Outer Banks Shopping

For a tasty treat, head to Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made-from-scratch ice cream plus sorbet and soft serve. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae – yum! Big Buck’s has an espresso bar and all the espresso-based coffee drinks you need to pick up your day. Handmade Belgian chocolate and fudge are made fresh daily, and they also accept custom orders for wedding favors, baby showers and other events. And don't forget the ice cream cake! They have a flavor for every occasion.

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.

OBX Bait and Tackle is an angler’s paradise. Conveniently located in Corolla’s Monteray Plaza to serve the northern beaches and beyond, OBX Bait and Tackle is a full-service tackle shop that specializes in freshwater and surf-fishing equipment along with rods and reels at all price levels, a wide variety of fresh and frozen bait, crabbing supplies and other necessities such as coolers, ice, soft drinks, sunglasses and sunscreen. You can even gear up on apparel with their extensive line of clothing that includes both souvenir t-shirts and fast-drying, UV-protective clothing from top brands such as Salt Life, Costa and Hux. OBX Bait and Tackle is the only shop on the northern beaches that carries fishing licenses, making it the perfect place for one-stop shopping. The folks at OBX Bait and Tackle can arrange offshore, nearshore and inshore fishing charters for everyone from the novice to the pro, and family groups are always welcome. Stop by, call ahead or visit their website for more information, and be sure to check out their free daily fishing reports.