I was off with some friends to North Carolina for a little beach vacation. While there, I of course had to check out some of the historic sites in the outer banks. On Roanoke island is the town of Manteo. This is the location of the original lost colony in colonial era America.
The Fort Raleigh site includes a little museum laying out the history of the site and various theories on what happened to the colony. Then there is the walking area that contains the excavation area and most importantly the found mounds that held the palisades. Next to this is the stage area where they perform the lost colony play regularly. The site is managed by the national park service and is free to all. It is a small site, so you can check it out in an hour or two, should you want to take a break from the beach. You will have to pay for the play, should you want to see it.
On the other side of the parking lot from the park, is the Elizabeth Gardens. This is a private run site, so there is a small fee to enter. The site is just a curated and well managed walking garden site. It has been around for a while and is a relaxing walk to check out all the fauna. You will see many trees, plants and flowers from the region laid out in a 17th century garden style. If your significant other is not too interested in history, this can soften the blow!
- Manteuffel