File:Mirlo Beach, Rodanthe, Outer Banks, North Carolina, Highway 12 (14267953398).jpg

Rodanthe is an unincorporated community located in Dare County, North Carolina, on Hatteras Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Rodanthe, along with Waves and Salvo, are part of the settlement of Chicamacomico. Rodanthe includes the original Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, decommissioned in 1954, but now a museum.

Rodanthe is served by North Carolina Highway 12 which runs north/south through town. The Chicamacomico area is bordered to the north by Pea Island NWR and to the south by Cape Hatteras NS, a situation which limits potential growth. The town is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Pamlico Sound to the West.

Rodanthe is the easternmost point of North Carolina. It is famous for its observation of "Old Christmas" on January 6, formerly Christmas, December 25, by the Julian Calendar, a custom held over from the original English settlers who still used the "Old Style" calendar. A mythical beast, "Old Buck"—possibly related to Belsnikel or Krampus who are Companions of Saint Nicholas in Central European Christmas festivities—is said to appear at the celebration.

Many of Rodanthe's restaurants, shops and markets are seasonal with many closing during the winter months and reopening the following spring. Many of these are family-owned, rather than chain franchises. Provisions can still be purchased on the Outer Banks during the winter months, but a short drive south to the town of Avon or north to Nags Head is required.

There are only two motels within the larger settlement of Chicamacomico. There are, however, three inns or bed and breakfasts on the island of Hatteras ("The Inn on Pamlico Sound", "Cape Hatteras Bed and Breakfast", and the "Seaside Inn".) There are numerous rental houses, large and small, as well as numerous campgrounds ranging from deluxe to rustic ("Camp Hatteras", "Ocean Waves", "Cape Hatteras KOA", etc.). Several smaller campgrounds cater to water sports enthusiasts. Local water sports include fishing, kayaking (both ocean and sound-side), swimming, sailboarding and kiteboarding, among others.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodanthe,_North_Carolina" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodanthe,_North_Carolina</a>