Currituck Government

Currituck County has a range of government services available to its more than 23,500 residents. The county itself is run by seven elected county commissioners, and is part of the regional Albemarle Commission council of governments.

While the county commissioners oversee broad projects, zoning changes, and other pertinent community issues, many components of the infrastructure are managed by their own unique entities.

The Currituck County School System, for example, is governed by the five elected members of the county's Board of Education, who oversee the county's 11 public and private elementary, middle, high and Early College high schools.

While the town of Currituck is arguably the center of the county, boasting the majority of government departments in the historic County Courthouse, residents and visitors will find an array of departments and services throughout the county. Visitors should note that the majority of not all of governmental branches and services are concentrated on the mainland.

The following list of services, departments, and locations will help new Currituck residents and visitors in need locate the array of government offices in the county.

These resources are invaluable for buying a home, recreation opportunities, business opportunities, health care, and other issues that are essential to county citizens and visitors.

Airport - 264 Airport Rd, Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-453-8032

Animal Shelter - 407 Maple Rd. Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-453-4440

Board of Elections - Governmental Center Complex, 2811 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2525

Central Permitting - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 110. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3378

Clerk of Court - 2801 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-6200

Code Violations and Compliance - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 110. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-6027

Communications - 147 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2216

County Attorney - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-0300

County Manager - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 204. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2075

Corolla Satellite Office - 1123 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927. Phone: 252-453-8555

Corolla Visitors' Center - 500 Hunt Club Dr. Corolla, NC 27927. Phone: 252-453-9612

Department of Transportation - 145 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-331-4737

Economic Development - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 207. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2075

Economic Improvement Council - 2826 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2882

Emergency Management - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd. Suite 122. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2115

Emergency Medical Services - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd. Suite 303. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-7746

Environmental Health - Phone: 252-232-6603

Finance - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 101. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2381

Fire Marshal - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 303. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-6641

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - P.O. Box 9 Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2034

Health - 2795 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2271

Human Resources - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 103. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3228

Inspections - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 110. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3378

Jail/Detention Center - 413 Maple Rd. Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-453-2194

Juvenile Services - 2793 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2626

Landfill/Transfer Station - 216 Airport Rd. Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-453-4368

Library (Barco Branch) - 4261 Caratoke Hwy. Barco, NC 27917. Phone: 252-453-8345

Library (Moyock Branch) - 126 Campus Drive (off of Tulls Creek Rd.) Moyock, NC 27958. Phone: 252-435-6419

Library (Corolla Branch) - 1123 Ocean Trail. Corolla, NC 27927-9998. Phone: 252-453-0496

Magistrate - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3404

Moyock Welcome Center - 106 Caratoke Hwy, Moyock, NC 27958. Phone: 252-435-2947

NCDOT Currituck / Knotts Island Ferry - 173 Courthouse Rd. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2683

NCDOT DMV Mobile Unit - Phone: 252-232-3989

Parks & Recreation - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 306. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3007

Planning and Community Development - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 110. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3055

Planning and Zoning - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 110. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3055

Public Information - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 204. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-0719

Public Works - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 302. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-2504

Register of Deeds - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 600. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3297

Senior Citizens Center in Currituck - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 305. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3505

Senior Citizens Center in Powells Point - 8011 Caratoke Hwy. Powells Point, NC 27966/ Phone: 252-491-8173

Senior Citizens Center in Knotts Island - 126 Brumley Rd. Knotts Island, NC 27950. Phone: 252-429-3231

Sheriff's Office - 407 Maple Rd. Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-453-8204

Social Services - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 400. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3083

Soil & Water Conservation - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 501. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3360

Tax Department - 2801 Caratoke Hwy. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-232-3005

Travel & Tourism - Currituck Historic Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Rd, Suite 307. Currituck, NC 27929. Phone: 252-435-2938

United States Coast Guard (Public Affairs) - Phone: 252-335-6540

Water Department - 444 Maple Rd. Maple, NC 27956. Phone: 252-232-2769

Grave Digger

It's impossible to miss the Grave Digger, one of Currituck County's loudest and most-visited roadside attractions. Located along US Highway 158 in Poplar Branch, the site, which offers much more than just a glimpse of the signature lime green and purple monster truck, will be a crowd pleaser for young and old motor heads alike.

History of the Grave Digger

The Grave Digger was created by four-time Monster Jam World Champion Dennis Anderson in 1982, and was built in an old garage in the Outer Banks' Kill Devil Hills.

This initial truck, designed for the off-road Carolina sport of "mud-bogging," was supported by the chassis of an ancient 1952 Ford pick-up, and was powered by a high-performance Chevrolet engine. Legend has it that this "new" truck, which was competing against trucks that were comprised of more modern parts, obtained its named by a quip made by the builder and driver Anderson: "I'll take this old junk and dig you a grave."

With Anderson at the wheel, the truck proved surprisingly effective, (although it often had to be rebuilt midway through a monster truck rally in the early days), and over the next several decades, a fleet of Grave Diggers were created to satisfy the public demand.

Grave Digger and Anderson would claim the sport's first-ever Monster Jam World Finals SM Freestyle Championship in 2000, as well as the Monster Jam World Finals Racing Championships in 2004, 2006 and 2010. In 2010, Anderson also won the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation in recognition of his work with children on the Monster Jam circuit.

Anderson still competes on occasion, and has passed down the racing fervor to his sons, Adam and Ryan, and today the Grave Digger is the most recognizable Monster Truck in the world.

Attractions and activities at "Diggers Dungeon"

Grave Digger's Eastern North Carolina home is known as the "Diggers Dungeon," and the facilities offer plenty of entertainment to keep young truck fans busy for a full afternoon. On-site attractions and activities include the following:

• The Grave Digger itself, which can be photographed, or even ridden around a small dirt track for around $5-10 per person.
• Several rotating Monster Trucks on the track or on display, (some of which can also be ridden.)
• A Racing Shop where visitors can see the work required to keep the trucks maintained.
• A go-kart track for young racers.
• A petting zoo with an array of friendly farm animals.
• A Kids Zone with a bounce house, playground and wooden pirate ship.
• A series of exhibits that chronicle Monster Truck racing and the Grave Digger's history.
• A Gift Shop with all things Grave Digger and Monster Trucks.
• A restaurant, "Diggers Diner," which serves breakfast and lunch.

Diggers Dungeon is open daily, year-round, and is only closed for major holidays. Diggers Diner is also open daily, generally from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Special autograph sessions and appearances are also scheduled at Diggers Dungeon and occur about once a month. A complete schedule of upcoming events can be found online at http://www.gravedigger.com/.

Tips for visiting the Grave Digger

• Bring bug spray in the summer, as the Eastern North Carolina region can get buggy when it's humid.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen - the main attractions at Diggers Dungeon are located outdoors.
• Pony up the extra $5-10 fee for a monster truck ride - it's an experience that young visitors won't soon forget.
• Plan to spend 1-3 hours at the site, (depending on your party's love of trucks and racing.)
• Diggers Dungeon is a great stop while en route to the Outer Banks, as it's convenient and breaks up the drive. The site is located about 45 minutes away from the Wright Memorial Bridge, depending on traffic.
• Plan a visit to the diner for a roadside meal. Well-reviewed and surprisingly budget friendly, the diner has a large variety of breakfast and lunch items.
• Keep an eye on the News section of the Grave Digger's site (http://www.gravedigger.com/News.aspx) for upcoming events, contents, special appearances, autograph sessions, special exhibits, and Currituck County area races.

Currituck County Events

Visitors will want to check out these big events that are held throughout the year, will appeal to a range of interests, and are held both on the Currituck Beaches and on the mainland.

Summertime and shoulder season vacationers should also note that a number of local attractions, specifically the Whalehead in Historic Corolla and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, (both in Corolla), offer special tours, weekly events and recurring programs on a regular basis. Visitors can check out the Whalehead in Historic Corolla's website at https://www.visitwhalehead.com/ for regularly updated and upcoming events.

Currituck Business Expo and Home Show

Date: Early March (March 1, 2014)

Location: Currituck County High School, Barco

Admission: Free

New residents will want to pop by the annual Currituck Business Expo and Home Show, which showcases a wealth of area merchants and professionals that serve the area. The Home Show portion of the event is a community wide tour of builders and developers, and highlights some of the county's best new residences.

Mr. Knight's Wild Night

Date: Mid-March (March 21, 2015)

Location: The Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Corolla

Admission: Included with tickets to the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach

As an integral part of the week-long Outer Banks Taste of the Beach, Mr. Knight's Wild Night sheds light on the historic cuisine that the original Whalehead owners, the Knights, typically enjoyed during their 1920s escapes to their Corolla hunting estate. At this event, North Carolina wines are paired with delectable native dishes, which include unique wild game ingredients including venison, quail, duck and boar, and coastal classics like oysters, shrimp, rockfish and sea scallops.

Flower & Garden Show

Date: Mid-April

Location: The Extension Center, Barco

Admission: Free or a nominal fee

Plant lovers can load up on a collection of home-grown flowers, trees, veggies and other species at this two-day festival that's sponsored by the Currituck County Master Gardeners. Garden displays, children exhibits, and demonstrations can all be enjoyed during the event, and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and lead special presentations.

Outer Banks Music Festival

Date: Held third week in May (May 24, 2015)

Location: The Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Corolla

Admission: $25 for general admission

The Outer Banks Music Festival is a family-friendly celebration of Beach Music, with a full day's line-up of the top local, regional and even national bands. Beer and wine is available for purchase, and picnics, coolers and lawn chairs are welcome.

Under the Oaks Festival

Date: Mid-June (June 17, 2015)

Location: The Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Corolla

Admission: Free, but $5 parking donation is encouraged

The annual Under the Oaks Festival art show features more than 100 local and regional artists, local food concessions, an art auction, and special activities just for kids. Held on the waterfront grounds of Historic Corolla Park at Whalehead, the festival offers a full day of fun and gorgeous scenery for visitors of all ages.

Festival of Fireworks Independence Day Celebration

Date: July 3rd or 4th

Location: Historic Corolla Park, Corolla

Admission: Free admission and parking

A 20+ year 4th of July tradition, the Festival of Fireworks kicks off with an afternoon of family activities, including a corn hole tournament, watermelon eating contest, children's games, and local food vendors. When night falls, Historic Corolla Park visitors will enjoy live music and a stunning fireworks display over the Currituck Sound.

Currituck Rural Farm Festival

Date: Early September

Location: Currituck County Rural Center, Powells Point

Admission: Free

This annual event spotlights the local growers, farmers, and other agricultural roots of Currituck County with a wealth of exhibits, farming demonstrations, carriage rides and kids' activities. Local food and merchandise vendors are also on site, and the festival also hosts a chili cook-off, a "Handmade and Homegrown" Contest, and a corn shucking competition.

Currituck Wildlife Festival

Date: Early September

Location: Currituck County High School, Barco

Admission: Free or nominal entrance fee

Learn about the hundreds of migrating and local species that first drew tourists to the Currituck County region at the annual Currituck Wildlife Festival - a fun collection of educational programs, decoys, games, and special activities that are just for kids.

Currituck Food and Wine Festival

Date: Late September

Location: Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg

Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the gate

Wine lovers will adore this annual local festival that features delicious cuisine from a number of local restaurants, live music, and a fantastic sample of wines from Currituck County. The day-long event also features hayrides, games for kids and adults, and the annual "Currituck Grape Stomp" competition.

Mustang Music Festival

Date: Early to Mid-October

Location: Historic Corolla Park, Corolla

Admission: Single day admission is $45. Two-day admission is $75. Additional fees for VIP passes.

This two-day music event features an impressive line-up of rock, country, blue grass and contemporary bands from all across North Carolina and beyond. Special children activities, a stand-up paddleboarding competition, and yoga classes are also held at the festival, and food and drinks are available as well. All proceeds go to benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which helps to protect Currituck's famed wild horses.

Bark in Maple Park

Date: Mid-October

Location: Maple Park in Maple

Admission: Free

Enjoy a full day of fun and games with your furry best friend at this annual outdoor festival that features a fun dog show, Hot Diggity Dog races, doggie ice cream eating contests, doggie demonstrations, and Pet Portraits by local photographers. All donations or proceeds from local vendors and booths go to help Currituck County area rescue groups.

Duck Jazz Festival

Date: Mid-October

Location: Duck Town Park

Admission: Free although donations are encouraged

The Duck Jazz Festival was recently named the "Best of the Beach Winner" for Best 2014 Event, and for good reason. The full celebration features a wealth of nationally-recognized jazz artists, as well as special movies and activities for children. Food and beverage vendors, and a gorgeous setting adjacent to the Currituck Sound, can also be enjoyed.

Corolla Car Show

Date: Late October

Location: The Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Corolla

Admission: Free or a nominal fee

Antique car enthusiasts can admire a pristine collection of authentic Model Ts, and 1920s and 30s era-vehicles, which are on full display in front of the historic Whalehead in Historic Corolla. Owners and gear heads will be on- ite to answer questions and provide overviews of the distinctive vintage cars.

The Big Curri-Shuck

Date: Late November

Location: Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg

Admission: $25 per person, $40 per couple in advance. $30 per person, $50 per couple at the gate.

Celebrate Currituck's Oyster season by diving into The Big Curri-Shuck, an all-you-can-eat oyster gathering with thousands of steamed oysters serving as the main attraction. Live music is also on site, as well as plenty of beer and wine samples for guests.

Grand Illumination

Date: Early December (Dec. 5th, 2014)

Location: The Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Corolla

Admission: Free

The historic Whalehead in Historic Corolla and surrounding grounds of Historic Corolla Park are illuminated for the Holidays at the annual Grand Illumination Festival. The celebration kicks off a season of candlelit Whalehead in Historic Corolla tours, holiday light displays, live music, and special tours designed for kids.

Duck Yuletide Celebration

Date: Early December

Location: Duck Town Park, Duck

Admission: Free

Visitors and locals alike can ring in the season at the annual Duck Yuletide Celebration, a fun community event that features hot chocolate, live jazz music, the annual lighting of Duck's famous Crab Pot Tree, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Barco Christmas Parade

Date: Early December

Location: Downtown Barco

Admission: Free

Join local businesses, fire departments, and high school marching bands in this unofficial Currituck County kick-off to the holiday season. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting - a Barco tradition for more than 60 years - follows after the festivities when the sun goes down.

Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight

Date: December 17th

Location: Wright Brothers Memorial, Kill Devil Hills

Admission: Standard park admission, which is $4.00 per adult

Visitors to the Wright Brothers Memorial can celebrate the exact date of the historic 1903 First Flight on December 17th. On this special day, the National Park Service sponsors a bevy of extra programs, guest lecturers, and fun exhibits at the on-site museums and the towering granite monument.