The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is already the king of all the nation’s lighthouses, the unmistakable icon of the Outer Banks, and treasured by locals and visitors alike.
This is probably why a survey last summer of over 20,000 Southern Living magazine readers for their The South’s Best 2024 lists ranked the lighthouse in Buxton as one of The 23 Best Local Treasures In Every Southern State.
“Some places can immediately make you think of your hometown,” wrote Southern Living editors in the article.
“Maybe it’s your favorite barbecue joint or an off-the-beaten-path trail that offers stunning views of a secret waterfall. It could be a live music venue where the shows are electric, and history is carved right into the walls. It might even be a seafood restaurant that your family returns to year after year on your annual vacation on the coast. The South is a treasure trove of authentic locales that each offer an experience you can only have there.”
Readers were asked to list their favorite spots in the states they call home, and to share “insider tips, endless personal anecdotes, and raving reviews for the places they simply can’t get enough of.”
Here’s what Southern Living had to say about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as the Best Lighthouse in North Carolina:
“Close your eyes and imagine a lighthouse. If you picture a conical brick tower wrapped in black-and-white candy cane striping that’s set against a backdrop of gently blowing sea oats and waves lapping onto a sandy beach, then you’ve probably got Cape Hatteras in mind. One of seven remaining lighthouses that dot the North Carolina coast from Brunswick to the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is the tallest and most recognizable of all. In fact, at 198 feet from ground to lightning rod, it is the tallest one in the country. The lighthouse is currently undergoing renovations, so you can’t trek the 257 steps to the top just now, but when it reopens the views will prove to be just as stunning as they ever were.”
The only other North Carolina entrant on the local treasures list is Poole’s Diner in Raleigh, where the Macaroni Au Gratin is a must. The next closest to the Outer Banks is Colonial Williamsburg.
Other notables from “The South’s Best 2024,”: The South’s Best Cities on the Rise, Wilmington was #1, with Cary #8. Asheville ranked #5 among the South’s Best Cities with Raleigh #9 and Charlotte #12.
Blowing Rock was the North Carolina selection for Best Small Town in Every Southern State. Wrightsville Beach was the North Carolina designation for Best Waterfront Town in Every Southern State. For the Best New Restaurant in Every Southern State, Salted Melon in Charlotte was selected for North Carolina. The South’s Best Barbecue Joint In Every State chose Lexington Barbecue in Lexington.
