The Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center takes in another aspect of the islands history. Long before the Outer Banks was a vacation hot spot, it was home for many Native Americans. Included in the museum is a dugout canoe and tools found on the grounds, as well as displays on Native American cultures throughout the United States. Native American arts and crafts can be purchased in the gift shop. The Center is also host to the Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow.
Best Science Lesson: North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, Manteo, 252-473-3494
Why not learn about the ocean while you are at the ocean? But do not worry, kids; this museum is not all about learning, just mostly. The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island is home to the largest saltwater tank in North Carolina. While many aquariums now have a touch tank to interact with sea creatures, this aquarium takes the experience one step further; with advanced reservations, you can feed the animals you usually only get to touch. Other special programs, including the the chance to take in the weekly feeding of the sharks, are also available.
Best Place to Dream about Hidden Treasure: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Hatteras, 252-986-2995
So what if all of the boats do not contain hidden treasure. It might just be that none of the shipwrecks off the coast have hidden treasure, but maybe the do. Who did not grow up dreaming of finding that hidden treasure? While most of us will never have the chance to attempt deep sea treasure hunting, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum gives a glimpse into why the Outer Banks got the title “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Included in the list of ships at the bottom of the ocean in the area are Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, German U-boats, and maybe even pirate ships or two. I could tell you that you don't really have any hope of finding treasure, but I won't. Hey, I'm not going to keep you from dreaming.
Best "Best Things in Life Are Free" Attraction: Fishing ships unloading their catch, Hatteras Village Marinas, Hatteras, NC
Here is a sight that will make you feel reassured that, in fact, the best things in life are free. Make your way to the Hatteras Village Marinas between 4:00 and 5:00 P.M. and find yourself a good spot to watch the local fishing boats unload their day's catches. Most of the fish you will see will be wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi. While the big game fish such as saltfish are all catch and release for these business ships, they will fly a flag for each of the sport fish they had managed to catch during the day, so look close to see them. You did not really come on vacation to drive go-karts around all night, did you?
Best Historical Mystery: Lost Colony Outdoor Drama and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, 252-473-3414 and 252-473-5772
Over 400 years ago, the first English colony in the United States was founded on Roanoke Island and, shortly after it was founded in 1587, leader John White returned to England for what he assumed would be a three month resupply mission. It turned into a three year excursion after his ship was confiscated by the British Navy to wage war against Spain. Once he did return, he found the colony deserted, and the word "Croatoan," referring to the local Native American tribe, carved into a post of the fort. To this day, the disappearance of the colonists remains unsolved. The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama retells the story of the missing settlers in the Waterside Theater of Roanoke Island, while the National Historic Site is a 513 acre park built to remember the 116 settlers who disappeared.
Best Place to Spread your Wings: Wright Brothers Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, 252-441-7430
On December 17th, 1903, Orville Wright climbed into the Wright Flyer that he and his brother, Wilbur, had constructed, and became the first person to fly a controlled, powered, and heavier-than-air flight. Now, over 100 years later, people zip all over the world in airplanes, but it all started on the sand dunes of Kill Devil Hills. The visitor center houses full size replications of the 1903 Wright Flyer, as well as the 1902 Glider. Best of all, it is a great place to take the family and not spend a lot of cash. Visitors 16 and over get in for just a few dollars for a seven day pass. Everyone 15 and under is free.
Best Place to Find Something You Will Not Find in History Books: The Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island, Maneto, 252-475-1506
