Knotts Island, North Carolina
Knotts Island is a marshy island and a small unincorporated community. The island is shared by Currituck County, North Carolina and Virginia Beach, Virginia, bounded by the Currituck Sound, North Landing River, Back Bay, and Knotts Island Bay. Knotts Island is home to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. Knotts Island is only accessible over land from Virginia Beach using Princess Anne Road. The North Carolina Department of Transportation operates a free ferry between Knotts Island and Currituck on the mainland.
This island is a hunting and fishing community. It has numerous duck hunting blinds located in the bay as well as on land, and is home to the Swan Island Hunting Club, a guided duck hunting club located across the bay on Swan Island. It is a favorite winter travel destination of artist/painter Bob Timberlake, among others.
Over the years, many residents of the former Outer Banks community of Wash Woods, Virginia moved across the sound to settle on Knotts Island. Eventually, Wash Woods became a ghost town, but descendants continue to live on Knotts Island to this day.
There are several businesses located on the island. Knotts Island Market is the only general store on the island. There is a restaurant and bar, Bay Villa, commonly referred to as "Pearl's", in reference to the former owner. Bay Villa is the center for most of the island's watercraft launching due to the boat ramp located adjacent to the main building. It is also the one and only local bar and restaurant.
There is also a winery on the Island. Martin Farm and Winery offers waterfront views with a wine tasting room and ‘pick-your-own’ peaches, apples, and muscadine grapes. Farm fresh vegetables are also available throughout the summer.
Knotts Island hosts a Peach Festival every year in June.
