Roanoke Island Festival Park

Located in Manteo, this 25-acre interactive historic site is convenient to all of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks. Only 5 miles from Nags Head and 30 minutes from both Hatteras Island and Kitty Hawk, this park is a must-see for all visitors and guests to the Outer Banks. With tons of Outer Banks history, nature, recreation and family activities this is the ideal choice for a day outing with the entire family.

The Elizabeth II 16^th Century Representative Ship
At the park you can board and explore the Elizabeth II from every angle. Help the “16^th century sailors” set the sails or plot a course with an astrolabe. Or swab the decks while you’re enjoying the view of the sound from the quarterdeck. Raise the ships anchor, play checkers with a sailor or search for surprise in barrels and boxes. Learn about the historic Roanoke voyages from the interpretive staff of friendly sailors. 

American Indian Town
Explore Coastal Algonquian culture and history in one of the newest exhibits to Roanoke Island Festival Park. The town represents an American Indian community that would have been similar to what the English explorers investigated and surveyed during their voyages to Roanoke Island in the late 16^th century. The interactive exhibit focuses on the developing relationship between the American Indian and English peoples. Two 30 foot longhouses, a ceremonial dance circle and three work shelters are just a few of the things you’ll get to see at this historical exhibit. 

Settlement Site
Featuring costumed interpreters from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585, this exhibit shows visitors what daily life was like for soldiers and sailors who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to build a permanent colony for England. 

Roanoke Adventure Museum
Take a self-guided tour through 400 years of Outer Banks history in this interactive museum. Children can play dress up with 16^th century costumes. Learn about 16^th century navigation with an astrolabe, read quotes from Thomas Hariot’s journal, view a miniature version of a longhouse, read about the Lost Colony and more!

Performance Series
The RoanokeIsland Festival Park offers year round music, dance, drama, opera and children’s shows, inviting the performing arts departments from all campuses of the University of North Carolina. These performances showcase some of North Carolina’s best young talent!

Roanoke Island Festival Park Events in May

Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show.From May 5^th to May 30^th, come check out the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show. This annual exhibit features an eclectic mix of local art. Free and open to the public, it is sponsored by the Dare County Arts council and was created to honor Mollie Fearing who was a prominent figure in the Manteo community. Fearing helped form the Sea and Sounds Arts Council that has since evolved into the current Dare County Arts Council. The exhibit will be open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” On May 4^th at 2 p.m., the East Carolina University will be presenting their “Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” along with a workshop and RIFP Children’s Show. This interactive theatre offers enchanting and exciting stories that have been gathered from around the world. On stage they will bring clutures, tales and celebrations to life. Newly gathered tales include “The Bat of Colors” from Mexico, “The Bamboo Princess” from Japan, “The Rooster and the Hen” from Russia and many , many more. A short, 45 minute workshop will follow and allow the children to create their own stories, costumes and props. Tickets can be purchased at the park in advance or on the day of the event.

Kidsfest
On May 10^th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion, presented by the Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, Kidsfest is a free and fun-filled day for kids and their families. Children five and under can enjoy face painting, musical performances, blocks and bubbles, ice cream, art and much more. There will also be a fire truck and a United States Coast Guard boat which kids can climb aboard and explore. For more information, go to www.darekids.org

While you are staying at one of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a great place to take the whole family for an educational and exciting experience! Find out more information about the park and events by visiting their website at roanokeisland.com or calling 252-475-1500. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Water Sports on the Outer Banks

Summer is just around the corner. In the Outer Banks, the spring and summer seasons are the perfect time to partake in some adventurous and exciting water sports. There is a ton of variety when it comes to choosing your adventure. Whether you’re new to water sports or you think that you live on the water, there is something for everyone in the Outer Banks. There are a ton of places on the Outer Banks where anywhere from nervous beginners to seasoned experts can take lessons. Or, if you’d rather, there are several spots where you can find a great value on a multitude of water sport rentals. While you’re staying in one of our Outer Banks rentals, take advantage of the perfect weather and spend some quality time out there on the sound or on the ocean. 

Kayaking- Whether you want to do a bit of paddling around the sound or the ocean, you’re guaranteed to find some great sights and get a fantastic arm and core workout while you’re at it! Rent a kayak and venture out with a friend (after reviewing all safety procedures of course) or take a guided eco- tour through some of the wildlife refuges in the OBX! No experience necessary! Try Coastal Kayak Touring Company or Kitty Hawk Kayaks.

Diving- Take a class and learn how to dive. Or, build upon your existing diving experience. Feeling daring? Explore one of frequently visited wrecks of the Outer Banks. Take a class and learn more about diving with Outer Banks Dive Center in Nags Head. 

Surfing- One of the most popular recreational activities in the OBX, surfing can be a great workout and stress reliever. Take a lesson with one of our experienced and passionate local surf gurus, or rent out a board and take to the waves yourself. Either way, you’ll soon become addicted to this awesome water sport. Surfs up! Check out Corolla Surf Shop for a lesson and all of your equipment and board rental needs. 

Parasailing- For a view of the Outer Banks that can’t be beat, take a chance and soar above the ocean while parasailing. In Nags Head, turn to OBX Water Works in Nags Head. With 20 years of experience, Captain Bruce is U.S.C.G. licensed and has the largest boat on the beach. Why not bring the whole family out!

Wind Surfing- Try your hand at one of the most thrilling of all watersports that combines the best of the surfing and sailing worlds. Never been before? No worries. Kitty Hawk Water Sports gives safe and affordable lessons to complete beginners as well!

Kite boarding– Let the wind carry you over rippling waves! Kite boarding is another choice for those bold and daring adventure-seekers. Outer Banks Kiting in Cape Hatteras has several fun lessons and camps geared towards getting you out there and kite boarding with the best of ‘em!

Jet Skiing- Speed across the water on your own personal jet ski. In Corolla, rent a wave runner at Corolla Water Sports and cruise around the sound. Planning a family outing? Ride single, double or triple and have fun speeding over the waves together. 

Wakeboarding/Water Skiing – Skim over the water with a wakeboard, water skis, or tube. Whether you are a beginner or you are a diehard water sports enthusiast, OBX Wakeboard and Waterski in Kitty Hawk will have the boats and equipment that you need!

We don’t expect you to stay inside our Outer Banks rental during your entire vacation, so get out there and get some wind in your hair, sun in your eyes and sand between your toes this vacation. If all this talking about water sports has got you thinking you need a vacation, check out some of our fantastic rentals here. Find your Outer Banks adventure this season!

Pet-Friendly Vacation Tips

If you’re planning on bringing along your four legged best friend on this family vacation, you’ll want to do a bit of planning beforehand to ensure a fun and safe vacation for everyone. The Outer Banks is a fantastic place to bring your dog; however, you’ll want to be aware of each town’s leash laws (see below) as well as any other safety concerns. If you’re going to be bringing your dog along to stay at one of our pet friendly Outer Banks rentals, make sure to read over these safety guidelines and leash laws first!

When hanging out on the beach with your furry friend, bring fresh water for him or her to drink to keep him from drinking ocean water. Your dog might try to drink the saltwater regardless, so keep an eye out. Drinking saltwater can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Clean beaches are our pride and joy here on the Outer Banks and we appreciate all efforts of our guests and residents to keep it so. 

When walking on the beach, people often assume that the padding on a dogs paw will protect them from extreme heat. However, if the sand or pavement is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is most likely too hot for you dog as well. Also, don’t take your dog on walks when the temperature is too high to prevent heat stroke. Your dog may be especially susceptible because of his thick coat so look out for excessive panting or exhaustion. It’s very important to note that flea and ticks are common in this OBX environment so make sure to pack protection from these pests.

Although towns have different laws and regulations when it comes to leashes for your pet, it is a safe bet to keep your dog on a leash, especially when near roads. There is a ton of traffic during the summer months and dogs off leash are at a high risk of being hit. Read on for each town’s specific leash laws.

Beaches of Currituck County: Leashes are required but there is no length requirement.

Duck: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. Pets are allowed to play unleashed on the beach under close supervision of owner. Year round pet-friendly beaches. 252-255-1234

Southern Shores: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. From May 15 to September 15 of each year, animals are prohibited on town beaches. Leash laws enforced remainder of the year. 252-261-2394

Kitty Hawk: Leash law requires leash not to exceed 6 feet in length between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day. At all other times the leash may be extended, but must be retractable to 12 feet. Well trained dogs may be unleashed under close supervision of owner, not to exceed 30 feet in distance between owner and dog. 252-261-3552

Kill Devil Hills: Leash law requires leash not to exceed 10 feet in length. From the hours of 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. each day from May 15^th to Sept. 15^th each year, no dogs shall be allowed on town beaches, except those aiding a handicap person. 252-449-5300

Nags Head: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. Leashed pets allowed on towns beaches year round. 252-441-5508

Manteo: Leash law requires leash not to exceed six feet in length. Leashed pets are allowed on the waterfront year round. 252-473-2133

Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Leash law at National Parks requires leashes not to exceed six feet in length. 252-273-2111

Can’t wait to bring Fido on a family vacation? Check out these amazing pet-friendly Outer Banks vacation rentals from Carolina Designs here. We treat our pets like family too and we don’t want you to have to leave a valued member of the family at home. Known for some of the best pet-friendly rentals in the Outer Banks, Carolina Designs wants to be your first pick for all your vacation rental needs!