Driving down to the Outer Banks for a family vacation, the ride is filled with laughter, sing-alongs, I, Spy…and traffic. Sometimes, there is no way to avoid the mad rush of fellow vacationers. However, there may be an alternative to sitting with them in the hazy heat of the summer months: go shopping!
Change your beach drive for the better – remember all those little curiosity stores and antique shops you zoom past on your way to OBX every year? There may just be treasure buried inside, for those who take the time to look.
The Welcome Center in Moyock ranks #1 on Trip Advisor. This center is a worthwhile stop as it offers visitors a friendly welcome and a big dose of southern hospitality along with useful information, maps, clean bathrooms, free coffee and advice about where the locals eat and shop.
The Welcome Center is on the right just as you cross the North Carolina line on Hwy 168 in Moyock, NC:
106 Caratoke Highway (Moyock, NC)
252.435.2947
Digging through shelves rather than sand, searching for precious antiques rather than shells… this is the modern-day treasure hunter. There are antique and thrift shops all throughout The Northern Outer Banks. Seek out those hidden gems and treat yourself to some real vintage treasure:
PJ’s Thrift Store
578 Caratoke Hwy. (Moyock, NC)
252-435-2322
The Peck Basket General Store
2132 Caratoke Hwy (Moyock, NC)
252-232-3518
Coinjock Antiques
4901 Caratoke Highway (Coinjock, NC)
252.453.0453
Lammers Glass, Gifts & Antiques
7715 Caratoke Hwy. (Powells Point, NC)
252-491-2303
It’s All Good Antiques & Vintage
9138 Caratoke Highway (Point Harbor, NC)
252.256.3304
Old Corolla Trading Company
1129 Schoolhouse Lane (Corolla, NC)
252.453.9942
Spry Creek Home Accents & Gifts
1122 Corolla Village Rd
252.453.0199
Most of the unique galleries in Corolla and Currituck are owned by local artisans, who peddle one-of-a-kind souvenirs, made by hand. Find art, jewelry, clothing and more at these locations:
Dolphin Watch Gallery
793 B Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.2592
Eclectic Treasures
794 Sunset Blvd Suite K (Corolla, NC)
252.453.0008
Ocean Treasures Art Gallery
785 E Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.2383
Thomas Kinkade Gallery & Gifts
785 Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.2383
Farmer’s markets offer a different kind of shopping experience. Do some preliminary grocery shopping while on the road; scoop up some fruit and veggies, jellies and jams, salsas and ciders. The next time you’re feeling parched on the drive down to Corolla or Currituck, check out:
Coinjock Creek Farm Market
180 Maple Road (Maple, NC)
252.267.3332
Grandy Farm Market
6264 Caratoke Highway (Grandy, NC)
252.453.2658
Powell’s Roadside Market
2138 Caratoke Highway 168 (Moyock, NC)
252.232.2547
Morris Farm Market
3784 Caratoke Hwy. (Barco, NC)
252-453-2837
Tarheel Produce
6954 Caratoke Hwy. (Grandy, NC)
252-491-8600
The Farm Market
7940 Caratoke Hwy. (Powells Point, NC)
252-491-2181
Seaside Farm Market
787 Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.8285
Find something totally unique and crafted with care at one of the many handmade arts and crafts galleries in Corolla and Currituck:
Beach Bums
4402 Caratoke Highway (Barco, NC)
252.453.0502
Cotton Gin
6957 Caratoke Hwy. (Jarvisburg, NC)
252-491-2387
Alice’s Craft Gallery
815 A Ocean Trail (Corolla, NC)
252.453.0264
Carolina Moon Gallery
792 Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.9046
Michael’s Gems & Glass
794 Sunset Blvd (Corolla, NC)
252.453.4310
So the next time you and your family get stuck in traffic on the way to Currituck or Corolla — or simply start craving some homemade, organic cider, pull over and sample some local wares. We know you won’t be disappointed.
Want to find more of Currituck’s hidden treasures for your OBX vacation? Check out our Shopping and Dining Guide!
