The Outer Banks Scenic Byway received national status on Friday as one of America’s Byways®, recognizing NC Highway 12 for its fascinating coastal heritage and unique natural landscapes.

“The Outer Banks touch people in different ways.  Part of that connection, whether it is to the beach, or the landscape, or to the memories made while vacationing here is inextricably linked to the drive,” explains Lee Nettles, managing director for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  “When you round the curve of NC 12 and see Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Island for the first time, for example, that never leaves you.  Those moments of surprise and wonder continue the whole length of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway.”  www.outerbanksscenicbyway.org

The itinerary for this newest national byway features drives along barrier islands featuring national landmarks and coastal villages and two car ferry rides. The byway travels through two national seashores, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and two national wildlife refuges, Pea Island and Cedar Island. Along the byway are four historic lighthouses and world famous stopovers for migrating song birds and waterfowl. Scattered across this wild and scenic coastline are maritime villages with a common cultural heritage