The small northern beach settlements of Corolla and Duck are largely seasonal, residential enclaves full of summer rental homes and condominiums. The tony village of Duck, named for its waterfowl-hunting history, has expensive homes and is dotted with upscale restaurants and shops. A waterfront boardwalk connects the town, which lacks a true center. Drive slowly in charming Corolla, where freely wandering, federally protected wild horses always have the right-of-way. North of Corolla, the road disappears, giving way to miles of isolated, 4x4-accessible beach all the way to the Virginia border.

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