Manteo Guide Sections:
- Where to Stay
- Attractions
- Activities
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Upcoming Events
- Manteo History
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Photos
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.
Where to stay in Manteo
Many Outer Bank vacationers find Manteo a full and satisfying day trip, however OBX visitors who want to relax and stay a while will find plenty of opportunities to do so. The area features a variety of accommodations, such as motels and hotels, bed and breakfasts, waterfront condos and even vacation rental homes, so any sized party can enjoy a local stay for a day, a week, or even a month.
Vacation rental companies
KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in service and a one-of-a-kind OBX vacation experience. We've got your perfect Nags Head vacation rental, oceanside escape in Corolla, or oceanfront beach house in Kill Devil Hills. Call 866-316-1843 or visit www.keesouterbanks.com
Sun Realty offers the largest selection of rentals in the Outer Banks. Choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more. Our properties span the entire OBX coast including Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and South Nags Head. On Hatteras Island, we proudly offer beach cottages in all villages... www.sunrealtync.com
Hotels
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 II - The 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 per year, 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 Activities
Whether you're interested in exploring the outdoors, learning about the area's fascinating past, or simply relaxing and enjoying the local culture, Manteo has something for everyone. From strolling along the waterfront boardwalk to touring historic sites, visiting art galleries and museums, attending live performances, and indulging in the local culinary scene, Manteo is a vibrant and welcoming destination that promises a memorable vacation experience. Here are some of our favorite activities:
Manteo Restaurants
With a range of restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood, southern comfort food, and innovative cuisine, Manteo has something to satisfy every palate. From fine dining establishments overlooking the harbor to casual eateries with outdoor seating, the town's restaurant scene is sure to impress both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly brunch, Manteo's diverse culinary offerings are a must-try for anyone visiting the area. Here are some examples:
Manteo Shopping
Manteo offers a variety of charming shops and boutiques scattered throughout the town. Visitors can find everything from local artisan crafts and handmade jewelry to vintage clothing and coastal-inspired home decor. Whether you're looking for souvenirs to remind you of your trip or gifts for loved ones, Manteo's shopping scene is not to be missed. The town's friendly shopkeepers and relaxed atmosphere make for a leisurely and enjoyable shopping experience. Check out:
Upcoming Manteo Events
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 honored and distinguished guest.
Surprisingly, this is not the most notable footnote of the town's history. Manteo is the home to one of the world's longest running historical mysteries, specifically, the disappearance of the Lost Colony. In 1597, after a series of surface explorations, including one commandeered by Sir Walter Raleigh himself, a new colony was sent to Roanoke Island to settle and begin the English expansion of the New World. Led by John White, the colonists arrived in Manteo and quickly set to building and creating a new settlement. In the process of building a new civilization, John White's own daughter gave birth to the country's first English child, Virginia Dare, for which the Outer Banks home county is named.
Months later, however, supplies had run short, and John White had to make a hesitant trip home to England to resupply the camp. Once in Europe, White found himself bogged down by both government inquires and bad weather, and it wasn't until 1590 that he was able to make the long voyage back to Manteo to bring help to his colony, his daughter, and his new granddaughter. Sadly, when he returned, he found the entire colony had been virtually wiped off the map, with only a minor clue to their fate carved into two neighboring trees: the words "Cro" and "Croatan."
Many modern historians take this as a sign that the colonists, either as a desperate move to escape starvation or outrun threats from neighboring Native Americans, relocated to the southern beaches of Hatteras Island, where the Croatan Native Americans thrived peacefully. However, after long coastline explorations, John White found no sign of his daughter, grandchild, or any other living soul of that first original Roanoke Island Colony.
Today, the history of the Lost Colony is honored in Manteo with an Outdoor Theater Drama. "The Lost Colony" show is the nation's oldest running outdoor drama and features a prestigious cast of former players, including Andy Griffith who starred in the show for several years before becoming a star, and then later returned to the Outer Banks to live out his days as a happy, retired resident.
These days, the show is performed nightly in the summertime to sold-out crowds who enjoy the Broadway worthy singing, dancing, acting and pyrotechnics. Reservations are strongly recommended in the prime June, July, and August months as the legendary show, which also features a post-show meet and greet with the cast of characters, tends to sell out fast.
The area is also home to the majority of the county's local government offices and services, including the county courthouse, the DMV offices, and the administrative county offices. In addition, vacationers in Manteo will find everything from small grocery stores to pharmacies to bait and tackle shops, for any items they might need during their vacation.
For a day trip that's overflowing with the area's most treasured historical attractions, or a relaxing vacation that's off the beaten path, a trip to Manteo should definitely be on the Outer Banks agenda. Vacationers find that after a full day of exploring the shops, sites and attractions, there's still plenty left to see, as well as plenty to love, about this small town with a lot of coastal character.
Expanded Manteo Listings
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Manteo, NC?
The town of Manteo is located on Roanoke Island, which is sandwiched in between the central Outer Banks beaches and the eastern North Carolina mainland. It is bordered by the Roanoke Sound to the east, and the Croatan Sound to the west.
How do you get to Manteo, NC?
Visitors from the western part of North Carolina or the Outer Banks can reach Manteo via US 64.
What is there to do in Manteo, NC?
Manteo has one of the highest concentrations of attractions in the Outer Banks. These popular sites include the North Carolina Aquarium, the Elizabethan Gardens, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, the 1800s Island Farm, the Roanoke Island Marshes Light lighthouse, and the historic downtown area. The town also has a wide array of shops, restaurants, art galleries, historic homes, and other distinctive attractions.
Where did the name Manteo come from?
“Manteo” is named after a Native American Croatan Chief who greeted and befriended the early English explorers of Roanoke Island in the 1580s. Manteo helped the first colonists survive their initial winter, and even traveled to England in 1584, and again in 1585.
How old is Manteo, NC?
Manteo is one of the oldest communities in the state of North Carolina, and the country. Founded and settled in the 1580s, the area was the site of the first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, as well as one of the first English settlements in the New World. Centuries later, Manteo would be named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, and the town was officially incorporated in 1899.
What is the Lost Colony?
The Lost Colony was one of the original colonies in the New World, and was settled in 1585 on Roanoke Island. Founded by Sir Walter Raleigh, the colony suffered from tensions with the nearby Native Americans, as well as a lack of food and supplies. As a result, the colony’s governor, Governor White, left the settlers behind in 1587 to sail to England and ask for help. When he returned in August, 1590, all 115 members of the colony had disappeared, and the only clue of their fate was the word "CROATOAN" scratched onto a post, and the letters “CRO” etched into a tree.
What happened to the Lost Colony?
The fate of the 115 settlers of the 1580s Lost Colony remains a mystery. Some historians believe the colonists tried to sail back to England and did not make it, while others believe that they perished in escalated conflicts with the local Native Americans. Many historians believe that the colonists may have moved south, to Hatteras Island – a theory that was further bolstered by the recent discovery of a 16th century Signet ring in the town of Buxton.
What are the special events in Manteo?
Manteo has a myriad of special events throughout the year. Favorite annual events include the Bluegrass festival in October, the annual Dare Day Celebration in June, the New World Festival of the Arts in August, and a wide range of holiday-themed celebrations.
What are the holiday events in Manteo?
Manteo has a line-up of holiday events that last from November through January. These events include the annual Outer Banks Winter Lights display at the Elizabethan Gardens, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Boat Parade in the historic downtown area, and the annual downtown Christmas Parade.
What are the summertime events in Manteo?
Manteo hosts a weekly summertime farmers’ market on Saturdays in the summer, and the area’s shops and restaurants also have regular special events including live music and outdoor concerts. The Roanoke Island Festival Park features a handful of larger concerts in the summer with nationally recognized performers and bands as well. The town is also famed for its annual Dare Days Festival in June, its New World Festival of the Arts in August, and its 4th of July celebration with fireworks over the downtown waterfront.
How close is Manteo to the beach?
Manteo is roughly a 10-15 minute drive away from the Outer Banks beaches, depending on traffic. Visitors will find a number of public parking areas in the nearby town of Nags Head, as well as within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Where is Downtown Manteo?
Downtown Manteo is in the heart of Roanoke Island, and is on the edge of Shallowbag Bay and the Roanoke Sound.
Where can you park to explore downtown Manteo?
Streetside parking is available throughout the town, and there are also six public parking areas in the downtown region. These parking lots are found at the following locations:
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- Queen Elizabeth Street next to the Festival Park bridge
- Queen Elizabeth Street next to the Tranquil House Inn
- Queen Elizabeth Street at the Waterfront Shops
- Fernando Street next to the boathouse
- Fernando Street next to the Roanoke Island Inn
Can you Dock in Downtown Manteo?
Downtown Manteo offers town docks for visitors who want to explore the downtown area during a day trip. The town also has a number of local marinas that can accommodate transient mariners.
What are the attractions in Manteo, NC?
Attractions in Manteo include the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Elizabethan Gardens, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, the 1800s Island Farm, Roanoke Marshes lighthouse, and the historic Downtown area. The town is also known for its charming collection of shops, boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants along the downtown waterfront.
Are there shops and restaurants in Manteo, NC?
Manteo has a wide variety of popular shops and restaurants, especially in the historic downtown area. The town is known for its gift shops, antique stores, art galleries, and other specialty shops and eateries along the waterfront.
Where do you stay in Manteo, NC?
Manteo has a number of smaller hotels and motels, as well as a collection of historic bed and breakfasts. There are also a number of vacation rental homes or condos in Manteo.
What can you do on a rainy day in Manteo, NC?
Manteo has a wide array of attractions for rainy days, like the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, the historic 1918 Pioneer Movie Theater, and the Roanoke Maritime Museum. In addition, the town has a wonderful variety of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Manteo?
Manteo is unique on the Outer Banks as it is popular with visitors all year long. The town is especially enticing during the holidays, when the area hosts a number of events, and in the summertime when Outer Banks vacationers make a day trip to explore Roanoke Island’s many attractions.
What are the air temperatures each month in Manteo?
January - high: 52°, low: 36°F
February - high: 54°, low: 38°F
March - high: 60°, low: 43°F
April - high: 69°, low: 52°F
May - high: 77°, low: 59°F
June - high: 84°, low: 69°F
July - high: 88°, low: 73°F
August - high: 86°, low: 72°F
September - high: 81°, low: 68°F
October - high: 72°, low: 58°F
November - high: 64°, low: 49°F
December - high: 56°, low: 40°F
Photos of Manteo
-
Avon Farmers Market
June 24th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM -
Mustang Mornings at the Farm
June 25th, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM -
Beach Apparatus Drill
June 26th, 2025 2:00 PM
If you're searching for great pizza on the Outer Banks, look no further than Cosmo's Pizzeria at The Marketplace in Southern Shores! We offer authentic New York-style pizza made fresh and just the way you like, using only the highest quality ingredients. Try one of our specialty pizzas, such as the classic Margarita or BBQ Chicken, or keep it simple with your choice of toppings. If New York-style pizza isn't your thing, we also offer a variety of salads, pasta dishes and subs.
You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.
Surf or Sound Realty invites you to explore our collection of over 600 premier vacation rental homes on Hatteras Island, featuring the largest selection of oceanfront accommodations. Nestled within the breathtaking Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Hatteras Island is a serene oasis, known for its family-friendly charm and consistently earning its place on the Top Ten lists of Best Beaches in America.
With 150 miles of pristine coastline, and some of the East Coast's largest swaths of undisturbed maritime forest, the Outer Banks is a popular destination for nature lovers. As an important spot on America's "Flyway," which is the route that migrating birds take on their northern and southern treks across the country, the Outer Banks is the temporary home to hundreds of species of birds. Combine this with the number of deer, foxes, waterfowl, fish, turtles, and even alligators, and it's clear that the Outer Banks is truly a wild vacation destination.
Discover gifts, garlands and glittering lights galore. Looking for a trinket for someone who has everything? Choose ornaments for every hobby, occupation, occasion or enthusiast; from the fisherman or Disney lover; dancer or photographer. Throughout our 25,000 square feet of wonder, where you can peruse and purchase from thousands of Christmas ornaments and décor, there is even more to experience!
The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of Rodanthe's greatest treasures. This historical lifesaving station has been a popular attraction for Hatteras Island visitors for decades, and stands on the very edge of the small town of Rodanthe. Over the years, this station has been battered by hurricanes, ocean and soundside flooding, and ferocious gusts of winds, and yet it is still standing, and serves as a proud reminder of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks' rich lifesaving history.
Here’s some high energy entertainment for the kids, and for young adults (or young at heart) who love laser tag. On one side of this large facility is the “moon bounce inflatable room,” where the young ‘uns can go and bounce about to their heart’s content. Parties are available for up to 12 kids ages 2 through 6 – bring your own cake. But it’s the other room where the real action is. Arcade games are located just inside the door, then there’s another door. And behind that it’s another world. Black lights, music and fog combine to make a spooky atmosphere where players with (completely harmless) laser guns duck behind shadowy corners to hide from pursuers wielding their own laser guns. It’s a large area to play in, and everyone is clearly having fun. Games can be purchased as a single, a 3-game discount, or all-day pass. Unlimited play all night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays is also offered, as well as overnight parties and private party room parties.
Vacationers adore the Outer Banks for its unspoiled stretches of undeveloped shoreline, and some may not initially realize that this sporadic lack of development is completely intentional, and is the result of decades of careful environmental planning. While tourism flourished on the beaches, for generations, locals and visitors alike made inquiries and partnerships with government branches to ensure that certain areas of the Outer Banks would always remain pristine, unspoiled, and open to everyone.
Stay, Play and Eat- Donuts, Ice Cream & Coffee Treats! Located on the Duck Boardwalk, behind Dockside Seafood, this breakfast & Dessert-Shop features treats you've never tasted before! Try the hot, made to order, donutz on a stick with more than 35 toppings! They'll melt in your mouth! Or try the Gluten-Free Donuts; limited quantities, daily. Plus, try any or all of the 9 flavors of homemade tastefully twisted soft serve. Frozen yogurt, sorbets, sherbet, hand dipped and homemade ice cream flavors. Unique coffees, sodas and espresso that will satisfy the whole family. Mix-and-match nostalgic candies and much more. Bring the carnival to your mouth and eat it like nobody’s watchin’! Donutz-On-A-Stick- where visual stimulation meets taste bud overload! Carnival Treats at the Beach—With Flavorful Creations and Allergy-Friendly Options, Donutz on a Stick Serves Up Sweet Treats for Everyone David and Stephanie were not always in the business of carnival confections. In fact, Stephanie was a fitness instructor and David worked in the computer field. But he loved donuts and she loved ice cream, and when they saw an opportunity to bring their favorite treats to beachgoers, they jumped on it. In 2014, the couple opened their first Donutz on a Stick—a family-run, family-friendly dessert shop on the boardwalk. They quickly realized that in order to serve everyone, they would need to get creative. “We had a family who would come in, and one of the little boys would have to wait by the door because of his gluten allergy,” David says. “That didn’t sit well with us. We wanted everyone to come under the same roof no matter what kind of allergies they had. And we continue to work towards that goal.” The Williams’ daughter Desireé spent six weeks experimenting until she created a gluten-free donut that was totally safe and delicious. Gluten-free donuts are now a huge part of the business, with more than 1,000 being served each day, just out of the Duck location. But you will want to call or stop by to reserve them in advance. The Williams’ other three children, David, Justin and Christian, have all invented menu items as well, such as Christian’s donut milkshake, which features hot and fresh cooked donuts blended into a milkshake with another donut on top making it picture perfect. While all the Williams have created menu items, the most popular pick—the donut sundae—was actually a happy accident. “We were being featured in a local magazine and we could only have one photo for the article,” David says. Since both ice cream and donuts were equally popular, “we built the donut sundae for the photo and we discovered after the photoshoot that it tasted amazing. It was completely serendipitous.” The Williams family is constantly creating and improving upon their recipes. At the heart of it all is a desire to see everyone come in and enjoy an experience together. They want to bring the carnival to your mouth. “No matter how busy we are—even if there’s a line down the boardwalk—every customer gets that engagement and service from us,” they say. The family has since opened a second location in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
Outer Banks vacationers may come for the gorgeous beaches, but often they come back again and again for the attractions and activities off the sand. Because of the Outer Banks' mixture of natural landscapes and historical attractions, one of the best ways to truly explore this 150 mile stretch of North Carolina shoreline is on bicycle.
Welcome to the home of the happy oyster where for over 40 years the oyster has been our world. The Outer Banks only authentic oyster bar is the place to enjoy sensational fare from the sea washed down with your favorite brew or cocktail. We serve by the peck, pound, and dozen, raw or steamed to perfection. Kicked back casual, down to earth friendly staff, and reasonable prices make Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar the all-time favorite of locals and travelers alike. The idea wasn’t to set out and establish a new concept restaurant on the Outer Banks, but that’s exactly what Awful Arthur’s owner Jo Whitehead and her late husband, Jay, accomplished more than 35 years ago when they opened the area’s first authentic oyster bar. Awful Arthur’s opened in May 1984 on the Outer Banks. “We embraced the concept of an authentic copper top bar with the idea of it being a major drawing card and it still is,” explains Whitehead. “I get oysters wherever they are local. We follow the warm waters.” Just across from the ocean, in Kill Devil Hills, oyster season is year-round at Awful Arthur’s. Diners can take a seat at the copper-topped bar to observe the staff shucking oysters, served raw or steamed, along with shrimp, crab legs and clams all steamed to perfection. It’s not just the raw bar that’s earned Awful Arthur’s both local and national recognition, including being named one of America’s greatest oyster bars by Coastal Living magazine. The restaurant is a seafood-lover’s paradise, offering the freshest catches available.
The Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities for a healthy, family fun vacation. Visitors can spread out over more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline. Local restaurants and eateries are providing abundant take-out and delivery options. Kids are distance learning from the beach! Also, there’s no risk of boredom with our list of social-distancing compatible activities! It’s no wonder that vacationers are turning to the Outer Banks for a fun, relaxing, and safe vacation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Here are our picks for outdoor attractions, parks and activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while having 100% of the fun.
Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Basnight's Lone Cedar Café where we specialize in fresh and local Outer Banks seafood. If you’re craving the freshest fish, clams, crab, shrimp and oysters from local North Carolina waters, you’ll find them at the Lone Cedar Café. Since it first opened in 1996, Basnight’s has been the restaurant where all the movers and shakers in the state would eat when they visted the barrier islands. Owned by Outer Banks native and former state Sen. Marc Basnight and his family, the restaurant, located on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway, is busy nearly all year long. But its lineage is not the reason it’s become so popular. Lone Cedar can boast that it serves only fresh local seafood caught by local fishermen, as well as the freshest North Carolina produce available.
The southernmost attraction on Hatteras Island is Hatteras Inlet, and fishermen, mariners, beachcombers, and island lovers all know this area of the Outer Banks shoreline very well. Located approximately half mile past the edge of the populated Hatteras village and the Hatteras/ Ocracoke ferry docks, Hatteras Inlet provides plenty of outdoor entertainment and simply incredible scenery for those who pull up a beach chair, or are just passing through en route to Ocracoke Island or the Gulf Stream.