Walking Guide to Historic Corolla Village

 1. * Corolla Village Market & Kind Cup Coffee Shop – Local art, coffee, goods, and crafts are just some of the wonderful items you can purchase inside of this historic building. Built in the early 1900s and known fondly as “The Parker House,” the Parker family planted their roots in the heart of the Village and made this house their home. Corolla Village Market & Kind Cup Coffee Shop are open during the Corolla Christmas Village event, so come in, grab a hot cup of coffee, browse and purchase the handiwork of more than 30 local creatives.

2. Twiddy & Company – Founded in 1978, Twiddy & Company is the premier vacation rental and sales company on the Outer Banks. Today’s company is a campus-style collection of more than six professional offices that stretch from Duck to Corolla and a dozen historically preserved and active buildings. The company manages more than 1,100 beautiful vacation homes. Together with the Currituck County Department of Travel & Tourism, Twiddy & Company is a proud sponsor of Corolla Christmas Village.

3. Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station – Built in 1878, the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station was one of eleven stations erected along the Outer Banks at the turn of the century, Lifesaving Station #13 was located on the oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills to the east of what is now the Wright Brothers Memorial. Relying on the bravery of local volunteers, the Lifesaving Service responded to the frequent shipwrecks off the coast. The station was purchased by the Twiddy family in 1986 and later moved to its current location as required by the sale. It was here that it was restored.

4. Corolla Village BBQ – Open during the summer season, this window-serve nook offers classic BBQ plates, sandwiches & homestyle sides.

*Corolla Village BBQ suffered a devastating fire in the summer of 2024. Don’t worry, they are planning to rebuild!

5. * Corolla Schoolhouse – The old schoolhouse in Corolla was built in the late 1800s, closed in 1957, then reopened for local children once again in 2012.  Today, Water’s Edge Village School provides local education for K-8 students in its isolated coastal community, a place rich in natural resources and environmentally-focused organizations. The schoolchildren will host a bake sale during the Corolla Christmas Village event.

6. Gard House – A fine example of traditional “Nags Head Style” vernacular, a striking contrast to the white clapboard cottages indigenous to Corolla village. Built in Kill Devil Hills by the Gard family of Elizabeth City as a vacation retreat in 1936, the house was sold to the Twiddy family in 2000 who moved the home to its current location.

7. Austin House – This modest one-story house was originally a barracks house and workstation for the Navy. The house was later sold to Gene and Shirley Austin. Gene was a caretaker of the Whalehead Club and keeper of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse from 1964-1990. Today, it remains a private residence.

8. Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Since 1875, this lighthouse has kept mariners from danger, night and day. There are 220 steps leading to the top. Visit obcinc.org for hours and admission information.

9. * The Lighthouse Museum Shop – The Little Lighthouse Keeper’s House at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse Station is a museum shop that delights anyone who loves lighthouses, and not just the one that lights the northern Outer Banks. The shop is open nightly each weekend during the Corolla Christmas Village event.

10. The Keepers’ House – The Keepers’ House has accommodated more than two dozen families, as their duties of “Lighthouse Keeper” were carried out. Identical Keepers’ Homes were built at three other light stations — Morris Island and Hunting Island in South Carolina and Piedras Blancas in California. None of these other three dwellings are extant.  The Currituck Beach Lighthouse still has on-site lighthouse keepers (who have two children and a lighthouse dog who watches guard!).

11. Currituck Maritime Museum – This welcomed new addition to Historic Corolla Park is a family-friendly exhibit that focuses on several restored boats that have defined Currituck maritime history through the years. In addition to the physical boats on display, a powerful visitor experience is delivered through stunning photography, breathtaking videography, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs.

12. Whalehead Club – Whalehead is a beautifully restored 1920s-era mansion-turned-museum set on 39 pristine acres along the Currituck Sound in Historic Corolla Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Whalehead was carefully restored to its original glory in 1992 — the way it looked when The Knights first opened the doors as a extravagant hunting retreat in 1925.

13. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education – The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education invites you to explore coastal North Carolina’s wildlife, natural history, and cultural heritage. This educational facility features both indoor and outdoor attractions, special seasonal programs for visitors, and a wide range of exhibits within its 22,000-square-foot center in the heart of Corolla.

14. Corolla Historic Boat House – No longer in use, this historic boat house stands as a relic of Corolla’s earlier seafaring time. The boats once held in this building are now on display in the nearby Currituck Maritime Museum.

15. Coastal Explorations – Closed for the season, Coastal Explorations is an outdoor touring company dedicated to providing adventure, education, and entertainment fueled by the resources in its own backyard. Rentals and tours include kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

16. * Food Truck Park – Each weekend during the Corolla Christmas Village event, local food trucks will offer a variety of savory and sweet menu options. Picnic tables are located throughout the village.

17. * Spry Creek – Named after the creek just northwest of the shop, Spry Creek is owned by native Outer Banker Karen Scarborough Whitfield and husband John who converted Karen’s dad’s old garage into a fun and interesting boutique for gifts and accents for yourself, garden, and home. The shop will be open on select weekends during the Corolla Christmas Village event.

18. Lorenz Fine Photography – Beach, family, and wedding portraits. Call (800) 646-5812 to schedule an appointment.

19. * Island Bookstore – A small independent bookstore with a fantastic selection of reading material. The store is built on the former footprint of a general store. The two-story building is intended to replicate the building which inspired its design. Open nightly on Friday and Saturday for the Corolla Christmas Village event.

20. * The Juice Jar – A local favorite, Corolla’s original juice bar, specializes in organic juices, smoothies, and açai bowls. Open for this year’s Corolla Christmas Village, the Juice Jar will be serving up additional foods throughout the season.

21. * Corolla Wild Horse Fund – A refuge for wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs featuring a museum with displays & a gift shop that’s open nightly on weekends during the Corolla Christmas Village event.

22. * Corolla Chapel – The chapel was built in 1885 and served the Community until 1958. It was not used again until 1987 when a new congregation was established. In 2002 a large addition was built to accommodate the growing attendance. The interior of the new addition was built to resemble the style of the original section, even replica pews were installed. Corolla Chapel is the only year-round Church in Corolla (Interdenominational). It is open each weekend during the Corolla Christmas Village event and has generously made its restrooms available to the public. The chapel will host its annual Christmas Eve service this year.

23. * Corolla Village Inn – This newly-constructed Inn offers nightly rentals on the Outer Banks and welcomes travelers searching for a comfortable yet classic space, friendly staff, and an appreciation for attention to detail. The Inn will be open and festive for the holidays this year!

24. * The Event Boutique – This beautiful retail store offers unique gifts and decor. Modern and vintage entertaining pieces that combine the past with the present are available at this lovely store. Modern table settings are also available for rent for your next event or special family meal.