Visit Nags Head, North Carolina

An oceanfront hotel and cottage colony on the Outer Banks, Nags Head has long been a favorite place to fish, frolic in the Atlantic surf or just kick back at the beach. According to local legend, the village acquired its name from a nefarious early islander practice of tying lanterns to the necks of ponies and marching them along the dunes at night. The swinging lights simulated anchored boats, thus deceiving ship captains into running aground, where their cargo was seized. Wood from these shipwrecks was used to build homes, some of which are still standing.