Island Shopping Tour

When we vacation on Hattaras Island on the outer banks of North Carolina, our favorite thing to do, of course, is spend time on the beach. We like to walk, hunt for shells, fly kites, play in the water, build sand castles, read and just soak in the sun and good salt air.

 But after lunch when the children are napping, the shoppers among us head out for shopping!!!! Over the years we have discovered several spots that we enjoy and look forward to going back to each time . One of the first places we go each year is The Sea Chest. This shop specializes not only in all the usual tourist trinkets, but also silver jewelry, wind chimes and antiques. What really makes this shop special is the owner!! This woman is a native of the island and is continually telling stories of the way it used to be and is an expert on all of the island lore. Want to know how to pronounce Chicamacomico?Ask her...she knows!! Our little ones always find an affordable treasure here. 

Another favorite shop was discovered on our way down  Highway 12 to take the ferry to Okracoke Island. Highway 12 runs down the island, so everything is on this main road. The Elegant Attic is our very favorite place to visit. Located in beautiful Buxton, this shop is known primarily for its stained glass. The owner travels to Europe to purchase old stained glass windows and antiques to sell in her shop. The shop adjoins her home and she is always happy to allow visitors to walk through her home to see how she uses the stained glass there. There are breathtaking views of the sound as well as a shop full of treasures to enjoy.  Elisabeth, Hannah and Leah have all purchased windows from the Elegant Attic. We love to go there and and soak up the peaceful beauty.

Another favorite is the Pea Island Art Gallery. This shop features all local art. We particularly love the pottery in beautiful blues and greens of the sea.

Probably our most frequented spot is the Pamlico Station because of its diverse shops. There is a good coffee shop upstairs where you can sit indoors or out and watch the sun twinkle on the sound as you sip your latte. Also there is a t-shirt shop where the kids design their own shirts. The Moon Over Hattaras has beautiful beach treasures and then there is one "souvenir shop" with all of the little junk tourists seem unable to resist. This shop also sells hermit crabs in brightly painted shells. Two of our granddaughters brought home pairs of these funny critters this year.

A new shopping spot opened which features Kitty Hawk Kites, a wonderful coffee shop and nice restaurant. They hold wind-surfing competitions the week we are there...it is fun to watch the surfers come past our house on the sound.

We always budget a bit of money for island treasures and have lots of fun hunting for them! These little treasures in our homes help keep the memories of our family vacation fresh!

I hope you have enjoyed the Hattaras Island shopping tour!!
Diana