• Saturday, October 26th

Enjoy a day at the Manteo waterfront and see wooden boats displayed in the water and on the grounds of the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum at this special event that pays homage to the region’s deep ties to maritime history and culture.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the public is welcome to head to the scenic docks of the downtown waterfront to enjoy the fine craftsmanship of both newly created vessels, as well as restored and historic wooden boats from generations past. Registration is open for craftsmen to show off their professionally built or restored wooden boats, including power, sail, and row or paddle, and all proceeds help with the local youth sailing program. Awards will be granted to favorite entries, which includes the “People’s Choice Award” as well as the coveted “H.A. Creef Award,” which is a perpetual award that is presented to the best overall boat. For spectators, the sheer array of wooden boats displayed throughout the area will be a treat that only adds to the overall charm and uniqueness of a downtown Manteo exploration. With lots of reasons to participate - or just to take a stroll and enjoy the show - it’s no wonder that the Wooden Boat Show has become a favorite event for residents and fall visitors alike.

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Welcome to the home of the happy oyster where for over 35 years the oyster has been our world. The Outer Banks only authentic oyster bar is the place to enjoy sensational fare from the sea washed down with your favorite brew or cocktail. We serve by the peck, pound, and dozen, raw or steamed to perfection. Kicked back casual, down to earth friendly staff, and reasonable prices make Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar the all-time favorite of locals and travelers alike.

The idea wasn’t to set out and establish a new concept restaurant on the Outer Banks, but that’s exactly what Awful Arthur’s owner Jo Whitehead and her late husband, Jay, accomplished more than 35 years ago when they opened the area’s first authentic oyster bar.

 

Awful Arthur’s opened in May 1984 on the Outer Banks. “We embraced the concept of an authentic copper top bar with the idea of it being a major drawing card and it still is,” explains Whitehead. “I get oysters wherever they are local. We follow the warm waters.” 

 

Just across from the ocean, in Kill Devil Hills, oyster season is year-round at Awful Arthur’s. Diners can take a seat at the copper-topped bar to observe the staff shucking oysters, served raw or steamed, along with shrimp, crab legs and clams all steamed to perfection. 

 

It’s not just the raw bar that’s earned Awful Arthur’s both local and national recognition, including being named one of America’s greatest oyster bars by Coastal Living magazine. The restaurant is a seafood-lover’s paradise, offering the freshest catches available.