Ocracoke Beach Named #1 In America By Dr. Beach

PRESS RELEASE
from http://www.outerbanks.org/

Ocracoke Beach Named #1 In America By Dr. Beach
Announcement Made Today From Cape Hatteras National Seashore

(MANTEO, NC) June 8, 2007 – Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach just outside Ocracoke Village in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been named the #1 Beach in America by international beach expert Stephen Leatherman. Known as "Dr. Beach," he is the nation’s foremost authority on beach quality and ratings. He has gained international renown for his annual list of Top Ten Beaches in America, which he has released since 1991.

“We have anticipated this for a few years, and are very proud of our neighbors on Ocracoke Island,” said Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “Cape Hatteras National Seashore is America’s first National Seashore established in 1953. We know many of our visitors to Dare County make day trips to Ocracoke, and we encourage people to take the free ferry experience over to Ocracoke Island. This announcement reinforces the Outer Banks of North Carolina as one of America’s Greatest National Treasures.”

More than 650 beaches throughout the United States are judged on a list of 50 criteria under four main areas: physical factors such as sand color and quality, and number and size of waves; biological factors such as color and condition of the water; presence of wildlife and pests; and human use and impacts such as lifeguard protection, far-reaching views and traffic.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches for more than 70 miles from south Nags Head to Ocracoke, and comprises 30,000 acres of natural, windswept beaches and maritime wilderness, along with historic American icons like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Chicamacomico Historical Site, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Stay tuned to http://www.outerbanks.org/ for the latest updates, community events and all there is to see and do on the Outer Banks. Call us locally at 473-2138 or toll free at 877-629-4386 to talk directly with one of our specialists.

About The Outer BanksDare County’s Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a public authority and the lead marketing and promotional agency.

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