Corolla Things to Do

When you visit the Currituck Lighthouse and Whalehead Club you can also walk on some nature trails that go through the wetlands surrounding the area. There is a boardwalk that winds its way through the marshes and wetlands. Although we had no problems you might want to consider using some insect spray to protect yourself from misquitoes. We were here in early September and did not encounter any.

When I returned to the Outer Banks during the summer I took some time to walk around the Whalehead Club and wetlands surrounding it. It was much too cold here when I visited in the winter to walk around the wetlands. The Whalehead Club was originally built in the 1920's by a millionaire industrialist as a base for waterfowl hunting expeditions. The club has been restored to its original beauty and now serves as a waterfowl museum.

This lighthouse at Corolla is the northern most lighthouse on the Outer Banks. It is open to the public in the summer. You can climb the 214 steps to the top for a view of the island. The lighthouse was built around 1870. You can still see the red brick construction because it is the only unpainted light house on the Outer Banks. The lighthouse is 180 feet tall and has a small museum which is also open in the summer.
There is a $6.00 charge to enter the lighthouse. Children under eight are admitted for free. It is open daily Easter through Thanksgiving.

The Corolla Chapel was build in 1885. It is located two and a half blocks from the lighthouse. It was originally built as an Interdenominational chapel but was used primarily by Missionary Baptists in its early years. Catholic masses were said at the church starting in 1917 and continued on from time to time throught the world war years for Coast Guard personnel. The church closed in the 1960's when most of the population had left Corolla. It remained closed for over twenty five until the rebirth of Corolla in the 1980's. You can attend services at this historical chapel during the summer months from Memorial Day through October.

There are a few historical buildings that have been restored and you can get a feel for how the village looked around the late 1800's. A walking tour map can be obtained from the realtors office at Twiddy & Company which is located at the opening of the historical area.

under the lighthouse, there is a little garden - green and fresh, plus a gift shop with all the holiday stuff you need ;-). We even found some Italian chocolates.

Here I am standing at the entrance to the Carrituck Lighthouse. As you can see by the sign the Lighthouse is closed in the winter.

The Corolla School House has been restored and is on the walking tour. However you can not go inside. The school house was built in the mid 1890's. Surprisingly is was not closed until 1958.