When we lived in Pennsylvania and traveled on weekends to Upstate New York, we often looked for waterfalls. But since moving to eastern North Carolina, we have found the nearest waterfall is on the other side of the state! So I guess we’ll have to find something new to seek out. I’m thinking lighthouses. So on a recent trip to the Outer Banks, we took a drive to Corolla to check out Currituck Beach Light Station.

We learned the lighthouse was first used to light the way between Cape Henry (to the north) and Bodie Island (to the south) on Dec. 1, 1875. It is almost exactly the same as the next lighthouse to the south, Bodie Island Light Station, considered its architectural twin. The only visible difference between the two is the southern twin is painted black and white, whereas the northern twin has been kept unpainted brick.

Like other lighthouses on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Currituck Beach Lighthouse still serves as an aid to navigation. The beacon comes on automatically at dusk and turns off at dawn.

For those who wish to enjoy the view, the lighthouse is open to guests daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and for a $10 fee, you may venture up the 220 steps to the viewing platform at the top. The Keeper’s House on the premises is a private residence, occupied by year-round keepers, so it’s not open to visitors. There is a small Keeper’s House that serves as a museum shop offering plenty of souvenirs.

— Tracey Cullen, art director