Outer Banks Souvenirs

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.

Home of the "Saltiest Gagger You'll Ever Swaller," Sticky Bottom Oyster Company is the storefront of an oyster farm of the same name that's located in Sandy Bay in Pamlico Sound. They farm Henry triploid oysters and sort and tumble them every week to ensure the best possible product. Stop by the storefront in Hatteras village to pick up oysters that were harvested fresh from the oyster farm, which are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also sell Sticky Bottom gear like tote bags, t-shirts, tumblers, hats and more. If you're interested to see how oyster farms work, sign up for an Oyster Farm Tour, which last about two hours and involve a boat trip out into the sound. Call for details or to book your tour.