Outer Banks Shopping

Artsy Octopus is a collective gallery showcasing the work of more than 60 artists from North Carolina and Virginia. You'll find local paintings and photographs, stained glass, gourmet foods, gifts, jewelry, sea glass jewelry and more in their gallery on the Beach Road in Nags Head, close to Jennette's Pier. If you're looking for a fun activity, Artsy Octopus offers art classes and art parties, including resin art and resin-pouring, jewelry making and paint and sip. Kids love their pick-and-paint projects on canvas, ceramics or wood; these can be done in the gallery or you can take a kit home. Artsy Octopus also offers private art parties and custom surfboard painting.

Celebrating more than 40 years as an Outer Banks shopping mecca, Birthday Suits is a favorite for swimwear – in fact, it’s been voted Best on the Beach for swimsuits for more than 10 years in local polls. Women's swimsuits are the specialty here – the latest styles for all ages, mix-and-match separates, bra-sized swimwear and mastectomy suits – but they also sell suits for kids and men. For kids there’s everything from swim diapers and toddler suits to board shorts and competition swimwear in sizes infant to preteen. Men will find surf trunks, board shorts and briefs from sizes 28 to 4X large. Don’t forget the sun-protective rash guards for kids and adults. Birthday Suits is a clothing store, too, with designer and California surf brands, sportswear, shoes and beach-inspired accessories like sunglasses, flip flops, hats, jewelry and purses. Love the OBX logo? You’ll find original OBX brand accessories and clothing here. The flagship store is on the Bypass in Kill Devil Hills.

Celebrating more than 40 years as an Outer Banks shopping mecca, Birthday Suits is a favorite for swimwear – in fact, it’s been voted Best on the Beach for swimsuits for more than 10 years in local polls. Women's swimsuits are the specialty here – the latest styles for all ages, mix-and-match separates, bra-sized swimwear and mastectomy suits – but they also sell suits for kids and men. For kids there’s everything from swim diapers and toddler suits to board shorts and competition swimwear in sizes infant to preteen. Men will find surf trunks, board shorts and briefs from sizes 28 to 4X large. Don’t forget the sun-protective rash guards for kids and adults. Birthday Suits is a clothing store, too, with designer and California surf brands, sportswear, shoes and beach-inspired accessories like sunglasses, flip flops, hats, jewelry and purses. Love the OBX logo? You’ll find original OBX brand accessories and clothing here. The flagship store is on the Bypass in Kill Devil Hills.

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.

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.

Gulf Stream Gifts carries a wonderful selection of 14 karat gold, sterling silver and costume jewelry with a nautical flair. Featured designers are Charles Albert, Vera Wolf, Marahlago and Goddess Designs as well as North Carolina artists. Their jewelry features a variety of stones such as larimar, lab opals, amethyst, abalone and turquoise as well as Outer Banks sea glass. Gulf Stream also carries home decor such as mermaid prints by Robert Kline, metal art, sea glass pictures, books by local writer Suzanne Tate, Jim Shore figurines and more. The shop owners and staff have been serving Outer Banks shoppers for nearly 35 years. Their motto is "May all who enter as guests leave as friends." 

Mermaid’s Folly stocks affordable and tasteful casual clothing for dress up or dress down. This fun shop boasts a large selection of men's and women’s fine casual clothing, along with quality unisex t-shirts, comfortable dresses, sarongs, carefree ladies-cut tees, flowing skirts and soft pants. Accessorize with beaded jewelry, scarves, totes and handbags or a hat from their well-stocked shelves.

Escape the ordinary and surround yourself with luxury at this longtime favorite specialty shop in downtown Manteo. For the chic woman who likes to look simply elegant whether she's in the city or a relaxed location like the Outer Banks, Nest offers high-quality luxury lifestyle clothing brands like CP Shades, Frank & Eileen, Juliet Dunn and Wilt, along with pants by Equestrian, which Nest owner Nancy Seitz promises will be the best pants you've ever worn. Nest also offers everything you need to put together that stunning, effortless look, including distinctive artisan jewelry, cashmere by White + Warren, chic straw hats by Flora Bella and Lola and handbags imported from France. The shop smells so heavenly that you'll certainly want to treat yourself to one or more of the lush fragrances, soaps and personal care products imported from Portugal, Italy and France. Part of the shop is dedicated to home goods and table-top accessories, including block-print table linens from India. You'll swoon over this curated mix of goods so make some time for lingering.

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks with a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge, stories and history. The museum also offers a mid-week Kids Kraft program for kids. This interactive program is fun and informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.

Ride The Wind Surf Shop is your ultimate destination on Ocracoke Island for all things surf and beach. Whether you’re searching for stylish swimwear, beach apparel, the perfect pair of sunglasses or comfortable footwear, they have you covered. They carry the top brands across all categories, and the full list is available online. Exciting new brands for 2024 include Florence Marine X, Critical Slide Society, Turtlebox, Blenders Eyewear, Almond Surfboards and Xtratuf. Ride the Wind is the only Ocracoke source for Neso Beach Tents and Shibumi Beach Shades. Also check out their exclusive Ocracoke-inspired clothing line, Wococon. Looking to get on the water? Visit their outdoor adventure kiosk on the harbor, directly across from the shop, for hourly, daily and weekly rentals for all your watersport rental needs. You can also stop by or call to schedule surf lessons and kayak tours. They're also very excited to announce their brand-new rental fleet of Priority bicycles. Stop by, visit the website or give them a call to book.

This little market has everything you need to stock up for charcuterie night or pack the picnic basket. You'll find meats, cheeses, crackers, pickles, hummus, local honey, nuts, Mackeys Ferry Peanuts, locally made jams and jellies and other gourmet food items. Plus they have tasty sweets, including the regionally famous handmade fudge from Mackeys Ferry Peanuts. Upstairs in this shop you'll find an assortment of locally made soaps, candles, crocheted items and much more from local artists and crafters. The owners of this shop, the Cheshires, have given the store a charming Alice in Wonderland theme, and your little ones will love the tea party table.

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.

TW’s Bait and Tackle, located in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, has been locally owned and operated for 40 years. They are the anglers’ landmark destinations for the latest and greatest selection of inshore, offshore, surf and freshwater tackle. Each location is a full-service tackle shop offering quality tackle from top manufacturers such as Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Z-Man, Berkley Gulp, MirrOlure and Yeti, to name a few. When it comes to bait, TW’s has it covered from lively eels, bloodworms and minnows to fresh mullet and shrimp to a huge selection of frozen fish-catching delicacies. If you love offshore fishing, TW’s also carries Baitmasters ballyhoo, Islander Lures, Fathom and Bluewater Candy. They have fun and functional clothing for the whole family too, including brands such as Huk, Pelagic, Salty Crew, Costa, Avid, Drake, Marshwear, Aftco and Banded. They have a huge selection of Xtratuf boots. There’s a great collection of gifts as well, including Tervis, Swig, Mudpie and Yeti drinkware. TW’s custom t-shirts, sweats, hats and decals have been seen all over the country. TW’s is one-stop shopping for those who love to fish or just look like they do. The shops have a friendly atmosphere and a helpful, experienced staff. Stop by, purchase your license, weigh a fish and share your fishing story.