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 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.

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. 

Tucked in Gallery Row in Nags Head, Traveler’s Moon is a portal into something magical. Step inside and you’ll find shelves lined with crystals and meditation stones, tarot and oracle decks, sound-healing tools and wands, all curated to spark curiosity and connection. The apothecary side of the shop is just as inviting, with teas, essential oils, incense, sacred herbs and bath and body goods designed to soothe, restore and inspire. You’ll also find a thoughtful selection of books on astrology, meditation, natural remedies and crystal work, along with accessories like intention bracelets, earrings and necklaces that carry the same intentional, spiritual vibe. Beyond the retail space, Traveler’s Moon is all about soulful experiences. Their calendar is filled with creative workshops and classes, from soul journaling and sigil candle making to hands-on crafting and guided self-discovery sessions. They also offer personalized healing sessions.