Nags Head guide

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When many people refer to the Outer Banks, they use the term ''Nags Head'' to generically describe the area. The truth of the matter is that Nags Head was first a physical location on a map, then a township, and finally, the most recognizable of all the northern Outer Banks vacation destinations. Early maps of the area show Nags Head as a promontory of land characterized by high sand dunes visible from miles at sea. Tales of land pirates that lured ships ashore in stormy weather may be the possible origin of the town's name. Or it may have been carried across the sea by English explorers who were reminded of a similar location of the English coast, a high point on the Scilly Islands, the last sight of old England that the earlier explorers were to see on their voyage to the New World. We'll never know the true origin, but legend and lore insists that early 18th century ''Bankers,'' realizing how profitable piracy was for sea-going scoundrels such as Blackbeard, developed their own unique method as land-based pirates. Horses with lanterns tied to their necks were walked up and down the beach at night. Merchant skippers in the off-shore waters would mistakenly think the lights were of other ships closer to shore. They would then change course and run aground, with the Bankers pillaging their cargoes. Around 1830, Nags Head became known as a plush resort area and remains so today, with a wealth of activities nearby to please a variety of tastes. Jockey's Ridge is the last vestige of the giant moving sand dunes that once towered over the beaches and greeted the first explorers. Surrounding Jockey's Ridge State Park, thousands of vacation homes beckon travelers of a different sort to the wide sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere of an Outer Banks vacation. Modern day Bankers no longer need a lantern tied around a horse to lure visitors.

With plenty of beaches and world-record fishing, golfing and shopping to nature trails, wildlife refuges, shipwreck remains and historic sites, its all here! Sourced with thanks from Nags Head. NAGS HEAD LINKS: Nags Head Guide - attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodations. Nags Head Site offers information on attractions, history, events, weather, city government, organizations and education. The Town of Nags Head. Nags Head Realty. Nags Head Hotels. Nags Head, North Carolina (27959) Conditions & Weather Forecast


Latest Tweets featuring Nags Head

  • hpowers19

    Driving into the hurricane over the bridge into Nags Head<<<<

    Yesterday, 23:57

  • GExpMobCatering

    JubileeBankHoliday: Have a bite at Nags Head, Marketsquare Braintree. No hog roast this year but something different: Bratwurst and more..

    Yesterday, 23:53

  • pancheta4

    Beach road nags head http://t.co/SJyOI2Yk

    Yesterday, 23:46

  • manduh_lyle

    Nags head #flooded http://t.co/VtTSD1NU

    Yesterday, 23:29

  • emlyphlptt

    RT @TSouthard21: S/O to @emlyphlptt for riding with me to Nags Head it was so cute all she could talk about was how cute Ben Kinney was

    Yesterday, 23:29

  • tweetontilt

    @JimCantore How much longer will Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills get heavy rain?

    Yesterday, 23:27

  • TSouthard21

    S/O to @emlyphlptt for riding with me to Nags Head it was so cute all she could talk about was how cute Ben Kinney was

    Yesterday, 23:25

  • blake_belch

    RT @connor0424: @blake_belch i kno rite!!! I jus got back to the cottage from nags head brewery an errythings under water!! Haha

    Yesterday, 23:21

  • connor0424

    @blake_belch i kno rite!!! I jus got back to the cottage from nags head brewery an errythings under water!! Haha

    Yesterday, 23:20

  • medwards712

    @taypietrantozzi nags head! it's soo scary there's tons of cars under water already

    Yesterday, 23:19

  • 12taysmith

    @WAVY_News Nags head http://t.co/Hqg6Ujy9

    Yesterday, 23:18

  • Townofnagshead

    South Virginia Dare Trail (Beach Road) in #Nags Head impassable in many spots.

    Yesterday, 23:18

  • 12taysmith

    @WAVY_News nags head http://t.co/F10zBwW1

    Yesterday, 23:18

  • medwards712

    @mereshaw nags head! it crazy!! there's some cars under water!

    Yesterday, 23:17

  • 12taysmith

    @WAVY_News nags head http://t.co/VdaNMqid

    Yesterday, 23:16

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