Outer Banks Shopping

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 and museum tours 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.

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!

This beach road gallery is a destination for one-of-a-kind works of art. The owners, Christine and Gilbert, specialize in acrylic pours and resin art as well as woodworking and fractal burning (using 10,000 volts of electricity to create designs in wood). Their eclectic art and eccentric pieces include a wide range of must-see items — charcuterie boards, cutting boards, river tables, custom glass water pipes, candles stash jars, ash trays, key chains and so much more. Christine describes it as a cross between an old school hippie shop and a beachy gift store. Stop by and see their artworks and ask them about custom commissions.

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.