Waterfront activities and restaurants
There are many things to do in downtown Manteo. It is a quaint town with a lot of boutique shops, restaurants, picnic area, museum, and a waterfront playground. It makes for a great day trip.
Some of the places in Manteo are:
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse that you see pictured here was built in 2004 and is an exact replica of the 3rd lighthouse of 1877. The history is richer than this. Take a look at this website to find out more.
The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum was formerly George Washington Creef Boathouse. It now serves as a working boathouse and museum. Check out this website to learn more.
The Pea Island Cookhouse
This is not what you might think. It is not about food. It is the historic Pea Island Life Saving Station (the only US Life Saving manned by an all black crew. There are original artifacts in the museum. Please take a look at this website to view a short video about the museum.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Just a few steps from downtown Manteo is the Roanoke Island Festival Park which is where the replica ship the Elizabeth II is located. You can board the ship which represents one of the 7 ships from the voyage to Roanoke in 1585. Please look here to see all of the great activities there are. Great for kids of all ages!
SHOPPING
There are many shops in downtown Manteo, from the Christmas Shop to Downtown Books to Big Buck’s Ice Cream, name a few. You can find art, jewelry, women’s clothing and muc much more.
Restaurants
When you get tired of shopping, grab something to eat at some of the best restaurants around town. The Hungry Pelican, Ortegaz Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar, Poor Richard’s Sandwich shop, Lost Colony Brewery and Cafe, Avenue Waterfront Grill, and 1587 Restaurant (pictured above and inside of the Tranquil House Inn) are all within walking distance and give you a wide array of choices. A good website with more information can be found here.