Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island is between the mainland of North Carolina and the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. Manteo and Wanchese are located on Roanoke Island. The 2 towns are named after the two Indians the first European settlers on Roanoke Island befriended in 1587.
Roanoke Island is home to the oldest living grapevine on the North American continent. The Mother Vine is a 400-year-old scuppernong grapevine located on private property in Manteo, North Carolina at the Outer Banks. The vine covers a half acre of land and consist of 5 grapevines known as Mother Vineyard. The Mother Vine is privately owned and maintained. The origin of the “mother” vine is unknown but it was probably cultivated by the Native Americans- the Algonquians who lived in the coastal region about 400 years ago. The scuppernong grapevine thrives in the warm environment and the sandy coastal soil. The white scuppernong grapes are used to make an excellent wine The Mothervine produced by Duplin Winery. The wine is sold in many stores located at the Outer Banks.
Roanoke Island was also home to Andy Griffith. He acted for several years in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony in his early acting years. He loved Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks and made it his home in later years. He was a friend and supporter to the locals of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Manteo
Manteo, the larger of the two towns, has several attractions such as the outdoor summer drama “The Lost Colony”, the Elizabethan Gardens, the North Carolina Aquarium, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Island Farm and Roanoke Island Festival Park. Waterfront downtown Manteo is nice place to spend the day while on vacation in the area. It has many shops that carry just about something for everyone. Downtown Manteo has shops with outdoor adventure supplies, local crafts and pottery shops, art and home decor shops, tee shirts, swimwear and other beach apparel shops and jewelry stores. The docks across from Roanoke Island Festival Park have chairs where you can sit, relax and enjoy the views. Across the water is the ship The Elizabeth II. It’s a colorful replica of the ship that brought the first English settlers to Roanoke Island.
Wanchese
Wanchese, located on the southern tip of the island is a small town but home to a large commercial fishing industry and the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park. Only 5 miles from Oregon Inlet by water, Wanchese is home to Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park where local commercial fisherman unload their catch of fresh seafood. Clams, oysters, fish, shrimp and crabmeat also sell at local markets. Wanchese is also home to the Miss Broad Creek-a 61-foot head boat with half day trips and a sunset cruise. And sailing aboard the Lele Kaia which is a classic 1966 Cheoy Lee sailboat that sails out into the Croatan Sound is another choice for the nautical adventurer. The nearby Thicket Lump Marina offers gas, diesel fuel and the best lunch place around-the Great Gut Deli. Just a few of the places to see and things to do while in Wanchese.
Map of Roanoke Island, NC at the Outer Banks
Find out more about The Mother Vine on Roanoke Island here…
