Buxton: Home to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and So Much More
Originally from Pennsylvania, Diana Hamsher moved to Buxton some years ago. Diana is the office manager in the Waves office of Outer Beaches Realty. Diana was kind enough to write about her adopted home town.
Looking at a map, Buxton
is the "elbow" where this thin strip of sand starts its return back towards the mainland. The town is the widest, highest, and most densely populated area of Hatteras Island. It is also renowned as the hub of Outer Banks surf fishing for the East Coast. "The Cape" is famous for it’s abundance and different species of salt-water fish. The conflux of the Gulf Stream and colder Labrador Current creates a unique area that teems
with fish along Cape Point.
The usual mode of transportation to Cape Point is by 4-wheel drive. But if you are hale of body, you can park in one of the pullouts and make the mile long walk out. The walk will provide numerous opportunities for bird watching.
In addition to the famous fishing grounds, it is the home to the most famous lighthouse in the country, the
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
The venerable black and white striped lighthouse has stood since 1870. The tallest masonry lighthouse in America, it was dramatically moved 2,900 feet away from it’s original spot in 1999, and stands proudly as a beacon to Hatteras Island’s maritime heritage. Climbs to the top, up a graceful wrought iron staircase, can be done in-season by young and old alike. If you come to Hatteras Island and miss a visit to the Lighthouse- you haven’t been to Hatteras Island
One of the largest contiguous maritime forests in the U.S. is located within Buxton. A great day of hiking is possible by walking the trails of this preserve. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the diverse flora and fauna. There are many deer, birds, snakes and critters to be seen during an outing here. It does not seem possible that you find the seclusion and vegetation afforded here 20 some miles out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a sand bar.
Motels, shops, and restaurants are located in Buxton. Red Drum Tackle Shop, Dillon’s Corner, the long running Natural Art Surf Shop, and The Old Gray House are all interesting places to stop and shop. You can spend a part of the day browsing books about local lore at Buxton Village Bookstore located a short distance from the Post Office. Conner’s Supermarket is celebrating its 50th year in business and is the local favorite for groceries.
For a dose of Hatteras Island nightlife (if there is one), stop by the Sandbar and Grill- anything from burgers to Prime Rib can be had, and on many nights in season, live music is the norm. A local favorite, The Fish House, is set in a former working commercial fish house (please excuse the sloping floors). Great locally caught and prepared seafood is tradition here. For a little bit of upscale dining, The Inn on Pamlico offers waterfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and you can enjoy an extensive wine list while watching the sunset in spectacular Hatteras Island fashion.
