Outer Banks to Roanoke Island, Southern Shores to Marshes Light: exploring life on a barrier island. A guide to fun, family, home, real estate, restaurants, surf, sun and more.
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DAY 5 – Saturday, April 11th
Unfortunately the time has come for the Nelson Family to return to our home in Maryland. But one thing is certain—we will return soon! We’ve vacationed along the Outer Banks in years past, but our week in Manteo offered so many wonderful family activities (in addition to the beach) that it is safe to say we have found the our perfect North Carolina vacation spot. The Aquarium, Festival Park, downtown Historic Manteo, fishing, and all the wonderful shops and restaurants provided a new adventure each day, while each night was spent watching the sunset from our condo balcony at Marshes Light (the view from the Marshes Light Marina is spectacular). It’s been a GREAT week and we have some wonderful memories of a perfect family vacation.
Save our seat…we’ll be back soon!
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DAY 4 – Friday, April 10th
The Nelson Family spent Good Friday on the beach. It was a great day for the kids and an opportunity to relax for Mom and Dad. Full of sand castles, shell collecting and ice cream, today was the perfect day here at Marshes Light.
What a way to spend the day!
Perfect weather and perfect beach = perfect family day.
The Nelson Family at the condo in Marshes Light.
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DAY 3 – Thursday, April 9th
Another day of family fun here at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC. This morning we visited Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. We had a great time climbing the dunes, watching the hang gliders, and just rolling around in the sand. We continued our “fun in the sand” with an afternoon on the beach. A truly delicious dinner at the family-friendly Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
Erin and Tom at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Conquerors of the dune!
King (and Queens) of the mountain (in this case, dune)!
Now that’s a climb!
Wide open spaces
It doesn’t get any better than this.
Great afternoon on the beach.
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DAY 2 – Wednesday, April 8th
Today we visited the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and it was unbelievable. While the family favorite was the “ocean tank” complete with Mako sharks, being able to touch the sting rays was pretty memorable. From alligators to turtles, the Aquarium kept all of us engaged for hours. We then had a great lunch at the Full Moon Café and spent the rest of the day visiting the many shops in downtown Manteo. We closed the day by watching several boats come into the marina from the balcony of our condominium at Marshes Light. Another great day for the Nelson Family at Marshes Light. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
Yes, that a man inside the shark tank!
Mom finally gets in a picture.
The alligator tank…what’s cooler than that?
Lucy gets an up close look!
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The team at Marshes Light have been gracious enough to allow me to document our family vacation on the Beach Road to Manteo Blog. Over the next several days, the Nelson Family will post our daily discoveries and experiences in Manteo, NC.
Our family has always loved North Carolina and this year we wanted to spend our spring break in the historic heart of the Outer Banks. Manteo is just what we were looking for—a great combination of history, beach, boating, dining, and plenty of family entertainment.
DAY 1 – Tuesday, April 7th
We spent the morning at Roanoke Island’s Festival Park. Between the museum, the demonstrations at the “settlement,” and the tour of the Elizabeth II (a working replica of a 16th century sailing vessel, the kids were having so much fun, they didn’t realize how much they were learning about the local history. The lunch conversation at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop was focused on the Outer Banks rich history.
A first hand look inside the Elizabeth II
Libby and Lucy wearing 16th century dresses
The Nelson Family (minus Mom aka the photographer) aboard the Elizabeth II
Ben, Lucy and Libby on top of a log used for canoes by island’s Native Americans
Check back tomorrow for more of the Nelson Family’s “Daily Discoveries” at Marshes Light!
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April 9, 8 p.m., John Hammond at the Sea Ranch on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills.
April 1 – May 4 – Rhythm and Roots – Southern Music Traditions
Glen Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery, Nags Head. Utilizing text panels, artifacts, fieldwork, photographs and sound recordings, the exhibit features an audio component that allow gallery visitors to experience the voices and music of Southern Music Traditions. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org
April 3 – 28 – Martha Johnson and Julie Moye – Collage and Mixed Media
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, downtown Manteo. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org
April 9 – Full Moon Madness…Tag Till You Drag
(8pm-11pm) Every full moon Gearworks goes crazy and opens up the arena for a great All You Can Play session. $16…3 games guaranteed. 6-7 games are typical in a 3 hour session. Space is limited. Reservations encouraged 252-480-8512. More info at obxgearworks.com.
April 9 – OBXtreme Magic
Outer Banks Music Showcase. Featuring World-renowned Illusionists Clive Allen & Tracy, Outer Banks Music Showcase, Milepost 4.5 in Kitty Hawk. Incredible Illusions, Mind-Bending Magic and Comedy Audience Participation Live on Stage! 7:30 pm. Tickets $19.95 Adults, $18.95 Seniors, $7 Children. (252) 261-7505. outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
April 10 – Easter EGG-stravaganza
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Easter Bunny & the Currituck Duck for the Easter Egg-stravaganza with an Egg Hunt (bring your own basket); Duck Pond & Bunny Petting Zoo; Face Painting; Coloring and Temporary Tattoos; Jellybean Counting Contest; Rock Climbing Wall; Bake Sale, Snow Cones & Popcorn; Fabulous Prizes! Admission & Parking is free. For more information call (252) 453-9040.
April 10 – Knight Magic
10 am – noon. Experience the wonder and learn the secrets of magic with magician, Clive Allen. Take home a trick to impress your friends! Only $15 per participant. Reservations encouraged. Please call 252-453-9040 ext 3.
April 11 – Kitty Hawk Kites Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Largest Easter Egg Hunt in the Outer Banks! Over 2,000 candy and toy-filled eggs to be collected. Chalk coloring contests, kite making, games and surprise visits from Wil-Bear and friends. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
April 11, 15, 16, 17, 25 – Live at the Outer Banks Music Showcase
Shows nightly at 7:30 pm. (252) 261-7505, outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
April 17 – 18 – REAL Spring Swap Meet
Kite, Surf, Standup. Buy, Sell, Trade. At the REAL Swap Meet you will find TONS of new and used gear, have the ability to sell your own used gear to other interested buyers, plus find the deals of the century on all the new gear in the REAL Flagship Store. Looking for the best prices on used gear from every sport? The REAL Swap Meet is Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, 10am to 4pm daily. For more information: (252)987-6000 or REAL Events.
April 18 – Tour de Cure Cycling Event
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. A benefit for the American Diabetes Association. A 100-mile ride from Chesapeake, VA to Roanoke Island Festival Park where participants will end their fundraising journey. (757) 455-6335, Ext. 3276 or (888) DIABETES, Ext. 3281.
April 18 – Earth Day
(252) 473-3494, (800) 832-3474 or ncaquariums.com
April 23 – 26 – 7th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week
Packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Poker Run, bike show, live music, scenic rides, official night-time party sites. outerbanksbikeweek.com
April 24 – Frisco Museum to Offer Pine Needle Basket Workshop
As a means of preserving pine needle art, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center will present a pine needle basket workshop on April 24, 2009. The workshop will be taught by two master artists, Loretta and Herman Oxendine, elders in the Lumbee nation. 252-995-4440 or visit the web site at nativeamericanmuseum.org.
April 25 – 3rd Annual Antique Appraisal Fair
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. St. Andrews-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Nags Head. $10 per item or 3 items for $25. (252) 473-2655 or obhc@ncmail.net
April 25 – 2nd Annual Up in Arms Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Arm Wrestling Tournament. All funds raised will go toward Hotline’s domestic violence and sexual assault programs. (252) 473-5121 or obhotline.org
April 25 – 26 – 11th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, Journey Home
Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center, Hatteras Island. Traditional Powwow set in a beautiful maritime forest with activities for the entire family. Drumming, singing, dancing, native crafts, exhibits, storytelling, native food and more. (252) 995-4440 or nativeamericanmuseum.org
April 26 – Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa
Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 4 p.m. Kinobe and his crew, “Soul Beat Africa,” take on Uganda’s ethnic sounds and fuse tradition with modern instrumentation. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
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Rustic charm, wrap-around porches and the beach bring families back year after year. Even on cloudy days, finding a spot to read a good book or take a stroll searching for shells and sea glass are treasured past-times.
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