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Enjoy one of the most scenic corners of the Outer Banks while joining in the fun of one of the longest-running festivals in Manteo by attending the annual Dare Day Festival. This full-day event is held along the downtown waterfront, and features a wide array of activities and attractions that shine a spotlight on the local Manteo culture. Throughout the day, there will also be a number of events designed for water and OBX lovers of all ages, including the now famous Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, the locally beloved “Anything that Floats but a Boat” Race, the Raingutter Regatta, a Kids Zone, and the annual competition for the best cake and pie in Dare County with a coveted blue ribbon prize.

The festival will also feature a number of kiddie rides, food and drinks, and evening entertainment courtesy of the North Tower Band at the Boathouse stage – which has a perfect setting along the waterfront boardwalk. With lots of arts, crafts, entertainment, and more throughout the day, the Annual Dare Day Festival is a celebration of everything that makes the Outer Banks outstanding.

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Welcome to the home of the happy oyster where for over 40 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.