The Ocracoke Harbor Inn

06/24/2026

The Word for Wednesday: “pizer”

In yesterday’s post comments, Candy Gaskill mentioned the word “pizer”…which prompted questions.

So, we’re here to help with the local lingo:

“At one time nearly every house on Ocracoke had a porch, or as islanders call it, a pizer, which is where family and neighbors gathered in the evening to visit and share stories.”

“Pizer" has a long "i" and rhymes with "wiser." It is a local corruption of the Italian word, piazza, meaning "an arcaded and roofed gallery," or more particularly, a veranda or porch.”
~ Philip Howard

So, just fyi, all of our cottages and most of our rooms have “pizers”.

We invite you to come sit, rest, tell stories, visit with folks, watch all the island activity, and make memories.

Link is in the comments for Philip’s full article.

Village Craftsmen

06/23/2026

Summer afternoons and evenings always feel a little softer on Ocracoke

Guests sit on their porches just a little longer, conversations stretch, and time seems to let go of its usual hurry.

We love watching folks gather, and just sit…telling stories, friendly banter, hearing their laughter on the breeze.

Did you know that the doors between the balconies can open and connect?
Or they can stay as private as you want. Rooms 108 and 109 are favorites for this type of gathering.

If you want to have a summer vacation with calm instead of noise, our balconies are waiting.

Each one is a front-row seat to the best “show” in town.

Or to do nothing at all; just sit.

06/22/2026

Monday Motivation:

Summer mood got us feeling like
Dare Wright, posing on the beach
at Ocracoke.

Dare was quite the character, ~ an author and model ~ and frequent visitor in the 50’s…..she looooved Ocracoke.

Go ahead, Google her. She’s fascinating.

You can get her books at
Books to be Red and the
Ocracoke Preservation Society

Check the comments for more info
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06/21/2026

In keeping with our theme this week, here’s a quote from Wallace Spencer,
as told to Philip Howard:

~ One Sunday morning I heard him say:
"I've got a mind to go to church
today."

Then upon reflection he added:
“but l've got two minds to go fishin'." ~

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!:
no matter how, or with whom,
you celebrate!

Sending all the love to all the Fathers out there!

Also, THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

OUMC
Village Craftsmen
Tradewinds Tackle

06/20/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸 Red, white, and YOU 🇺🇸🇺🇸

JULY 4th IS TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!

🎆 Can you believe it?

🇺🇸 Have you made your plans yet?

🎇 Will you be here for the fun?

🇺🇸We look forward to seeing you soon!!!

06/19/2026

Welcome to the weekend! This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day AND the official first day of summer!

As we approach the busiest time of the year on the island, let’s take a moment to acknowledge those on the frontlines of hospitality.

Not all heroes wear capes.

🧉 They've heard your wildest stories, kept your secrets, and maybe even cut you off once (or twice).

🍷Behind your favorite Ocracoke bar, they're part mixologist, part therapist, part magician.

🥂They know the difference between someone who needs a Modelo, someone who's ready for a Tito’s & tonic (🙋‍♀️) and someone who just needs a little lime and a lot of sunshine.

🍺 Tip them well, make them laugh, be polite, and never, we repeat NEVER, snap your fingers or shake your empty glass at them. THEY ALREADY KNOW.

🍹 Here's to the ones who keep the rum, wine, vodka, beer ~and everything else~ flowing and the good times rolling.

🥃 Next round's on... well, probably you.

If you have a pic to share, or a favorite bartender on the island, drop it in the comments ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

06/19/2026

We are thrilled to be part of Feature Friday, with our friend Ron Evans of Pamlico Pirate Health & Wellness.
He is a personal trainer in the Greenville area…if you’re interested in health and wellness, he can help! CALL HIM!!

Start following his fb page for information and inspiration!

And now, we’re headed out for a walk!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
And maybe push-ups on the dock? 🤔

Thank you Ron, for the encouraging nudge to get back on track…
“Day one. Not “one day”.

06/18/2026

This is both a and a very current post…

THIS is what we’ve been up to…

🥁🥁🥁Drum Roll Please🥁🥁🥁:

We bought Wallace and Rebecca Spencers house!!!!!!!!!

And we are incredibly grateful and excited!!!

It’s the house and property next to our “Morning Star” (known locally as “Miss Selma’s”).

It was once all one property…

Wallace and Benjamin Earlie were brothers. Benjamin married Selma.
They owned Ben’s Cottages, which became Spencer’s Cottages, which became Lakeside Cottages, which became the Ocracoke Harbor Inn.

Now the property is united again!!
We plan on restoring and refreshing the old house… no other development or building. It will take some time, but we look forward to this labor of love, and to honoring and preserving the history of the land, the family and the island that have been so very good to all of us.

We have already decided on a name:

💕”Wallace and Rebecca’s Cottage”💕

It had to be that. It could only be that.

We will keep you updated…a GINORMOUS thank you to everyone who was part of this process, and supported this decision!!!

It’s going to be FABULOUS!

06/17/2026

If you’ve noticed us smiling a little more lately, there’s a reason. 😏

Something super exciting is taking shape behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Here are some teaser photos to pique your curiosity…

what could it possibly be?

stay tuned for the big reveal…

06/16/2026

⛴️Very important ferry info!!! ⛴️
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The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry is currently operating on an amended schedule. Find the updates times below and be sure to check the NC Ferry Division for the latest updates before traveling.

Planning a day trip? If you're able to leave the car behind, consider the Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry. Once you arrive, hop aboard Ocracoke's free village tram to explore shops, restaurants, lodging, and attractions throughout the village.

Thank you to the NC Ferry Division crews who help keep Ocracoke connected every day.

Passenger Ferry Information:
https://bit.ly/3FQrje5

Ferry Schedules & Updates:
https://bit.ly/4vPXqPh