Manteo, located on Roanoke Island, is a quintessential small town by-the-sea with a deep, enchanting history.

Now home to Fort Raleigh National Historical Site (amongst many other attractions), the area was founded and settled by an English exploration company led by Sir Walter Raleigh in the 1585. Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, entered the world at this site on August 18, 1587. At some point over the next three years, young Virginia Dare, along with the other 115 members of the colony, disappeared without a trace to become the first and longest-lasting great American mystery.

The tale of The Lost Colony is depicted in dramatic fashion under the stars each summer, set against a backdrop of the beautiful Roanoke Sound. Not only is this award-winning production the number one attraction on the Outer Banks: at over 85 years running, The Lost Colony is also America’s longest-running outdoor drama.

A stroll along the Manteo waterfront, dotted with boutiques, cafes, coffee shops and ice cream parlours, is the perfect way to experience this quaint seaside town and while away an afternoon. From mid-May through mid-September, be sure to visit the Downtown Market on Saturday mornings to shop for fresh produce and locally-made art.

The area is also home to family-friendly attractions such as:

NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, where kids of all ages will delight in interactions with sea life;

Island Farm, where you can step back in time to see how the locals lived off the land in the 1800s;

Roanoke Island Festival Park, a soundfront venue hosting various entertainment acts throughout the year;

The Elizabethan Gardens, a gorgeous English-style garden featuring native trees, shrubs, and seasonal blooms. Make plans to visit the gardens during the holiday season for their Winterlights extravaganza as well.

Origin of the name - Chief Manteo presided over the Croatan Tribe on Roanoke Island during the dawn of English exploration of the Americas. Manteo was so instrumental in helping the early settlers survive their first winter that he was invited to travel to Europe not once, but twice, as an ambassador and distinguished guest.