Searching for a gorgeous gated waterfront community minutes from the beach with playgrounds and kids’ activities, as well as an on-site masseuse at the fitness center? Manteo’s Pirate’s Cove Resort has a vacation rental that fits the bill. Dock your boat at Pirate’s Cove Marina. Or charter a boat for a world-class sport fishing trip. Kids can fish or do crafts on a Lil’ Pirates Recreation program. Relax by the pool or ease yourself into the hot tub at Pirate’s Cove’s Clubhouse.
Near your Pirate’s Cove vacation rental, enjoy Manteo’s many historic attractions. At Roanoke Island Festival Park, climb aboard the 16th century replica Elizabeth II, where costumed sailors will have you swabbing the deck or turning the capstan to raise the ship’s anchor. Explore a Native American town, similar to what 16th English explorers may have found, and woodworking and blacksmithing at a settlement site there, as well. In the summer, the Waterside Theater presents The Lost Colony, nation’s longest running symphonic drama that depicts Sir Walter Raleigh’s Roanoke adventures and the New World’s first English settlers, 117 of whom disappeared without a trace. Nearby, stroll through the elaborate Elizabethan Gardens for beautiful flowers and English garden mazes with renaissance statues and Elizabethan-style buildings. Kids will love playing out swashbuckler and mermaid adventures aboard the pirate ship Sea Gypsy at Pirate Adventures.
If you want to explore the Outer Bank’s outdoors, go paddling or hiking along wildlife trails at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where you may see many varieties of waterfowl, raptors, raccoon, white-tailed deer, river otters and black bears. Also learn about efforts to help the highly endangered red fox population at the refuge. On a rainy day, learn about sea turtle rescue or see North Carolina’s largest collection of sharks at the North Carolina Aquarium. A Pirate’s Cove vacation property puts you in the heart of history and nature, where you will be charmed by the hospitality in Manteo.
With average highs in the 80s and lows in the upper 60s-low 70s, beautiful beach weather makes summer a popular time to rent a Pirate's Cove condo. Fishing enthusiasts will find fishing tournaments from June through August, including the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament in mid-August. If fishing isn’t your thing, Manteo will also host its annual New World Festival of the Arts in mid-August, which features over 80 artists from throughout the East Coast for this juried art show.
Temperatures remain warm in the fall with average October and November highs in the low 70s and low 60s, respectively. See beautiful fall color and enjoy blue grass music in early October at the Outer Banks Blue Grass Festival. In early November, nature and wildlife enthusiasts can go birding, kayaking, wading and exploring on over 100 wildlife field trips throughout the Outer Bank’s outstanding refuges and preserves. Immerse yourself in the diversity of natural habitats at the Wings Over Water Festival. Look for condos deals at Pirate's Cove in the fall, too.
As the town lights up with holiday cheer, December is a wonderful time to stay in a Pirate's Cove condo. The Elizabethan Gardens hosts WinterLights, 19 nights of beautiful holiday and floral illuminations, gingerbread houses, wreath making, and visits with Santa. In early December, take a candlelight tour and enjoy an 1850s Southern Christmas at Christmas Past at Island Farm, a fascinating 19th century historic site with farm houses, barns, chicken coops and more. Temperatures typically stay in the mid-50s in December, perfect for browsing Manteo’s charming shops and galleries decorated for the holidays.
Manteo features several top-notch restaurants with flavors to satisfy every palate. While some restaurants feature full bars, you may want to head to Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills if in search for more of the night scene.
RESTAURANTS
1587 405 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Tranquil House Inn, Manteo, 252-473-1587, www.1587.com
Discover outstanding flavors and views to match at 1587. A wonderful place for a special occasion. Make reservations.
La Cabana Restaurant 112 Highway 64/264 next to the Piggly Wiggly, Manteo, 252-473-9364, www.lacabanaobx.com
See why locals love the Latin, not Mexican, but Central American cuisine at La Cabana.
Adrianna’s Restaurant 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Suite 5, Manteo, 252-473-4800, www.adriannasrestaurant.com
This popular restaurant located by Festival Park will reopen after damage from Hurricane Irene in May 2012. When it does, it’s definitely worth a stop for the baked brie alone.
La Dolce Vita 814 Highway 64/264 in The Elizabethan Inn, 252-473-9919, www.ladolcevitamanteo.com
Savory Italian thin crust pizza. Excellent red sauce. Nice selection of wines. Save room for dessert.
BARS
Hurricane Mo’s Restaurant and Raw Bar 1 Sailfish Dr., Manteo, 252-473-2266
Hurricane Mo’s is a good stop for happy hour in town.
Lucky 12 Tavern 3308 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, 252-255-5825, www.lucky12tavern.com
A great old-school bar with HDTV, pool tables, foosball, and pinball. Lucky 12 serves pizza ‘til 2 AM.
Kelly’s Outer Bank Restaurant and Tavern 2316 S. Croatan Hwy, US 158 Bypass MP 10.5, Nags Head, 252-411-4116
For live music and a DJ, Kelly’s bar is a good hang-out.
The Pit Surf Hang Out 1209 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, 252-480-3128, www.pitsurf.com
The Pit is a popular place for dancing to a live DJ and drink specials all week. Under 21 teen nights Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays in the summer.
Outer Banks Brewing Station 600 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, 252-449-2739, www.obbrewing.com
This wind powered pub has a great selection of microbrews on tap and live music.
If you plan to make your Pirate’s Cove rental a hub for relaxing at the beach and exploring more of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, stay a week. Driving through or looking for a quick getaway? Stay in Pirate’s Cove for a few days or over a long weekend.
