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 great 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.
Natural Selections Hemp Shop
- 35 School Road
- Ocracoke
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.
Ocracoke Restoration
- 341 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2669
- map
Ocracoke Restoration offers an enjoyably imaginative mixture of old and new items in a charming restored 1940s Ocracoke cottage. With more than 200 pieces of English antique stained glass, choosing just one can be hard to do! And with than 800 items of vintage and estate jewelry, Victorian to 1960s, costume, gold and silver, you’ll be kept admiring and choosing for a long time. New this year is their own line of body care featuring handmade soaps by Amy Howard. They also have garden accessories including bird feeders, garden pots and US-made wrought iron in their shop located at the corner of Howard Street and Fig Tree Lane on Silver Lake.
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, and Tradewinds carries all the brand name rods and reels, crabbing supplies, boots, waders, T shirts and casual sportswear you need to take advantage of it. It’s also a great spot to measure, photograph and brag about your catch and rent clam rakes. They’re open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer.
ABC Store
- 950 Irvin Garrish Highway, at the Variety Store shops
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3281
In North Carolina, you are only allowed to purchase liquor in specially designated outlets. (Beer and wine may be bought in grocery and other such stores.) The liquor store is open all year from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
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 shop in his home, Lynn creates arrangements for birthdays, funerals, holidays and other occasions or for no occasion at all. He is also a noted Ocracoke historian and displays more antiques and collectibles related to Ocracoke history than anywhere on the island. Parts of old shipwrecks, homestead furniture, glassware, whatever you can imagine from Ocracoke’s rich past you may discover in his shop. Don’t miss the opportunity to sit a spell and listen to the stories that accompany the intriguing items on display.
B.W.’s Surf Shop—Brian Walters “Big Wind—Big Waves”
- 585 B Irvin Garrish Highway, Spencer's Market
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-9030
B.W.’s Surf Shop offers a unique collection of surf clothing, great swimwear and kickin’ footwear for all ages and ability levels, plus they specialize in high quality surfboards and bodyboards. 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.
Beach Ride Rentals
- 284 Irvin Garrish Highway, The Community Square
- Ocracoke
- (252) 916-0133
While you are visiting the Community Square, you will notice a small shop on the right-hand side of an old-fashioned building on the harbor. This small shop rents both pedal boats for cruisin’ the harbor, or if you yearn to drive the beach on Ocracoke, you can rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle here.
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.
Books to Be Red & Deepwater Pottery
- 34 School Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-3936
These two shops share space in an historic home on the corner of School House Road and Highway 12. 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
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 make for a great remembrance of an island vacation.
Corky’s Clams
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-2887, (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 this gallery. Located in the heart of the village on the waterfront and representing more than 130 artists, you’ll find 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.
Home Grown Hetties
- 107 Aretta Street
- Ocracoke
- 252-333-2597
Home Grown Hetties is a garden center that offers island tolerant plants and shrubs that are local and native to Ocracoke among a wide variety of other garden offerings. Inspired by and named after a well-loved island gardener, Hetties will appeal to plant lovers and those who love to explore the less frequented areas of the island. If you have been wondering about growing an Ocracoke fig tree on your home turf, this is the place to stop.
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 Quest Gifts
- 276 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 573-1126
This new shop located in the historic Community Square on the harbor is loaded with great gifts and novelties for the whole family. Their location makes this a nice stop too—spend time shopping then relax for a spell while you watch the goings-on of boats in the harbor.
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 unique home accessories, art and fine crafts, bath and body products, enlightening books, a wide selection of greeting cards, local music CD’s 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. They also provide kayak rentals. See more about their kayak rentals under Recreation.
Mermaid’s Folly
- 259 Irvin Garrish Highway
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-RAGS
Mermaid’s Folly is an airy, friendly, sunlit shop that stocks affordable and tasteful causal clothing for dress up or dress down. This fun shop boasts the largest selection on Ocracoke of well-designed, excellent-quality uni-sex T-shirts. While you’re there be sure to shop the women’s fine casual clothing, graceful comfortable dresses, sarongs, carefree ladies-cut tees, flowing skirts and soft pants. Then accessorize from their colorful selection of beaded jewelry, scarves, totes and handbags. Men can browse the madras and Hawaiian shirt collection or find summer shorts. Check out the “beat the summer sun” hats and caps for men, women and kids.
Negozio
- 25 Lighthouse Road
- Ocracoke
- (252) 928-4351
The word “negozio” means shop or business in Italian, and this gem of a boutique has it all. Negozio features a full range of women’s clothing from petite to plus sizes that includes informal, formal, and casual wear. Chic accessories from jewelry, bags, scarves, sunglasses, clutches, fashion socks, and tights to beach totes and hair accessories are also featured. Additionally, it offers a wide variety of children and baby clothing. Negozio is open all year and is located in the Island Inn at the intersection of Lighthouse Road and Irvin Garrish Highway. Feel free to stop in for directions to the lighthouse!
