The air that links the soft blue North Carolina sky and the sandy beach below is filled with seabirds. Technically, this is the troposphere, that realm of space between the ground and heavens where weather happens and planes fly.

PHOTO: © OUTERBANKS.ORG

In the small coastal town of Kitty Hawk, this airy domain carries a special significance. The very sky above the barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks was once occupied by the flying machine created by Wilbur and Orville Wright. Here these imaginative brothers turned their fascination with transportation into an airborne adventure that would change the way we move around the world.

The setting where the Wrights chose to test their manned gliding machine lies just a few miles south of Kitty Hawk, on the coast of Kill Devil Hills. The choice of this particular stretch of shoreline came after consultation with aviation pioneer Octave Chanute, whose own experiments led him to suggest North Carolina as one of several possible testing grounds. It was crucial to select an area with reliably steady air currents — and as a bonus, the thick, sandy beaches near Kitty Hawk offered a relatively cushioned place to aim for when it was time to reconnect with terra firma.

The beaches and breezes are still a draw. Today’s visitors can explore the natural terrain with Native Birding Tours. Knowledgeable guides can introduce you to some of the 427 bird species recorded in the surrounding landscape’s tapestry of dunes, maritime forests, freshwater habitats and tidal saltwater marshes.

PHOTO: © OUTERBANKS.ORG

For an active afternoon, head to Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School. Certified instructors offer year-round professional coaching, whether the goal is to shred big waves or glide through a tranquil local creek on an eco-friendly kayak expedition. You can also feel the coastal breezes sweep across your face at Sea Scape Golf Links, where sand dunes and woodlands combine to create a par-70 layout. The public course, designed by Art Wall, opened in 1968. There’s an on-site pro shop with club rentals available.

PHOTO: © OUTERBANKS.ORG

While you’re exploring, visit the Monument to a Century of Flight, adjacent to Aycock Brown Welcome Center. Presiding over the sea from a hilltop position, it’s formed by a sweep of wing-shaped pylons around a central bronze dome meant to represent the leap from earth to sky made by mankind.

In late October kegs take flight during the Annual Outer Banks Brewtag. Teams launch and fly empty beer keg barrels to fulfill a lofty goal: The event serves as a fundraiser for the proposed Outer Banks Rogallo Museum. The museum will be dedicated to former residents Gertrude and Francis Rogallo, who carried on the Wright Brothers’ search for efficiency of movement in flight with their 1948 invention of the flexible wing.

Or time your visit for Dec. 17, the 120th anniversary of powered flight, and take part in festivities celebrating Wright Brothers Day. Presented by Kitty Hawk’s First Flight Society, events will be staged at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.

LODGING
BEACHWOODS RESORT
Set within a 100-acre stretch of maritime forest between the Atlantic and Currituck Sound, this destination resort offers nature trails, a water park and recreation center. Suites feature fully equipped kitchens.
1 Cypress Knee Trail, Kitty Hawk
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HILTON GARDEN INN OUTER BANKS
With beach access, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools, this laid-back property also boasts plenty of meeting and event space. Updates of some public spaces will continue through March 2024.
5353 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
$$$

WHITE DOE INN
Close by in Manteo, this oceanfront bed and breakfast property is all Southern charm and luxury service. Soaking tubs, fireplaces and antiques add to the ambience, along with in-room spa treatments and decadent four-course breakfasts.
319 Sir Walter Raleigh St., Manteo
$$$$$

DINING
BLACK PELICAN
Casual fare is served up in one of the town’s most historic buildings. There’s plenty of fresh-caught seafood, including The Frogmore Clambake with steamed shellfish, andouille sausage and vegetables.
Milepost 4 on the Beach Road, Kitty Hawk
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THE COLINGTON CAFÉ
Consistently ranked as one of the area’s best dining venues, this family-owned and -operated gem is set within a landmark Victorian house in nearby Kill Devil Hills. Local food producers provide menu ingredients.
1029 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills
$$$

OCEAN BOULEVARD BISTRO AND MARTINI BAR
Open nightly, the bistro serves a menu ranging from local seafood to steaks and lamb, supported by an excellent wine list. Stay late and enjoy live music and the martini bar’s selection of award-winning specialty drinks.
4700 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
$$$

INFO TO GO
Norfolk International Airport in Virginia lies 77 miles from Kitty Hawk and is the closest airport. Depending upon traffic, the drive is about 1.5 hours. Airport shuttle services are available to towns within the Outer Banks region. Locate pre-arranged limousine pickups outside of the arrivals hall between crosswalks 1 and 2. Most major rental car agencies have desks in the arrivals terminal on Level 1; car pickup is on Level G, Garage A; returns are located on Level 2, Garage A. Taxis serving the airport include a variety of private companies. Rideshares and Turo peer-to-peer car sharing offer additional options.