Never been a fan of splitting the rockers on a Shovel, but man this bike is sweet!!!!!

 

The Carolina Girl and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary this year. We make it to the Outer Banks usually once a year and this year it worked out for a OBX trip.

We decided to do something totally different this year and glad we did. Instead of staying on the ocean side we stayed on Roanoke Island. We found the Roanoke Island Inn and WOW it was wonderful. It is an historic structure in a great location overlooking the lighthouse. It is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. A short drive to the east part of the island where the ship builders are located and the fishing boats come it. The hidden gem on the island is the Elizabethan Gardens. We still spent time on the OBX but just found the island so relaxing and enjoyable. We plan to return to the Inn again.

https://roanokeislandinn.com/


















The ride out was very nice. We were east of Raleigh when we started looking for a place to eat. We found a real gem that was excellent at a crazy cheap price!
























Usually our first stop is at the rest area after crossing the Alligator River just as you come on Roanoke Island. There Is this interesting cemetery.












The Inn has served as many things over it 100+year history. There was a beautiful library and sitting room that the quests shared to relax.




















A trivia question for everyone. What television series mentioned Manteo several times, and which star of that series later retired to and lived in Manteo?

The answer is the Andy Griffith Show and Andy himself.

Andy was personal friends with the family that owns the Inn. Prior to his death he donated his Koi Pond to them. They relocated it to the Inn along with his fish. I thought that was pretty cool.

 

A few other shots from the Inn





We love cats, and had a dog named Angus so this was special to us.
















The boardwalk was right across the street that takes you to the lighthouse, marina and around the downtown section. Absolutely beautiful area and so peaceful.







The breezeway was wonderful. We really enjoyed sitting out there.

 

Time for a walk around the area and get something to eat.

 

Cool little Lighthouse on the sound. Manteo has a long rich history of ship building.

 

Congrats on your 33rd Anniversary!

I have a question, how does the Carolina Girl stay so slim and trim eating all that BBQ! lol

 

Where to eat on day 2?

I asked the Inn Keeper for that secret special place we would want to try for lunch. Much to my surprise it was not a close by fancy place. Instead we went to the southeast part of the island known as Wanchese to o’Neals. If you are planning a trip to OBX stop here on the way over for lunch. You can thank me later!

 

dang, eye candy overload

 

A real treat was the British influence on the island and the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens.

We spent about two hours walking through. It’s right on the sound and could not have been prettier weather that day.

There is a fee to enter, but not much and we’ll worth it.



























































We love the Eastern Bluebird. We have a family of them that have occupied a bird house at my shop for many years now.

 

Time to get out to the barrier islands.