Outer Banks Shopping

The Cotton Gin has been a coastal shopping tradition for more than 50 years. The original Cotton Gin has stood in the same location in Jarvisburg since 1929, starting as a working cotton gin and growing into a gift store with four locations. The store's primary location in Jarvisburg currently is being rebuilt following a fire, but there's a Pop-Up location nearby in the meantime. The Cotton Gin's other locations in Corolla, Duck and Nags Head offer visitors the same unique shopping experience that the establishment is known for. You’ll find resort fashion for men and women from fine designers like Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Habitat and Simply Southern. Other top accessory designers include Pandora, Vera Bradley and Spartina 449. They also offer home fashions, candles, books, garden accessories and products for the gourmet kitchen. The Cotton Gin stores also sell the wines of their sister business, Sanctuary Vineyards. In-store tastings of their many locally grown wine varieties are available.

With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites is a well-known retail powerhouse on the Outer Banks. Their Ocracoke location boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as flags, toys, boomerangs and games. You’ll find a wide selection of Outer Banks gear, beach sportswear and footwear from Crocs, Chaco, Hey Dude, Southern Fried and Life is Good apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, outdoor clothing, sunglasses and more. Look for the shop in Community Square, right in the heart of the village along Silver Lake Harbor.

Start your visit to Manteo at Silver Bonsai Gallery, right along the main highway. Each visit is an opportunity to enter an inspiring world of fine art, fine craft, one-of-a-kind jewelry and stunning bonsai specimens. Owners Ben and Kathryn Stewart began this adventure 24 years ago as a place to feature beautifully handcrafted jewelry, local art and distinctive gifts. It’s also home to their goldsmithing studio, and you will find them and their talented team regularly crafting jewelry from sterling, gold and platinum. Their world-renowned Modern Heirloom® collection, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century jewelry, features hand-engraved detailing and stunning craftsmanship as well as elegant engagement and wedding rings. Named among the nation’s top 25 fine art and craft galleries, Silver Bonsai is a celebration of American-made fine art and craft, including locally and regionally crafted paintings, ceramics, woodwork and glass as well as bonsai trees and supply. The owners and staff look forward to helping you find the perfect treasure.

Walking to Village Craftsmen is almost as much fun as visiting the store. It's at the end of live-oak covered, historic Howard Street, about a block from the harbor. This gallery, run by island natives since 1970, features exquisite traditional and contemporary American-made crafts. You'll find pottery, blown glass, stained glass, wooden kitchen items, musical instruments, lamps, bells, jewelry in a variety of price ranges, hand-carved birds and much more. While you are there, you can also get information about their Ocracoke Ghost and History Tours.