Sleeps 5 on Roanoke Island-Manteo, NC - Tranquil Inn

We have been riveted here on the West Coast watching Hurricane Irene threaten our Eastern neighbors. Our family has especially been watching the charming little town of Manteo, North Carolina on historic Roanoke Island, where we vacationed just ten days ago. We have seen pictures of local denizens traversing the streets on boats instead of cars, boarded up windows of the shops, and the water surrounding the Full Moon Cafe where we dined al fresco--I can still taste the Shrimp and Grits and the chocolate Lava Cake. We are all aware of the damage wreaked on the Outerbanks of the North Carolina Coast, but that said, many of these picturesque and historic villages like Manteo will need tourism to resume as soon as possible.
To that end, I would like to give a plug to the Tranquil Inn (www.1587.com)located on the water right in the middle of town. Our family stayed in Room 35 which has two queen beds and a pull out sofa. This is one of the few establishments on the entire island that can house a family of five. Our room had lovely nautical views from each window. Complimentary continental breakfast was served each morning, a wine and cheese reception was provided in the late afternoon. The Tranquil Inn is also home to one of the nicest restaurants in the county. Overall, the name of the inn is accurate to the general feeling of the place and the town itself. We truly enjoyed the slow, friendly pace of life.
Local attractions include the Elizabethan Gardens (bring mosquito repellent or buy the little wipes in the gift store), the Lost Colony exhibit or see the Production of the Lost Colony against the picturesque back drop of Albemarle Sound. Walk the nature preserve boardwalk circumnavigating Roanoke Island Festival Park and as you cross the little bridge to reach the park look in the water for the blue needlefish swimming below.
As you make your plans consider checking the town's website at www.townofmanteo.com for updates on the conditions of the town post Hurricane Irene.

Holly Jacobsen
Sleep5.com

Look! A Travel Contest for a Family of 5!

We're not so different now. There truly must be a trend toward having 3 children. In an earlier post, I linked to a travel news show that mentioned a "family of 5", and in magazines and on tv commercials I've been noticing product advertisements that include images of families with 3 kids.

But hotel and travel contests still usually specify airfare and/or accommodations for 4. I always imagine entering the contest and then winning and having to negotiate space for our 3rd child, or having to purchase an additional seat and paying to upgrade to a suite, or having to forego my prize altogether.

This week, the UK based tabloid, The Daily Mirror, and Aquafresh toothpaste are offering a contest for a family trip to London, but get this: the prize is for "one lucky family of 5"! I want to know which luxury London hotel is willing to accommodate a family of 5 for the overnight stay. That hotel needs to be included on Sleeps5, if it isn't already.

Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com