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!

The closest tackle shop to the world-renowned surf-fishing at Cape Point (aka The Point), Red Drum Tackle Shop is also the oldest complete tackle shop at Cape Hatteras and an absolute legend on the Hatteras Island fishing scene. Open since 1974 and run by fishermen for fishermen, Red Drum is family-owned and operated by longtime local anglers Kara and Bobby Eakes, who are known for their recreational beach access advocacy. They offer bait, including fresh bait daily, and all the tackle, rods and reels you could need, including specialized tackle, rods and reels that were created based on the Eakes’ feedback to the tackle industry. You can also get custom rods, ice, camping supplies, expert local fishing advice from people who truly know these waters and service that is second to none. Check the real-time tide chart on the website before heading out. It’s open daily.

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. 

Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine in Duck is the perfect casual spot to hang out. As a full-service coffee shop it offers many of the coffee and espresso drinks you love, plus pastries, muffins, bagels and other treats. A large selection of craft beer and wine makes it simple to enjoy the tree-shaded deck with a draft beer or glass of wine. You can also mix-and-match a six-pack or grab a bottle of wine to go. Sweet T’s serves light snacks and features a selection of wraps and salads from The Salad Bowl. Live music is offered occasionally in the late afternoons and evenings, and wine and beer tastings are held regularly. They have free WiFi too. In season, they're open seven days a week. Off-season days vary, but visitors will generally find them open every day except Sunday.

There’s no question that Ocracoke is an angler’s paradise. When you’re ready to sink a line, head here for a complete line of bait and tackle for inshore, offshore and surf fishing. They also offer fishing advice, current fishing reports and equipment for other activities such as clamming and crabbing. You'll find lots of visitor information here too. Follow recent catches on their Facebook page or website. They’re open daily spring through fall.