Outer Banks Jewelry Shopping

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." 

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.

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.