Shopping - Nags Head - Shops on the Bypass in NH
Brew Thru—Nags Head (2 locations)
- 3700 S. Virginia Dare Trail (The Beach Road) and 2203 S. Croatan Highway (The Bypass), MP 10 & 13
- Nags Head
The original drive-thru beverage store has been on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years and has become a tradition for visitors and locals alike. The Nags Head locations offer ice-cold beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks and much more. Almost bigger than their fun reputation are their world-famous T-shirts — they’ve sold so many (more than 3 million since 1977) that they now create annual editions that are considered collectibles. Check out ebay if you think we’re kidding! Stop in and get your own. It’s the #1 selling souvenir on the beach.
Cotton Gin
- 5151 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-2387
- map
Headquartered on mainland Currituck County, The Cotton Gin has been a coastal shopping tradition for more than 40 years. You’ll find resort fashions for women and men, jewelry, home accessories, collectibles, waterfowl carvings, books, cards, prints, even fine wine from the local Sanctuary Vineyards.This shop is perfect for finding special touches for your home or cottage, gifts or that little something for yourself.
Whalebone Surf Shop
- 2214 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6747
- map
Locally owned and operated since 1975, Whalebone has all the gear you need to outfit the whole family for the beach. They stock all the major surf brands with a large variety of sportswear, sandals and cool Whalebone logo tees. This is a great place to find a new swimsuit, with a full line of women’s suits and separates, children’s suits and tons of swim trunks for men. You’ll find all the sun protection you need with high-quality sunglasses and sunscreen. Before you hit the surf, head to Whalebone for the best boarding equipment; they sell surfboards made by the best shapers in the world as well as skimboards and bodyboards. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will help find the right board for you. Whalebone is open year round. See Recreation for more about surfing lessons and board rentals offered here.
ABC Liquors
- 2104 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5121
In North Carolina, all liquor and spirits other than beer and wine are sold at package stores by the name of ABC Stores. The Nags Head ABC Store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. Beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores.
Ace Hardware
- 2718 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5644
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, fishing tackle, grills, gifts, home accessories, art supplies, Carhartt clothing and much more. Check it out.
Austin Fish Company
- 3711 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7412
Austin’s features a variety of seafood including crab meat, shrimp, oysters, clams, fish, scallops, crabs, live lobsters, lobster tails and snow crab legs. They’ll steam your shrimp and crabs for you, and they’ll also vacuum pack, freeze and ship your catch. Nags Head Produce farm stand is adjacent to Austin’s and offers fresh, local, seasonal produce. While Austin’s was already worth the trip, this addition makes them an easy one-stop shopping destination for dinner!
Ben Franklin
- 2117 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7571
Ben Franklin is a great stop for beach items such as floats, towels, boogie boards, hats and sandals. You can pick up souvenirs and sundries and browse a host of attractive swimsuits and beach dresses for women. There also are great prices on swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts and pants for the whole family.
Christmas Mouse
- 2401 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-8111
The Christmas Mouse has been serving the Outer Banks with Christmas delights since 1987. Choose from holiday collectibles such as Clothtique Santas, Byer’s Carolers and Annalee felt ornaments. On display are dozens of themed trees to inspire you and more than 6,500 ornaments from which to select. There is an entire room dedicated to nautical and Outer Banks-themed ornaments and souvenirs.
Farmer’s Daughter
- 6803 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-3977
Farmer’s Daughter is so chock-full of goods you probably won’t be able to see everything in one visit, nor can we describe it all here. But if you’re a shopper, you’ll love wandering through this store, discovering crafts, home and garden accents, nautical and coastal decor, hand-painted glassware, chimes, candles, jewelry, flags, shell art, Outer Banks Christmas decorations, toys, custom T-shirts and sweatshirts and jackets. They also have a great selection of swimwear for the entire family, plus sun hats, caps, summer footwear, jewelry and beach supplies.
Food Lion
- 2515 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10, and 5200 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 15
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-3442 and 441-4118
This well-known chain offers all the usual groceries and includes seafood, bakery, natural foods and deli selections. They have an expanded organic and natural foods section. Check out the black bean salsa bread in the bakery section. It’s killer!
Forbes Candy & Gift Shop
- 6321 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7293
For years, Forbes has supplied visitors with real Outer Banks saltwater taffy — 15 different flavors of it! You’ll also find traditional favorites like fudge and homemade candies. We like the homemade chocolates in the shape of dolphins, sea shells and starfish. They also carry beach items like sunglasses, towels, games and beach bags.
Front Porch Café
- 2515 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-6616
The Front Porch Café in Nags Head has moved! They outgrew their old location and are now in the new Shoppes at 10.5 just a block north of the old location. They are still a traditional community coffeehouse with deliciously fresh roasted coffee, but the new store features additional seating and parking and a lounge/art space to relax and enjoy your coffee and the hand-painted mural by local artist Dawn Gray. They have live music on the new stage area, which doubles as a kids story time space during the summer, and of course some of the best artisan roasted coffee on the beach. They serve an array of specialty coffee drinks, teas and chai, and fresh pastries like croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns and turnovers are baked on site. A wide variety of whole bean coffees are for sale. This is a great place to hang out, and they’re open year round with free wireless internet access, extended summer evening hours and a community bulletin board with local news and events. The Front Porch has two other locations, one in Kill Devil Hills at MP 6 and the other in Manteo.
Hotline Too! Thrift Store
- 2001 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-1244
Outer Banks Hotline is the local domestic violence shelter and crisis intervention center, and the Thrift Shop is one of the ways it raises money. If you love hunting through thrift stores, you’ll go crazy for this one. You’ll find clothes, furniture, books, records, house wares and a lot more.
Life is Good Store
- 3925 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-0650
At this store you’ll find clothing and accessories from the cheerful Life is Good brand as well as the Good Dog line. Look for T-shirts, hats, shoes, coffee mugs, jewelry and gifts, plus dog accessories such as collars, bowls and more.
Morning View Coffee
- 2702 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4474
With the friendly, laid-back surfer vibe, comfortable and social seating arrangements, free WiFi access and some of the finest roasted beans we’ve ever tried, this coffee shop is a huge hit with the locals. At this caffeine oasis you’ll find all manner of cappuccinos and lattes in addition to fair-trade and organic beans to go, teas, pastries and bagels, gift items, cards and art. They’re dog-friendly and located in the Forbes building just to the north of Outer Banks Boarding Company.
Nags Head Produce
- 3711 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-9154
Nags Head Produce is a farm stand adjacent to Austin Fish Market between the highways in Nags Head. Their motto is “Eat Healthy, Be Healthy” and they’ve partnered with the best farms surrounding the Outer Banks to provide you with the highest quality local produce available. Not only does it taste better, but it’s more nutritious, it supports local farmers and it helps build the community. Their location next to Austin’s makes for super-easy, one-stop shopping for your dinner.
Outer Banks Boarding Co.
- 103 E. Morning View Place and The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-1939
Outer Banks Boarding Co. is a boarder’s paradise with a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a great selection of equipment for surfing, body-boarding and snow, skate and skim-boarding. They rent wetsuits and surfboards of all kinds that are suitable for all skill levels — from the novice soft-top longboard to the board for the seasoned pro looking for the newest in surfboard technology. NSSIA-certified surf instruction and coaching is offered with owner Robert Farmer, owner/shaper Lynn Shell and pro surfers and team riders Jesse Hines and Noah Snyder. Follow them on Twitter to get their first-on-the-beach surf report every day. They pride themselves on providing great customer service here. They’ll even let you demo a surfboard, and if you buy it the cost of the rental is applied to the purchase.
Scoops Ice Cream
- 3941 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4485
Sweet tooth acting up? Or do you need something more substantial? Turn in here to fill your hunger spot and devour deli sandwiches, snacks and homemade ice cream, or take home an ice cream cake.
Secret Spot Surf Shop
- 2815 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4030
Outfit yourself to surf, skate or sun. This shop is an old-time favorite offering custom-made Secret Spot surfboards as well as used boards, boogie boards and more. Check out the retro collection of surfboards on the ceiling. You also can rent a board or get a surf report, and lessons are available. The whole family can shop for summer apparel, including bathing suits, shoes, shorts and Secret Spot T-shirts. They specialize in stuff for babies and kids, so if you have little ones, this is your place. Other cool findings include the selection of summer dresses for women and girls, the collection of tropical gifts and surf art and their killer selection of sunglasses.
T.J. Maxx
- 2210 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-9596
When T.J. Maxx arrived on the Outer Banks in 2010, the grand opening was so passionately anticipated that a group of ladies waited out front drinking mimosa in celebration. As their website proclaims, this is where fashionistas become Maxxinistas, so stop in for good buys on fun fashions for men, women, children and the home, plus toys and so much more!
TW’s Bait and Tackle
- 2230 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4807
TW’s Bait and Tackle has 7,500 square feet of goods for anglers, hunters and sports enthusiast alike. Check out their massive replicas of the N.C. state record blue marlin and world record yellowfin tuna that adorn the storefront. Inside, you’ll find an impressive selection of inshore, offshore, surf, fly and freshwater tackle including such manufacturers as Daiwa, Shimano, G. Loomis, Black Bart Lures, Berkley Gulp, Yeti coolers and Bluewater lures. TW’s stocks some of the newest products the fishing industry has to offer. They also carry a full line of fun and functional clothing for the whole family including brands such as Columbia, Calcutta, Guy Harvey, Bimini Beach Outfitters, Pelagic, Salt Life and Costa Del Mar and WileyX sunglasses. Get your “Fish On” with their awesome selection of gifts, fish mounts, Tervis Tumblers, custom T-shirts, sweat, hats and stickers. TW’s is one-stop shopping for those who love to fish or just look like they do.
Whalebone Seafood
- 101 Gray Eagle Street and The Bypass, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-8808
Purchase fresh, in-season seafood at this locally owned market. They sell crab meat, shrimp, fish, clams, scallops and more, and they’ll steam your shrimp for you. You’ll also find the marinades, sauces and spices you need to prepare your seafood dinner.
