Outer Banks Shopping

In a charming restored 1950s Hatteras cottage, Blue Pelican Gallery offers an eclectic mix of artwork, most of it local. Owner/artist Jennifer Johnson is a native Hatteras Islander, and her photography reflects her love of the area. She also has several lines of locally handcrafted jewelry like her own ocean-inspired resin pendant necklaces and glass-beaded jewelry. Blue Pelican is also home to an ever-changing assortment of gifts and artwork from other local, regional, North Carolina and American artists and artisans, including laser-cut and engraved seasonal and wall decor. Hatteras Island's only local yarn shop is two colorful rooms chock full of yarn, notions, needles and hooks, and you can even find spinning, weaving and felting supplies here. Blue Pelican also offers a fun selection of upcycled art pieces. They offer online shopping on their website. Look for this gallery in the heart of Hatteras.

The Cotton Gin has been a coastal shopping tradition for more than 50 years. With locations in Corolla, Duck and Nags Head, this beloved local store is a favorite shopping destination for both locals and visitors. 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 sell the wines of their sister business, Sanctuary Vineyards, which is based in Currituck County. In-store tastings of their many locally grown wine varieties are available.

With stores all along the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk Kites is an OBX tradition for families and adventure seekers. The Kitty Hawk Kites in Ocracoke is a family-friendly destination for kids and those who are still kids at heart. Check out their impressive offerings of kites, beach games, toys, Outer Banks apparel, wind art and more. In addition to some of the best toys and games for your vacation, you’ll find a wide selection of Outer Banks gear, beach sportswear and footwear, Life is Good apparel, sunglasses and more. Look for the KHK shop in Community Square, right in the heart of the village along Silver Lake Harbor. 

Spry Creek is one of the highlights of the Historic Corolla Village and is owned by deeply rooted Outer Banker Karen Scarborough Whitfield and her husband, John. In 2004 the couple transformed Karen's father's garage workshop into a charming shop complete with the building's original bay doors and concrete flooring. Customers are drawn to Spry Creek's jewelry selections, including Outer Banks sea glass jewelry, Joan Corbell's authentic shipwreck jewelry, Ron Vick rings and the popular On U collection from Richmond. New in the shop is a selection of quality ladies' apparel. Spry Creek also features local art, Outer Banks Candle Co. candles, a nice selection of North Carolina-made pottery, colorful hand-painted ceramics by Donna Toohey and ceramic house numbers. The shop also offers French table linens, Avalin sweaters made in Brooklyn, NY, stylish sun protection hats by Shihreen, USA-made Solmate socks, French market baskets, wind chimes, handmade soaps – and the list goes on. Be sure to look for Karen’s father’s workbench, which came out of Penny’s Hill Lifesaving Station. Spry Creek is named after a deep-water creek just north of the shop where local fishermen and hunters used to keep their boats and a local crabber still does.