Situated at the eastern edge of North Carolina and virtually surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean is the beautiful backdrop that is Dare County. Dare County is part of the state's Outer Banks Region, and consists of a long sliver of an island which is home to the county seat of Manteo. The county has a population of approximately 33,000 people, with other prominent communities such as Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Roanoke Island, Nags Head, and Hatteras within its boundaries.

The economic strength of Dare County is centered around tourism with the county's many pristine beaches, resorts, and other attractions attracting millions of visitors each year. The restored waterfront of Manteo is a hub of retail activity, while across the harbor, the Roanoke Island Festival Park hosts dozens of annual cultural events and activities.

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean's Croatan Sound, Roanoke Sound, Kitty Hawk Bay, Pamlico Sound, Albermarie Sound, and Alligator River, Dare County is a veritable aquatic paradise ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and other aquatic activities. Other attractions include the nearby Lost Colony, the first outdoor drama in the United States, and the majestic Elizabethan Gardens.