Not as tall as the "ocean" lighthouses on the Outer Banks such as Hatteras and Bodie Island,…read moreRoanoke Marshes protects traffic on the Shallowbag Bay and the Croaton Sound in Manteo. This building was completed in 2004 and is a faithful replica of the original 1877 lighthouse that was decommissioned in 1955 and ultimately lost during an attempted relocation. A number of screw piles (long iron pilings twisted into the soft, marshy bottom to offer stability in shallow waters) support the lighthouse, a square, cottage-style structure. The muddy terrain and shifting shoals of the Croatan Sound were especially well-suited to this design. The building has clapboard siding, a gabled roof, and a small lantern room in the middle of the roof ridge. Its small and welcoming size, which is more akin to a beach house than a soaring beacon, enhances its allure and accessibility. The lighthouse's interior is filled with marine antiques and informative displays that honor the area's nautical past. The building itself, which provides a tactile sense of coastal life and lighthouse keeping, is open for investigation, even if the spiral staircase leading to the lantern room is normally locked to the public. The beacon continues its tradition of directing vessels through the sound by using a contemporary LED system, having previously been driven by a fourth-order Fresnel lens. There is lots of street parking in this part of Manteo and lots to explore nearby. [Review 810 of 2025 - 4242 in North Carolina - 24370 overall]

This is a cute little light house right in Downtown Manteo. It's walkable from all the shops and…read moreyou can walk inside for a free mini education on the history of the lighthouse. The long deck walk was sturdy and can accommodate those less mobile and I believe, strollers. Grab a few photos prior to walking out to see it and enjoy! This is one of the reasons I love the Outer Banks! Nothing beats that breeze on your face and the sound of the water!

I'm not normally a fan of museums but this was a great experience for us…read more First they offer military discount. Second the kids have a scavenger hunt to win a prize in the end. Every stop along the way you are assigned tasks to get a stamp. Majority of the "actors" were amazing with this! There was one girl next to the black smith that refused to give my daughter the stamp because she didn't want to put the armor on, but the young man who showed us the black smithing called her over and gave her the stamp anyways. I believe that was the only off putting experience from the whole thing. Made my daughter not want to continue. I wish I had gotten her name to put an actual complaint in, not all kids will want to wear the armor for various reasons. We listened and watched each demonstration and I think that's enough. The prizes were actually nice, they weren't just some sticker it was either a bookmark or a magnet. Both good quality. I learned a lot, our favorite part was the blacksmith, he explained so much to us and even gave my daughter the nail he made. Both actors on the ship were nice, the young man under the ship really stayed in character and answered all questions as if he was one of the actual crew. Super cool experience.

This is probably best taken in by people with children, especially those who aren't extremely…read moreinterested in museums. Aside from the ship, the outdoor sections are a little sparse but they do have live reenactors who are happy to explain a lot about what they do have, and that's really cool. The ship also has a couple people on board who are happy to explain both the historical and modern questions the kids have (like do you actually sail this boat... etc). The museum isn't extensive but it's enough to cover multiple topics and allows children to touch everything which is nice. It's short enough to not lose the attention of kids but does have some things that engage them. The town nearby is also super cute so all in all it's worth venturing out to Festival Park if you have some time on your hands.

Fort Raleigh has a lot to offer and you can spend a day here with activities to do. With loads to…read moreoffer if you are into nature and history. Also, if you wanted a place for a bit of peace and quiet near the water. The Fort Raleigh part of the name is a bit of a historic thing. Being the site of the Roanoke Colony. You know, that one that vanished into thin air...Croatoan. The Lost Colony, which was resettled by Sir Walter Raleigh. Later, it was used by the Union Army to establish Freedman's Colony. Where freed people were settled and were able to gain plots of land, build a community. Now, it serves as a national historic site with more to offer. On top of the historic stuff there is walking/hiking trails, a reenactment site for the Lost Colony, and Elizabethan Gardens. Loads to do, that isn't so touristy.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site was a great stop for our family. The visitor center has…read morewell-done exhibits about the Lost Colony and the Freedmen's Colony, and the kids especially loved the Junior Ranger program which made the history fun and interactive. The walking trails are peaceful and easy, and the historic earthworks are neat to see. The park rangers were excellent; friendly, knowledgeable, and great with kids. It's a mix of history and nature that's well worth visiting.

BLUF: To the casual observer the Mother Vine may just resemble misplaced and untamed vegetation…read moregrowing haphazardly in the front yard of a private home; however, this legendary plant is significant, historic and mysterious. Seemingly, the Mother Vine is a scuppernong grapevine that grows on an elevated trellis in the front yard of a private home. Simplistically the vine is often referred to as the oldest cultivated grapevine in the country and that is why it is deemed to be significant, historic and treasured. The origins of the grapevine are highly nuanced and a bit mysterious so the exact history eludes me. Most reports are that this particular vine is over 400 years old but I did read one story that said testing revealed this actual vine is about 300+ years old. Whether it was the Croatan Native Americans or English settlers that first cultivated the vine is also up for debate. Whatever the case, this vine is old and it's great that it still survives. Something else that is really neat about this vine is that it is cared for mostly by neighbors in the residential community in which it resides. As noted above, the vine is located in the front yard of a private home. I read an article from a few years ago that said the plan was to transfer the property to the Outer Banks Conservationists but I am not clear if that is the title for the property or the care for the property. Property records indicate the property is still privately owned and I didn't see where the Other Banks Conservationists website made mention of the property or vine so I'm not sure if a transfer was made or if that is still in the works. In any event we were sure to be extra courteous as we tip toed around the front yard to ooh and ahh at the vine. We visited mid-morning on a Saturday and aside from being deeply appreciative that this site was open, we were also grateful for there being a few parking spots and a sign welcoming visitors. In addition to the vine, we also took the short path down to the Roanoke Sound shoreline. I appreciate all the efforts of the family on whose property this vine resides, the neighbors and other individuals and organizations to protect this vine and to make it open to the public. Thank you!

Visiting the Mother Vine is such a special experience, especially if you're someone who loves and…read moreappreciates wine. Mother Vine is located on a private property on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks. The owners of the property and caretakers of the vine have gone above and beyond to create a beautiful experience for anyone who wants to visit. After driving through a beautiful, quiet little neighborhood, you arrive at the property. There are plenty of signs on the property indicating that this is the place to visit Mother Vine. There's also a little parking area that the property owners created specifically for visitors. One lovely little detail that I wasn't expecting was a sign pointing to a path that leads out to the waterfront. That's actually how I began my visit. I parked, and then walked out to the waterfront with my cup of morning coffee and took in a quiet, breathtaking Outer Banks sunrise. That alone was truly an experience I will never forget. After spending a little time by the waterfront, I went over to visit Mother Vine, which is located in the front yard of the property. The vine will be a different experience depending on what time of year you're visiting. I went in the winter months and got to see it when it's brown and all of the remaining grapes were dried and browning. There was beauty in that for me. You could also choose to visit in the warm weather months, when the vine is lush and green. On the day that I visited, I was the only one there, and the morning was so easy and lovely. I'm so grateful to the kind homeowners who opened up this gem to the public. If you find yourself in the Outer Banks, this is a wonderful and free experience. Just please remember to be respectful of both the historic vine and the family who resides on the property if and when you stop by.

Had no place to park motor home overnight that would allow me to run generator or plug-in. I have…read moremedical equipment that needs power 24/7 and no power also means no A/C. NO accommodations for RVs passing through without reservations made months in advance. The park ranger lied that I was asked to vacate a parking lot at the airport that was marked 24 hour parking. Was given $155 ticket for parking overnight. A beautiful area, to bad the rangers aren't more accommodating.

Nice national park site. Beach area is clean and easily accessible. Camping is no frills but gets…read morejob done. Entry visitor center closed because of fire. Nice junior ranger program. Not a destination but worth a stop in area.

Connecting Roanoke Island with Pond Island technically, this bridge allows you access over the…read moreRoanoke Sound. Yes, it does get you access to the Outer Banks, but this stretch technically only goes over this section. This is roughly a mile long bridge that was built in 1994. You get some great views of the area while crossing the bridge. Which is like a theme in this area. Unless you are a passenger, you really don't get to take it in as much. The bridge is named for a former local politician. Who was gone long before this bridge was built. If you are going to Roanoke Island for the tourist spots, this is your access point.

Washington Baum Bridge is a slab bridge over Roanoke Sound, connecting Roanoke Island to Nags Head…read moreon the Outer Banks. Just over a mile long, the bridge was completed in 1994 to replace an older drawbridge. It was named after local native Washington Franklin Baum (1876-1967), an influential citizen of Dare County during its formative years. Four stars for the great view. Because the bridge goes mostly east-west, you'll get an amazing sunrise/sunset view!

If you think your kids have even the slightest interest in this Pirate Adventure - DO IT! My…read morehusband and I took our 6 year old niece and nephew, and they had a BLAST! If you have a lot of people going along, it can get pricey, but for us, it was worth every penny and the hour long drive down from the northern end of the island. The kids start off with a pirate tattoo - our little mateys decided on "PIRATES!" knuckle tattoos and a seashell - and getting dressed up in pirate garb. There are accessories too for purchase, but we told our niece and nephew that we could do ice cream after if they forego the swords. Thank God, they chose wisely. At that point, adult chaperones, just sit back, relax, and take some picture, because the crew takes care of everything. They sneak the kids through town onto the boat and take them through an adventure complete with finding a treasure map, firing water cannons at Stinky Pete the pirate, and sharing the booty. In reality, you're driving around in circles, and the ship's captain will have a few fun asides for the adults, but the kids really buy into it, and the crew is top notch. They really get into it, which I believe is saying something for these guys putting on multiple shows a day, many times a week.

What a fantastic voyage and show! We took our (just) 2 year old and 6 year old on the boat. Our…read moreolder one was definitely more into the action than the little one. The mate, Jinx, and "Captain Blarney" did a great job! The music was spot on and they kept the kids entertained the entire time. I loved it too! The pirate costume to borrow and tattoo was a nice way to start the adventure! The cost is pricey, but we all had a nice time! They have a tip jar out (well deserved) and it was nice they didn't even ask for a tip or stand there at the end of the voyage with the jar. If you have a little one 3-9 they'd probably love it too.

What an amazing journey - we didn't realize it was the last sunset tour of the season but Captain…read moreScott and Captain Ken gave us the best night! Peaceful views, education of the area and best of all - new friends both human and aquatic! They found a pod of dolphins that ran with us for nearly ten minutes! What a bonus! We can't wait to return!

What a great time out on the sound. Captain and mate did a great job with the group. Beautiful…read moreweather and views.

The people were friendly and our toddler enjoyed walking around the big room. They had plenty of…read morebrochures but we decided to just chat with the people instead. I was surprised to see the restrooms were in a separate building but that was actually nice. If we've been on the road for a while I usually don't want to need to pause to chat with someone first.

I'm back in the area and my travel needs have changed, hence the downgrade. I'm disappointed that…read morethis welcome center and rest area have a clear sign that overnight parking is not permitted. I'd have stayed longer in the Outer Banks and done more exploring but not if I have to find a place to park my RV out of town. Bummer. For a plus, this welcome center does have a very free RV dump station. It's easy to access and that was very helpful. Inside, clean restrooms and a nice air conditioned spot for a quick break. [Review 813 of 2025 - 4244 in North Carolina - 24372 overall]