Downtown Manteo, N.C.
The Roanoke Marshes lighthouse is often one of the most overlooked of the Outer Banks lighthouses, simply because of its small stature, limited visibility and remote location tucked away at the quiet east end of the Manteo waterfront.
That said, visitors to historic Downtown Manteo will have no problem spotting the small lighthouse that jets out 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound. The prim white exterior with black shutters and red shingled roof, capped off by a 2' ft., 4" in. tall lens, gives this lighthouse a classic coastal look, and vacationers of all seasons are welcome to stroll the wooden boardwalk and explore the exterior, while enjoying a fantastic waterfront view to boot. READ MORE
SO MUCH TO SEE IN DOWNTOWN MANTEO...
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Roanoke Island Festival Park Experience a new adventure in an old-world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured through Indian Town, the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to show and tell how the first settlers lived, worked and played on Roanoke Island. For a hands-on history lesson, visit the Adventure Museum that features interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy.​ READ MORE
Outer Banks Distilling opened in early 2015 under the leadership of two former microbrewery veterans. The new venture focuses on small-batch rums, including white, gold, and spiced expressions, with holiday flavors expected to be available come December. In the meantime, visitors can purchase their un-aged Kill Devil Rum, take tours of the distillery, and participate in tastings. Distillery tours are available Monday – Saturday at 11, 1 and 3. Tours are $5 and you must be 21 years old. Call 252 423-3011 Mon-Sat 9-5 to reserve your tour time. Walk-ins welcome upon availability.
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum opened in downtown Manteo IN 1998 on the waterfront. The Museum is located in the George Washington Creef Boathouse. The Boathouse is named after George Washington Creef, a local builder who developed the Shad boat, a unique style of workboat well-suited to the surrounding waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The Shad boat is designated as the State Boat of North Carolina. The museum has a number of small watercraft on display representing the region's maritime heritage. Some of the watercraft exhibits include a 1883 Creef Shad boat, clipper yawl boat, 1960 era hydroplane, and other small boats. The Museum is a working boatshop where volunteers and staff take on projects including small craft restoration, exhibit design, and new boat construction. The Boathouse was the site of construction for the Elizabeth II, a replica of the ships said to have brought the famous Lost Colony to Roanoke Island in 1587. This, and several other restored traditional sailing watercraft, grace the waters of Shallowbag Bay in front of the museum.READ MORE
