Outer Banks Shopping

Outer Banks Boarding Co. is a boardrider's paradise with friendly and knowledgeable staff and a great selection of equipment for surfing, bodyboarding, skateboarding and skimboarding. They rent surfboards of all kinds that are suitable for all skill levels – from the novice soft-top longboard to the board for the seasoned pro looking for the newest in surfboard technology. OBBC also has an in-house expert shaper with more than 40 years of experience for advice on the best board for your individual needs and skill level. They pride themselves on providing great customer service. Follow them on Facebook and outerbanksthisweek.com to get their first-on-the-beach surf report every day in season. OBBC has a huge selection of name-brand surf and streetwear as well as accessories for men, women and children, and don't forget to pick up a local t-shirt or hat with the OBBC logo. Drop in and get stoked!

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.

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. 

Don’t you hate it when people say that chocolate fudge is sinful? Sometimes it’s just a necessity. The Fudgery’s creamy concoctions can satisfy any sweet tooth. Your mind will be boggled at the variety of flavors from dark chocolate to peanut butter to rocky road, even New Orleans praline. The fudge is all theatrically prepared right in front of your eyes on marble slabs and served by the thick slice. Check out their Chiller Fudge – it’s the perfect way to enjoy the treat on a hot summer day. You choose from 20 flavors of ice cream then the fudge or other sweets to add to it, and they mix it right up in front of you.

TRiO Restaurant & Market is a vibrant dining and retail destination with an inviting, upscale-casual vibe that sets it apart from other places on the Outer Banks. With both a restaurant and gourmet market, TRiO offers the best from the worlds of food, wine, beer and cheese for your enjoyment on the premises or in the comfort of your home. In the retail shop you’ll find a thoughtful selection of gourmet foods, local and worldly wines, nearly every style of craft beer imaginable and artisanal cheeses that are hand-cut to order. The restaurant serves casual fare with local and international influences for lunch, brunch and dinner.  Choose from salads, handhelds, cheese and charcuterie boards, small plates and main entrees featuring fresh regional ingredients. A large selection of rotating craft brews awaits you at their copper-top bar. The extensive wine choices include more than 100 wines by the glass or bottle and a reserve list of some of the world’s most sought after wines. In the upstairs mezzanine you’ll find comfortable lounge and table seating with a tasting bar where you can enjoy weekly wine, beer and cheese tastings or host a private event. Outdoor seating is available on the front patio and in the backyard.