With the Town’s new slogan in mind, Meet Me in Manteo, you have an even bigger invitation to visit this lovely waterside town. If you’ve been here before, you already understand the charm of this place, and you’re undoubtedly here for a repeat visit. But for you initiates, let us welcome you to the gem of the Outer Banks.
Manteo has long been a haven with its tree-lined streets, walkable waterfront boardwalk, interesting shops, restaurants and inns and easy-going pace. While it’s located only a few miles from access to the beaches, Manteo has an atmosphere uniquely, well, Manteo. History and local culture form the backbone of the town, and residents are understandably proud of this heritage that’s now a big part of the appeal to locals and visitors. And on top of this foundation is a place that offers a big welcome mat to anyone who wants to spend time here.
A visit to Manteo can include wandering the streets going in and out of art galleries and shops, stopping into one of the varied restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner, boarding the representative ship Elizabeth II and learning about life on this island in the 1500s, enjoying a glass of wine or sampling the locally made beer and rum, taking an evening sunset cruise or a dolphin tour, browsing the vendors at the award-winning Downtown Market, pausing on one of the many waterfront benches to take in the beautiful scenery around you.
Manteo has also become the center for entertainment. With the live concerts held on the lawn at Roanoke Island Festival Park, movies and live music at the award-winning Pioneer Theater, the extraordinary 4th of July celebrations and fireworks display, First Friday celebrations, summer outdoor arts festivals, Saturday morning outdoor markets and frequent entertainers playing at downtown locations, there’s always something fun to experience here. And beyond the town of Manteo are even more attractions on Roanoke Island: The Lost Colony outdoor drama, The Elizabethan Gardens, Island Farm and the N.C. Aquarium.
Coming Up in Manteo
FIRST FRIDAY
Every First Friday, April to December, 6 to 8 p.m.
DOWNTOWN MARKET
Saturdays through September 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
TOWN OF MANTEO 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4, 3 to 9:30 p.m.
VUSIC OBX SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 15 through September 7
SMOKIN’ GRASS BLUEGRASS & BBQ FESTIVAL
July 6
ONE DESIGN REGATTA
July 27
KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT
August 10
BLUEGRASS ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
October 16 to 19
CHRISTMAS IN MANTEO
December 6 and 7
For more information about Manteo, visit manteonc.gov.
About the Author Beth P. Storie
Beth Storie first came to the Outer Banks for the summer of 1976. She fell in love with the area and returned for good three years later. She and her husband published the national guidebook series, The Insiders' Guides, for more than 20 years and now are building OneBoat guides into another national brand. After spending time in many dozens of cities around the country, she absolutely believes that her hometown of Manteo is the best place on earth, especially when her two children, six cats and one dog are there too.
