The Cape Fear region's colorful pirate history inspired the name for this intriguing boutique offering the latest and best styles in women's clothing, along with unusual jewelry, including one-of-a-kind pieces. Blackbeard's Bryde has fantastic candles, soaps, incense and a gift line that will make you smile (or blush!). With prices you'll love and the tag line "Clothing for a Creative Soul," this local secret is worth discovering.

Blowing in the Wind has plenty of kite-flying fun for everyone. As the area’s largest full-service kite shop, with locations in downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach at 222 Causeway Drive, (910) 509-9989, they carry a huge selection of colorful kites for all ages and skill levels, from easy-to-fly single-line kites, delta kites and box kites, to controllable stunt kites and big show kites. Looking for a thrill? Try one of their Jet-Ski assisted kiteboarding lessons (read all about this exciting sport in the Watersports section). Blowing in the Wind in Wrightsville Beach is the area’s only supplier of kiteboarding products and lessons. Come check out the dazzling array of kites and explore their wide selection of windsocks, wind chimes, puzzles and wooden toys for kids.

The largest Root Candle distributor on the East Coast, Candles Etc. has all 28 colors and 64 fragrances made by this upscale candle company, as well as brochures explaining the history. Candles Etc. is also the exclusive dealer for Wilmington Historic Prints. They also carry a wide array of unique home decor items. You'll want to browse for a while, but don't miss the fabulous view of the river from their deck

Overlooking the river at the corner of Ann and Water streets, Chandler's Wharf offers many appealing shopping opportunities. Created by Thomas Henry Wright Jr. in the late 1970s, it has evolved over time as a retail/dining complex, but part of it began as a ship's chandler in the nineteenth century. There was a maritime museum here in the 1970s and some marine artifacts are still scattered about the grounds, including an enormous anchor and other reminders of the complex's origins. Cobblestone streets, plank walkways, attractive landscaping and a gorgeous view of the Cape Fear River are a few of the hallmarks that make shopping at Chandler's Wharf such a pleasant experience. The center is flourishing with some of Wilmington's most delightful stores. It also boasts three of the city's most appealing restaurants, The Pilot House, The George and Elijah's (see our Restaurants section). Dining in any one of these is a pleasure heightened by the option of enjoying your meal on outdoor decks overlooking the river.

Some of the shops at Chandler's Wharf include A Proper Garden, (910) 763-7177, which has everything and more for the garden and gardener; A. Scott Rhodes, (910) 763-6616, a full-service jewelry store specializing in custom design and offering selections in fine diamonds, precious stones, local estate jewelry and designer pieces; Candles Etc., (910) 763-1703, exclusive distributors of Root Candles and Wilmington Historic Prints; and Romax Shoes, (910) 763-8033, which sells quality shoes, accessories and jewelry.

The site of the largest cotton-exporting company in the world in the nineteenth century, this collection of eight buildings overlooking the Cape Fear River was converted into a shopping and dining center in the early 1970s. Its renovation marked the beginning of the restoration of downtown Wilmington. Shoppers can enjoy a bit of history as they stroll the mall's tri-level space, where displays of cotton bales, weighing equipment and photographs tell the story of the center's evolution and about many downtown locations. Parking is free in the large lot for visitors of the complex.

The sampling of specialty shops listed here suggests the scope of shopping possibilities at The Cotton Exchange (all stores are within the complex bounded by Water and Front streets). T. S. Brown Jewelry, (910) 762-3467, specializes in loose gems, custom settings and handcrafted pieces. The Celtic Shop, (910) 763-1990, features imported Irish and Scottish clothing, Celtic music, jewelry, clan heraldry items, books, authentic Irish breakfast tea and many other gift ideas. Kringles Korner, (910) 762-7528, is the place to Christmas shop in downtown Wilmington, offering a variety of unique ornaments, nativities, angels and wonderful Christmas collectibles. Occasions ... just write!, (910) 343-9033, features social stationery and invitations, fine writing instruments, sealing wax, journals and desk accessories plus a large selection of cards. Two Sisters Bookery, (910) 762-4444, carries a surprisingly wide range of books, including ones of local interest, as well as cards and gifts. Caravan Beads, (910) 343-0500, is a bead-lovers paradise offering classes and a venue for birthday parties. The Candy Barrel, (910) 762-3727, has homemade candies, fudge and taffy. The Zoo, (910) 815-3410, is a fun toy store featuring plush animals, Lionel and HO trains.

Some other shops you'll find worth visiting are Java Dog Coffeehouse, (910) 343-8890, for specialty coffee drinks and pastries; The Sand Dollar, (910) 763-6769, a delightful place to find shells, lighthouses and garden items; Crescent Moon, (910) 762-420, for handcrafted stained and blown glass; Down to Earth, (910) 251-0041, an aromatherapy gift shop; Hummingbird Station, (910) 251-2566, for crafts, pottery and gift items; and Cape Fear Footwear, (910) 763-9945, which carries sandals, tennis shoes, Hushpuppies and handbags.

Step through the doorway of Grand Bazaar and enter a world of Middle Eastern splendor. Located in The Cotton Exchange, this unique shop carries a wonderful array of antiques and modern items from Turkey, India, Egypt and other countries, all handmade to owner Gina Jarman's specifications. Browse through the assortment of silk and wool rugs, sumptuous silk hand-beaded bedding, cushions, wall hangings, an extensive collection of inlaid wood boxes, furniture, glassware, Kutahya ceramics, hanging lamps, brass trays, leather shoes and handbags, and pure silver Turkish jewelry. All items are one of a kind, and prices are surprisingly affordable. If you're looking for a truly unique gift, this is the place to find it.

Located near the waterfront at the end of Market Street, this charming boutique offers the latest in women's clothing fashions as well as a selection of personalized gifts, jewelry and shoes. Visit Island Passage's other shops: Island Passage at Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach, (910) 256-0407; and Island Passage Riverside on Bald Head Island, (910) 457-4944, which carries fun island resort wear and is your one-stop shop for everything you need to enjoy the traffic-free pleasures of the locale. They even have kayak, canoe, bicycle and golf cart rentals. A larger Bald Head Island location on Maritime Way, called Maritime Passage, (910) 454-8420, has a fabulous selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. You won't want to miss the newest shop, Return Passage, 15 S. Water Street, Wilmington, (910) 343-1627, which carries deeply discounted merchandise from all the other Island Passage stores, as well as gently worn items.

Jewelers since 1919, Kingoff's offers a large selection of fine diamonds and colored stone jewelry in 18K, 14K and platinum. They also offer Tag Heuer watches and gifts by Waterford Crystal. Guaranteed watch and jewelry repairs are done on the premises, and four Guild Gemologists of the Diamond Council of America are available for appraisals. Kingoff's is the exclusive seller of the Old Wilmington Cup created in the early 1800s by Thomas Brown. This pewter cup is a favored gift among Wilmingtonians for a variety of special occasions. Kingoff's also has a second location at 1119-B Military Cutoff Road.

Treasure hunting starts here! Old Books on Front Street includes more than one mile of books in historic downtown Wilmington. Check out the selection of rare and first editions, new books on local history, children's books, "beach reading" (approximately two thousand books for $2 or less!) and everything in between. Free story time is held every Saturday and Monday at 10 AM.

The Old Wilmington City market is a riverfront gem. This historic brick and stucco building, built in 1879, stretches a city block in width between Front and Water streets. From its humble origins as a vegetable market, this old world–style arcade with glass skylights throughout is now a shopping haven featuring art galleries and chic specialty shops, including women's boutiques, T-shirts, hats, jewelry, fresh-cut flowers in season, plants, gardening supplies, handmade local soaps, unique exotic woods, imported goods and works by local artists. The market also features a relaxing seating area. Open year round, hours vary according to season.

In the Jacobi Warehouse, right around the corner from Island Passage Elixir, is the latest Island Passage shop. Return Passage has deeply discounted merchandise from all of the other Island Passage locations, as well as gently worn items. They carry the hottest name brands and styles of once-worn clothing, and their inventory changes constantly. At Return Passage, you can trade in your gently worn clothing for cash or store credit that can be used at any of the Island Passage boutiques.

Revolution 9 (formerly A Little Bit Hippy) is a paradise of rock-n-roll paraphernalia. With the tagline “peace, threads and rock-n-roll,” the store offers an array of T-shirts, posters and other items featuring bands like the Beatles, the Stones, Pink Floyd, the Allman Brothers and more. Revolution 9 also stocks vintage clothing, peasant tops, skirts, purses, hats and jewelry. Prefer to make and wear your own creation? Check out their tie-dye clothing kits. For those who want to make a statement, the store boasts one of the largest local selections of bumper stickers and buttons. You will also find lava lamps, black lights and candles for your home. And the store demonstrates a touch of altruism with their recycled phone drive; you can drop off your old, unused cell phones there, and the interior parts will be reused to make calling cards for the military troops overseas.

Rôpa, Etc. is the area's exclusive retailer for such lines as Flax, Willow and Cut-Loose. This terrific shop also carries Rico and Pure hand-knit sweaters, TSD and Habitat, offering easy-care fabrics with style and comfort guaranteed. Rôpa, Etc. is also known for its unique collection of hand-wrought American and European jewelry plus great accessories to complement any outfit. Other Rôpa, Etc. stores in the area include their location at The Forum, 1121-D Military Cutoff Road, and their Southport location at 417-C N. Howe Street.

If you're serious about lessening your carbon footprint, Sambuca is the shop for you. More than a shop and a day spa, all of their products, fashions and services are recycled or organic and do not harm the environment or living creatures. Their mission is to provide organic and sustainable products and services; their hope is to inspire people to think differently about the things they buy, how they are made and where they come from, in order to vote for a more sustainable world. Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Sambuca provides exquisite spa services, including facials and massages, and yoga classes, and an upscale boutique offering unique selections from designers incorporating organic, fair trade, renewable and recycled materials into their products without sacrificing style. Their clothing and accessories are made from certified organically grown cotton and recycled materials. They also sell the purest beauty and skincare products made with organic and natural ingredients containing no chemicals or synthetic preservatives. So, for guilt-free shopping and superior quality products, visit Sambuca.

You can while away a few hours on a rainy day or after a stroll along the riverfront by stopping in the Twice Baked Pottery Painting Studio. Choose from a wide variety of items to create your own unique pottery piece. With more than 50 paint colors, as well as stencils, stamps and idea books, this is a fun place to forget your troubles and just get into a creative mood. Special events are presented monthly such as Girls Night Out and wine tastings, so call for a schedule. Group rates are available for parties of six or more, and you may bring your own food and drinks. The shop is closed on Monday and closes one hour early if there are no painters. Hours are seasonal.