Explore History at the Elizabethan Gardens in North Carolina

Take a step back in time to a golden age in English history when you visit the Elizabethan Gardens in North Carolina. Come enter the time period when Queen Elizabeth I was the reigning monarch of England, and the first English colony attempted to settle in America. Explore the adventure, history, and sparkling blue ocean views in the Outer Banks when you book one of Atlantic Realty?s vacation rentals. The Outer Banks has something for all interests, and the Elizabethan Gardens are the perfect vacation activity for history buffs.

The History Behind the Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are a memorial to the Roanoke colonists who lived on the site 400 years ago. This was the first English colony on American soil, but it did not last long. Shortly after the first English person was born in America, her grandfather returned to England for more supplies. He returned to find the colony abandoned and to this day, nobody is sure what happened to them.

During this time, Queen Elizabeth l was the ruler of England and the gardens are as authentic to that period as possible. Construction of the Elizabethan Gardens began on June 2, 1953, which is the exact date of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Elizabethan Gardens opened to the public on August 18, 1960, which was the birthday of Virginia Dare, the first English person to be born in America.

Top 7 Things To Do at the Elizabethan Gardens

1. Since the Elizabethan Gardens are part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, this is an excellent place for bird-watching.
2. Admire the gorgeous bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I. Her parents were the controversial King Henry VIII, and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Queen Elizabeth?s 45-year reign was among the most popular in English history.  
3. Visit the marble statue of Virginia Dare that Maria Louise Lande sculpted in 1859.
4. Explore the Sunken Garden, which features an antique fountain with stonework from 16th-century Italy.
5. Check the events page for upcoming events like the seasonal Virginia Dare birthday celebration. 
6. Tiny travelers can check out the John White Butterfly Center and Discovery Cottage.
7. Educational group tours are available for guests who want to experience the Elizabethan Gardens with guidance from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Plan your next vacation in a place booming with history and gorgeous ocean scenery. Book your stay today with Atlantic Realty and choose from our selection of luxury vacation rentals, with many options featuring amenities such as hot tubs and oceanfront pools.