Outer Banks Shopping

Established in 1984, Buxton Village Books makes its home in a Civil War-era island cottage. Sometime in the 1960s this vintage kitchen house was floated up the shoreside of Pamlico Sound from Hatteras village, hauled up the cart path from Buxton Harbor and placed in its current location along N.C. Highway 12. Owner Gee Gee Rosell has a welcoming smile and great taste in books. Prepare to spend some time browsing, as every room offers more titles than you would imagine finding in a bookstore at the beach. In addition to a surprising number of selections in the young adult and health/awareness sections, look for new releases in fiction and nonfiction along with cookbooks, local interest books, a great selection of Southern and contemporary fiction, mysteries, a well-stocked adventure section with many books recommended by Outside magazine, field guides, unique greeting cards and journals. There is truly something for everyone here. Buxton Village Books offers a great selection in a charming space and has an easy to navigate website so you can shop local when you’re not on Hatteras Island. The shop is open year-round, and the interior has recently been renovated. Ebooks, online ordering and shipping are available.

This little market has everything you need to stock up for charcuterie night or pack the picnic basket. You'll find meats, cheeses, crackers, pickles, hummus, local honey, nuts, Mackeys Ferry Peanuts, locally made jams and jellies and other gourmet food items. Plus they have tasty sweets, including the regionally famous handmade fudge from Mackeys Ferry Peanuts. Upstairs in this shop you'll find an assortment of locally made soaps, candles, crocheted items and much more from local artists and crafters. The owners of this shop, the Cheshires, have given the store a charming Alice in Wonderland theme, and your little ones will love the tea party table.

Moonraker Tea Shop sells fresh-brewed hot and iced teas to go, and you can choose from a selection of 275-plus teas. They sell loose-leaf tea, including flavored black teas, green teas, oolongs and orthodox teas. You'll also find herbs, spices and gift items at their location in Spencer's Market. You can shop on their website, and they offer shipping.