Village Craftsmen

170 Howard Street 

Ocracoke Island Self-Guided Historic Tours

Philip Howard, owner of Village Craftsmen & eighth generation island historian, has compiled two self-guided walking / biking tours.

Listen to island history as you explore Ocracoke village at your own pace.

Our recorded tours (downloaded to MP3 players) will introduce you to the fascinating history of Ocracoke Island.

We offer two tours, “Down Point” & “Around Creek,” each with different stories (see below for more details).

Available at Village Craftsmen on Howard Street

252-928-5541

$9.50

(Also ask about our popular guided Ghost Tours with different stories.)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can you tell me about the tours?

We offer two different historic tours of Ocracoke village: “Around Creek” and “Down Point.”  Both are downloaded to MP3 players, and are self-guided.  Our tours were created by eighth generation island historian, Philip Howard, and introduce you to some of the fascinating history of Ocracoke village.

• Must I have my own MP3 player?

No.  We only download our tours to our own MP3 players, which we rent to you.

• What is on the “Around Creek” tour?

The “Around Creek” tour includes history and stories about:

Selected graves on Howard Street

The Methodist Church

The Ocracoke School & Library

Blackbeard’s Lodge Hotel

The British Cemetery

The Old Howard Cemetery

The Preservation Society Museum

The National Park Service

The US Coast Guard

The Community Store

The old Post Office & the Mailboat

• What is on the “Down Point” tour?

The “Down Point” tour includes history and stories about:

Selected graves on Howard Street

The Bragg-Howard Home

The Island Inn

The US Life Saving Station Boat House

Albert Styron’s Store

The Lighthouse

The Assembly of God Church

Springer’s Point

Captain Bill Thomas’ Home

The Castle Bed & Breakfast

                   Old Quawk                                                                

• When are the Historic tours offered?

Historic tours are self-guided, so may be enjoyed at your convenience.

• Where can I rent one of the Historic tours?

Historic tours are available from Village Craftsmen on historic Howard Street.  Look for our signs in the village.   MP3 tours may be rented anytime during normal business hours.

• Are the historic tours the same as the ghost tours?

No.  The ghost tours (also “Around Creek” & “Down Point”) have all different stories, are offered only on Tuesday & Friday evenings, have limited space, and are not self-guided.  Please enquire at Village Craftsmen about our ghost tours.

• How much do the historic tours cost?

Self-guided MP3 historic tours are rented for $9.50.  A refundable deposit of $25.00 is required.

• How long is the tour?

Self-guided tours cover about one and a half miles, and may be completed in about an hour and a quarter on bicycle.  It will take longer on foot, or if you stop or digress.  MP3 players kept out longer than three hours will incur additional charges.

• What if Village Craftsmen is closed when we are finished with the tour?

There is a designated drop box at Village Craftsmen for after hours return of MP3 players. 

• Are the tours suitable for children?

It depends on the child.  These are historic tours, and we recommend that children be old enough to appreciate the history and stories. 

• Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

The “Down Point” tour is wheelchair accessible.  A modified version of the “Around Creek” tour is wheelchair accessible.  Please enquire at Village Craftsmen.

• Can I take the tours from my vehicle?

We do not recommend taking the tours from your vehicle.  Many of the tour stops do not have parking for automobiles, and the “Around Creek” route includes a section only suitable for foot or bicycle traffic.  You might, however, wish to listen to the complete tour in your cottage or other comfortable location, and then use the accompanying map to locate the tour stops from your vehicle.