Just got back from Ocracoke, and can provide some additional info.
If youre coming from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter, triple check the ferry schedule. They arent running as many ferries from those two locations. Reservations are a MUST!!!
NCDOT: Ferry Division
Beach Report 3/30/09:
Very north tip of the island is currently closed to vehicle and foot traffic, about 1/2 mile north of the first ramp(near the old coast guard station pilings). There's a closure about 1.5 miles south of that ramp, forcing a uturn. South Point was open to vehicles, but had the wildlife closure signs and roped off areas. They hadnt roped off the lifeguard beach to vehicles yet, but expect that soon as the season gets going. We were able to drive from the first ramp out of town(the 3 mile access road) all the way up to the campground ramp. We could have gone further north on the beach, but wanted to get to the north end. Closure areas will vary due to birds.
Howards Pub has raised their prices(still reasonable for what youre getting). Flying Melon is awesome, Atlantic Cafe is good, the Italian Place (where Mango Loco was last year) is great, although the service was a lil slow. Jolly Roger wasnt open yet, but that will happen this month. The fish house next door is getting a renovation, so it was closed. Other restaurants are expanding, meaning less wait times and more seating. Jimmy's Buffet is new this year, and will be opening soon.
A great evening trip while on ocracoke would be a sunset cruise on the schooner windfall. Capt Rob is a great guy, and the view is spectacular out on the water. He may be able to cut you guys a good deal on a group rate. His wife Sundae is great too.
The Schooner Windfall, Ocracoke Island, NC
If someone is passing through greensboro and needs a kayak, i have a 14 ft wilderness systems tarpon sit on top you can borrow. I have yakima racks for an 80 as well(even though im not a member yet, i'm all for cruiser kharma). I may be in california at that time, but can work something out if someone wants to use the kayak. There's also a big kayak rental place there in town.
One thing we saw this weekend were the portugese man-o-war. Strong winds were bringing them onshore. Keep an eye out for them, because they sting like a beeyoch.