocracoke Island and vacationed here for
many years; they returned to live and
work. The main building is a nonsmoking
establishment. Many of the 28 rooms
reflect the inherently romantic style of this
country inn. The main building houses
individual rooms and suites, all uniquely
furnished with antiques and quilts. The
adults-only rooms and suites accommodate a wide range of needs. If you're looking for a contemporary feel, ask for the
Crow's Nest, which offers spectacular
views of the postcard-pretty village.
Across the street, a much newer three-story structure includes two rooms with king-size beds. Families with children find these casual accommodations a welcome retreat. The third floor has brand-new one-and two-bedroom luxury villas overlooking the heated pool. Each beautifully furnished villa has a kitchen, living and dining area, washer and dryer, plenty of windows, and a whirlpool tub. The inn also rents a number of cottages, some of which accommodate pets with no fee attached, and has a heated swimming pool that is kept open as long as weather permits. Cable TV with free Showtime is available in every room. The inn has an on-site restaurant (see our Restaurants chapter), a large lobby for lounging, and a covered porch with rocking chairs. Island Inn closes for a few weeks in January but otherwise is open year-round.
Joyce's of Ocracoke Waterfront Motel and Dockage $$$$
Silver Lake, Ocracoke Village
(252) 928-6461
www.joycesofocracoke.com Joyce's offers water views of Silver Lake from a large deck. Four of the smaller efficiencies are larger than standard motel rooms. Each is set up with a queen bed and queen sofa bed. The two larger efficiencies have two queen beds and a queen sofa bed plus a full-size refrigerator, range, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, and kitchen utensils. Daily housekeeping is offered; linens are furnished. Room amenities include phones, cable TV with HBO, heat, and air-conditioning. Nonsmoking rooms are available. Boaters love the location--you can pull your boat up at the establishment's 10-slip boat dock. Joyce's is open year-round.
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Ocracoke Harbor
Inn
$$$
on Silver Lake Harbor,
across from the Coast
Guard Station, Ocracoke
(252) 928-5731, (888) 456-1998
www.ocracokeharborinn.com This lovely 16-room, seven-suite inn overlooks picturesque Silver Lake Harbor. The inn's private decks with Adirondack chairs are a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the view. Each room features either two queen beds or one king bed and includes a mini-fridge, cable TV, coffeepot, hair dryer, and climate control. The suites have two-person whirlpool tubs and kitchenettes. Suites are studio-style or one-bedroom. Three three-bedroom and a two-bedroom apartment are also offered. All rooms are nonsmoking, and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Also available are complimentary boat docking, outdoor showers, barbecue grills, bicycle rentals, and lots of outdoor decks. The Ocracoke Harbor Inn is open year-round. Pets are not allowed.
Oscar's House $$
One block from Silver Lake Harbor, Ocracoke
(252) 928-1311 Oscar's House was built in 1940 by the keeper of the Ocracoke Lighthouse and was first occupied by the World War II commander of the Ocracoke Naval Base. Stories abound about Oscar, who lived and worked on the island for many years as a fisherman and hunting guide. This guesthouse has operated as a bed-andbreakfast since 1984. It is managed by Ann Ehringhaus, a massage therapist, local fine-art photographer, and the author of Ocracoke Portrait. The house retains the original beaded-board walls, and all four guest rooms are delightfully furnished. One upstairs bedroom has a loft creating a comfortable setting. Two baths, one upstairs and one down, accommodate guests, as does an outdoor shower (with dressing room) underneath the cedar tree. The house has central heating and air-conditioning. The large kitchen with a big table is available to guests; however, the stove is off-limits. Ann serves a complimentary full breakfast to all guests and will gladly adhere to special preferences for vegetarian or macrobiotic meals. Smoking is
allowed on the back deck only. You can
treat yourself to one of Ann's therapeutic
massages. In spring and fall, Ann offers
workshops in photography and therapeutic bodywork. Call for details. Oscar's House has a deck area complete with barbecue grills. Meals are eaten
inside or outdoors. Oscar's House is within
walking distance of all village shops and
restaurants, and bicycles are free for
guests. Ann also gladly transports guests
to and from the Ocracoke Airport, which is
open to single- and twin-engine planes.
This bed-and-breakfast is open from April
to October.
Pelican Lodges $$$
Across from fire station, Ocracoke
(252) 928-1661
Built as a lodge, Pelican features a full sit-down breakfast. The four rooms, one with
two double beds and the others with one
double bed, are spacious and carpeted,
with private baths. Nonsmoking rooms are
available. Amenities include cable TV, a
small pool, and free use of bicycles. The
lodge is open year-round.
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Pony Island Motel $$$
NC 12, Ocracoke
(252) 928-4411
www.ponyislandmotel.com
At the edge of Ocracoke Village, a short distance from Silver Lake Harbor, Pony Island
Motel offers 54 rooms, efficiencies, and
suites. The grounds are spacious and inviting. Family-owned for more than 25 years,
the inn hosts families and couples in search
of peace and solitude on Ocracoke Island. Most of the units have either single or
double occupancy, but the motel offers
some rooms that accommodate up to
five people. Each room has a telephone,
refrigerator, and color cable TV with
Showtime, and the efficiencies have fully
equipped kitchens. Rooms are refurbished
regularly but maintain a traditional
decor. Nonsmoking rooms and one
wheelchair-accessible room are available.
A newer 23-unit, three-story addition
overlooks the pool. Rooms have a kitchenette.
Suites have a full kitchen and
whirlpool tubs. The motel is within walking distance of
the Ocracoke Lighthouse and other island
attractions. Bike rentals and boat docking
are available. The pool and spacious lawn
with picnic tables and grills offer plenty of
room for family activities. The Pony Island
Restaurant, a local favorite, is next door
(see our Restaurants chapter). Pony Island
Motel is open year-round.
Sand Dollar Motel $$
Sand Dollar Lane, Ocracoke
(252) 928-5571, (866) 928-5571
www.ocracokeisland.com
This establishment is in the heart of Ocracoke
Village behind The Back Porch
Restaurant (there are no street signs).
Fresh flowers welcome guests to the
lobby. You're likely to be greeted by Roger
Garrish, the property's personable owner
and an Ocracoke native, who is a great
source of island information. The Sand
Dollar has 11 rooms and a two-bedroom
cottage. Two of the rooms are efficiencies
with small microwaves and coffeemakers;
all rooms have refrigerators and cable TV.
Bedding options include queen- and
double-size beds. One special room is
connected to the pool and has a private
deck and a king-size bed. Nonsmoking
rooms are available. Guests enjoy a continental
breakfast and a dip in the pool.
Repeat visits are common at this neat
little place, so book your stay early. The
inn is open from April 1 to mid-November.
Thurston House Inn $$$
NC 12, Ocracoke (252) 928-6037
www.thurstonhouseinn.com
The Thurston House Inn was built in the
1920s. The former home of Capt. Tony
Thurston Gaskill is now on the Register of
Historic Places in North Carolina. It was
renovated in 1996 by the captain's granddaughter,
Marlene Mathews, and her husband,
Randal. An addition was completed
next to the inn in 1999. The inn offers six
rooms, each with a private bath. A phone
is available in the hallway, and each room
has cable TV. All rooms are heated and
air-conditioned and have private decks
and porches with either king- or queensize
beds. Guests enjoy relaxing on the covered
porches and deck, which connects the
inn's two buildings. A continental breakfast is part of the package. Children older
than age 12 are welcome. This is a nonsmoking establishment, but smoking is
allowed on the porches. The inn is within walking distance of Silver Lake, Ocracoke
Lighthouse, and various stores, restaurants, and historic sites. Local airport
pickup is available. Reservations are recommended. The inn is open March 1
through November.
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