It’s no secret that the drive along NC 12 through Pea Island, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and over the ferry to Ocracoke is one beautiful ride.   From the waves crashing, seagulls soaring, and dune grass blowing in the breeze, the route down the coast of the Outer Banks is glorious in all of its natural beauty.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation counts the Outer Banks Scenic Byway among its 51 named byways in the state.  Now, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway is garnering national attention.  According to the Virginian-Pilot, the route has been nominated to be added to the list of National Scenic Byways.  Currently there are 125 National Scenic Byways, and only two are in North Carolina--the Blue Ridge Parkway (which extends into Virginia) and the Cherohala Skyway (which extends into Tennessee).  To read more about the byways, visit www.byaways.org/.