Top Things to do in Roanoke Island
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Roanoke Island, North Carolina Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Roanoke Island, United States including Buffalo City Exhibit, Laughing Lollipop, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Dare County Arts Council, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center, The Christmas Shop, Poor Richards, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
Restaurants in Roanoke Island
1. Buffalo City Exhibit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
What happened? An entire city just vanished...all of the buildings...all of the people just disappeared. Well yes and no. It was more of a wild west town except it was in eastern N.C. Life there was difficult to say the least. The people made a living in the logging industry and making moonshine. Step back in time and discover what was once Dare County's largest town, Buffalo City.
2. Laughing Lollipop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Enjoy candies from the 40s to today's hottest candy. We have a wonderful selection of Bulk Candy, Nostalgic Candy and icream as well as locally made sweets. Stop by today and take a walk down memory lane.
Reviewed By jrobba - Charlotte, United States
I was on a business trip for work to the outerbanks and I meant to stop in Duck for some treats for my little ones on my way home, and completely forgot to. Luckily the Laughing Lollipop in Manteo saved the day. They had a lot of yummy local popcorn that's actually made in Duck (the same stuff I was hoping to get), which my kids loved, along with some gator chomp lollipops that the staff member suggested, and those were a big hit with my kids. Thanks a bunch Laughing Lollipop!
3. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
An off-beat wildlife refuge that is interesting for children.
Reviewed By annecolorgreen - Louisville, United States
My husband and I actually visited two different times. The first, was just after lunch on a hot July day. We had quite the delay getting there because I mistakenly thought that the trail was close to the visitor's center--it's not. and then I couldn't figure out how to find it. Don't put the visitor's center in your GPS, put in the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail (which is actually the 1/2 mile nature trail that you can hike at the beginning of the motor trail). My husband and I kept driving in circles trying to find it! When we actually did get there, I was very impressed. There are very well maintained gravel roads that go in/out through this part of the refuge. There were also some dirt roads (not necessary to drive on) but they were well marked that they could be potentially hazardous during wet weather. We saw birds, a bear from a LONG distance, many turtles sunning on logs, and an alligator. Also, lots of pretty late summer flowers. Because we took awhile to get there and there are no restrooms, we eventually did have to leave. I made a plan to go back the next day and was up well before dawn to drive back over from Kitty Hawk (30'ish minutes?). This time, my plan was to drive along the areas with big fields keeping an eye out for bear. If this is your goal, don't turn off onto Sawyer Lake Rd (to the right) but keep going straight until you can turn left onto Long Curve Road. Drive slowly and pull off to the side if you want. You will soon see some big open fields--keep your eyes peeled. Through the help of a local, I was directed to the area by the "dump" where there are NUMEROUS bears that gather at least in the early hours of the day. Sadly, I didn't see or hear the wolves, but the bears were fun to watch.
4. Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Your information center for sightseeing, attractions, accommodations and dining.
Reviewed By Flyer813606 - Durham, United States
Very friendly staff to help in any way. Restrooms are extremely clean. For history buffs, walk 50 feet to an adjacent cemetery that is simply BEAUTIFUL and respectful.
5. Dare County Arts Council
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Located on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, Dare County Arts Council is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization encouraging the arts through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity. Located on the first floor of the historic Dare County Courthouse in downtown Manteo, Dare County Arts Council operates a gallery for emerging and established artists, providing a constantly rotating exhibit of local art. We feature paintings, pottery, works in printmaking, jewelry, wood design, fiber art, and glass, as well as a fine selection of prints.
Reviewed By Critiqueness - Yorktown, United States
We had a lovely visit at the Dare County Arts Council. Rooms are filled & hallways are lined, with paintings, photography, jewelry and other artisan wares that were stunning. Beautiful place to visit and purchase that special gift for yourself and/or others. Located right on the main street (Queen Elizabeth) in beautiful downtown Manteo.
6. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By ITRT
Small in size but nevertheless a nice lighthouse. The lighthouse jets out several feet into Roanoke Sound and can be found at the waterfront park in Manteo. The original lighthouse was located in Wanchese, NC for about 60 years and was decommissioned in 1955 and sold to a private individual. Before he could assume ownership, however, the lighthouse was lost in an attempt to move it to the new owner’s property. The current lighthouse is only 37-feet
7. National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By maas_johnf - Raleigh, United States
This is a new and modern structure with interesting exhibits including a cockpit of a small plane where you sit and view a screen with short aerial tours of the refuges. Best of all is the information provided for successful visits. A ranger gave us the scoop on where to have the best chances to see wildlife and to find the roads.
8. The Christmas Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By 848samanthak - Newaygo, United States
The store has lots of ornament options plus many "beach" themed items also. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend!
9. Poor Richards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
10. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 478 reviews
Historic museum that tells the story of the 16th-century Roanoke Island colonists.
Reviewed By NancyW871 - Cincinnati, United States
Being a descendant of settlers of Jamestown, I guess I never really bothered to learn about Roanoke Island/Fort Raleigh, except what I've seen on Discovery and American Horror Story. Not wanting to make the 2 hour trip to Ocracoke with the grandkids, I thought this might offer up some history, imagination, mystery, and a romp in the sound. My granddaughter is in to Jr. Ranger Badges, so we came here twice. The first day we watched the little movie, hiked the interpretive trail to the sound, which resulted in 3 wet kids, and picked up the booklet. The second day was the diorama, artifacts, local Algonquin cultural history, learning about the underground railroad (still amazed this was a stop!), and of course, scoring the coveted badge. It could easily be done in one day, but we arrived late the first day and spent way too much time in the sound, so the visitor center was closed when we finished playing. It was fascinating to learn how the whole idea was really about getting a one-up on the Spanish and finding and abundance of (speculated) gold. It was all about the money - at least for Sir Raleigh. But to the lost/forgotten/abandoned settlers, it was about a bountiful new world. Once again, if there isn't a fortune to be made, the hell with them!
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