Roanoke Island Shopping
You could easily spend your whole day enjoying Roanoke Island’s shopping. Manteo’s shopping opportunities have greatly expanded in recent years, especially in the historic waterfront area. You’ll find antiques shops, art galleries, fine apparel boutiques, fun gift and souvenir shops, a classic bookstore, several day spas/salons and a wonderful general store with a great wine selection, among many others. In the waterfront area, you can park the car then stroll around from shop to shop. The other area to do some Manteo shopping is on the main highway, U.S. Highway 64, where you’ll find several other great locally run shops, including a new location for Front Porch Café, a favorite place to grab a cup of java at two beach locations. On the highway, you’ll want to drive or bike between stores. Most of the necessities you’ll need — groceries, sundries, prescriptions, dry cleaning, gasoline and the like — can be found on the main highway. Shopping in Wanchese is very limited, but we lead you to a couple of shops with true local flavor.
When you’re ready to indulge in some Roanoke Island shopping pleasure, there are several small parking lots in the historic Manteo waterfront area plus a lot of on-street parking spaces. Oftentimes, especially when there are a lot of tourists milling about, all the spaces near the waterfront will be full. If you can’t find a parking space, don’t worry. Just head over the little bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park, where there is more than enough free parking. Or you can just drive a few blocks up one of the side streets and park alongside the road. The one or two block walk back to waterfront area will be an enjoyable one.
Charlotte’s
- The Waterfront Shops, Queen Elizabeth Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-3078
Charlotte’s is a women’s boutique selling fine apparel, jewelry and accessories. The very friendly staff will help select just the right clothing and the perfect accessories to pull it all together. If you’re looking for special outfits, evening wear or separates, Charlotte’s is the place to find them. Shoes and bags are also available. They’re open Monday through Saturday.
Dare County Arts Council Gallery
- 104 Sir Walter Raleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5558
This great little gallery showcases the work of Dare County Arts Council members and features a separate show in the back gallery monthly, beginning with a lively reception on the First Friday. You’ll find paintings, prints, pottery and jewelry. There are bins of local artists’ unframed art too. Check out the cool Art-o-mat machine where you can buy cellophane-wrapped packages of original artwork by North Carolina artists. The Dare County Arts Council is the place to get any information you need about the arts in Dare County.
Fine Yarns at Kimbeeba and Fiber Arts Gallery
- 205 Budleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-6330
Kimbeeba is an amazing fiber arts supply center, classroom, weaving studio and gallery. The owner, Sybil, is an experienced artist who enjoys helping others and teaching classes in weaving, spinning, knitting, crocheting and fiber dyeing. Other classes will be offered here as well, such as glass-bead making, book-binding and more. In the store, Sybil offers specialty, novelty and fine yarns of all sorts as well as knitting and weaving supplies, books, patterns, needlepoint and cross-stitch supplies and lots of enthusiasm. In the gallery are finished fiber works by local artists and other artwork for sale. This is a new location for Kimbeeba, beside the Pioneed Theatre.
Gallery 101
- 101 B Budleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-6656
Gallery 101 displays fine art and craft from local, regional and out-of-state artists. The focus is on ceramics, both functional designs and fine art pieces, but there are also paintings, art glass, jewelry and photography, including works by local photographers. Owner Dee Isenhour is a potter, and she displays her ceramics here along with the raku pottery and paintings of Scott Stockdale.
His Shells by Brenda
- Magnolia Market Square, off Queen Elizabeth Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-4000
His Shells by Brenda features elegant nautical gifts — all handmade right here on the Outer Banks by the owner. You’ll find furniture, mirrors, ornaments, wreaths and picture frames, all artfully adorned with beautiful, natural seashells. All of Brenda’s creations are one of a kind and guaranteed to last a lifetime. While you’re browsing, check out the selection of loose shells and decorative garden accessories, and don’t forget to check out the new dress boutique.
Nancyware Pottery
- 402 Queen Elizabeth Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-9400
This is the potter’s studio as well as her exhibit space, so you can often see her at work at the wheel. Nancy’s functional ceramics are made of high-fired stoneware that is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe including pie plates, colanders, dishes, tumblers, vases and spoon rests. She also makes odds-and-ends jars, beaded jewelry, small collectible mirrors and tile murals. Nancy can create personalized, special orders, which make great wedding gifts or wedding favors! Ceramics classes are offered in the off-season.
Nest
- Magnolia Market Square, across Queen Elizabeth Street from Tranquil House Inn
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5141
Refine the art of nesting at this Manteo shop, which offers goods for fine living. Nest carries an eclectic mix of home furnishings and tabletop accessories as well as ladies’ accessories including straw hats and bags by Flora Bella; handbags and espadrilles imported from France; lush cashmere; linen big shirts; hand-knit sweaters by Skifo; artisan jewelry by Michael Michaud, Viv & Ingrid and Wasabi, among others; niche fragrances, including Eau d’Italie and Calypso; Kent of London grooming accessories; and imported soaps and home fragrances. Treat yourself to the most sumptuous of linens and loungewear by Bella Notte and Due by Matteo.
Silver Bonsai Gallery
- 905 S. U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 475-1413
Silver Bonsai Gallery features original art, hand-crafted jewelry and unique gifts. As you wander the gallery, bonsai garden and water garden, you’ll discover an impressive collection of fine arts and crafts by local, regional and national artists. Peek into the jewelry studio as owners Ben and Kathryn Stewart use heirloom-quality techniques to create their award-winning designs crafted from gold, platinum and silver. With more than 20 years of combined experience, Ben and Kathryn specialize in custom design, repair and restoration, and hand engraving. They are generous with their time and ideas and look forward to assisting you in finding the perfect creation to add to any collection.
Sleeping In, Ltd.
- 101 Fernando Street
- Manteo
- (252) 475-1971
Sleeping In, Ltd. is a luxurious shop filled with all kinds of things that will make you feel pampered and look terrific. You’ll find sleepwear and lingerie, fine linens that will enhance any bedroom décor, Vera Bradley bags and accessories in a variety of colors and styles, bath and body luxuries and baby items that are just too cute. Of course, that is not all; stop in to discover more. They’re open Monday through Saturday.
The Andrus Gallery and Studio
- The Waterfront Shops
- Manteo
- (252) 305-5411
This gallery provides exhibition and work space for painter Steve Andrus, who creates masterworks of watercolor. His craftsmanship is stunning; he has a flair for capturing light and reflection. Much of his subject matter is nautical, focusing on beautiful sailing vessels on a stormy sea or docked in a peaceful harbor. His first-hand wilderness experiences in Taos, New Mexico, also bring some decidedly Western subjects to the gallery as well. Stop by to talk to Andrus and view his artwork.
103 Waterfront Spalon
- 103-A Fernando Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5323
The Waterfront Salon is an upscale salon offering hair services of all kinds. When you need to be pampered, take advantage of the day spa services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, microdermabrasion, massage, body wraps and La Stone therapy. Ask about the full line of day spa packages.
400 Budleigh Street Antiques Mall
- 400 Budleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-9339
This Antiques Mall has 25-plus rooms of antiques offering furniture, vintage clothing, primitive items, glassware, collectibles, antique toys, kitchenware and just about anything else you can think of. The Antiques Mall is open year round, Monday through Saturday.
Ace Hardware
- 300 N. U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-1444
Ace Hardware sells everything for the home, garden and yard. Most people know Ace as a traditional hardware store, a place to find tools, paint, hardware and lawn and garden supplies. But you may not know that they also sell deck furniture, cleaning supplies, kitchen items, bathroom accessories, beach good, pet supplies, holiday decorations, grills, gifts, home accessories, art supplies, Carhartt clothing and much more.
Broad Creek Fishing Center Ship Store
- 708 Harbor Drive, Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park
- Wanchese
- (252) 473-9991
Located in the Broad Creek Fishing Center and Marina, the ship store offers everything you need for a day of fishing. Pick up your snacks, beverages and ice here before heading out. They also stock boating accessories and maintenance supplies. Broad Creek offers a large selection of rods and reels, fishing lines, seasonal tackle and fresh, frozen and live bait. Don’t forget to check out their sunglasses, T-shirts, sweat shirts and hats.
Capt. Malc’s Market
- N.C. Highway 345
- Wanchese
- (252) 473-5525
When you see all the boats unloading fresh seafood at Wanchese harbor, you’re going to want to get your hands on some of it for yourself. This seafood market sells fresh shrimp, crabs, scallops and fish of all varieties.
Chesley Mall
- 210 S. U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
This strip mall houses a variety of convenience and necessity stores. Advance Auto Parts, (252) 473-9449, offers supplies and parts for vehicles. Food-A-Rama, (252) 473-2924, is an IGA grocery store, Roanoke Island’s largest. It recently installed a RedBox video vending machine for those $1/night films. La Playa, (252) 473-3373, is a specialty grocery, market and bakery with items geared to Hispanic cooking. It’s a good place to pick up cold drinks, ice cream and popsicles, sweet baked goods and snacks. Family Dollar, (252) 473-1834, sells inexpensive clothing, house wares, cleaning supplies, toiletries, toys and items for the beach. Island Pharmacy, (252) 473-5801, is a locally owned pharmacy and old-fashioned drug store, which also houses the local Division of Motor Vehicles license plate office. Also in this strip mall are a U.S. Post Office, H&R Block, a Subway sandwich shop and Top China (see Restaurants).
CVS Pharmacy
- Corner of the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway and U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5056
CVS offers photo developing, and the pharmacy has a drive-through. The CVS store is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The pharmacy is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Dare County ABC Store
- 506 U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-3557
In North Carolina, liquor and fortified wines (greater than 17% alcohol by volume) are only sold in ABC package stores. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
Decoys by Nick Sapone
- 292 The Lane
- Wanchese
- (252) 473-3136
Local carver Nick Sapone welcomes visitors to his home/studio to have a look at his hand-crafted decoys. Sapone makes hunting-style decoys, as opposed to decorative decoys, in wood and in the traditional Outer Banks canvas style. Call ahead to make sure he’s there if you’re making a special trip to Wanchese just to see him.
Endless Possibilities
- 105 Budleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 475-1575
This shop offers a truly unique concept in creativity and fund-raising. The goods sold here — rugs, purses, pillows, boas and more — are hand-woven and handcrafted out of recycled clothing that was donated to local Outer Banks Hotline thrift shops. The creations are amazing, colorful and original. The shop also offers the work of talented artists on consignment. The knitters, jewelers and sculptors who display their wares here all work with other found or recycled materials. Proceeds of the goods go to Outer Banks Hotline, a local nonprofit organization, to help local women and families on the Outer Banks.
Weavers are at work on the looms right in the store, and they welcome volunteer weavers. (They’ll teach you what to do.) You can also come in and pay a fee to make your own woven items. This is a great activity for young and old alike — just call ahead to check for loom availability.
Front Porch Cafe
- 300 U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-3160
Front Porch Café has been a popular beach-community coffee shop for years, and now they have a location on the main highway in Manteo. Enjoy a full espresso bar, with a wide variety of coffee drinks. They also have a great selection of teas, both loose and bagged. Pastries like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and cookies are baked fresh every day. This location has plenty of seating, free wireless Internet access and evening hours during the summer. They also carry a nice selection of coffee-related gifts and world music. Front Porch opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday.
Full Moon Art Gallery—Purely Island Art
- Corner of Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh
- Manteo
- (252) 473-6666
This one-of-a-kind gallery features the finest of local arts and crafts — by Outer Banks artists only. Sharon Enoch, co-owner of the Full Moon Café & Grill next door, is a restaurateur by day and a potter by night (though we’re sure those timeframes interchange!). You’ll find her beautiful stoneware pottery creations in this funky shop, along with local handmade jewelry, fused glass vases, sea glass earrings, prints, cards, textiles, original watercolors and garden art. Support the local artists and take home a true treasure from the Outer Banks.
Holiday House Flowers
- 600 S. U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-6938
Holiday House is Manteo’s only full-service florist. They provide flowers for all needs and specialize in weddings. There’s also an onsite greenhouse. Sharing the building with Holiday House is Tena and Company, a gift shop offering a variety of fine gifts, home accessories and wine. This is also a wedding-planning headquarters, where you can hire the services of Holiday House Flowers, Seaside Simplicity wedding planners and Kristi Midgette Wright Photography.
In Season & Out of Season
- 3763 Mill Landing Road
- Wanchese
- (252) 473-2976
This unique store is a nautical gift shop with plenty of sea shells and decorative accessories for the home. You’ll find inspirational items, reasonably priced greeting cards, hand-crafted goods made with sea shells, wood and metalwork, and beaded jewelry adorned with seashells.
Inspired by the Sea
- Phoenix Shops, between Budleigh and Ananias Dare Streets
- Manteo
- (252) 473-9955
The furniture and decorative accessories at Inspired by the Sea are hand-crafted, hand-painted works of art. Everything is built by hand and painted in their Outer Banks studio with scenes like lighthouses, seascapes, covered bridges and rural-scapes. Each painting is an original and signed by the artist. The artwork is protected with a clear acrylic varnish. These pieces make great home accents.
