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Bogue BanksDriving down N.C. Highway 58, the main island
road, there's plenty shopping to be had. From individual shops to shopping
plazas, there's a store (or two or three) for just about everything. So if
it's not the best beach day, take heart and know that there's still a lot to
see and do. Most Bogue Banks' shopping is focused on the active lifestyle of
both resident and visiting beachgoers. Shops offer swimwear, watersports
accessories, casual wear, seashells and souvenirs. There are also some great
specialty shops that shouldn't be missed. We offer a sampling of some of the
shops you'll find on Bogue Banks, beginning in Atlantic Beach and wandering
west to Emerald Isle. We have given the mile marker (MM) number for the
shops on N.C. Highway 58. When winter business is slow, Bogue Banks
shopkeepers often close early or limit the days they stay open, so call
before you head out. You'll find that the huge, specialty stores of Wings
and Pacific have found their way to Bogue Banks. These stores are so obvious
that you can't possibly miss them, and inside you'll find beachwear,
sunglasses, souvenirs, clothing and novelty items. Wings has two stores in
Atlantic Beach and one in Emerald Isle, and Pacific has a store in Atlantic
Beach and one in Emerald Isle.
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Atlantic Beach
Marsh's Surf Shop Marsh's is a local favorite known for its knowledgeable staff and great
selection of clothing and gear. This shop carries everything from quality
dresses to shorts and T-shirts to jackets for men, women and children. The
upper level was recently updated to offer a full array of ladies' attire.
There are plenty of beach items too: sunglasses, surfboards, swimsuits and
all types of accessories. Marsh's carries a wonderful selection of
active-wear sandals. It's open seven days a week. |
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Capt. Stacy Fishing Center
- Gift Shop |
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Located right on the fishing center docks, this gift shop
offers jewelry, gifts and flags, many with nautical or beach themes. The
shop offers etched glass, crystal and a variety of holiday decorations, as
well as T-shirts, casual clothing for men and women, beach bags and hats.
The shop is open year-round, although winter hours are limited. Bert's Surf Shop Bert's has one location in Atlantic Beach and two
locations in Emerald Isle. Bert's stocks swimwear, active wear, foot gear,
beach T-shirts, sunglasses and a large variety of sports equipment,
including surfboards and skateboards. You'll also find some infant and
toddler clothing and a youth department. There is a large selection of
women's name-brand swimwear and men's sportswear. It's open seven days a
week year round. Hi-Lites Hi-Lites specializes in discounted clothing in
juniors, misses and plus sizes with an emphasis on sporty separates. You'll
also find swimsuits, belts, earrings, bags and hats and a full line of
clothing suitable for the office. The store is open daily year round. Sandi's Beachwear Sandi's offers a wide selection of women's specialty
swimwear. Shoppers can find the right suit for every size and taste: sizes 4
to 24, long torso, special cup sizes, maternity and mastectomy. Brand-name
casual and cruise wear include Athena, Anne Cole, Liz Claiborne and Anne
Klein. Separates make it easy for all body types to find the perfect suit.
Shoes and accessories, cover-ups and sarongs are also offered. Sandi's is
open seven days a week in season. Call for winter hours. Atlantic Beach Surf Shop A local business since 1964, Atlantic Beach Surf Shop
continues to offer quality beachwear and upscale casual clothes. Footwear,
sunglasses, surfboards, T-shirts, sandals and all the accessories are for
sale. Pick up a cool sticker for the kids or a chunk of wax for your
surfboard. The store carries paddleboards and accessories, too. Looking for
surfing lessons? This shop can help you learn to love the waves by offering
individual and group surf lessons. Atlantic Beach Surf Shop is open daily
year round. Call the shop for the latest surf report. Boater's
World/Outer Banks Outfitters Marine Center Boater's World and Outer Banks Outfitters joined
forces to bring serious anglers just about everything they could want. Along
with all manner of marine electronics, this store carries fishing tackle,
lures, compasses and GPS, an enormous selection of rods and reels, outdoor
clothing, shoes and much more. Consider giving a gift certificate to this
store to the boating enthusiast in your life. The store is open seven days a
week. Beach Book Mart Beach Book Mart is the perfect place to pick up
reading materials whether it's a day at the beach or a rainy day inside.
This discount bookstore offers all types of books. Check out their extensive
selection of best sellers and their selection of youth and children's books
— or maybe some lighter reading material such as comics or magazines. The
kids will love their selection of action figures, too. There are lots of
cookbooks and books of local interest — all at reduced prices. The store is
open daily. Kites Unlimited and Bird
Stuff Kites Unlimited and Bird Stuff are two stores in one.
Kites Unlimited is where you go to find a special kite (and then grin from
ear to ear as you get it aloft). The store has hundreds of wind-borne
treasures in designs and sizes for all ability levels, including single line
and steerable kites. Besides quality kites, take a look at the windsocks,
flags, unique games and puzzles. Kites Unlimited is the business that
sponsors kite-flying at 10 AM (9 AM in the summer months) each Sunday at
Fort Macon State Park. The Bird Stuff part of the store is filled with all
things to do with birds, from feeders and seed to baths and houses. It also
has a selection of outdoor decor and gardening supplies. Coastal Crafts Plus Coastal Crafts Plus features the work of many
crafters, including pottery, jewelry, artwork and woodcrafts. You'll find a
large selection of attractive and reasonably priced remembrances of your
Crystal Coast vacation. Insiders shop here for gifts, T-shirts, yarn,
nautical items and craft supplies. Coastal Crafters is open daily year
round.
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Watersports Outfitters and Gifts Watersports Outfitters and Gifts has unique gifts for
all of your friends and family members. They carry beach jewelry, fun
T-shirts, metal wall art, souvenirs, beach toys, pirate gifts and much more.
Check out our front porch deck where there is always a sale going on. The
shop is located between the Crab Shack Restaurant and Willis Seafood Market
in the heart of Salter Path. They also offer Banana Boat Rides and rentals
of Waverunners, kayaks, surfboards, scooters, bicycles and beach equipment.
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Wood Artists' Gallery and
Specialty Woods MM 10.5, N.C. Hwy. 58, Salter Path (252) 726-1400 www.nicefigures.com |
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Emerald Isle
Fran's Beachwear MM 19, N.C. Hwy. 58, Emerald Isle (252) 354-3151 For those who dread finding the perfect swimsuit,
Fran's is a good place to start. Fran's Beachwear carries an excellent
selection of swimwear sure to fit every body type and need, including a nice
selection of girls' swimwear and plus sizes. Fran's offers more than 50
lines of suits to choose from with many designer brands such as Ralph
Lauren, Guess, Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger. Beyond swimsuits, there are
other types of beachwear from casual to elegant plus a wide range of shoes,
bags, jewelry and accessories. Fran's Beachwear is open seven days a week
from the middle of February through the end of October. With more than 35
years in business, Fran's has a loyal client base. Devan Lane Devan Lane is a favorite for locals and visitors.
Inside you'll find unique gifts and collectibles and a creative collection
of home decor, including rugs and pillows, in every style imaginable from
nautical to tropical to traditional. The shop offers a children's boutique
and a nice artwork selection. Bert's Surf Shop Bert's was Emerald Isle's first surf shop and has two
stores in Emerald Isle — one on the main highway and one on Islander
Drive. The stores stock just about everything you need for a fun time at the
beach. You can always find a good choice of casual clothes, sunglasses,
hats, beach T-shirts and bathing suits plus shells and jewelry. Bert's is
open seven days a week. Bert's also has a shop in Atlantic Beach. The Sweet Spot/Sandpiper Gifts The Sweet Spot, located in the heart of Emerald Isle,
is loved by locals as well as tourists for their generous scoops of more
than 50 flavors of Hershey's Premium Ice Cream. Banana Splits are their
specialty — a real treat for all ages. Also a favorite is the fresh, gourmet
saltwater taffy — pick and choose your favorites from more than 28 different
flavors. They also carry a wide selection of Jelly Belly, fudge, gummies,
lollipops and more. While enjoying your ice cream, wander through the
Sandpiper Gift Shop and check out the gifts for all ages as well as
T-shirts, flags, artwork and jewelry. Be sure to check out the children's
area, where the kids can play while you shop. This is a fun shop for all
ages. Tom Togs Outlet This store sells famous-name clothing at value prices.
You will find scores of cotton shorts, T-shirts and tops plus pants,
sundresses, hats and outfits for kids. New stock comes in every week. The
majority of clothing is for women. The clothing is casual, and you'll also
find Flax clothing items here. Be sure to check Tom Togs before you pay full
price elsewhere; shopping here is a smart way to save vacation dollars. The
store is open daily; call for off-season hours. J. R. Dunn Jewelers Dunn's features distinctive jewelry for women, men and
children, including many nautical creations. The store will repair and
remount your jewelry and watches and gift wrap your purchases. The staff is
knowledgeable and very helpful, especially for those of us who can't quite
figure out what to select for that special someone. For a unique gift, be
sure to ask about their Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle destination
bracelets. J.R. Dunn also has a shop in Morehead City in the Cypress Bay
Plaza on U.S. Highway 70. Emerald Isle Books & Toys This store has hundreds of books and magazines for all
ages, an extensive collection of regional and travel books, and local
interest books. Of course, the store has all the bestsellers in paperback
and hard cover. Plenty of kids' toys, from the strictly fun to the
educational, are available. Visitors will also find bath items, including
Burt's Bees creams and scrubs and Mad Gabs massage oils. Emerald Isle Books
and Toys is open seven days a week, all year. Carteret Country Store The Country Store is a complete souvenir and gift shop
where you will find the perfect thing for yourself or for family and
friends. The store sells nautical and rare gifts, baskets, windsocks, flags,
cards, clocks and frames. The staff is friendly and courteous and more than
willing to help you select just what you need. The store is open daily year
round.
This is a popular store that specializes in tie dye
and imported clothing, candles, jewelry, rock and roll collectibles, hemp
accessories and more. You'll find beads, incense, stickers and a good
selection of Grateful Dead items and beautiful sun catchers. There
are always new items, so be sure to stop in. Planet Wear is open every day,
although winter hours vary.
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BeaufortShopping in Beaufort is easy — a little too easy. Not only are there a variety of shops, but there are some great pit stops along the way like a cup of coffee from Taylor's Big Mug, ice cream from the General Store, fudge from the Fudge Factory or lunch at Clawson's. The shops in Beaufort are sure to suit anyone's taste. Most shops are along or near the downtown waterfront, making it easy to stroll along the scenic Front Street and spend a day visiting the town's shops. The town's many attractions — the waterfront, the Maritime Museum, historic sites and pubs — provide respite for those who find themselves in Beaufort with a born shopper. We couldn't possibly list all the shops, so we encourage you to explore on your own. We start with shops on Turner Street because Turner is a key access street to Beaufort's historic downtown and the waterfront. Next we cover several shops on Front Street, which faces the water. It offers a nice view of Carrot Island and the boats that are either traveling by or anchored in Taylor's Creek. Then we take you to a few places off Front Street yet still in the historic district and, finally, to a few great shopping spots just outside Beaufort's downtown district. Parking is at a premium during the summer
season. Free parking places are plentiful along the streets of downtown
Beaufort, but you may have to walk a few blocks. Don't worry, though; all
downtown Beaufort shops and restaurants are within the same couple of
blocks, and walking around Beaufort is an activity you'll enjoy. Beaufort Historic Downtown District Turner Street The Old Beaufort Shop Located on the Beaufort Historic Site, this
store helps finance the educational and restoration programs of the
Beaufort Historical Association. Many of the items for sale cannot be
found elsewhere because they are made by volunteers. Insiders shop here
for local artwork, handmade dolls and books on local history. In summer
the shop sells cuttings propagated by the association's Herb Society. Front Street When you come to the corner of Turner and Front
streets, you'll see Somerset Square, a broad, two-story building with
white porch railings. It is home to a number of shops and affords a
pretty view of the water. Most of Beaufort's stores are within walking
distance once you park. A few public parking lots are along Front
Street, and street parking is available but limited during the summer
months. Luna Luna is a clothing and craft store with merchandise
that is considered either fair trade or eco-friendly — and often times
both. Fair trade ensures fair wages for the producers of the items sold
at the store (often third-world countries), while eco-friendly
merchandise is made from materials that don't negatively impact the
environment. Merchandise featured includes clothing, baskets, jewelry,
water bottles, salt lamps and much more. Shoppers can feel good about
their purchases in a "green" and ethical environment. |
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Art & Soul 220 Front St., Beaufort (252) 504-2005 |
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Art and Soul is filled with
unique jewelry, art and gifts, and it is simply a fun and uplifting
place to shop. The slogan "a handmade marketplace" is perfect. Much of
the jewelry is expertly made by owner Jenny Nash-Strickrath, known as
the Bead Diva, and includes bead, copper and hand-blown glass items.
You'll also find works by locally and nationally known artists and
unique gifts sure to surprise and please.
Seagrass Whimsical Gifts Insiders love Seagrass Whimsical
Gifts for its selection of eclectic, sassy and all around unique gifts.
The store is filled with items that can please those in the "hard to
shop for" category. Seagrass carries conversation pieces and
collectibles of all kinds, including Life is Crap T-shirts, Laugh Out
Loud tin signs, Whimsy art wall tile, Cat's Meow Village collectibles,
Sweet Tea Southern T-shirts, mermaid prints, North Carolina handmade
soaps and the list goes on. During checkout, be sure to give either Ham
or Gabby a pat on the head — one of these cute canines is usually on
hand to help complete your sale. Seagrass is open year round, seven days
a week. |
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Beaufort Trading Company (252) 504-3209 www.beauforttradingcompany.com |
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Beaufort Trading Company says it "has your
family covered," and that is true. In its eighth year on the Beaufort
waterfront, Beaufort Trading Company has quite a following of regular
customers. You'll find quality Beaufort T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and
caps for everyone from infants to adults. Kevin and Doris Carlin offer
Life is Good and Seadog T-shirts and caps, along with Teva and Columbia
sandals and sportswear. They also sell kites, sunglasses and leashes,
beach cover-ups and more. |
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The Rocking Chair Book Store (252) 728-2671 The Rocking Chair has been in business for more
than 30 years, offering a wide variety of books, including regional
books, sailing and marine books, cookbooks, children's books,
bestsellers, classics, new and used books, hard covers and paperbacks.
The store proudly offers books by local and regional authors.
The Rocking Chair is under new ownership as of September 2008, but
continues its tradition of great customer service. This staff is full of
information, and they will order any book for you. The Fudge Factory You guessed it: This store makes fudge — creamy,
sinful fudge in many flavors from natural ingredients on marble-top
tables right before your eyes. You can buy it by the slice or the pound,
to eat or ship anywhere. The Fudge Factory is open daily. |
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Handscapes Gallery |
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Handscapes is an Insiders' favorite and the
perfect place to find unusual gifts and treasures. The gallery specializes
in works by North Carolinians as well as artists and craftspeople from all
over the country. Owner Alison Brooks fills the shop with pottery,
jewelry, prints, paintings, glass and metal-craft items. More than 200
artists are represented and it is a joy to see their fine workmanship. The
store is open year round, seven days a week. Call for winter hours. |
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Island Traders Island Traders is a discount name-brand and catalog
clothing outlet carrying ladies', men's and juniors' items at
substantial savings off regular retail prices. You'll also find
name-brand footwear as well as other accessories. Island Traders also
carries Merrell, Keen, Reef, Bimini Bay, Sanuk, Chaco, Tervis Tumbler,
Old Guys Rule and more. The store is open every day, year round, with
extended summer hours. Fabricate Apparel Fabricate specializes in clothes of cool,
comfortable natural fibers. It's known for its trendy, expressive
clothes for women. You'll find jewelry, bags, hats, scarves and shoes
from Naot. Fabricate is open 11 AM to 5 PM (winter), 10 AM to 6 PM
(summer) and Sundays 1 to 5 PM from March through December. Ibis Next to Fabricate, Ibis features upscale women's
clothing such as Eileen Fisher, Nic & Zoe, Citron and Tianello. A large
selection of scarves and jewelry flatter every outfit. You will also
find hats, bags and shoes by Scala & Yellow Box and San Diego Hats. The
store is open Monday through Saturday year round, and Sundays from March
through December. Scuttlebutt Scuttlebutt specializes in "nautical books and
bounty." You'll find an outstanding, high-quality selection of books,
clocks, music, games, toys, models and galley ware, along with casual
clothing and hats. This is a great store to explore — check out the maps
and charts — and it is an Insiders' favorite for unique gifts. The store
is open daily year round.
Stamper's Jewelers Stamper's Jewelers has a full line of jewelry and
excellent engraving and repair services. It's a great shop for brides
and grooms. You can find diamond bridal jewelry and gifts for the
attendants. Stamper's offers popular sterling silver jewelry and
name-brand watches. The skilled craftsmen at this store can engrave
trophies and plaques. Taylor's Big Mug Coffee Cafe Taylor's Big Mug offers 100 percent fair-trade and
organic coffee along with ciders and great espresso drinks. Enjoy a
casual cup of joe and a snack at a cafe table or kick back on the sofas.
You'll also find bagged coffee to take and enjoy at home or give as a
gift. Wireless Internet access is available here, and there are live
performances some days and nights. Taylor's Big Mug is open every day at
7 AM, and closing time varies. |
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Of Earth and Sea 510 Front St., Unit 1, Beaufort (252) 504-2050 |
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Of Earth and Sea offers distinctive gifts and
home decor, much of it with a nautical or beachy theme. They specialize
in Bovano, which is glass-over-copper wall sculptures, and they are
the exclusive seller of the new Bovano North Carolina "Seven Sisters"
Lighthouses. They are also a designated SPI Gallery (brass statuary),
one of only four in North Carolina. They carry a large variety of items,
including shells, candles, Christmas ornaments, pottery and
more. They're open seven days a week, though they close on Tuesdays in
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The General Store is family owned and operated
and is a favorite with locals and visitors alike for its great ice cream
and wonderful souvenirs. From hats, T-shirts and shells to saltwater
taffy and jewelry, this store has something for everyone. Kids like this
place because their spending money goes a long way. You're sure to see a
few kids sitting on the bench on the store's front stoop, licking away
at a dripping ice cream cone on a warm summer's day. For boaters, food
and other staples are available, as are laundry facilities. The store is
open Monday through Saturday. Down East Gallery It couldn't even be considered a true tour of
Beaufort without a stop in the Down East Gallery. Local artist Alan
Cheek displays his work here. Alan's artwork will serve as a lovely
reminder of your time spent in the enchanting seaport of Beaufort. Down
East Gallery offers works by other local artists and provides custom
framing. Bell's Drug Store Bell's Drug Store has been serving Beaufort and its
visitors since 1918 and continues the same friendly, professional
service today. Along with drugstore items, Bell's has fountain drinks,
personal-care items, gifts, cards and a nice collection of glass
collectibles. Bell's is open Monday through Saturday. N.C. Maritime Museum Store The Maritime Museum Store is where you should buy a
memento of your visit to the museum. Excellent books abound: books about
maritime habitats, sea creatures, North Carolina cuisine, seashore
plants and much more. Look for subjects you or your kids have always
wanted to know about but never got around to researching. Many of the
books are short, to-the-point and well illustrated. You'll also find
outstanding, reasonably priced posters and pictures, plus kids' toys and
greeting cards. Boaters will be interested in NOAA navigation charts,
topo maps and related publications on navigation, boat-building and
ship-model building. The store is open seven days a week all year.
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Just off Front Street Coastal Community Market Coastal Community Market offers organic foods and
natural products as well as gourmet, Asian and Indian foods. The store
offers products for people with food allergies and has wheat-free or
sugar-free items for special dietary needs. You'll find bulk food items,
all types of cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, locally made breads and granola,
natural honey and hundreds of items for your pantry. The market now
carries organic wines, as well. Harbor Specialties Harbor Specialties offers a variety of "nautical but
nice" items, including Sperry deck shoes, Tilley hats and ship's models.
This shop features Vera Bradley handbags and offers custom embroidery.
You'll also find insulated glassware, clocks and barometers. They also
have a large selection of boat bags. For a unique shopping experience,
stop by this shop on Middle Lane. Scott
Taylor Photography Gallery and Studio At Scott Taylor's Photography Gallery and Studio you are sure to find
that unique image of Beaufort or the surrounding coastal areas. Scott is
well known for his scenic photography and also for exclusive wedding and
event photography. He specializes in color, black and white, or
split-toned images. If you are looking for a very special gift, let
Scott create a family beach portrait that will be treasured for a
lifetime. Scott's book, Coastal Waters - Images of North Carolina,
is available in the gallery and is the perfect way to remember your trip
to the coast.
Beyond Beaufort's
Historic District
Gaskill's Hardware and Hunting is the store that has
just about everything. The full-service hardware and hunting store
houses everything you'll need for your home and garden, for your animals
and your hunting. You'll find paintball supplies along side chainsaws,
feed, seeds and plants. Whether you need a simple nut and bolt, a new
garden hose, a decorative pot or a screen for your window, the
attendants are quick to help as soon as you come in the door. They'll
walk you through the store and make it easy to find everything you need.
The store carries Carhartt clothing and offers a complete paint store
across the street. The Calypso Cottage brings fun yet classic and
sophisticated coastal flair to visitors as they step into one of the two
shops located in two side-by-side Beaufort cottages. Visitors can find a
little bit of everything here. The store offers a bounty of gifts,
furniture, accents for the home, bedding and bath, rugs, jewelry, art,
books and more — chosen and displayed to bring the feel of the Hamptons
right here to North Carolina's coast. Calypso offers an ever-changing
inventory of items, so stop by often. Don't forget to check out the
Calypso Garden in the back yard, in season. The shop is open year round,
seven days a week. |
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Continue to Morehead City |
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