From the Wright Brothers to ‘moonshine’ North Carolina has a vibrant history and has become home to a variety of colourful characters including the fearsome Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. Those looking for a holiday steeped in history and excitement should embark on a quest to discover Blackbeard’s treasure, before its washed away or someone else discovers it first! North Carolina’s coasts became a haven for some of the seas most notorious pirates in the late 17th and early 18th century, meaning the coast is sprinkled with pieces of pirate history.

On your quest for treasure, begin at Historic Bath, North Carolina’s first established town and Blackbeard’s base. Legend has it that Blackbeard took up residence in a home on Plum’s Point, visible across the bay from the Bonner House. Then take a scenic and leisurely drive to Swan Quarter and catch the North Carolina state ferry to the Outer Banks village of Ocracoke – it was in the waters off Ocracoke Inlet where Blackbeard fought his final fatal battle. His head was cut off and hung from the mast as a warning to other pirates.

All things Blackbeard and pirate can be found at Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and speciality shop. If you’re looking to take a break from your pirate trail why not enjoy Ocracoke’s charming village and pristine beaches. The Ocracoke lifeguarded beach was named the 2007’s Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach.