City: Manteo, NC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Address: Off US 64; Queen Elizabeth Avenue and Bu

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Description: Named for a Roanoke Island Native American who accompanied English explorers back to England in the 16th century, Manteo is one of the oldest Outer Banks communities and has long been a commercial and governmental hub for the area. When Dare County was formed in 1870, this area along Shallowbag Bay became the county seat. Roanoke Island provided a central location that everyone could reach by boat. It wasn’t until 1873, when a post office was established here, that the county seat became known as Manteo. In 1899 Manteo incorporated and became the Town of Manteo. Today hundreds of permanent residents make this Roanoke Island town their home, and many more county residents commute from other towns to work. On Budleigh Street, many of the county and town offices are scattered in older office buildings. Manteo’s bed-and-breakfast inns, restaurants, and shops beckon tourists, and thousands of visitors arrive each summer to explore this historic waterfront village. On the docks of Manteo’s waterfront, 53 modern dockside slips with 110- and 220-volt electrical hookups offer boaters overnight or long-term anchorage. A comfort station with restrooms, showers, washers, and dryers also serves vessel crews and captains. Shop and dine within walking distance in Manteo—or better yet, bike. This is a town to enjoy on two wheels. Across the street from the waterfront, in the center of the downtown area, independently owned shops, eateries, and businesses offer everything from handmade pottery to books to clothing, all in a 4-square-block area. Around the southeast point of the waterfront, the town’s American Bicentennial Park is wedged between the courthouse and a 4-story brick building housing shops and condominiums. Picnic benches afford a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the view across the bay to Roanoke Island Festival Park, where the state’s replica 16th-century sailing ship Elizabeth II rocks gently on small sound waves. A wood-plank boardwalk leads along the town’s waterfront. One end bustles with kayak and boat tours coming and going, boaters docking in the harbor, and tourists strolling along the docks or exploring shops and restaurants. Around the corner is a gazebo for resting and a long pier for fishing or crabbing. A children’s playground with equipment is on the corner, as are picnic tables. At the far end of the docks, you’ll find a bit of serenity, where the activity diminishes and the only company you’ll have is a few cattails.If, as most visitors do, you reach the Banks via US 158, you can get to Manteo by traveling south until you reach Whalebone Junction. Bear right onto US 64 at the traffic light near RV’s restaurant. Continue across the causeway and high-rise bridge past Pirate’s Cove, then bear right at the intersection, turning onto US 264 Business. Turn right at either of the town’s first two stoplights to go downtown.