Roanoke Island, North Carolina

Roanoke Island marks the site of the first colonization attempt by the English in the New World. The eight mile long island includes the towns of Manteo and Wanchese. Today, the island features historic attractions, dining, shopping, bed and breakfasts, galleries and a beautiful and lively waterfront in the downtown area. 

History
An English fort and settlement of more than 100 people was established on Roanoke Island 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.

Attractions
Elizabethan Gardens
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
North Carolina Aquarium
Outer Banks History Center
Outer Banks Welcome Center
Roanoke Island Festival Park



Dining
1587 Restaurant (Tranquil House Inn)
Adrianna’s Restaurant
Big Al’s
Darrell’s Restaurant
Full Moon Café & Grill
Magnolia Grill
Ortegaz Restaurant
Poor Richards Sandwich Shop


Shopping
Duck’s Cottage Downtown
Endless Possibilities
Front Porch Café
John Silver Gallery
Kellogg Supply Co.
KItty Hawk Kites
My Secret Garden
Piggly Wiggly
Silver Bonsai Gallery
Wanchese Pottery
The Waterfront Shops


Theaters
The Lost Colony
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Pioneer Theatre