Ocracoke Shopping
Ocracoke shops are distinctive and full of character.
You won’t find the same stuff in store after store as you do in other tourist locations. 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.
ABC Store
- 950 Irvin Garrish Highway, at the Variety Store shops
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3281
In the summer the liquor store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday it remains open until 8 p.m. In most the winter months it is open from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In January it is closed on Monday.
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”
- 274 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.
Barefoot Bohemian
- 216 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-9090
The owners of this island shop have a mantra: “Funktacular Eclectiscism for the Tragically Unhip.” Say that three times fast! This funky little shop on the harbor features incense, candles, hats, hand-blown glass ornaments, handcrafted wooden boxes and mirrors, women’s skirts and summer wear, edgy T-shirts, stickers and their own Bare Ware logo line of goods. Hurry and pick up a limited edition Barefoot Bohemian T-shirt while you still can!
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 an entire room just for children’s books and educational toys. 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 (202) 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.
Ditzy Dames “Antiques and Old Stuff”
- 295 Lighthouse Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4105
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. Spend some time chatting with the delightful owners about the history of these items. They are open all year.
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. 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.
Fantastic Flix
- 294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Shops
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2800
Fronting the harbor adjacent to the Community Store, this year round video rental store has much more than just movies. Shop here for all the electronic gadgets that get lost or forgotten. Universal remotes, earbuds, disc cleaners, memory cards, film, batteries, assorted electronic chargers and even photo print paper can be found here. For rainy days and the restless check out the video game rentals and console rentals such as xBoxes, Wii’s and Play Stations. The store is always growing and changing, so stop by and check out what’s new.
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
- 589 Irvin Garrish Highway, Spencer's Market
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-9044
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.
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
- 413 Back Road
- 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 jewelry, chimes, prints, figurines of all shapes and sizes, puzzles, crystals and sun-catchers. The owners tell us that customers love their fossil, mineral and gemstone jewelry and the freshwater pearls. The back room is devoted to island clothing like sarongs, dresses, purses and beachy shoes. Don’t forget to say hi to Stretch, voted the most-petted cat on the island.
Island Ragpicker
- 515 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-7571
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
- (252) 928-4563
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
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)
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 and high-protein snacks made with hemp.
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 Hammock Co.
- 213 British Cemetery Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4387
A hammock is one of the best vacation souvenirs you can buy: It will remind you to take it easy all year long. You can try out all the hammocks, hammock chairs and porch swings here before you buy them to assure a perfect fit. The hammocks are made on-site.
