Manteo Candlelight History Tour with Police Chief

Chief D'Ambra has clearly won over visitors with his infectious passion for Manteo's history. Reviewers consistently praise his encyclopedic knowledge and storytelling ability, noting how he weaves together distant past and present in ways that keep everyone engaged, including teenagers and young children. The evening tours have a special atmosphere with real lanterns adding to the ambiance, and guests appreciate learning about surprising historical "firsts" connected to Roanoke Island, plus fun tidbits like the Andy Griffith/Mayberry connection and tales of shipwrecks and colonial history. One thing to know going in: this is more storytelling than a traditional sightseeing tour, since many historical sites no longer exist. Chief focuses on sharing fascinating facts and anecdotes rather than pointing out numerous buildings. Reviewers seem perfectly happy with this approach given his entertaining delivery and depth of knowledge, though it's worth setting expectations accordingly. Kids under 14 tour free, which families particularly appreciate. The overwhelming consensus is that this is a must-do experience for understanding the area's rich and often overlooked history.