My family has been visiting Ocracoke each summer for the past 15 years. Rent a cottage for more than a week-the longest we’ve stayed is 4. Go kayaking in the sound and eat at Jason’s while you’re still wearing your sandy bathing suit after a day on the beach. Be prepared for power outages and not being able to find your favorite brand of foods-there is only one “major” grocery store on the island. Bring what you need or go without. The Independence Day parade is everything a hometown parade should be. 4-wheel drive vehicles are a must if you want to find a secluded spot to relax. North Point is the best place for finding “olives”—cigar shaped shells. My children have never been to any other beach and they don’t want to right now. We work all year for our summer vacation.