Manteo & Roanoke Island

In early July of 1584, two ships sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to scout for locations for his proposed American colony, first laid eyes on Roanoke Island. Arthur Barlowe, who chronicled the journey was exuberant in his praise.

“This Island had many goodly woodes full of Deere, Conies, Hares, and Fowle, even in the middest of Summer in incredible abundance,” he wrote.

The island is not nearly as wooded as it once was, nor is it filled with “Deere, Conies, Hares, and Fowle,” yet the island has retained a remarkable charm and calls out to be explored.

Manteo, the largest town on the island is the county seat for Dare County and has a wonderful downtown area. Wanchese on the south end of the island is an important harbor for commercial fishermen. Historic sites, an outdoor theater and more call out to be explored.

Placing Manteo and Roanoke Island on the Map

Manteo and Roanoke Island are to the west of the Outer Banks and are not geographically part of the barrier islands. However, the island is so close and so integral to beach life that, it is thought of as part of the Outer Banks.

The nearest town to Manteo is Nags Head and the towns are connected by the Washington Baum Bridge and a causeway that cross Roanoke Sound. Croatan Sound is to the west of Roanoke Island. Two bridges, the Virginia Dare Bridge and the William Umstead Bridge connect the island with Manns Harbor and the mainland.

Navigating Manteo and Roanoke Island

Unlike the other towns of the Outer Banks, Manteo has a real downtown. Small…but real.

Downtown Manteo is to the east of Old US Highway 64. There are two ways to get to the highway.

Drivers coming from the Outer Banks will be using US 64. It is the only way to cross Roanoke Sound and get to Roanoke Island. Coming from the west, drivers will probably use the Virginia Dare Bridge, US 64.

Coming from the Outer Banks via the Washington Baum Bridge, at the second light there is a major intersection. Old US Highway 64 is to the right; State Route 345 to Wanchese is to the left; and going straight is the Virginia Dare Bridge not quite a mile away. Turn right. Coming from the Virginia Dare Bridge, turn left at the intersection of NC 345 and Old US 64..

When the Front Porch Cafe appears on the left, turn right on any of the next five streets.

The other way is to take the William Umstead Bridge, which was the original bridge to Roanoke Island. Pick up Old US 64 in Manns Harbor on the Mainland. Not quite four miles past the end of the bridge there is a light at the intersection with Anais Dare Street. Turn left there or any of the next four streets.