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.

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.