Island Inn Project

 I first came to Ocracoke in 1967 when I was a graduate student at Duke University.  Our party ate at the Island Inn, which was at that time in its hayday. 

The building that later became the Island Inn was built in 1901 as the Oddfellows Hall.  The Oddfellows met in the second floor and the first floor was used as the school until a dedicated school building was built in 1917.

As years passed, the building was used as a dance hall, a private residence, Naval officers’ quarters, and, eventually expanded with side wings as the Island Inn and Dining Room. 

After the Inn closed for the last time, plans were made for purchase of the property by the Ocracoke Preservation Society with extensive outlines for its public use.  The project was significantly delayed by Hurricane Dorian and are now, at last, becoming a reality.

The old building has been stripped of its later additions back to its original 1901 version.  The building has been raised and is being restored.  The downstairs will be a new Ocracoke Visitors’  Center with upstairs office space for non-profit organizations.

What is happening right now, in addition to building restoration, is extensive work outside.  Under the magical direction of Debbie Wells, a beautiful garden area is coming to life with plants, art work, benches, and public restrooms.  The work is going well.

Located across from Books To Be Red, Spencer’s Market shops, and Eduardo’s Tacos, the garden area has its own Ocracoke Free Tram stop.  It will be a lovely place to stop, shop, picnic, or just sit and rest.