Harkers Island is located in the southern part of "Downeast." A bridge connecting to the mainland was built in 1941. Fishing and boat building are still traditional occupations. Harkers Island is a larger community with banking facilities, a school, lodging and several restaurants, numerous stores and businesses, full-service marinas and vacation rentals. Ferry services are available to Cape Lookout. The community is home to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum as well as the Cape Lookout National Seashore headquarters. Harkers Island hosts the annual Decoy Festival which attracts thousands of visitors.