The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and three others warn ships of the dangerous coast. The Outer Banks offers glimpses of history and the enjoyment of its natural resources. It was here that the Wright brothers made aviation history in 1903, and Sir Walter Raleigh failed in attempting to establish the first English colony. The county is building its first hospital, acquiring land and spending 25 percent of its income to preserve land and beach access. It's a haven for artists, painters, writers and photographers.
Art galleries dot the coastline.
The North Carolina School of Performing Arts is housed on Roanoke Island May through August, and the Dare Theater group performs several times a year. Richard Vick of Charlotte goes to the Banks every winter because of the solitude. Carolyn McCormack of the Dare County Chamber says she likes the passive development and natural environment. New Bern's Union Point Park, where the Neuse and Trent rivers join, attract sailors these days. Years ago, it bustled as a port for naval stores, tanks to its proximity to the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.