Ocracoke Shopping
Ocracoke shops are distinctive and full of character.
You’ll often find the owners themselves tending their shops, reinforcing the unique vision that is found in each one. Many Ocracoke shops feature handcrafted local artwork. The best thing to do is to set out on foot or on a bicycle and just explore. Surprises will await you around every corner of Ocracoke village. Some of the shops are tucked back off the road, so keep your eyes open for a special find. For the necessities, there are tackle shops, a hardware store and a couple of small community grocery stores. Gas is available on the north end of Ocracoke village on Irvin Garrish Highway.
One of the most charming aspects of Ocracoke Island shopping is that so many of the shops are located in older island homes that have been converted for their new lives as retail establishments. Down this lane and around the corner is an art studio. Meander up a ways and at the end of the driveway is a cool gift store. A short amble up the street brings you to a great book store. This is the pace and fun of Ocracoke shopping.
Ditzy Dames “Antiques and Old Stuff”
- 295 Lighthouse Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4105
- map
There’s lots to see in this new island shop. Antique and vintage glass, pottery, European and English porcelain, cloisonné, paperweights, art glass, masses of carved birds and carved wooden boats are just some of the items to browse. The collection is always changing and growing. Spend some time chatting with the delightful owners about the history of these items. The shop is open all year.
Island Ragpicker
- 515 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-7571
- map
The Island Ragpicker is an Ocracoke shopping tradition. It’s fun to browse through room after overflowing room of goods, and you’ll find it hard to leave without buying something. The Ragpicker sells its own brand of colorful rugs plus home accessories, fine crafts, bath and body products, enlightening books, cards, music and other goods for soulful living.
Kitty Hawk Kites
- 294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Shops
- Ocracoke
Whether you want a simple backyard kite on a string or a sophisticated stunt kite, this is the place to come. The selection of kites is enormous, and Ocracoke’s wide, uncrowded beach is the perfect place to try out your new purchase. You’ll also find flags, beach toys, clothing, shoes, sunglasses and Webkinz.
Mermaid’s Folly
- 259 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-RAGS
- map
This airy, sunlit store stocks reasonably priced items inspired by (and perfect for vacations by) the sea. There are quality tees for the whole family, Hawaiian shirts and other apparel for men as well as a tremendous “beat the summer sun” hat and cap collection. The women’s fine casual clothing—graceful, comfortable dresses, sarongs, carefree ladies cut T-shirts, flowing skirts and soft pants—is complemented by a selection of jewelry and handbags.
Natural Selections Hemp Shop
- 35 School Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-HEMP (4367)
- map
Natural Selections has room after room of quality clothing, hats, bags and accessories made from sturdy yet supple hemp and other all-natural fibers. Locals and return visitors in the know are building comfortable, timeless wardrobes. They also sell jewelry, music, candles, natural bath and body products made with hemp.
Ride the Wind Surf Shop
- 486 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-6311
- map
Ride the Wind is a complete watersports center offering the gear you need for surfing and kayaking (see Recreation for tour and rental information). The surf shop offers the island’s best selection of swimwear and beach apparel and sunglasses for men and women in all the popular name brands. They also rent and sell surfboards, standup paddleboards and kayaks.
The Sweet Tooth
- 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3481
- map
On the way to or from the beach, stop in at the bubble gum pink building for a quick refreshment or treat. Fine chocolates, homemade fudge, dipped and soft serve ice cream, pastries, coffee drinks, taffy and hard candy can sooth your cravings. The Fig Tree Bakery serves take-out deli food from this location (see Restaurants).
Tradewinds Bait & Tackle
- 1094 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-5491
- map
There’s no question that Ocracoke is an angler’s paradise. When you’re ready to sink a line, head here for bait, tackle, rod repairs, fishing reports and advice. It’s also a great spot to measure, photograph and brag about your catch and pick up citations. They’re open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer.
Albert’s Styron Store
- 300 Lighthouse Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2609
Once a grocer selling bed ticking, chicken feed and molasses, Albert Styron’s Store now is a great spot to escape the heat, get a cold drink and shop for souvenirs on the way to the lighthouse.
Annabelle’s Florist and Antiques
- 324 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4541
Islander Chester Lynn has long been locally recognized as a gifted floral decorator, and now his services are available to the public. Working from his new shop in his home, Lynn creates arrangements for birthdays, funerals, holidays and other occasions, or for no occasion at all. He also has antiques and gifts for sale.
B.W.’s Surf Shop—Brian Walters “Big Wind—Big Waves”
- 585 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-9030
B.W.’s Surf Shop specializes in high quality surfboards and bodyboards and offers a unique collection of surf clothing, great swimwear and kickin’ footwear for all ages and ability levels. So, whether it’s bikini weather or big wind and big waves, B.W.’s has you covered. Look for B.W. Surf in a new, larger shop located in Spencer’s Market at the corner of School House Road and Irvin Garrish Highway.
Bella Fiore Pottery
- 80 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2826
Sarah Fiore’s working studio showcases her vividly colored pottery. Her works are microwave, oven and dishwasher safe, including plates, bowls, mugs, sushi sets and dishes, and all have handmade glazes. The gallery also stocks all-natural bath products, ceramic art, wooden sculpture, aromatic candles, handmade local jewelry and distinctive objets d’art. Think functional luxury.
Blue Door and Village Thrift
- 226 Back Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4743
Located in the back of the Ocracoke Coffee Company, this shop is an additional treat for patrons of the coffee shop and those addicted to finding bargains and treasures. This is much more than just a business; it’s also a joint venture with the Ocracoke Youth Center. The Blue Door, which has been selling antiques and other collectibles in a couple of other locations on the island over the past few years, has partnered with the Youth Center to help run the thrift store as a fundraiser. Items range from useful, artsy small items to furniture, clothes and books. Don’t be surprised by what you find in the back corners—it really is like a treasure hunt. Have fun!
Books to Be Red & Deepwater Pottery
- 34 School Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3936
These two shops share space in a historic home. Deepwater Pottery sells incredible ceramic pieces, but it’s also a gift shop with candles, soaps and body products, unique home and garden accessories, and whimsical items you won’t see anywhere else. Books to Be Red is small as bookstores go, but the well-chosen selection of titles makes it a literary powerhouse. Local interest, fiction, poetry, cards and journals are sold here. There is a special collection of books and educational toys just for children. Plan to linger.
Candyland
- 213 British Cemetery Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4387
When you’re out browsing the island shops, nothing will pick you up quicker than a blast of something sweet. Visit Candyland for more than 18 varieties of fresh fudge. Free samples are offered if you can’t make up your mind. Believe us, there’s some candy or other sweet treat here with your name on it!
Captain’s Cargo
- 326 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-9991
The eclectic selection at Captain’s Cargo features art glass, jewelry, Blue Sky collector’s ceramics and deluxe bath and body products. Coastal arts and crafts, model boats, prints and shells will be a great remembrance of an island vacation.
Corky’s Clams
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2887 or (252) 921-0351
Corky’s will deliver local in-season clams to your rental for free from May through October. The minimum order is 200. Try out your favorite clam recipes with local harvested fresh clams – it’ll never taste better.
Down Creek Gallery
- 260 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4400
If you are looking for local, North Carolina, regional and national art check out one of Ocracoke’s newest galleries. Located in the heart of the village on the waterfront and representing more than 130 artists, you will find unique jewelry, pottery, art glass, metal, wood, mixed media, local painting, photography and much more. During the summer, the gallery hosts Expose Yourself to Art bi-weekly receptions to Meet the Artist showcasing local artisans and their work. In 2009 they won the Top Retailer for American Craft award by NICHE Magazine. Be sure to stop by.
Downpoint Decoys
- 340 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3269
This rustic shop is filled to the brim with decoys and sportsman’s paraphernalia. The resident carver has been nationally recognized for his work and is a native who can tell you a salty tale or two. There are old and new decoys, lures, oars and other crafts and scrimshaw that are great for bringing a nostalgic seaside feeling to any home.
Harborside Gift Shop
- 229 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3111
An Ocracoke mainstay since 1965, this gift shop across from the Harborside Motel offers resort clothing, brand-name women’s wear, Sea Dog T-shirts, fine arts and photography as well as gift items. Fresh-roasted Bavarian nuts fill the shop with an irresistible aroma.
Indulgences
- 34 School Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 588-0273
Indulgences brings a shopping environment that is romantic and special. As the name suggests, one can indulge the feminine spirit with silky and attractive lingerie, scented candles, bath accessories and baby gifts. The shop has a registry for bridal and baby showers. Look for this shop in a new location this year. You can enter the shop through Deepwater Pottery (it’s a separate area at the back of the shop), or you can use a separate entrance that borders the large shaded lawn to the right of Deepwater Pottery and Books To Be Red.
Island Artworks
- 89 British Cemetery Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3892
Island Artworks is a fun place to browse and shop. Owner/artist Kathleen O’Neal sells her own hand-crafted jewelry here, along with blown glass, contemporary crafts, mosaics, photography, watercolors, pottery, woodworks, sculpture, garden accessories and many other works of art. Island artists are well represented.
Island Girl
- 589 Irvin Garrish Highway at Spencer's Market
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3404
Island music will lure you into this store where you’ll find all sorts of sea- and island-themed items such as sarongs, dresses, purses and beachy shoes,
jewelry, chimes, prints, figurines of all shapes and sizes, puzzles, crystals and sun-catchers. The owners tell us that customers love the fossil, mineral and gemstone jewelry and the freshwater pearls.
O’Neal’s Dockside II Tackleshop
- 800 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-1111
O’Neal’s offers a huge selection of bait and tackle and rods and reels. Fishing advice is free, and fishing gear is available for rent. O’Neal’s also stocks much-needed camping supplies, boating supplies and beach gear.
Ocracoke Island Trading Co.
- 486 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-7233
Men’s and women’s casual clothing is a highlight here. There are T-shirts galore, many name-dropped with “Ocracoke Island,” in sizes ranging from small to size 3X. Sportswear, dresses, shorts and hats are also offered, as are gift and souvenir items.
