Outer Banks Shopping

Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer, from the wind and waves to flat water adventures. At Kitty Hawk Surf Co., you can find a huge selection of new and used kayaks, kayaking gear and equipment, standup paddleboards, surfboards, Zap skim boards, wetsuits and more. You can also find top selections of surfwear, sportswear and footwear brands including Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, Volcom, Roxy, Vissla, Reef, Patagonia and many others. As the only Outer Banks Hobie Kayak retailer, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. can also help you out with your kayak fishing needs, whether you need to buy or rent a kayak or pick up simple accessories for your excursion. They even offer kayak fishing charters, in which knowledgeable guides help you catch red drum, speckled trout, flounder and more. 

TW’s Bait and Tackle, located in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, has been locally owned and operated for 40 years. They are the anglers’ landmark destinations for the latest and greatest selection of inshore, offshore, surf and freshwater tackle. Each location is a full-service tackle shop offering quality tackle from top manufacturers such as Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Z-Man, Berkley Gulp, MirrOlure and Yeti, to name a few. When it comes to bait, TW’s has it covered from lively eels, bloodworms and minnows to fresh mullet and shrimp to a huge selection of frozen fish-catching delicacies. If you love offshore fishing, TW’s also carries Baitmasters ballyhoo, Islander Lures, Fathom and Bluewater Candy. They have fun and functional clothing for the whole family too, including brands such as Huk, Pelagic, Salty Crew, Costa, Avid, Drake, Marshwear, Aftco and Banded. They have a huge selection of Xtratuf boots. There’s a great collection of gifts as well, including Tervis, Swig, Mudpie and Yeti drinkware. TW’s custom t-shirts, sweats, hats and decals have been seen all over the country. TW’s is one-stop shopping for those who love to fish or just look like they do. The shops have a friendly atmosphere and a helpful, experienced staff. Stop by, purchase your license, weigh a fish and share your fishing story.   

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.