History of the Inn

First Colony Inn is trucked down the beach August, 1988

The calm peaceful atmosphere of the Outer Banks of North Carolina has attracted mainlanders since the turn of the 19th century. Nags Head, "the summer capital of Albemarle Society," emerged as the center of summer activity in the 1930's. Days were alive with sunbathing, fishing, boating and sight-seeing; nights were filled with dancing to big bands. It was in this era, in 1932, that the First Colony Inn was opened. With its wide two-story encircling verandas, the Shingle Style inn was known for many years as "the place to be" on the beach at Nags Head. An atmosphere of romance, charm and relaxation has always prevailed under its sweeping roof.

By the spring of 1988, the "Grand Old Lady" had fallen into disrepair and was in imminent danger of destruction. The property had changed hands and the encroaching Atlantic Ocean threatened to destroy the inn. After efforts had failed to save the inn and it appeared there was no hope, the Lawrence family stepped forward in a last-ditch effort. With roots deep in the area, they felt that the inn was too valuable for the community to lose. In August, 1988, after overcoming a myriad of obstacles, house-movers cut the building into three sections and reassembled it over three miles to the south.

In the three years of rehabilitation that followed, the exterior of the inn was returned to its original appearance, interiors were completely renovated, and modern conveniences were unobtrusively added. Traditional furnishings were selected to ensure modern comfort while maintaining the historic charm. Placed in the National Register of Historic Places, the First Colony Inn now stands on the coast at Nags Head as the sole-surviving "beach-style" hotel, welcoming new generations to the old-fashioned pleasures of the Outer Banks.

Awards and Certifications

Awarded the American Automobile Association Award (AAA) 11 years in a row (1994 to Present).

Awarded the Gertrude Carroway Preservation for historic preservation by the Historic Preservation Foundation of NC.

Awarded a Bronze Award for Landscaping by the Town of Nags Head.

The First Colony Inn building meets all NFPA standards for fire safety. We are a 100% sprinkler protected establishment.

Reservation and Cancellation Policies

Reservations / Advance Deposits: Upon booking a reservation a deposit of the first night's rent and taxes is due. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Reservations including a Friday, Saturday, or holiday are subject to a minimum length of stay.

Cancellations / Deposit Refunds: Refunds are made for reservations cancelled seven days or more prior to your arrival date. (Late arrivals and/or early departures are considered cancellations).

Reservation for a Specific Room: While we attempt to honor requests for specific rooms, they may not be available for your party. In that case you will be assigned to a very similar room with the same bed arrangement. Note that we sometimes acquire new furniture or move furniture around as you do at home. Your room may not be exactly as shown in the pictures on this website or other promotional material. We hope that you will prefer any alternate arrangement.

Check In / Check Out: Check in after 3:00 P.M. Please telephone on the day of your scheduled arrival if you will be arriving after 10:00 P.M. so that we may give you some instructions. Check out time is 11:00 A.M.

Smoke-Free Environment: The First Colony Inn maintains a smoke-free environment. A cleaning charge will be assessed if there has been smoking in a guest room.

Pets: Pets are not permitted at the Inn, but we can recommend a local kennel.

Driving Directions

First Colony Inn
6720 South Virginia Dare Trail
Mile Post 16
Nags Head, NC 27959

From points north (Washington, DC):

• Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA
• Turn on to I-64 East and continue to Norfolk, VA
• Turn on to US 168 South (Exit 291-B) and continue
• US 168 turns into US 158 East in North Carolina
• First Colony Inn is on the left side of US 158 at Mile Post 16 (16 miles from the end of the long bridge after you cross to the Outer Banks)

From points west (Raleigh, NC):

• Follow US-64 East through Rocky Mount, Williamston, and Manteo, NC
• Continue on US-64 East crossing over the bridge to the beach
• Proceed through the traffic light on US 158 West (you are actually traveling north)
• First Colony Inn is one (1) mile from the traffic light on the right just past a store called the Farmer's Daughter