Where is America's home of flight? Some argue for Dayton, Ohio, which brought us the Wright Brothers, while others lean toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where the first actual flights took place. While both areas make good arguments to claim the title, one fact cannot be denied: the Outer Banks region is as rich in aviation history as it is in beautiful ocean scenery and pristine sands.

Visitors to the Outer Banks enjoy the many miles of unspoiled beach and delicious seafood from the early spring to as late as September, yet the monuments to America's legacy of flight remain open for business all year long. If you have an interest in the history of aviation, the Outer Banks make for a perfect weekend getaway. Be sure to include these points of interest on your itinerary:

Wright Brothers National Memorial - Though Kitty Hawk is the North Carolina town often associated with the First Flight, the national landmark commemorating this event is actually located in Kill Devil Hills. Here you can stroll the grounds where man sought to touch the sky, with markers indicating the Wright Brothers' progress. Replicas of the original planes and camp grounds hearken back to the early twentieth century and these moments that changed the course of our nation.

Outer Banks History Center A short trip to Manteo takes you to this thorough archive of the Outer Banks, with some documents and maps dating back to the sixteenth century! Here you may find newspaper clippings and other resources documenting the region's role in aviation history and compare the environment to the Outer Banks of today.

The Dare County Regional Airport Museum While in Manteo, be sure to stop by this small airport, which houses the museum at the end of the main terminal. Here you will find replicas of early aircraft and a history of flight in the Outer Banks to the present day.

For those looking to satisfy an interest in aviation, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a treasure. Relive the dream of the Wright Brothers with a trip to the place where it all began.