Shopping In The Outer Banks Something For Everyone

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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The Outer Banks is a unique area in North Carolina, consisting of a strip of barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Affectionately known as "OBX" to those who travel there, the beautiful, rugged coastline consists of over 120 miles of sandy beaches and charming seaside towns. The prominent geographic areas include the Northern Beaches, the Roanoke Island area to the West, and the Hatteras Island area of the Southern beaches. Given the unspoiled and outdoorsy ambience of the area, it's no surprise that thanks to the beautiful scenery and the luxurious and affordable Outer Banks suites and hotels, this East Coast paradise has become a popular destination for tourists around the world.

In addition to hosting every water sport that you can imagine, the Outer Banks is an area rich in nautical and air history. You can explore the four famous lighthouses: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Ocracoke Lighthouse, and Bodie Lighthouse; Roanoke Island, home of the Lost Colony, and Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers launched their first flight. And after you steep yourself in history and sightseeing, you're going ...
... to want some souvenirs to take home so that you can remember the high points of your trip. Fortunately, the Outer Banks has wonderful shopping—there are shopping centers, art galleries, gift and specialty stores, and even an outlet mall. And when you are done touring and shopping, there are beautiful OBX resorts where you can relax at the spa and catch up on your sleep.

Traditional Shops for the Shopaholic

Scarborough Faire, located in the village of Duck, offers a beautifully landscaped, tree-lined area with interesting stores like The Rub-a-Dub Duck and Sooey's Barbecue and Rib Shack. Pamlico Station in Rodanthe, and Jockey's Ridge Crossing in Nags Head, offer T-shirts and souvenirs as well as gift shops, galleries, and beachwear.

The Outer Banks Mall, in Nags Head, is home to pizza places, Outer Banks Books, Dare Jewelers and other shopts. The Tanger Outlet Mall features stores such as Eddie Bauer, Gap, Polo, Hilfiger, Bass, Nine West, Coach and Gymboree.

Specialty Stores and Unique Boutiques to Suit Any Taste

Specialty stores are the backbone of Outer Banks' shopping. Various types of stores and boutiques run up and down the barrier reef. Some of the not-to-be-missed shops include:

Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head: kites; The Farmer's Daughter, multiple locations: country décor and great gifts; Nags Head Hammocks, multiple locations: the ultimate in hammocks and leisure living; Hattaras Island Toy Store, Avon: Toys and games; Kitty Hawk Sports, Duck and Nags Head: all things sports; Salty Paws Biscuits, Nags Head: treats baked especially for your pet
Culinary Duck, Duck: gourmet kitchen items, spices; Casablanca, Duck: java batik and Caribbean jewelry; Simply D'Vine Fine Artisan Chocolates, Kitty Hawk: molded and decorated imported chocolate; Islander Flags, Kitty Hawk: flags and banners; Manteo Blacksmith Shop, Manteo: a working shop featuring ornamental ironwork and blacksmith supplies; Scotch Bonnet Candies, Frisco: yummy treats including 25 varieties of fudge; The Old Gray House Gift & Shell Shop, Buxton: handmade shell craft gifts.

The Outer Banks is truly a shopper's paradise and those who visit find they don't come away from their vacation empty handed.

The OBX resorts are very special places of this planet. This article about Outer Banks suites explains it well.