whalehead club tours

Whalehead in Historic Corolla

• 252-453-9040

The prestigious Whalehead in Historic Corolla has been a dominant attraction to Corolla visitors since it was renovated and opened to the public in 2002. As part of the Historic Corolla Park , the Whalehead in Historic Corolla serves as a northern Outer Banks icon, and a living testament to Corolla and Duck's heyday as a secluded oceanfront retreat for the country's wealthy hunters and conservationists.

There are little discrepancies today between the opulent 1920s privately owned manor and the current popular Corolla attraction, and modern visitors will be able to enjoy the ornate details, the expansive 21,000' square foot premises, and the immaculately designed art-nouveau retreat that a wealthy Rhode Island couple once called their home away from home. Enjoy an exploration into Corolla's literally ruin history with a visit to the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, and see one of the country's best eras of architecture come to life in exquisite, full detail.

History of the Whalehead in Historic Corolla

As popular as the Outer Banks are today, specifically the northern regions of Corolla and Duck , it's hard to believe that less than a century ago, the area was all but deserted, and populated with just a small handful or residents and employees of the lifesaving station and the Currituck Beach lighthouse .

That remoteness was changed, albeit gradually, with the discovery of the area by a handful or wealthy and adventurous vacationers who were on the trail for exceptional wildfowl and small game hunting. The northern regions of the Outer Banks proved exceptional hunting grounds for geese, ducks, and a number of other migratory waterfowl, and the information was spread around the wealthy 1920s circles leading to a minor but gradual popularity of the otherwise deserted area. (In other words, there's a reason why the town of Duck is named "Duck.")

One such future resident who caught wind of this information was Edward Collings Knight, Jr., a devout waterfowl hunter and nature lover, as well as a wealthy industrialist, who fell in love with the area and purchased a 4.5 mile section of the northern Outer Banks, called the Lighthouse Hunt Club. Newly married, he brought his wife Marie Louise Lebel Bonat Knight to the area for their honeymoon, and the couple began to lay out their plans for the modern day Whalehead in Historic Corolla. The pair had lavish residences in both Philadelphia and Middletown, Rhode Island, and they envisioned their new winter home to be a mirror of these properties in both size and amenities.

The Knights spent the majority of the mid-20s building their dream home, with architectural features that paid homage to Pennsylvania farmhouse and French-Canadian country, but which most modern visitors recognize as the 1920s style of Art Nouveau. Structurally, the majority of materials had to be shipped in to Corolla to complete the 21,000 square foot structure, which included five chimneys and was easily the largest residence that the northern Outer Banks had ever seen.

Despite its grand size, the true achievements in design were arguably the little details, and the new home featured curved rooflines, ornamental chimneys, striking paint colors, Tiffany lighting, distinctive porches, and all the little touches that made it distinctively unique to its era. Even today, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is considered one of the best standing representations of Art Nouveau ornamentation in the country, making it a must-stop for Great Gatsby lovers everywhere.

The end result was a decadent home that the Knights were tremendously proud of, and for a few years, they lived the beach life in style with miles of privately owned beaches that spanned from the ocean to the Currituck Sound, with no other neighbors except for a small community of villagers.

In fact, the Knights were even the first residents to have electricity and running water on the northern portion of the island, with a special diesel motor and 2,200-gallon pumping system that provided them with these amenities almost four decades before mainstream electricity came to the rest of the northern Outer Banks.

Unfortunately, the Knights did not enjoy their carefully built home for long, and both passed away in 1936. After their death, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla served a number of purposes that were well outside of the realm of luxury that the Knights originally intended.

In the early 1940s during World War II, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla served as a residence and bunker for the US Coast Guard, the new branch of military service that had replaced the life saving service, which had formerly guarded the North Carolina coastline.

After the war, and after a property ownership change, the property was leased to an educator who created the Corolla School for Boys, which essentially was a summer boarding school for relatively wealthy students that focused on education and outdoor recreation, and remained in operation until 1962.

At this juncture, the school closed, and the property was leased again, this time to the US Government that was entangled with the growing cold war between the United States and Russia. The site essentially became a rocket fuel test site, under the management of the Atlantic Research Corporation of Alexandria, Virginia, and was eventually purchased by said company in 1964 due to the property's secure and off-the-map location. The venture eventually led to the successful development of large booster rockets, which proved to be instrumental additions to the nation's growing space program.

The property was sold in 1969, however, so the company could find a new remote locale, and in the years that followed the area developed and more sections of that original 4.5 mile tract were sold off to interested investors and developers. The recent additions of electricity, running water and paved roads, coupled with the northern Outer Banks close proximity to the already popular vacation destinations of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills , made the area very popular with new community investors. As a result, for a time, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla was in danger of being completely sold off, with nothing left of the original Knight parcel of property.

Luckily, in 1992, Currituck County was able to purchase the property, and secure public sound access as well as one of the region's greatest treasures. By 1994, the county was able to acquire 39 acres which included the original residence, the lighthouse, and acres of waterfront property. Renovations to the house began In 1999 to make it a focal point of the new park, and by 2002, the restoration was complete, and the Whalehead in Historic Corolla was back to its original grandeur.

Visiting the Whalehead in Historic Corolla

The process was so transformative, in fact, that new visitors are often surprised to learn that the stunning and immaculately maintained residence was once a military barracks locale, a boarding school, a rocket fuel testing site, and then, for a short time, a deserted residence. The fate of the Whalehead in Historic Corolla has essentially mirrored US History for the past century, and visitors can explore this rich history with a personal tour, and enjoy the decadence the Knights originally envisioned, while noting the historical footnotes the Whalehead in Historic Corolla has claimed in the past 80+ years.

The Whalehead in Historic Corolla is generally open throughout the year, with audio self-guided tours through the main house, and expertly guided tours through the house and / or the grounds including the boat house and the hunting areas that were so prized by the Knights and other early visitors.

The main tour of the home runs about $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under 8 years of age. These tours take visitors through the 21,000 square foot building from top to bottom, noting essential architectural details and historic portraits or works of art throughout. Every visitor to the Whalehead in Historic Corolla with a fascination of local history or essential American architecture should invest in this tour, which is an eye-opening exploration on the vacationing lifestyles of Corolla's elite predecessor visitors.

Guided tours of the house are offered Monday through Friday, generally between 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and includes local experts in the Whalehead in Historic Corolla to spearhead the house exploration, and answer any questions along the way.

For a detailed tour that covers the ground past the main house, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla offers Boat House tours which uncovers the generator room which provided electricity to the Knights decades before it reached the rest of the Outer Banks. Other special tours are also available, including a Hunting and Maritime Tour which covers the extent of the property, including on-site hunting grounds during the Kinghts' residence, and the Behind the Scenes Tours, which delves into the experience of the Knights' servants, as well as the efforts of current staff to preserve and protect the treasured property.

When the sun sets, guests can embark on a number of evening tours including a Twilight tour of the home that ends with a free wine tasting, and a Moonlight Ghost Tour which recounts the tales of the innumerable ghosts of residents or visitors past that allegedly still haunt the property.

All of these special tours are seasonally available and can be reserved in advance by calling 252.453.9040 ext. 226, or by purchasing tickets at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, or online .

Special Events at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla

In recent years, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla has become one of the most popular destinations for weddings and special events, as the grounds around the home feature perfectly manicured lawns, sweeping landscapes, and fantastic views of the Currituck Sound . Ideal for weddings and ensuing photos, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is wide open for a number of equally important events including receptions, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, anniversaries, corporate gatherings, and even birthdays.

Pricing varies based on the locales used and the services needed, and interested parties are encouraged to contact the Whalehead in Historic Corolla's events coordinator at 252.305.0401 or at [email protected].

Outside of private events, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla and the Historic Corolla Park in general are home to a number of annual events, including the local wine festival, Christmas in Corolla, and a spectacular 4th of July Fireworks display. The majority of these events are held on the cut lawns outside of the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, providing an ideal backdrop to any occasion, and are wide open and free to the public. In addition to annual celebrations, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is often home to weekly summer events, including music performances and wine tastings. To find out what events are available during your stay, visit the calendar of events online and plan on enjoying a fabulous Outer Banks celebration in style.

Tips and Tricks for visiting the Whalehead in Historic Corolla

• Make sure your self-guided tour or exploration doesn't end at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla. As an integral part of the Historic Corolla Park , the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is surrounded by gorgeous soundfront walking trails, the Currituck Lighthouse, and 39 acres of beautiful landscape to explore. Bring your kayak, kite, picnic basket, or just a love of the great outdoors, and enjoy a full, pleasant day on the expansive park grounds.
• Visitors who are in town for a week's summer vacation should plan a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon Whalehead in Historic Corolla visit. On these weeknights, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla in conjunction with the Historic Corolla Park often sponsors fun evening events, including live music from local performers, or decadent wine or beer tastings. By showing up at the right time on the right day, Whalehead in Historic Corolla visitors can turn an afternoon tour into a full evening of fun.
• Ghost hunters should definitely check out the after-hours tours and programs, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is home to dozens of local ghost stories that date all the way back to the Knights first years as residents. Guests who always wanted a spooky exploration around a 1920s mansion should definitely check out the calendar to plan a late night visit to this historic Corolla site.
• While the audio and guided tours essentially provide the same information, curious visitors are advised to opt for a guided tour. With opportunities to ask question around every nook and cranny, a guided tour will surely put all your Corolla history questions to rest, via the answers from a local expert guide.

The Whalehead in Historic Corolla has become synonymous with Corolla, appearing in countless postcards, souvenirs, and local works of art. As a result, virtually every Corolla or Northern Outer Banks vacationer is all but required to tour the site, and see in-person the relics of the wealthy visitors who first blazed a trail to widespread northern Outer Banks tourism.

Yes, a visit to the Whalehead in Historic Corolla is stop that every northern Outer Banks vacationer should make, but the reason why this locale has become a staple attraction for so many vacationers becomes abundantly clear as soon as you turn into Historic Corolla Park . With incredible architecture that serves as a prime example of its era, and acres of soundfront to explore, a visit to the Whalehead in Historic Corolla will make any vacationer feel like a veritable king or queen of the Outer Banks.

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Take a ghost tour of the Whalehead Club

In 1925, Edward Collins Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, opened a lavish hunting club in Corolla called the Whalehead . In those days, Mrs. Knight wasn’t welcome in all-male clubs, so the couple built a 21,000-square-foot mansion on the Currituck Outer Banks instead. Some who have visited say they still can smell cigar smoke and experience other unexplainable sights and sounds around the house. Care to see for yourself? Take a ghost tour of the historic building to uncover the secrets and mysteries of the Whalehead and its grounds. Nearly the entire home was restored in 1992 to the way it looked when the couple first opened its doors as a hunting retreat.

The Whalehead Club

1100 Club Road, Corolla, NC 27927

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Corolla, NC

Whalehead in historic corolla tours, corolla,  nc 27927.

Restored in 1992 to its original glory, the Whalehead is now open year-round for tours. Inside, you’ll see Mrs. Knight’s Steinway piano and petite Art Nouveau “grandmother” clock, as well as many elite-at-the-time amenities including original Tiffany glass sconces, corduroy walls, cork flooring, Otis elevator and a a cast-iron safe within an ornate, marble-topped sideboard. Please note, there are no refunds on specialty guided tours. See website for tour prices:

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Whalehead in Historic Corolla

This unique home, built in the 1920s, has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur. Inside the museum see Tiffany lighting, Majorelle furnishings and unique art nouveau custom detailing throughout the house. The residence, boathouse and bridge are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located inside Currituck Heritage Park, in the heart of historic Corolla. Bring the family and enjoy the 39-acre waterfront park, offering many things for all ages to enjoy.

• Handicap Accessible
• Parking: Free
• Group friendly
• Tours: Guided, Self guided

Currituck Heritage Park 1100 Club Dr. Corolla, NC 27927

(252) 453-9040 www.visitcurrituck.com [email protected]

Local Information

Currituck county dept. of travel & tourism.

Ends: 9/12/2024

Don't Sweat It Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes.

(252) 453-9040 - www.visitcurrituck.com

Whalehead Club

Outer Banks

The sunflower-yellow, art nouveau–style Whalehead Club, built in the 1920s as a hunting 'cottage' for a Philadelphia industrialist, is the centerpiece of the well-manicured Currituck Heritage Park in the village of Corolla. Tours take about 45 minutes and are self-guided. Visitors can learn about the history of the property and explore its art-nouveau ornamentation – including Tiffany glass sconces, a Victorian safe, and a Steinway & Sons grand piano. Tour times may vary in winter (November to March).

1160 Village Lane. Corolla

Get In Touch

252-453-9040

https://​www​.visitcurrituck​.com​/

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Visiting Whalehead in Historic Corolla, NC

If you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks, you might want to consider visiting Whalehead in Corolla . Located at the north end of the barrier islands, Corolla (pronounced Cah-rall-ra) is a quaint small town with plenty to offer. The Whalehead Mansion is located in the Historic Corolla Park alongside the bay, Currituck Lighthouse, and Maritime Museum. This historic mansion is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Whalehead.

I was gifted a guided tour by the Currituck County Tourism Board . As usual, all opinions are my own. For more information, please visit my disclosures page. 

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What is the Whalehead Club in the Outer Banks? 

The Whalehead Club is a historic mansion located in Corolla, North Carolina, and is a popular tourist destination today. The mansion was built in 1925 as a hunting lodge for Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie-Louise LeBel Knight. The Knights were wealthy industrialists from Pennsylvania and were passionate about waterfowl hunting. They frequently visited the Outer Banks, where they fell in love with the beauty of the area and decided to build their hunting retreat.

Why Visit Whalehead?

First, the mansion itself is an impressive sight. The Art Nouveau-style architecture is stunning and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for photographers. Second, the mansion offers tours that give visitors a chance to learn about the history of the Outer Banks and the Knight family. Finally, the mansion is located on 39 acres of beautiful waterfront property, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

How old is the Whalehead Club?

Construction on the Historic Whalehead Club began in 1922 by John H. Whaley and his wife, Mary Ann. They were both from North Carolina and they wanted to create a place where families could come together for fun and relaxation. The club has been open since then and it is now owned by the National Park Service.

The Historic Whalehead Club was built in 1922 and is located at 609 North Main Street in Corolla, North Carolina. This building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since November 22, 1980.

Why is it called the Whalehead Club?

The Whalehead in Corolla was designed by a New York architect, William P. Wurster, and was built on 400 acres of land along the Currituck Sound. The mansion was named for its unique shape, which resembles the head of a whale. The house was constructed using the latest building techniques of the time, such as reinforced concrete, and featured many modern amenities, including indoor plumbing, central heating, and electricity.

Did the Historic Whalehead Club look the way it does today? 

Sort of. While the building itself has been restored to its former glory, there are certain things that can’t be restored. When Whalehead was built in this area of Corolla, there was a Coast Guard station, a small schoolhouse, and a post office, but no paved roads or electricity! 

Why was Historic Whalehead built?

The mansion was a hub for social events during the Roaring Twenties and hosted many famous guests, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited the property in 1933. The Knights were known for their lavish parties, and the Whalehead Club was the perfect setting for their celebrations. The mansion featured a grand ballroom, a spacious dining room, and a luxurious master suite, complete with a private balcony overlooking the sound.

The Knights owned the property until the 1950s when they sold it to a group of investors who planned to develop the area into a vacation destination. The mansion fell into disrepair over the years and was nearly demolished in the 1980s. However, a group of concerned citizens formed the Currituck Beach Lighthouse Society and began a campaign to save the Whalehead Club.

The society raised funds to restore the mansion to its former glory, and in 1992, the Whalehead Club was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the mansion is open to the public as a museum and event space, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the property.

Was Whalehead impacted by Prohibition?

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Whalehead Club’s history is its connection to the prohibition era. I was captivated by learning this information during the tour!

The Knights were supporters of the temperance movement and believed in the prohibition of alcohol. However, they made an exception for their personal use and had a secret room in the mansion where they stored and consumed alcohol. The room was hidden behind a false wall in the basement, and the entrance was disguised as a bookcase.

During the prohibition era, the Outer Banks was a hub for illegal activity, and the Whalehead Club became a popular spot for bootleggers and rum runners. The Knights were aware of the illegal activities happening in the area but turned a blind eye to it as long as their own personal stash of alcohol was not disrupted.

The Whalehead Club’s connection to the prohibition era adds a layer of intrigue to its already rich history. The secret room in the mansion is still intact and can be viewed by visitors today. The room features a hidden bar, a table, chairs, and a telephone that was used to communicate with the main house during parties.

What is the style of Whalehead? 

In addition to its fascinating history, the Whalehead Club is also a beautiful example of the Art Nouveau style of architecture. The mansion features intricate details and decorations, including stained glass windows, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate wrought-iron railings. The mansion’s exterior is equally stunning, with its bright white façade and bright teal roof, making it a unique and iconic landmark in the Outer Banks. 

Should I visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla? 

Absolutely! The Whalehead Club is a fascinating piece of history in Corolla, North Carolina, and serves as a testament to the beauty and extravagance of the Roaring Twenties. The mansion’s connection to the prohibition era adds an intriguing layer to its history. Even though I’m not a history buff, it was fascinating to walk around the house and learn all about the history of the area. 

When Should You Visit Whalehead?

Whalehead is open year-round, although the hours vary depending on the season. If you’re visiting during the summer months, it’s a good idea to check the hours ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on the tours. Whalehead is also a popular spot for weddings and other events, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Final Thoughts 

It’s our role as travelers to learn about the places that we visit and support local economies. By visiting Whalehead in Corolla, you can learn about the history of the Outer Banks and enjoy some beautiful waterfront views, while supporting this nonprofit. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or just want to enjoy a picnic in a scenic setting, Whalehead is definitely worth a visit.

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Whalehead Club

The Whalehead Club is a restored 1920s residence now operating as a historic house museum. With the architecture and design centering heavily around Art Nouveau the museum boasts many original furnishings and decorative items including Tiffany lamps, Louis Majorelle furnishings, and Royal Copenhagen figurines.

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The Whalehead Club has been restored to its original splendor, including the copper roof, matchstick or “corduroy” wall coverings, and cork flooring. We offer several different tours encompassing the history of the house, the Knights and their servants, as well as maritime history, local history, and the architecture and operations of this 21,000 square foot, five floor home.

The Whalehead Club is located inside Currituck Heritage Park, in the heart of Corolla, NC. Inside the park you will also find the Currituck Beach Lighthouse which was completed in 1875 and is open for climbing, as well as the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education which boasts an 8,000 gallon aquarium, wonderful exhibits, and many classes and activities for the whole family.

Located on 39 acres of pristine sound-front property Currituck Heritage Park has much to offer its visitors and patrons. With plenty of open space for kite flying or picnicking, it’s perfect for a family gathering. Crabbing, fishing and use of the public boat ramp are permitted inside the park as long as proper state licensing guidelines are met. Leashed pets (per County law) are welcome in the park. You will also find a marvelous interpretive trail that guides you through the park explaining the rich natural history as well as information about the Whalehead Club.

1100 Club Road  Rt. 12 N, Corolla, NC  252.453.9040

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Whalehead Club

The Whalehead Club is a large, 21,000 sq. ft. mansion in Corolla meant to accommodate the wealthy Knights family when they visited the Outer Banks on hunting trips. To learn more about the history of the Whalehead Club, you can read our blog article about its roots here . Situated on 39 acres of land in Corolla Park along the Currituck Sound, Whalehead has been opened to the public every week day, 9 am - 4 pm, and is an affordable day trip option for the whole family (even the most expensive tickets are only $7 each). If you're looking to get something a bit more spine-tingling, Whalehead also offers Legends, Lore and Ghost Tours on Wednesdays at 7 pm during the summer. at $15 per ticket. If you're visiting during the winter, don't worry, you haven't been forgotten either: Whalehead also offers a Candlelight Christmas Tour from late November until Christmas Day, though these tickets are limited and run out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot early (tickets are $20 each). But the house is not the only thing to enjoy in Corolla Park. Make sure to bring along your picnic basket, kayak, kite, and/or hiking boots and enjoy a full day out in nature!

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Whalehead is an historic house museum on the northern Outer Banks. The grand residence, dressed in bold yellow and striking copper, stands on a vast green lawn bordering the Currituck Sound. At first sight of the more than 21,000-square-foot Art Nouveau home, so out of place in the Outer Banks landscape, it’s immediately apparent that it has an intriguing past and a fascinating story to tell.

Once you’ve had time to gaze over the lush green live oaks and take in the beauty of the home’s exterior, step inside and take a jaunt back in time to an era reminiscent of Prohibition and fights for women’s rights. Shortly after being wed, the original owners, Edward Collings Knight Jr. and Marie-Louise LeBel Knight, purchased a 4.5-mile tract running from ocean to sound. While taking residence in the Lighthouse Hunt Club, they embarked on a building project that would take three years to complete. Just as visitors to our area today take pleasure in the opportunity to get away from it all, so did the Knights. While they kept a grand permanent residence near Newport, Rhode Island, the “cottage” at Corolla Island was their winter retreat. After a chilly day spent in the blinds hunting waterfowl, they could relax in the library by a roaring fire while partaking in a game, reading, listening to music or simply enjoying the gorgeous views from the room’s window-lined walls. Peeking into the library and spying the custom-made 1903 Steinway piano, you can just imagine Mrs. Knight sitting down to play a few melodies for her guests. Later, they would be treated to a marvelous duck dinner prepared for them by their beloved cook, Miss Rose, who was one of about a dozen servants who traveled to and from Corolla Island each year with the Knights.

Today the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been owned by Currituck County since 1992. A painstaking restoration returned the house to its original 1925 grandeur with the replacement of the copper roof. The exterior of the house and boathouse are again the original paint colors as are the interior walls. The interior has been completely restored, from the coffered ceilings down to the cork floors. Many of the original fixtures and details remain: The water lily motif carvings again stand out near the dining room ceiling, the duck head door handles are back in place, the Tiffany glass light fixtures shine again, the mahogany trim and woodwork has been refinished. A team of researchers ensured restoration accuracy, and recent efforts have focused on filling the home with original and period pieces. Mrs. Knight’s Steinway piano, Mr. Knight’s iron safe, portraits, Pirkenhammer china and Louis Majorelle furniture are just a few of the pieces that now grace Whalehead.  In 2008 the kitchen was furnished back to the 1920s era, including the original Frigidaire refrigerator. Visitors can stand in the room and see the old tools used to prepare meals for the large household and guests entertained by the Knights. It offers a real appreciation for the stark differences between performing routine kitchen tasks then and now. There is a Hoosier cabinet in the corner, and the original kitchen table is once again in the center of the room under a pot rack.

Whalehead is open to the public for tours. Give them a call for operating hours and tour prices. Whalehead sits on 39 acres of pristine soundfront property providing bike paths, a public boat ramp and areas for picnicking, fishing and crabbing. It is in Historic Corolla Village along with the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and next to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The grounds of Whalehead are perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors away from the beach and are available to rent for wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as for corporate events and family reunions.

Featured for Your Visit

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as flags, toys, boomerangs and games. You’ll find a wide selection of Outer Banks gear, beach sportswear and footwear from Crocs, Chaco, Hey Dude, Southern Fried and Life is Good apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, outdoor clothing, sunglasses and more. Kitty Hawk Kites also offers a number of adventure activities including hang gliding, kayak and SUP tours, lessons and rentals, parasailing, Jet Skis, dolphin tours, wild horse tours, historic tours and much more. The brand-new Whalebone Watersports Center on the Nags Head Causeway offers kayak fishing, Jet Skis, pontoon boat rentals and more. At Kitty Hawk Kites' Waves Village Watersports in Rodanthe, you can learn kiteboarding; buy and rent kiteboarding gear; rent a kayak, surfboard or standup paddleboard or climb the adventure tower/ropes course. Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head offers private lessons, beginner lessons, advanced lessons and training packages for hang gliding, as well as retail merchandise and sand boards available for rent.

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as... read more

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail... read more

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Whalehead in Historic Corolla

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• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 3.5

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit this site at sunset for great photo opportunities and to see the sky bathed in brilliant hues. A photo on the park's bridge is a must. –  Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Covering 39 acres overlooking the Currituck Sound, Whalehead in Historic Corolla is a 1920s-era mansion turned museum and event venue. Visitors can tour the grounds to see some of the best restored art nouveau architecture and period decor in the country, plus learn about the history of the Outer Banks area and the Knight family who built the massive property. Interesting artifacts in the museum include original Tiffany light fixtures, a restored Steinway piano and an antique grandmother clock. Whalehead is also said to be haunted after a series of spooky occurrences, including an elevator that would travel to the basement without being called, stories of a ghostly little girl wandering the halls and strong smells of cigar smoke in a nonsmoking room.

Recent travelers said the historic mansion offers a great peek into a bygone era. Most enjoyed taking a self-guided audio tour so they could explore the property at their own pace, and many praised the detailed information and well-preserved artifacts. After touring the house, visitors recommended strolling around the grounds of Historic Corolla Park. Once the site of many waterfowl hunting expeditions, the green spaces today are nicely manicured and offer picturesque waterfront vistas. Another perk? The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is less than a half-mile north, so you can combine the two into one trip. You can walk between the attractions, so you'll only need to park your car once.

Whalehead in Historic Corolla welcomes visitors for tours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and typically closes between late December and late February for the winter season. The property is closed on the weekend year-round, as it serves as a popular wedding venue. A number of tours are available; self-guided audio tours cost $7 for visitors ages 13 to 54 and $5 for patrons who are younger or older. Kids 5 and younger get in for free. Specialty guided tours include a Christmas candlelight tour ($20 per person), summertime ghost tours ($15 per person), behind-the-scenes tours ($20 per person) and more. Tours vary by time and length, so contact Whalehead for more information.

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#1 Outer Banks Beaches

U.S. News Insider Tip: If your kids need a break from the rough ocean, head to the western side of the island for a quiet day on the Currituck Sound. The water is wamer, the waves are perfect for activities like swimming or paddleboarding and the water reaches depths of about 2 feet (if that). –  Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

The beaches in Outer Banks stretch for more than 100 miles along the barrier islands that frame the eastern coast of North Carolina. These sands are known for their cleanliness and their family friendliness. Each beach has something different to offer travelers, but take note that only some keep lifeguards on staff (and staffing varies by time of year).

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Ghost Tours in Corolla, NC Haunt the Outer Banks

Are you looking for spectacularly spooky things to do in the Outer Banks this Halloween? Well, you’re in luck! Because the Outer Banks is home to so many hauntings, you have the chance to make some ethereal encounters.  Ghost tours in Corolla, NC , are some of the most interesting you’ll find in the area. For a truly spooky haunting, you’ll want to visit these ghost tours in Corolla, NC!

Whether you’re looking for a fright or a place to stay the night, let  Shoreline OBX  be your guide when you  download our free Outer Banks Vacation Guide !

Which Ghost Tours in Corolla, NC, Should You Take?

The haunted hunt club.

It’s been reported that the Whalehead Club has experienced paranormal activity throughout the years. That’s part of the draw to it. Reports of cigar smoke in an otherwise smoke-free room, the cries of a little girl who wasn’t there, and phantom elevator trips to the basement entice ghost hunters to visit. You can  take a ghost tour of the Whalehead Club  while you’re here if you dare! Beware, though, it’s one of the spookiest ghost tours in Corolla, NC!

Graveyard of the Atlantic

This tour, put on by  Ghost Tours of the OBX , explores the shipwrecks, pirates, legends, and lore of the Outer Banks. You’ll learn who was Blackbeard’s real partner in crime, experience the mystery of the over 2,000 ships that have wrecked along this stretch of coast, and find out the truth of the Civil War mystery of the Lost Light. They also offer local graveyard tours for a different haunted experience. Cemeteries in this area are some of the oldest in the country. It’s one of the best ghost tours in Corolla, NC!

OBX Ghost Tours

In nearby Manteo,  OBX Ghost Tours  will lead you through the haunted downtown there. You’ll discover by lantern light the haunted buildings, beaches, and graveyards. As an added bonus for amateur ghost hunters, they are also the only ghost tour in the Outer Banks that uses ghost detectors, lending a more scientific approach to the tour. If you’re in the Manteo area and need a scare for your Halloween, then this is your ticket to a memorable haunted experience.

Plan Your Spooky Stay Today

When the time comes to plan your Fall getaway to the Outer Banks, be sure to take one of these fun ghost tours in Corolla, NC! Especially if you’re looking for a fright for Halloween, these tours are perfect! Make sure you don’t have ghosts in your vacation rental when you stay with Shoreline OBX! Our beautiful beach houses are the perfect way to spend your Fall getaway to the Outer Banks.  Browse our availability  today and contact us to book your ghostly tour getaway to the Outer Banks. Are you ready for a fright?

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The city of Kingisepp was founded as the Yam Fortress in 1384; it was later know as Yamburg before being given its current name in honour of the Estonian revolutionary Viktor Kingisepp. This small city can be easily visited along with Ivangorod and from here it is possible to get to the impressive ruins of the Koporye Fortress. 

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