Visit The Outer Banks

A Boomer’s Weekend Guide to Manteo, the Prettiest Town in North Carolina

Written by Luggage & Lipstick on Mar. 12, 2021.

Set along the water in the center of Roanoke Island — one of the four barrier islands forming the Outer Banks — Manteo feels almost impossibly inviting. With its scenic boardwalk, historic lighthouse, vivid gardens, outdoor recreation, plentiful dining, and place in the story of English colonization in America, Manteo makes a wonderfully romantic weekend escape for couples.

Manteo at a Glance

Before his death in 2012, Andy Griffith lived in Manteo for many years. Locals say the charming community helped inspire the town in the hit TV series Andy of Mayberry, which aired from 1960 to1968.

A Short History of Manteo

Manteo takes its name from Manteo, a Native American Croatan Chief who assisted the first 16th century colonists through their first winter and later served as a goodwill ambassador and liaison between the Roanoke Colony settlers and the Indians.

Virginia Dare, the first American-born English child, was born in Manteo, making the town part of one of the earliest English settlements in the New World.

When supplies from England were delayed for three years, the Colonists vanished, giving rise to the enduring mystery of The Lost Colony.

In 1870, Manteo became the seat of government for Dare County, and in 1899 the town was incorporated.

Beyond the history, the outdoors are a major part of the appeal, so these are our ten favorite things to do in Manteo.

#10 - Beaches

Although Manteo sits on the waterfront, the area functions as a marina rather than a beach. Fortunately, the closest beach is only ten minutes away, and within an hour’s drive there are many beautiful pristine beaches and protected shorelines.

#9 - Dolphin Watch

From the harbor front, travelers can board a two-hour cruise across the protected waters near the Outer Banks. Looking for bottlenose dolphins in the shallow Roanoke Sound is a favorite family outing, especially with young children. Because the lagoon is near the dolphins’ usual habitat, the large pontoon boats have over a 98% success rate of seeing dolphins thriving in their natural habitat.

Rake and Cola, two well-known resident dolphins, are often recognized by the onboard naturalist from the shapes and markings on their dorsal fins. These sociable mammals frequently move through the calm water close to the boat.

#8 - Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, established in 1941, protects the location of Roanoke Colony, the first British settlement in the US, founded in 1587.

Backed and promoted by Sir Walter Raleigh, the colony was deserted sometime between 1587 and 1590 after supply ships arrived too late. No survivors were discovered, and the question of what happened to the Lost Colony remains unresolved. The original site still has old earthen walls, while the visitor center includes a museum with exhibits, records tied to Roanoke Island history, and artifacts excavated from the nearby fort.

#7 - Roanoke Island Festival Park

Roanoke Island Festival Park sits directly across from the Manteo waterfront on a small man-made island, recreating daily life in an early American colony. Visitors will find Settler’s Village and a Native American camp, both offering interpretive character demonstrations and hands-on displays about colonists’ lives and Native American life before English settlers arrived. The island also houses the Roanoke Adventure Museum, where interactive exhibits trace 400 years of Roanoke Island history.

The Elizabeth II is docked there as well: a colorful, carefully built replica of the vessel that transported the original lost colonists to Manteo. During the main summer season, tours of the ship are offered, though downtown Manteo’s harbor front also provides an excellent view. Positioned near the front of the park beside the wooden bridge into the site, the Elizabeth II is one of the most recognizable sights for anyone visiting downtown.

#6 - Parasailing

Outdoor adventure is easy to find in Manteo. For a bird’s-eye view over the Outer Banks marshes, beaches, and shoreline, rise above the water on a parasail attached to a motorboat.

Once you are secured in the harness, the boat picks up speed and the wind lifts the parachute overhead. As the boat moves along the shore, the coastline shifts below and opens into a sweeping view.

#5 - Elizabethan Gardens

Just a few miles from downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island, the 10-acre Elizabethan Gardens sit within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. This is where Sir Walter Raleigh attempted to establish a New World colony under Elizabeth I. The Elizabethan Gardens blend history, mystery, and a sense of fantasy, honoring the brave English colonists who reached Roanoke Island in 1584 and later became known as the Lost Colony in 1587.

A self-guided path carries guests through ornate gardens filled with over 500 different species of plants, gazebos, and sculptures inspired by the Elizabethan era. Each season brings a standout display; during our June visit, hydrangeas in blue, purple, pink, magenta, and white were bursting throughout the grounds. Camellias, roses, tulips, and magnolias take their turns in other seasons.

#4 - Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse differs from the tall, spiraling lighthouses elsewhere in the Outer Banks, and it is likely the most overlooked because it is smaller and set in a quieter location. This one-story in-shore lighthouse stands at the end of a 40-yard pier on the peaceful east end of the Manteo waterfront. Its bright white exterior is finished with black shutters and a red shingled roof. To me, its compact scale makes it even more charming and gives Manteo one of its most Instagram-worthy backdrops.

#3 - Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

Each summer since 1937, the story of The Lost Colony has been performed in a lovely open-air amphitheater. English Roanoke Colony is where Virginia Dare was born, and the full colony disappeared from Roanoke Island in 1587. Sir Walter Raleigh led the original colony on this very site in 1587, after which the settlement was mysteriously abandoned and no survivors were found.

The 2-hr. Lost Colony performance is the second longest-running symphonic outdoor drama in the United States, offering an energetic family-friendly adventure that honors the original pioneers. The amphitheater serves as a major cultural gathering place for much of the Outer Banks. The performance was not running during our visit. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, some venues may have reduced hours, special rules, or temporary closures, so visitors should verify details in advance.

#2 - Kayak the Marshes

Paddling through the marshes is among the best outdoor experiences in Manteo. Early morning is especially calm, with the kayak moving silently through the marshland while local wildlife keeps you company. We rented a tandem kayak on the Manteo boardwalk and launched only a few steps away. Guided tours are available, though it is also simple to paddle independently at your own pace.

Our relaxed route began by slipping under the bridge in Manteo Sound, then moving through shallow canals edged with cattails. The water was glassy and still, and the quiet mood took over completely. From the kayak, you pass several signature Manteo waterfront sights: Roanoke Island Festival Park, the small island just opposite downtown Manteo; the Elizabeth II replica of the 16th sailing vessel that brought the first European residents to the Outer Banks; and Roanoke Marshes Light, the appealing reproduction of the small lighthouse that once guided sound sailors. Returning toward town gives you a fresh and very pretty view of the quaint port village from the water.

#1 - Historic Downtown/Waterfront

My top Manteo activity is lingering in the lively downtown and harbor district. Wandering through the blocks of boutique shops, book stores, cafés, stores, and some of the Outer Banks’ most highly-acclaimed restaurants is a simple pleasure.

Just behind downtown, narrow streets leading toward the harbor pass homes and B&B’s framed by beautiful gardens. The historic Tudor-style Pioneer Theater is located in this area too and claims to be the oldest single-screen and family-owned movie theater in America.

Along the waterfront, a boardwalk winds past parks, a playground, picnic spots, a boat ramp, watersport rentals, a photo-friendly gazebo, restaurants, ice cream shops, and a marina full of sailboats and yachts.

Where to Eat in Manteo

Avenue Waterfront Grille

Avenue Waterfront Grille was easily our favorite dining spot, serving delicious seafood with an excellent view over Shallowbag Bay and the Manteo harbor.

Avenue Waterfront Grille is one of the few Outer Banks boat-up restaurants. Free dockage is available at the Manteo town docks, and pet owners will appreciate that the outdoor patio welcomes dogs.

Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar

Looking over the docks at Pirate’s Cove Marina, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar offers two dining settings with the same menu. The indoor second-floor restaurant is more formal, pairing seasonal seafood with views of the water and Bodie Island Lighthouse. For a more relaxed meal, guests can sit outside at Mimi Tiki Hut on the dock just beyond the restaurant, where live music adds to the atmosphere.

Lost Colony Brewery & Café

Lost Colony Brewery and Café sits on a busy downtown Manteo corner and uses the motto great brew, great chew. Guests can dine indoors in the brewery or outside on the umbrella-lined patio. The tasting room and bar are next door to the café.

Where to Stay in Manteo

Manteo has many lodging options, but my easy favorite is Tranquil House Inn. This lovely boutique hotel is the only accommodation in Manteo located right on the water. Its downtown setting is hard to beat, placing restaurants and attractions just steps away.

Conclusion

For a getaway filled with small-town charm, plenty to do, and excellent dining, Manteo’s coastal feel is easy to love. I certainly did.

Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Outer Banks Tourism during her stay in Manteo, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.

Author

Luggage & Lipstick

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning blog Luggage and Lipstick and the regional blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor recognized her among Baby Boomer travel bloggers known for having more fun than Millennials. Patti wrote Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone and has more than 200 bylines across 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Travel Girl, and Ladies Home Journal.

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