Manteo may seem like a typical North Carolina coastal town, but the area is as rich in attractions and fun as it is local history. The area is home to one of the world's greatest mysteries, the birthplace of English colonization in American, (literally), and a collection of Outer Banks attractions that have wowed vacationers for generations. A visit to Manteo, whether it's for a day or for a week, can be a veritable visit back in time with historical attractions like the Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Island Farm or the Elizabethan Gardens setting the scene of a bygone era. For vacationers more interested in modern fare, the downtown offers blocks of homegrown boutiques, book shops, gift stores, and some of the region's most celebrated restaurants, all located conveniently in one downtown stretch adjacent to the bustling but beautiful Manteo waterfront. Manteo Attractions Downtown - Downtown Manteo, located just a few blocks off the main road of US Highway 64, is a destination in its own right, and the small streets that lead to the harbor are filled with gorgeous gardens, manicured lawns, and charming bed and breakfasts. The Pioneer Theater, a fixture in the town for decades, is located along these side streets and claims the honor of being the oldest single-screen and family owned movie theater in America. Unmistakable by its Tudor-style exterior, the theater is open year-round and features a budget-friendly feature as well as a historic theater setting. The waterfront portion of downtown is lined with locally and nationally renowned restaurants, water sports companies, gift shops, antique stores, book stores, galleries, and many more shops and attractions with doors wide open for patrons. The waterfront is usually stocked full of sailboats, skiffs and yachts of both visiting mariners and year-round locals, as wSell as several local tour companies that allow visitors to hop on board for an afternoon or evening waterfront view of the Outer Banks. Many restaurants have outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, presenting guests with maritime watching at its best, and everyone is encouraged to take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply pull up a bench or a gazebo seat and enjoy the views. Summer visitors should also be on the lookout for seasonal events, including monthly "First Night" celebrations, and Saturday Farmer's Markets that invade the downtown with fresh locally grown produce, homemade goodies, and local arts and crafts. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse - At the edge of the harbor front lies Roanoke Marshes Light, the Outer Banks' only example of an "in-shore" lighthouse, and a squat but charming one-story backdrop for fantastic Manteo photos. Roanoke Island Festival Park - Elizabethan era lovers can also make a day trip to neighboring Roanoke Island Festival Park, which features a real-life recreation of everyday life in an early American colony. Some of the attractions within Roanoke Island Festival Park include: Settler's Village and Native American camp - Visitors can explore the workings of the settler's village with interpretive character demonstrations and blacksmith shop, and a neighboring Native American camp with interactive displays of the lives of Native Americans before English settlers arrived. Elizabeth IIThe elaborately constructed replica of the Elizabeth II, a fantastic and detail-perfect example of the ship that brought the original colonists to Manteo. The ship can be explored in person during the prime summer months, guided by costumed interpreters, or can be admired by anyone who strolls along the downtown Manteo docks. Stationed right in the forefront of Manteo's harbor, adjacent to the wooden bridge that leads visitors to the waterfront park, the Elizabeth II is an unmistakable and alluring site to any downtown visitor. Roanoke Adventure Museum - featuring interactive exhibits and displays that take guests through 400 years of Roanoke Island history. Outer Banks History Center - Visit this library-like treasure trove of Outer Banks information, dating back centuries and serving as an instrumental tool for historians, scientists, journalists, writers, educators, and the everyday public. Researchers and visitors who take a tour through their extensive achieves will be overwhelmed with the raw materials at hand, and it would literally take years to sift through all the documents and accounts available. Pavilion Outdoor Theatre - This outdoor concert and live entertainment venue with Roanoke Sound backdrop is truly stunning. It features a 3,800 sq.ft. stage and lawn-style ampitheatre seating. Check the official schedule for the latest information on upcoming concerts and festivals. N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island - Located just a few minutes drive from downtown, the aquarium presents a slice of natural island life, and features exhibits on everything Outer Banks, from the marshy inland habitats to the deep waters of the Gulf Stream. Of course, every exhibit has a healthy sample of the critters that inhabit these areas as well, and guests can expect to see river otters, land and sea turtles, alligators, local and tropical fish, and even a number of different kinds of sharks. The aquarium was designed with kids in mind, and special exhibits and programs are offered year-round to allow the future scientists in your group an opportunity to explore the natural world of the Outer Banks. Open 363 days, visitors can also gently touch stinrays, horseshoe crabs, bamboo sharks, urchins, stars, hermit crabs and more. The N.C. Aquarium is a hugely popular activity, and many families return each year. If rain spoils a beach day, the aquarium is afantastic activity for all ages. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site - More than just old earthen fort walls, this complex has a lot to offer visitors: Fort Raleigh Visitor Center - Filled with artifacts excavated from the nearby fort, exhibits, historical records, and displays. Elizabethan Gardens - A beautiful 10-acre, year-round garden display with sculptures, formal gardens, and native plants. The garden casts a spell over history buffs and nature lovers alike, with acres of perfectly manicured gardens and sculptures, as well as wild-growing native species of plants, flowers and trees. Every season brings a new show-stopper in bloom at the gardens, and visitors who frequent the Outer Banks are encouraged to make multiple visits during different times of year to enjoy the full display. Hydrangeas, Camelias, roses, tulips, and magnolias all make regular appearances, and guests can also marvel at the Elizabethan Era-inspired sculptures, gazebos and garden settings throughout the park. A self-guided walking trail leads visitors in a circular route that borders the Roanoke Soundfront, and a gift store and plant shop are also on the premises for Elizabethan and natural, locally grown souvenirs. Open year-round, the Elizabethan Gardens is a must-see for anyone who wants to take a natural step back in history, and enjoy the stunning Manteo view. The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama - The longest-running outdoor symphonic drama in America. This is an enormous two hour production, and highly rated by visitors. Over two hundred actors, technicians and volunteers bring the historic "Lost Colony" story to live each Summer. A true gem in the Outer Banks, and fun for the entire family. Dare County Airport - Ever wondered what it would be like to see the Outer Banks from the air? Several air tour companies offer helicopter and open-cockpit biplane rides over your favorite landmarks. Check out the list of air tour companies here. Manteo History The history of Manteo is storied and deep, beginning with the town name's origin itself. "Manteo" was a chief in the local Roanoke Island community of Native Americans who made a long trip oversees as an ambassador of goodwill to the late 16th Century English explorers. Chief Manteo was, in fact, one of the first American residents to travel to Europe as an hono...

Guests have access to the entire home with the exception of garage and room above the garage! *Special Discount for our guests on beach rental supplies & set up between Duck to South Nags Head! Any Questions - please ask your host! *Discount to Local Favorite Restaurant!