Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse / Manteo Weather Tower

• East End of Queen Elizabeth Street, Waterfront
• Manteo
• (252) 475-1750

Perched over the water along Manteo’s waterfront boardwalk, the picturesque Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is perfectly suited to the town’s maritime setting. This Victorian stick-style lighthouse is a reproduction of the third Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, which never stood on the Manteo waterfront but in the Croatan Sound from 1877 to 1955. Out there in the sound, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse keepers lived on the lonely lighthouse platform and operated the light to help mariners navigate safely. This replica was built by the Town of Manteo and dedicated in September 2004. Inside the lighthouse is an exhibit about the history of the first lighthouse along with some boat-related exhibits from the neighboring Roanoke Island Maritime Museum.

Also on this site, the Town of Manteo is keeping the century-old tradition of the Storm Warning Tower alive with the Manteo Weather Tower. This particular tower dates back to 1904, when the U.S. Weather Bureau set up its first Storm Warning Tower in Manteo. Using flags by day and lights by night, the towers provided a useful service to local residents, especially mariners and fishermen, but certainly for others as well. A. E. Drinkwater, the town’s telegrapher, was the weather observer, and the tower was located first at the downtown courthouse, then at a location on the waterfront and then at Drinkwater’s home, where it stayed for decades until the Town of Manteo obtained it in 2005. The tower on the Manteo waterfront today is the original 1904 tower with the original signal lights and a bit of refurbishing. The Town of Manteo’s dock master changes the flags and lights according to weather reports, and locals and visitors enjoy interpreting the signals. If you need to brush up on your weather-warning flag symbols, a legend for the flags is available at the base of the tower and also on postcards available at the Maritime Museum.

Shepherd of the Ocean

• 1 Festival Park Road, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Across from Manteo Waterfront
• Manteo
• (252) 475-1500

This whimsical comedy about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Ralegh (“Ralegh” is actually the historically accurate spelling, say the show’s creators). The play premiered in 2006 at the international Sir Walter Ralegh Festival in Youghal, Ireland, receiving rave reviews during its three-week run. Set primarily in a time warp, the play is a flashback of Ralegh’s most cherished moments with Queen Elizabeth. The 50-minute show is best suited for ages 14 and older. It runs Thursdays June 4, 11, 18 and August 6, 13 and 20 at 3 p.m. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the park.

Simon’s Pirate Adventure

• 1409 National Park Drive, Waterside Theatre, off U.S. Highway 64
• Roanoke Island
• (252) 473-3414

Presented by The Lost Colony actors, this playful event coincides with The Lost Colony’s The Queen’s Fairy Quest program (see separate listing), providing the younger members of your party with an entertainment option while the older members enjoy a little drama. This event invites youngsters to see a play, dress, talk and act like a pirate, and hear some fellow pirates talk about their adventures at sea. Take-home souvenirs and snacks are provided. The event is held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays from June 24 to August 12. Cost is $22 for adults or $11 for youth ages 4 to 11. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance.

Summer Children’s Performance Series at Roanoke Island Festival Park

• 1 Festival Park Road, Roanoke Island Festival Park, across from the Manteo Waterfront
• Manteo
• (252) 475-1500

The Summer Children’s Performance Series features world-class entertainment for all ages, but it’s especially geared to children. The performers delight and excite young audiences, and the series is very popular so arrive early to ensure a seat. The series is held in the Film Theatre at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday from June 24 through July 31. Admission is included in the Park’s general admission ticket price and is free for Friends of the Elizabeth II.
June 23-26 Tarradiddle Players present The Comedia Alladin
June 30-July 3 Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band
July 7-10 Kinobe Soul Beat Africa
July 14-17 Magic Show
July 21-24 Cello Man
July 28-31 Rumragger Pirate Show with Molasses Creek

The Andrus Gallery and Studio

• The Waterfront Shops
• Manteo
• (252) 305-5411

This gallery provides exhibition and work space for painter Steve Andrus, who creates masterworks of watercolor. His craftsmanship is stunning; he has a flair for capturing light and reflection. A seasoned sailor himself, much of Andrus’ subject matter is nautical, focusing on beautiful sailing vessels on a stormy sea or docked in a peaceful harbor. His first-hand wilderness experiences in Taos, New Mexico, also bring some decidedly Western subjects to the gallery as well. Stop by to talk to Andrus and view his artwork.

The Lost Colony Children’s Theater Presents Charlotte’s Web

• 1409 National Park Drive, Waterside Theatre, off U.S. Highway 64
• Manteo
• (252) 473-3414

The Lost Colony cast puts on fantastic versions of children’s favorites every summer. In 2009 it’s Charlotte’s Web, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Face-painting, balloon-sculpting and games entertain the children before the show. Performances are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. from June 18 to August 13 in Waterside Theater. Tickets cost $7 per person.

The Lost Colony Special Productions

• 1409 National Park Drive, Waterside Theatre, off U.S. Highway 64
• Manteo
• (252) 473-3414

The Lost Colony production brings a vast talent pool to the Outer Banks every summer — singers, dancers, actors, choreographers, wardrobe designers and more. They use that talent to do more than entertain in The Lost Colony; they also put on some other great shows. In 2010 they’re presenting The Wizard of Oz on July 30 and 31 and August 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. On August 13, 14 and 15, they’re hosting the Waterside Theatre Festival and offering three nights of theater for only $40: On August 13, see The Lost Colony, on August 14 see Reaching for the Stars: A Spectacle of Song and Dance, and on August 15 see The Hurrah Players in Disney’s High School Musical Live. Call for tickets and individual-night ticket prices.

The Lost Colony’s Theatre Arts Camp

• Waterside Theatre
• Roanoke Island
• (252) 473-2127

This day camp is designed to teach students voice, dance and acting skills and give them performance experience. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to have fun, and there’s a performance at the end of the week for parents and friends. Session I runs from June 28 to July 2, and Session II is from July 12 through 17. Camp lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes lunch and snacks each day plus tickets to The Lost Colony, The Tale of the Frog Prince, Waterside Art Wednesday and The Queen’s Fairy Quest/Simon’s Pirate Adventure. Cost is $185 per week. Call for registration information.

The Queen’s Fairy Quest

• 1409 National Park Drive, Waterside Theater, off U.S. Highway 64
• Manteo
• (252) 473-3414

Join Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court for this interactive drama in which the Queen learns about an expedition to discover the fairy queen. The event includes a royal audience with the Queen, a complimentary souvenir program, a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre and a feast of delicious royal treats. The Queen’s Fairy Quest is performed on Thursdays from June 24 to August 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. The event coincides with Simon’s Pirate Adventure, an event geared toward younger folk, so that every member of the family will be entertained at the same time. Cost for The Queen’s Fairy Quest is $22 for adults and $11 for youth ages 4 to 11. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance.

Wanchese Pottery

• 107 Fernando Street
• Manteo
• (252) 473-2099

In the red-roofed building across from the Maritime Museum, Wanchese Pottery features the handcrafted pottery of local potters Bonnie and Bob Morrill. Their work is beautiful as well as functional. Well-crafted bowls, pitchers, coffee mugs, dinnerware, oil lamps, bird feeders and more are stacked on the shelves in this quaint shop and studio.

Waterside Art Wednesday

• 1409 National Park Drive, Waterside Theatre, off U.S. Highway 64
• Manteo
• (252) 473-3414

To entertain your 7 to 12 year olds in the afternoon, come to Waterside Theatre for art classes. Students will create their own watercolor drawings like those John White made of Roanoke Island in 1585. Supplies and snacks are included on both days. This event runs from June 17 to August 12 on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.