Fodor's Expert Review Whalehead Club

This 21,000-square-foot monument to gracious living was built in the 1920s as the private residence of a northern couple attracted by the area's reputation for waterfowl hunting (the home was given its current name by the second owner). After having been abandoned, sold, and vandalized, it was renovated and opened for tours in 2002. Inside the ornamental art nouveau structure, a floral motif is evident in Tiffany lamps with flower detailing and mahogany woodwork carved with water lilies. The home is on 39 waterfront acres inside Currituck Heritage Park and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Even if you don't tour the mansion, it's worth a sunset visit to walk the waterfront yard and grounds.