Busy day exploring the Outer Banks!
First, I walked around the Wright Brothers National Memorial where I saw granite markers for the first four flights, the tall memorial, and the sculpture depicting the first flight.
At the memorial, I saw an older couple in matching Penn State Nittany Lions shirts and struck up a conversation with them since that’s where my parents. Ends up, she has been coming to the Outer Banks for forty years! I asked for their suggestions on what to do today and followed their recommendations for the second half of my terrific day.
The top of Roanoke Island encompassed my second stop. Here, I saw the Elizabethan Garden and Fort Raleigh National Historic Park where I learned about the Lost Colony, the Algonquin people, and the Freedmen’s Colony. Lots of history, some of it very sad and painful, and many beautiful sights.
My final destination lead me to the town of Manteo where I saw a lighthouse, visited Roanoke Island Festival Park, and had crab cakes for dinner.
Granite markers for the first four flights.
Tall monument.
View of Orville and Wilbur with Roanoke Sound in the background.
Sculpture depicting the first flight. Monument on Big Kill Devil Hill in the background. I went to Kitty Hawk and found nothing about the Wright Brothers! They flew in the town of Kill Devil Hills and not Kitty Hawk according to what I’ve read.
Statue of Queen Elizabeth I.
Elizabethan Garden fountain.
Gazebo at the Elizabethan Garden. In the background is Roanoke Sound. Can you see the Wright Memorial?!
Roanoke Marshes Light.
Replica of a 16th Century boat which traveled from England to Roanoke. This boat actually sails! The crew takes it out at least twice a year.
Woodworking 16th Century style!
