Located on the southern tip of Roanoke Island, archaeological evidence shows that Wanchese was the site of the first fishing village on the island, and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Named after the last known ruler of the Roanoke Native American Tribe, this small, sleepy fishing village has tons of history and a population of just over 2,000. If you are looking for a quiet North Carolina coastal town you won't find one much better than this one. Fishing isn't just a hobby in this little village but it is a way of life and integrated into everything.
Located at the southernmost tip, it's opposite of the more popular beach town to the north, Manteo. While residents and visitors are only a short drive away from all the attractions, Wanchese is a world apart from the commercialized and touristy Outer Banks. It's a quiet fishing village, but it doesn't stay quiet all the time. As much as we love the pristine beaches of white sand, natural wonders, and other attractions in the Outer Banks, sometimes it is nice to get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful calm of the ocean. That is what you can expect to find in Wanchese.
Wanchese is home to the North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park, as the mid-point of the east coast in the United States, it's a major fishing hub. So expect to see plenty of boats coming and going out to sea. Just imagine all the tasty seafood that is aboard those ships. yum!
There is an undeniable charm with little coastal fishing villages. If you grew up around these types of towns the scenery is incredibly nostalgic.
The best part is you can even visit to see all the action for yourself. From flounder boats, shrimp trawlers, and huge vessels embarking on a journey along the eastern seaboard and coastal waterways of North Carolina. Many boats leave for weeks at a time and then return, supplying some of the freshest catch to many Outer Banks restaurants.
The sound of the waves gently rocking the boats, the caw of seagulls, and the wind coming off of the Atlantic are just some of the simple pleasures from Wanchese. Breathe deep in the salty air and enjoy this peaceful place in North Carolina.
For those who live in Wanchese, and maybe even generations of fisherman...fishing is more than a way of life, it's in their blood. A visit to this quiet, sleepy town that seems a million miles away allows you to gaze in on a whole other world, a whole other way of life.
While the village of Wanchese is quite simple in and of itself, you're only a few minutes away from major attractions of Roanoke Island and Manteo - Elizabethan Gardens, NC Aquarium, Fort Raleigh, and Bodie Island Lighthouse. If you want to get away from the world for a bit, take a trip to Wanchese.
If you are like us and you find yourself falling more and more in love with this little fishing village then why not stay for a little bit longer? This stunning cottage is the perfect place for a coastal getaway. This idyllic seaside cottage has been updated and you can't ask for a better location. Only 200 yards from a boat ramp and 15 minutes from the beach you will be close enough to everything you could want and yet far enough away to find a peaceful retreat. For more information or to book a night please visit this fishing village retreat cottage Airbnb page.
Wow, it seems like such a quaint, idyllic place...and there's probably some really amazing seafood too! Have you visited Wanchese before? We just can't get over just how beautiful this little North Carolina coastal town is.
If you love the coastal villages of North Carolina, these ten ocean towns in North Carolina are not only charming but unique!
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