Constructed in 1874, the Kitty Hawk Lifesaving Station was one of the seven facilities of its kind existent on the North Carolina Coast.

Originally, the station was manned by one keeper and a crew of six surfmen whose sole purpose was to rescue those who succumbed to the dangerous waters along the Banks. These courageous men continually risked their lives to maintain a routine patrol of the restless Atlantic shoreline.

They were not alone in their valiant efforts. The constant vigil of the lifesavers was accompanied by yet another brave soul of a different kind...The Black Pelican. This rescuer matched the unselfish valor and steel determination of all the crew. Shortly following the station's opening, the Black Pelican was initially sighted during what was to be the first of many violent storms the crew members had to contend with. Known as a "Nor 'easter," the storm forced the ocean to grow fierce as powerful winds ripped across shore. Visibility was poor. The crashing surf and ominous clouds cast a black curtain over the water. Any notice of potential distress was all but impossible to see. The Black Pelican circled the shore and caught the nervous attention of the crew. With magnificent wings parted and sleek body extended, the Pelican swooped down upon the men to warn of the distressed vessel dangerously approaching shore.

Now it's a world famous restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives TV show with Guy Fieri.

Great local coffee. Grind your own medium roast beans just before brewing for a relaxing morning cup.

I bought the Stanly Cup, which holds a double and the tumbler medic coffee cup.

I highly recommend.

Aviator Restaurant has an excellent menu.

Service is prompt very clean A health rating.

Supper shrimp and grits and crab cakes are absolutely delicious

The breakfast menu offers the Greek omlet and breakfast sandwich, both of which are healthy and all meals are generous portions
.

Seafood is my favorite.

Locals know about this Italian restaurant as iconic.

Check it out