Shops on Ocracoke Island

Mermaid’s Folly stocks affordable and tasteful casual clothing for dress up or dress down. This fun shop boasts a large selection of men's and women’s fine casual clothing, along with quality unisex t-shirts, comfortable dresses, sarongs, carefree ladies-cut tees, flowing skirts and soft pants. Accessorize with beaded jewelry, scarves, totes and handbags or a hat from their well-stocked shelves.

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks and museum tours with a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge, stories and history. The museum also offers a mid-week Kids Kraft program for kids. This interactive program is fun and informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.

Ride the Wind Surf Shop is your Ocracoke Island resource for surfboards, bathing suits, apparel, accessories, sunglasses, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and more. They carry all the top brands – Quicksilver, Roxy, Rip Curl, Howler, Freefly, Patagonia, Reef, Billabong – and they are Ocracoke's exclusive source for Low Tide beach chairs and Shibumi Beach Shades. If you want to explore the water, visit their outdoor adventure kiosk located on the harbor across from the shop offering hourly, daily and weekly kayak rentals (sit-in or sit-on-top). Stop by or contact them for one-on-one or group surf lessons. They provide island visitors with the opportunity to rent surfboards, paddleboards, bodyboards and skimboards by the day or the week at the corner of Silver Lake and Highway 12. 

The Slushy Stand is the perfect place for refreshment and a relaxing spot to indulge your craving for sweets or coffee. Stop in and try one of their 21 flavors of ice cream, slushies, milkshakes, floats, cold drinks and smoothies. They have breakfast items like muffins and bagels to go along with their freshly ground regular brew, a very smooth but robust Cuban coffee. Espresso, cappuccino or lattes are additional options. With free WiFi and a morning newspaper, this is a great place to start the day. Relax on the porch rocking chairs and watch the world go by. Bike rentals are available by the hour, day or week.