The Wright Brothers Memorial is located on an area of the North Carolina coast known as the Outer Banks. Although a very popular destination in the summertime, because of the extensive water recreation activities available, the area is relatively quiet at other times of the year because it is so isolated from the mainland. In fact, to exit at the southern end of the Outer Banks requires taking a ferry.

            The Visitor Center at the Wright Brothers National Memorial contains exhibits and models pertaining to the pursuit of flight in the early twentieth century.  A monolith marks the place where history was made on December 17, 1903.

            Gary’s Gem:

                        While on the Outer Banks, attend a performance of “The Lost Colony”, a symphonic outdoor drama which dramatizes the mystery concerning the fate of a colony of English settlers, dispatched by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585 and again in 1587. In the latter year, the first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, was born. However, the colony had vanished without a trace when the next ship from England arrived in 1590. This play is only offered during the summer months, in the evening. Tickets should be purchased in advance, if possible.