Cape Lookout lighthouse
Take an excursion to Cape Lookout lighthouse, completed in 1812 and reconstructed in 1859, which can be reached by ferry from all over the Crystal Coast. It's part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore (http://www.nps.gov/calo/), covering 55 miles over 3 undeveloped barrier islands. Most visitors reach the lighthouse by taking a privately-chartered (http://www.crystalcoastnc...) 10-minute boat ride from Harkers Island, for around $15 round-trip. The island also has lovely wide beaches for sunbathing, swimming and shelling that can be reached by a 2.5-mile truck ride called Beach Shuttle, formerly Mule Train from the lighthouse area: 252732-4578
Shackleford Banks
If you want to see more ponies than can be spied on Cape Lookout, take a charter boat to Shackleford Banks instead, or join one of the organized tours from the Waterfowl Museum. Most ferry services will slow down for viewing and picture taking of the ponies on the way to the light house as well.
Core Sound Decoy Festival
The Core Sound Decoy Festival is a two-day event on the first full weekend in December. Highlights are the competitions for decoy carving, decoy painting, and loon calling. Decoys are exhibited and offered for sale; proceeds benefit the Carver's Guild and the local elementary school. Waterfowl Weekend is a free festival that runs concurrently at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center and features music, food and the coastal heritage that goes along with traditional decoy carvers' lifestyle.