Roanoke Island: Manteo and Wanchese

Roanoke Island: Equally Beloved for Its History and Modern Day Amenities

Roanoke Island is an eight mile long and three mile wide island that includes the towns of Manteo and Wanchese. The island is a popular tourist stop for visitors to the Outer Banks and features many historic attractions, dining, wonderful boutique style shopping, bed and breakfasts, galleries and a beautiful and lively waterfront in the downtown area. There is also a town marina popular for overnight stays by transient boaters. 

Manteo is the location of the Dare County seat for government and has a wonderful small town atmosphere that is loved by residents and visitors alike. The historic downtown area has been beautifully restored and is a wonderful place to take a step back in time and enjoy strolling the streets and exploring the shops and architecture of an old waterfront town. The town also hosts many special events, such as First Fridays where merchants stay open later and special entertainment can be found, Dare Days, a Christmas Tree lighting, a Christmas Parade, as well as dramatic and musical entertainment at Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Waterside Theatre.

A Brief History of this Iconic NC Island

Roanoke Island is known in European-American history as the site of Sir Walter Raleigh's establishment of an English fort and settlement, the "Roanoke Colony",  in 1584. A year later the fort was abandoned. In 1587 another party of English colonists arrived on Roanoke Island. In August of that year, the first English-speaking child was born in the New World, Virginia Dare. Captain John White was forced to return to England and upon his arrival back in the New World, three years later, there was no sign of his family or the other colonists. Thus, this first colonization attempt has become known as "The Lost Colony." The fate of the lost colonists is as much a mystery today as it was then, and their story has been retold in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony since 1937 The names of the two towns on Roanoke Island, Wanchese and Manteo, come from two Native American Chiefs who befriended the ill fated colonists.

Roanoke Island Real Estate: An Excellent Investment

There is a wide range of home styles available on Roanoke Island, with everything from perfect first time homes, historic downtown homes, condominiums and huge waterfront estates, all with that true small town feel. There are also several communities that are perfect for boaters, with full service marinas and amenities.

Contact me, Denice Tappero, today to learn about available listings right now on Roanoake Island - and to learn more about what it's like to live here. I would be happy to assist you at every stage of the home buying process, from the initial home showings to the final closing.