Historic Old Town Manteo Merchant's Association
Home
Group
Downtown Shops and Sites
Local Links

Welcome graphic

Welcome to the lovely town of Manteo, on Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

We invite you to check out the slower pace and all the great places to visit, shop and dine.  There are plenty of things to do in Manteo!  Consider adding a day in our town to your Outer Banks vacation.

Our Mission

The mission of the Historic Old Town Manteo Merchant's Association is to educate the Outer Banks residents and guests about the incredible shopping opportunity and convenience of downtown Manteo through joint marketing campaigns and other publicity opportunities.

Things to do & see downtown

There are over 40 unique shops in the downtown area that is pedestrian friendly.  The downtown shopping district is 4 streets wide by 2 streets deep.  We have 10 unique places to eat, 4 Galleries, 3 Antique shops, and two potters who combine studio and retail space.  In addition, the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse Replica are downtown.  A short walk across the bridge will take you to Roanoke Island Festival Park where you can step back into the 16th century and learn about early colonization here.

Parking is available on several lots as well as along the street.  You can also use the parking at Festival Park.  The Town Of Manteo's website has a great parking map, and additional information about the area.

Check out some of the local shops!

waterfront.jpg

Upcoming Events

Although some businesses close for the season, there are plenty of year round businesses and restaurants to explore!  The pace has slowed down and there is plenty of parking now that the summer rush is over.  The merchants are here and ready to welcome you.  Save the time and hassle of driving all the way up the beach - shop local!
 
 
First Friday Events are held April through December
 
Don't Miss First Friday Celebrations, 6 - 8 pm the first Friday of each month.  Fun activities for the kids, music, craft demonstrations, free refreshments at participating merchants, special events for the dogs, special sales, too.

Beyond Downtown: Other Island Offerings
 
While you are on Roanoke Island, you also can visit the North Carolina Aquarium, The Elizabethan Gardens, The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama (in season)
 
About 4:30 p.m., the offshore fishing boats start pulling back into Pirate's Cove Fishing Center.  You can see the fish being offloaded from the boats.