Roanoke Island Shopping (Including Manteo Shopping and Wanchese 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.
Bianca’s Tea Leaf Readings
- 326 Fernando Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-2277
Need advice? Bianca is an assistant life coach who is highly intuitive and well known for her honest and accurate predictions using Tarot Cards, astrology, a crystal ball, handwriting analysis, horoscope readings, tea leaf readings, color therapy and Feng Shui. For more than 25 years Bianca has helped hundreds live a healthier and stress free life, and she assures you success by advising you in love, business, marriage, divorce, health and family matters. Make an appointment with her at her shop in downtown in Manteo.
Charlotte’s
- The Waterfront Shops, Queen Elizabeth Street
- Manteo
- (252) 473-3078
- map
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. New in the store is Mimi’s Corner, offering fine baby gifts and fine children’s clothes. Charlotte’s is open Monday through Saturday.
Gallery 101
- 101 B Budleigh Street
- Manteo
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, blown glass, stained glass, turned wood, jewelry and photography, including works by local photographers.
Muzzie’s Antiques
- Corner of Queen Elizabeth Street and Budleigh Street
- Manteo
Offering an extensive collection of Victorian, antique and fine jewelry, Muzzie’s is a ladies’ favorite in Manteo. The selection includes diamonds, platinum and precious gems. Muzzie’s offers jewelry collections by Kenny Ma, Extasia and Sweet Romance. You’ll also covet the antique and new linens, Aubusson pillows and garden statuary. Muzzie’s now features vintage fabric purses and antique lace jackets by designer Cheryl Long. This is the perfect place to shop for a cherished gift or engaegment ring..
Nancyware Pottery
- 402 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
- Manteo
- (252) 473-9400
- map
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!
Nest
- Magnolia Market Square, across Queen Elizabeth Avenue from Tranquil House Inn
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5141
- map
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 Dana Kellin, Michael Michaud and Viv & Ingrid, among others; niche fragrances, including Eau d’Italie, Côtè Bastide 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
- map
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 are always gracious about assisting you in finding the perfect creation to add to any collection.
Sleeping In, Ltd.
- 101 Fernando Street
- Manteo
- (252) 475-1971
- map
Sleeping In, Ltd. is a luxurious shop filled with a little touch of a lot of things. You’ll find sleepwear and lingerie, fine linens, ladies’ clothing, designer-inspired jewelry, Vera Bradley bags and accessories, bath and body luxuries and wonderful gifts for that new baby. Of course, that is not all; stop in to discover more. It’s open Monday through Saturday.
The Andrus Gallery and Studio
- The Waterfront Shops
- Manteo
The Steve Andrus Gallery is the gallery and workspace of watercolor painter Steve Andrus. The gallery sells only Andrus’ work, and you will find the artist at work here as well. Andrus’ 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.
The Museum Store at Roanoke Island Festival Park
- I Festival Park, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Across from Manteo Waterfront
- Manteo
Explore this store and find historically themed gifts, collectibles and memorabilia that includes nautical, Civil War, American Indian, Outer Banks and North Carolina items. The store has increased its selection of North Carolina artists to include more ceramics/pottery, handcrafted toys, copper garden stakes, prints, cards, mixed metal jewelry and wooden ware. Children will have fun exploring the period toys and games (wooden guns and swords, handmade toys and nautical gadgets). The store offers an extensive selection of North Carolina books, foods and wines. Friends of Elizabeth II receive 15 percent off purchases at the shop; forms are available in the shop. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week from mid-February through December.
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 goods, pet supplies, holiday decorations, grills, gifts, home accessories, art supplies, men’s Carhartt clothing and much more.
Beach’N Life
- 102 Sir Walter Raleigh Street
- Manteo
- (252) 475-1001
Beach ‘N Life is a bright and colorful store offering fun, beachy home and cottage decor and accessories. Outfit your home with flags, rugs, artwork, tin-ware geckos and frogs made in Haiti and much more. Outfit yourself with jewelry, Laurel Burch purses and jewelry, Anuschka purses from India, and Bandals, the flip-flops with interchangeable bands.
Broad Creek Fishing Center Ship Store
- 708 Harbor Road, 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 frozen bait. Don’t forget to check out their sunglasses, T-shirts, sweat shirts and hats.
Burnside Books
- 610 N. U.S. Highway 64
- Manteo
- (252) 473-3311
Burnside Books is often overlooked, tucked away as it is in the same building as Times Printing office supply store. But it’s worth seeking out. The bookstore sells both new and used books. Downstairs you’ll find the new books, with all sorts of special sections, including local topics and children’s books. Upstairs, you won’t believe the selection of used books. This is a great place to browse around, and there are some treasures here.
Calvio’s Nails and Tanning
- 503 Cypress Lane, Unit D
- Manteo
- (252) 473-1790
Calvio’s is a nail salon offering expert manicures and pedicures, including acrylics and gels. Tanning and facial and body waxing are also available here. The shop is new, bright and welcoming. You’ll find Cypress Lane off U.S. Highway 64 next to TL’s restaurant.
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, crab meat, clams, oysters, scallops and fish of all varieties. The market also sells steamed seafood to go plus an array of properly frozen seafood products from Wanchese Fish Company (perfect for packing on ice to take home). Capt. Malc’s is located next to Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, almost at the end of N.C. Highway 345 in Wanchese.
Carolina Cupcakery / OBX Dessert Cafe
- 205 Budleigh Street
- Manteo
- (757) 204-4775
With a successful wedding business, three storefronts in Hampton Roads, Virginia, a feature in Modern Bride magazine and appearances on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover,” this cupcake bakery is well established regionally but new to Manteo. The store is a home base for their wedding business, and their specialty is towers of cupcakes in any flavor you can imagine. But you can stop by and pick up their cupcakes, too, for a snack or the perfect gift. The cafe also serves coffee and other breakfast baked goods, which you can enjoy outside on a cafe table or take it to go. Gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free varieties are available as well. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Carolina Cupcakery also offers cupcake decorating classes and birthday parties.
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 has 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, Liberty Tax, Always Stylin’ Hair Salon, a Subway sandwich shop and Top China (see Restaurants).
Christmas Shop and Island Gallery
- 621 S. U.S. Highway 64
- Roanoke Island
- (252) 473-2838
It smells, sounds, looks and feels like Christmas year round at The Christmas Shop, a Roanoke Island tradition since it opened in 1967. Inside you’ll find room after room after room of holiday-related ornaments and decorative items plus toys, collectibles, candles, flowers, souvenirs and lighthouses. Upstairs is a room dedicated to Halloween and autumn decor and collectibles. Plan to spend some time here, as the shop seems to go on forever. As you wander around you’ll eventually come to the Island Gallery, which features a variety of artwork, pottery, prints, paintings, jewelry and more, much of it by local artists. The General Store has an authentic, old-fashioned appeal, and its Candy Counter is a great place to reminisce with old-fashioned candies. You’ll find fudge from Outer Banks Fudge Company there as well. You’ll also find antiques and occasionally come upon Jeweler Ron Vick at work in the shop making his hand-crafted jewelry on site.
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.
Dare County Arts Council Gallery
- 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
- Manteo
- (252) 473-5558
This great gallery located in the historic Dare County Courthouse showcases the work of Dare County Arts Council members and features at least one special exhibit each month, beginning with a lively reception on the first Friday of each month, coinciding with Manteo’s lively First Friday celebration from April through December. You’ll find paintings, prints, pottery, fiber arts, photography, sculpture and jewelry. 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 visual and cultural arts in Dare County.
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 handwoven 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.
Found Colony Art School, Bead Store and Gallery
- 4450 Maritime Woods Drive
- Roanoke Island
- (252) 256-3034
Found Colony Art School is the result of the long-time dream of Lorri Chambers, the former owner of Ocean Beads Gallery in Nags Head. In her classrooms, Chambers offers affordable art classes and teaches art forms to anyone who is interested, from kids to adults to seniors, individuals to large groups. Chambers doesn’t have a set schedule of classes; instead, her students call her and tell her what they want to learn and Chambers makes it happen. She welcomes organized groups that are looking for an arts activity. The bead store carries hundreds of types of beads. The gallery sells local artwork, collectibles, vintage art and jewelry and much more. The gallery is off the beaten path: At The Elizabethan Inn, turn onto Hariot Street, then take a right on Driftwood. Look for a warehouse-type building with a green roof; the gallery is behind the building.
