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Roanoke Island Festival Park
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Manteo WaterfrontManteo, NC 27954
(252) 475-1500
4 reviews for Roanoke Island Festival Park
4 reviews in English
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Review from Kristina B.
Somerville, MA
7/5/2008
Every year, the North Carolina School of the Arts has a Pops Concert of patriotic music right before and during a lovely fireworks display. Come early to snag a spot for picnicking and optimal fireworks-viewing--the lawn space is very much like that of Wolftrap or Merriwether Post Pavilion, but less crowded even at peak fireworks time. There is plenty of room to fly kites or play frisbee before all the festivities start, and the park is close enough to the water or to town for any wandering or last-minute shopping if your friends save your spot.
I thought my group was uberprepared with four blankets, a picnic basket, two coolers, and a bag full of snacks, but we were put in our place by a party of super-organized old people who had a folding table, chairs, and a centerpiece full of lilies to accompany their gourmet food...they would probably have been able to hang at Tanglewood up in Massachusetts. -
Review from Guinevere F.
Ballston Spa, NY
8/15/2011
We had a very enjoyable afternoon visiting the Elizabeth II, villages & the adventure museum. The actors in the village were a delight & were great with the kids. The museum had plenty of hands-on activities for the kids- the pirate part was a big hit! And you can't beat the price!
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Review from Christina M.
Somerville, MA
8/12/2010 4 photos
Although this place isn't as extensive and big as similar sites, such as Plymouth Plantation in MA, or Colonial Williamsburg, etc., it was still a fun place to visit in its own right. Plus, for the price, it's a real deal! If you have a family, this site would be especially fun to visit. When you go through the visitor center, for $8 you can visit the Elizabeth II replica ship, and watch a movie about the relationship beween queen Elizabeth and her beau, Sir Raleigh.
They also have a replica Native American settlement and English settlement, in which you can talk with costumed volunteers about the life of the early settlers in the colony. Some activities you can watch, and sometimes even participate in, include digging out a canoe, weaving mats and baskets, carving wood, making nails in a blacksmith's forge, and playing old colonist's sports games. You really can keep yourself busy in a relatively small space.
The best part is if the heat becomes to much for you, you can always find relief by visiting the art gallery, or the Roanoke Adventure Museum, which is especially good for children. Those who visit can put on lots of costumes they can dress up in, hold and interact with model artifacts, and use their imagination as they immerse themselves into some really wonderful thematic environments. There is also a lot of great information for the adults, if they take the time to read through the many labels and panels with interesting facts.
Overall, this was a fun experience, and anyone looking to spend a day with "living" history would surely have a great time. -
Review from Crystal R.
Peoria, IL
8/11/2010
For $8 of entertainment, this place is great, and especially good for families! What your ticket will get you:
1.) Self guided tour of Elizabethan II ship replica (ship some of the first colonists used to travel to Roanoke Island).
2.) 45 minute introductory movie.
3.) Play representing life of Queen Elizabeth.
4.) Entry to Native American Village and English Village, complete with Third Person Interpreters (volunteers dressed in costume that interact with the public).
5.) Entrance to Roanoke Adventure Museum (great for kids and VERY interactive!)
Your ticket is good for two days, although I don't think it's necessary to spend two days here - in about a half day you can see all the sites. In some ways, this place reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg, but on a much smaller scale.
