One of the things that goes into creating a great community are the things that bring people out time and time again. In that sense the Outer Banks is a lot like every other small town in America–although stretched across 90 miles or so of shoreline.
There’s this one event in particular that just seems to epitomize that feeling . . . that feeling of community and continuity. The first Friday of every month, the town of Manteo host First Friday.
OK. The name’s not all that original, but the event is a wonderful combination of small town, street fair community gathering. Centered around the old courthouse–that’s now the Dare County Arts Council gallery, there’s live music on the steps of the courthouse, great art inside, food along the sidewalks and stores all staying open late.
It is so easy to forget sometimes, that quality of life is as much about slowing down as it is doing things, and with its small town feel and emphasis on taking a moment to speak to one another, Manteos First Friday has really become that moment to slow down.