Manteo

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About Manteo The town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, this waterfront community incorporated in 1899. In those early days, every store lining the waterfront had two doors - one for those coming by boat, and the other for those coming from the courthouse or one of the inns on Water Street. Manteo is home to more Bed and Breakfasts than any other Outer Banks town. Today, county business still brings people to the charming downtown streets, as do the many reminders of the island's unique history, including the representative 16th century ship Elizabeth II at Roanoke Island Festival Park, and the George Washington Creef Boathous and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, part of the Roanoke Island Maritime Center. Each summer, Manteo welcomes singers, dancers and actors back to Waterside Theatre, where they perform the nation's oldest outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony. Weather is always a topic on an island, and in Manteo, the day's weather report takes the form of signal flags flying from a restored US Weather Bureau tower. No matter the weather, there's always something different to do in Manteo, and another reason to return. Maybe there's a concert or art show or nature program that brings you back. First Fridays, Dare Day, July 4, Virginia Dare's Birthday, Halloween and Christmas are special times in the town for residents and visitors alike. For more information visit the town website townofmanteo.com Roanoke Island is home to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, famed site of the first English Colony in the New World. You can still walk the grounds where Queen Elizabeth I established a lone military outpost in 1585 for raiding Spanish ships laden with Aztec gold. In 1587, just over 110 men, women and children sailed to the Outer Banks to scratch out a new life in an unexplored land. All that remains is their earthen fort that is still available to the public today. No one ever saw them again. 20 years later, the English would claim a stake in the New World again, at Jamestown. Roanoke Island is home to the Freedmen's Colony, a place of safe haven during the Civil War where African-Americans could escape slavery if they could just make it across the Roanoke and Croatan Sounds. A marker located at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site recounts their humble beginnings. Freedman's Colony is an official honorary stop along the Underground Railroad. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and the Elizabethan Gardens are two popular attractions located on the north side of the island. The Aquarium has a 1/3 scale replica of the U.S.S. Monitor as the centerpiece for their Graveyard of the Atlantic tank, patrolled by sand tiger sharks, barracuda, and other fish found along offshore reefs. Elizbethan Gardens is home to an English pleasure garden, exquisite statuary, and a walking trail that takes you into a world of rare roses, tea shrubs, and a cornucopia of camellias and azaleas. |
Manteo with its waterfront/downtown area is an attraction in itself, with shops, art galleries, eateries, a lighthouse, a waterfront boardwalk and boats sitting in the harbor of Shallowbag Bay. The Manteo historic district is full of restored homes and inns that make for great sightseeing or overnight stays. It is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. Park the car and walk around; the town is quite pedestrian friendly.
Seldom will you find so many things to do and so
close to homeport. On the island you'll find
Roanoke Island Festival Park, the
Elizabethan Gardens,
The North Carolina Aquarium,
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site,
Waterside Theater- Home of the Lost Colony &
the Island Farm. Off island, and all within an
hour's drive, are Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pea
Island National Wildlife Refuge, Somerset Plantation,
the Wright Brothers Memorial,
Currituck Beach Lighthouse & three other
Lighthouses.
> Click Here to View Area Map
> Visit RoanokeIsland.net for more info about the area
Restaurants accept credit cards and are handicapped accessible, unless otherwise noted. Website addresses, email addresses and phone numbers are subject to change. Restaurants listed are open year-round unless otherwise noted. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of restaurants and bars.
Locally caught seafood changes seasonally, please check with the individual restaurants to find out what is in-season.
Full
Moon Café & GrilleLunch, Dinner
Best steaks and seafood in town. Local favorites: Lump crab cakes, eggplant napoleon, shrimp & crab augratin. Homemade quiche and pasta specials daily. Outdoor seating. Pets welcome outside.
Downtown Manteo
(252) 473-6666
Website
Big Al's Soda Fountain & Grill
Open March - November
Lunch, Dinner
Fifty's theme featuring blue plate specials, fresh local seafood, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and soda fountain. Beer and wine available.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-5570
Website
Lunch, Dinner
Pizza, wings, pasta, salad bar, appetizers and sandwiches. Also in Kill Devil Hills.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-1945
Dinner
Upscale gourmet cuisine with global and American influences. Bar. Reservations recommended.
Queen Elizabeth Street, Waterfront, Manteo
(252) 473-1587
Website
Lunch, Dinner
Deli subs, salads, pizza and desserts. Homemade bread.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-6888
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cold and grilled sandwiches, homemade soups, variety of salads. Beer and wine selection. Entertainment Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.
Waterfront, Manteo
(252) 473-3333
Website
Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
All housemade soups, sauces, desserts, fresh seafood, USDA beef and pasta. Kids menu. Three levels of seating overlooking Shallowbag Bay. Reservations recommended.
Manteo
(252) 473-3222
Website
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ice cream, milkshakes, fresh baked pastries and breads, cakes, bagels, cereals, smoothies, specialty coffees and loose teas/chai.
Getaway Card Accepted
Downtown Manteo
(252) 475-1295
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seafood, quesadillas, homemade soups, specialty salads, sandwiches and more. Kids menu. Outdoor seating available.
Downtown Manteo
(252) 475-9787
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fast Food. Burgers, french fries, chicken, milkshakes. Also located in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.
US 64/264 Manteo
(252) 473-5737
Open May - September
Offering a wide selection of beer and wine along with light snacks. Open noon - 8 p.m. Live entertainment.
2000 Sailfish Drive, Pirates Cove Marina, Manteo
(252) 473-3906, (800) 367-4728
Website
Lunch, Dinner
Southwestern fusion cuisine, made fresh daily. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Prices $6 - $22.
Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo
(252) 473-5911
Website
Front Porch CaféOpen at 6 a.m. Evening hours in-season. Traditional coffee house offering a wide assortment of fresh baked goods. Also located in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-3160
Website
Darrell's
Seafood RestaurantBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Casual dining, fresh local seafood, homemade BBQ, chicken, steaks, soups, salads and sandwiches. Daily lunch and dinner specials.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-5366
Website | Email
Lunch, Dinner
Sub sandwiches served on fresh bread, wraps, salads, fresh cookies and delicious ice cream.
US 64/264, Chesley Mall, Manteo
(252) 473-4544
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Country cooking, local seafood and steaks.
US 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-3489
The
Hungry PelicanMemorial Day - Labor Day (dinner)
Lunch, Dinner
Waterfront deli. Open year round for lunch.
Getaway Card Accepted
Waterfront Shops, Manteo
(252) 473-9441
Dinner
Utilizing fresh ingredients, local seafood and natural proteins.
207 Queen Elizabeth Street, Manteo
(252) 473-4800
Website | Email
Bed & Breakfast Inns

The White Doe Inn Bed & Breakfast
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 8 rooms
Amenities: Spacious
luxurious rooms offering gas fireplaces, queen or king beds, private
baths, tv/dvd players, and WIFI throughout the inn. Balcony and
whirlpool rooms are available, all rooms are smoke free. We serve a
full four-course breakfast each morning, afternoon refreshments and
evening sherry. In-room Spa Services available. Only two blocks walk
to the Manteo Waterfront where you can enjoy shopping, fine dining
and more.
Manteo
(800) 473-6091, (252) 473-9851
Website
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Scarborough Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 14 rooms
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Continental Breakfast, Non-Smoking Rooms,
Handicap Accessible, Internet Access. Rooms furnished with antiques
and collectibles. All rooms feature private bath, tv, telephone and
air conditioning.
Manteo
(252) 473-3979
Website

Tranquil House Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 25 rooms
Amenities: Continental
Breakfast, Non-Smoking Rooms, Restaurant on-site, Evening
wine/cheese, Handicap Accessible.
Waterfront, Manteo
(800) 458-7069, (252) 473-1404
Website
OUTER BANKS BLISS
Anyone who has spent time in the outer banks knows that pure relaxation on the beach with your feet in the sand, smelling the salt air, and hearing the waves crash is what the Outer banks is all about!
With an abundance of vacation rentals to chose from there are a lot of lodging options near the beach. But if you are looking for romance and the chance to get away from some of the summer crowds you will want to try the Roanoke Island Inn, an historic bed and breakfast located in Manteo on Roanoke Island.
At the Roanoke Island Inn the staff strives to maintain your privacy, only interacting as needed to make your stay comfortable. Your initial exposure to the Inn begins as you cross under the brick archway that supports an upper level open air sitting area. As you enter the Inn your eyes are immediately drawn to the frescoed ceiling of the sitting room which is well appointed with antiques, books, games, and the Inn Keepers pantry.
The pantry is open 24 hours a day where quests can come and grab snacks and refreshments as needed. A continental breakfast is also served in the morning for quests to serve themselves as the please. The well decorated rooms with comfortable king beds are quiet and romantic. The room we stayed in had hardwood floors, antique furniture including the 4-poster shaker style bed, and a well appointed private bath. The Inn built in the 1860's offers bikes for riding around the quant town of Manteo and the rest of Roanoke Island. The 2nd floor porch is a great place to sit with coffee, wine or breakfast overlooking the Manteo waterfront and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
The inn is located at 305 Fernando Street, and you can contact them at (252) 473-5511, or visit their website at www.roanokeislandinn.com.
Within walking distance of the Inn are quant shops, coffee houses, and several restaurants including the fantastic 1587 Restaurant located on the Manteo waterfront inside the Tranquil House Inn hotel. Make sure to order the 1587 house salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing, any of their great seafood offerings, and save room for one of their succulent desserts. Have a great dinner here and watch the sail boats and the sunset! You can see the menu on line and get additional information at www.tranquilhouseinn.com.
As you travel back across the cause way that connects Roanoke island with the Outer Banks take the time to stop at Hurricane Mo's located on the 2nd floor above the ships store in the Pirates Cove complex. This is a nice place to stop for good clam chowder, steamed spiced shrimp, and a couple of Coronas!
If it is wine you are interested in there are two very good wine bars. The Flying Fish Cafe (252 441-6894) located on the Rt 158 bypass road at mile post 10 in Kill Devil Hills offers over 40 wines by the glass, and the Ocean Boulevard Bistro another excellent choice is located on the Beach Road. Both of these establishments carry a nice selection of wines by the glass with selections from Chile, Argentina, Australia, Italy, France, South Africa, and the US.

Enjoy Wine at the Beach!
Relaxing on the water front deck at the Tranquil House Inn.

Twilight over the Sound in Manteo
Roanoke Island Inn

The Tranquil House Inn and 1587 Restaurant in the Town of Manteo on Roanoke Island
View
of the marina from the deck at the Tranquil House Inn

Sunset over the Outer Banks

The Roanoke Island Inn

View of Waterfront from Roanoke Island Inn
Roanoke Island Inn
Open April - November
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 8 rooms
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Grills/Picnic Facilities, Recreational
Facilities, Continental Breakfast. Rooms with outside entrances.
Waterfront, Manteo
(877) 473-5511, (252) 473-5511
Website

Scarborough House Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 4 rooms, 1 suite
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Continental Breakfast, Non-Smoking Rooms.
Fernando Street, Manteo
(252) 473-3849
Website

Cameron House
Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 6 rooms
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces, Coffee Maker, Continental
Breakfast, Non-Smoking Facility, Bikes, TV/VCR, Wireless Internet,
Large Soaker Tub, Located in the Historic Manteo Waterfront Area and
In Walking Distance of Roanoke Island Festival Park, Spa Services.
Call for Pet Policy.
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Budleigh Street, Manteo
(800) 279-8178, (252) 473-6596
Website
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Clemons Cottage
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 1 cottage with two
bedrooms and a full kitchen
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Grills/Picnic Facilities, Non-Smoking Rooms
Available, Cooking Facilities, Full Kitchen. Walking distance to
Olde Town Manteo, Waterfront and Roanoke Island Festival Park. Call
for pet policy.
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406 Budleigh Street, Manteo
(252) 256-2662
Website

Outdoors Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 2 rooms
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Full Breakfast, Hot Tub, Non-Smoking
Property, Internet Access, Pool.
Manteo
(252) 473-1356
Website
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Burrus House Inn
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 8 suites
Amenities: Continental
Breakfast, Hot Tub, Non-Smoking Rooms, Internet Access,
Fireplace/Stoves, Private Decks.
Soundfront, Manteo
(252) 475-1636
Website
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The Booth House
Rates: Call for rates
Units: 9 rooms
Amenities: Refrigerator,
Microwave, Coffee Maker, Cooking Facilities, Non-Smoking Rooms.
Soundfront, Manteo
(252) 305-1205, (252) 473-3515
Website

