Corolla Shopping
Corolla is all about retail recreation. Corolla shopping opportunities are abundant in and around the major shopping complexes—The Shoppes at the Currituck Club, TimBuck II, Monteray Plaza and Corolla Light Town Center—and in the old Corolla village area.
Almost all Corolla shops are locally owned and operated, so they each have an individual character and offer things you won’t see at home. You could easily spend a whole day shopping in Corolla when you need a little break from the beach. Just remember that on rainy days, everyone else will want to be shopping with you. Vacationers are notorious for getting in their cars on rainy days and heading straight to the Outer Banks shopping areas.
If you’ve got family members in tow, don’t worry, because most of Corolla’s shopping centers offer diversions other than shopping. TimBuck II Shopping Village has plenty of recreational opportunities, like water sports and go-carts, to keep the family entertained while you shop. At Monteray Shores Shopping Plaza, there’s a climbing wall and movie theater. Corolla Light Town Center features a skatepark that’s as much fun for curious onlookers as it is for skaters.
Bacchus Wine & Cheese
- 891 Albacore Street, Monteray Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4333
Bacchus Wine and Cheese is a gourmet specialty shop for culinary indulgence of the best kinds! In addition to their famous sandwiches and Thumann’s deli items, they carry specialty cheeses, wines, hand-cut Angus steaks and sinful desserts. You’ll find real triple-cream Brie, Manchego, Wensleydale and more than 25 other cheeses plus gourmet crackers, fresh breads, salamis and olives. Olive oils, balsamic vinegars, specialty sauces and pastas will tempt you as well. And don’t forget the extensive wine selection. Bacchus has more than 750 labels from around the world and offers daily wine tastings all year long as well as Tuesday wine tasting events in season, which do require reservations, so give them a call to reserve your spot.
Back Country Outfitters
- 107 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 453-0877
This shop is the headquarters for Kayak Corolla, the Wild Horse Safari and Segway of the Outer Banks (see Recreation). They specialize in family-oriented nature tours through the Outer Banks “back country.” Their gift shop also sells copies of aerial photos of the area, sportswear, souvenir clothing and accessories that are perfect for wild horse fans. Stop by to make a reservation or inquire about these tours.
Beach Jeeps of Corolla
- 1159 H Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 453-6141
Explore the off-road excitement of Swan Beach and Carova by renting your own Jeep for the day or week. Go topless and look cool in one of the colorful, fun four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Big Buck’s Ice Cream
- 794 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-3188
When all that shopping starts to wear you down, head to Big Buck’s Ice Cream in the West building for a treat. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made from scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet, yogurt, soft serve and frozen custard. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae — yum! They have an espresso bar for a real pick-me-up. Candies, homemade chocolates and taffy are also available. Check out the Big Buck’s Ts.
Birthday Suits
- Monteray Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4862
In business for more than 25 years on the Outer Banks, Birthday Suits is a favorite for swimwear — in fact, it’s been voted Best on the Beach for swimsuits for many years in local polls. For kids, there’s everything from swim diapers and toddler suits to board shorts and competition swimwear. Men will find surf trunks, board shorts and briefs from sizes 28 to XX large. For women, there are mix-and-match separates, bra-sized swimwear and long-torso, maternity and mastectomy suits, all in the coolest styles. Birthday Suits carries designer and California surf brands, sun-protective rash guards for kids and adults, clothing and beach-inspired accessories like sunglasses, flip-flops, hats, jewelry and purses. Love the OBX logo? You’ll find all kinds of OBX brand accessories and clothing here.
Brew Thru
- 790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-2878
The original drive-through beverage store has been on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years and has become a tradition for visitors and locals alike. The Corolla location offers ice-cold beer, wine, beverages, snacks, gas and much more. A vacation to the Outer Banks would not be complete without one of their legendary annual T-shirts. Having sold more than three million shirts since 1977, the Brew Thru T-shirt is the #1 selling souvenir on the beach.
Corolla Book, Card and Gift Gallery
- 788 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4444
This huge store will entertain several members of the family for quite a while. The book section offers best sellers plus great local and regional titles. Then you’ve got the gift section with an array of postcards and greeting cards, T-shirts, games, candy, shell lamps, candles, fragrances, figurines, mugs, prints, Beanie Babies and stuffed animals and toys, and that’s not nearly the half of it. You can also find the popular D. Morgan prints here.
Corolla Wine, Cigar, Gourmet
- 794 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-6048
Corolla Wine, Cigar, Gourmet features beautiful sunsets and free wine tastings. They carry a large selection of wines from all over the world and continue to take a special interest in local wines and regional vineyards. You’ll also find a huge selection of specialty beers, champagne, gourmet foods and a host of wine paraphernalia like stemware, wine tools, even wine-scented candles. The walk-in humidor is stocked with premium cigars. Wine tastings are available daily; just stop in anytime. In the summer season they co-host a special Wednesday night wine tasting event at the Whalehead club with food and music. Don’t miss it!
Cotton Gin
- 790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4446
For the feeling of an old-time country market, step into The Cotton Gin in the big, red barn-like building at the entrance to TimBuck II. Headquartered on mainland Currituck County, The Cotton Gin has been a coastal shopping tradition for nearly 40 years. You’ll find seasonal and souvenir apparel including decorative and holiday sweaters, home accessories, collectibles, Teddy bears, waterfowl carvings, books, cards, prints, even fine wine from the local Sanctuary Vineyards.
Dog Nutz
- 799 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-9955
Does a pooch rule your roost? Do you go gaga over every dog you see? Dog Nutz is the store for you. Here, everything is for the canine crowd, from doggie beach gear and toys to everyday supplies and breed-specific gifts. There are a few things for cat and horse people too.
Dolphin Watch Gallery
- 793 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-2592
This is an interesting gallery with a soothing atmosphere, perfect for calming overloaded senses after a day of shopping. This gallery features original fine art from pottery, jewelry, carvings and etchings to stained glass, mosaics and metal works. Inquire about the custom stained-glass and mosaics work done by local artists. Look for the popular Danish-designed jewelry by Pandora. They have beautiful, original watercolor and oil paintings, and custom framing is available. Dolphin Watch Gallery is open year round.
Gray’s Department Store
- 785 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4994, (252) 457-1058
Gray’s has been a trusted name in apparel for the whole family since 1948. This family owned and operated local chain boasts the largest selection of Tommy Bahama clothing on the Outer Banks and also sells popular brands like Fresh Produce Sportswear, Billabong, Columbia, Woolrich and Eliza B ribbon sandals and belts. Gray’s also carries a great selection of gifts, jewelry and accessories, including Vera Bradley. The store specialty is its enormous selection of quality Outer Banks T-shirts and sweatshirts, including OBX designs.
Gray’s Department Store
- 805 Ocean Trail, Monteray Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-0852
Here is another branch of this widespread Outer Banks department store. Gray’s has been a trusted name in apparel for the whole family since 1948. This family owned and operated local chain boasts the largest selection of Tommy Bahama clothing on the Outer Banks and also sells popular brands like Fresh Produce Sportswear, Billabong, Columbia, Woolrich and Eliza B ribbon sandals and belts. Gray’s also carries a great selection of gifts, jewelry and accessories, including Vera Bradley. The store specialty is its enormous selection of quality Outer Banks T-shirts and sweatshirts, including OBX designs.
Island Revolution Surf Co. and Skatepark
- 1159 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 453-9484
Shop here for surf and skate threads, equipment and accessories. Island Revolution has a full line of surfboards and skateboards. They also have accessories and clothing for men and women from O’Neil, Billabong, Dakine, Analog, RVCA, and Lucy Love plus a great selection of killer shades from Arnette, Dragon, Von Zipper and more. Ask about surf lessons and check out surf videos on their plasma TVs while you shop. You can purchase passes to the concrete skatepark here, and in the summer, skate clinics are available for $30 for a 90-minute session from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays in season. Plus you can skate for free on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. See Recreation for more about the Corolla Skatepark and surf lessons.
Just for the Beach Rentals
- 501 Hunt Club Drive, Pine Island area
- Corolla
- (252) 453-9388, (866) OBX-RENT
If you couldn’t bring it or forgot it, don’t worry. Just for the Beach Rentals probably has it, and they can deliver it to you before you even miss it. Here you can rent baby equipment such as cribs, pack-n-plays, high chairs, exersaucers and strollers, cottage equipment like roll-a-way beds or grills, plus tennis racquets, bikes, kayaks, boogie boards, skim boards or maybe even a surfboard. They also have beach equipment including sun canopies, umbrellas and chairs. Just for the Beach also sells fishing equipment, sunglasses and suntan lotion.
Kitty Hawk Kites
- 100 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-8845
Kitty Hawk Kites is said to be the largest kite store in the world! Aside from having a large selection of kites, including stunt and power kites, the store has an endless supply of toys, unique T-shirts and great Outer Banks gifts. Kitty Hawk Kites is also all about adventure and offers hang gliding, kayaking, kiteboarding and more!
Kitty Hawk Kites
- 817 Monteray Drive, Monteray Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-3685
This Kitty Hawk Kites location offers an outdoor climbing wall and kayak rentals. The store also sells a wide variety of kites, toys and souvenirs and sportswear including Columbia, TEVA, Royal Robbins and custom Outer Banks T-shirts and accessories. You’ll also find clothing and accessories from the cheerful Life is Good brand here.
Kitty Hawk Sports
- 790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4999
This sports store offers all the sportswear and beachwear you’ll need to fit in with the surf and water sports crowd with Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy and Volcom for both men and women. They also have a big selection of popular T-shirts and sweatshirts including OBX, Peace Frogs and Old Guys Rule. There’s also a nice selection of Morey body boards and Zap skim boards if you want to do more than look the part!
Lorenz Fine Photography
- 1132 Corolla Village Road, Historic Corolla Village
- Corolla
- (800) 646-5812
For nearly 30 years Bruce Lorenz has been behind the lens. He chose to specialize in wedding photojournalism and portraiture of families, children and pets because he finds the spontaneity of these sessions energizing and feels it is such an honor to capture these special moments and preserve a family’s history. His commissioned works are in homes and galleries throughout the world, and he is willing to travel anywhere for an assignment. During the summer season you will find him in his studio/gallery in the Historic Village of Corolla. Give him a call to set up a beach portrait session or plan a wedding or event.
Nags Head Hammocks
- 790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4611, (800) 344-6433
Nags Head Hammocks have been handcrafted in coastal North Carolina since 1974. The rope hammocks, hammock swings and chairs are a favorite keepsake that will put you in a vacation frame of mind all year long. The ropes, wood and hardware used in Nags Head Hammocks are weather-resistant, so these products are extremely durable and last a very long time. Shipping is available.
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
- 103 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (2520 453-2440
Ocean Atlantic Rentals is the ultimate vacation rental store. They rent many of the necessities, like baby gear, strollers, grills, linens, TVs and DVD players, rollaway beds, tables and chairs, wheel chairs, life jackets, etc. Plus they rent the fun stuff, such as surfboards, boogie boards, beach gear, utility carts, coolers, bikes, kayaks, wetsuits and sports equipment. They also have wedding supplies, such as chairs and tents. Delivery and pickup is available.
TW’s Bait & Tackle
- 603 Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Monteray Plaza
- Corolla
- (2520 453-3339
There’s something for everyone at TW’s. Of course, TW’s has all the fishing supplies you could need, but they also have a full selection of sportswear for the entire family. They carry a full line of Columbia clothing, Aftco sportswear, dresses for women and children’s clothing. You’ll love their T-shirts with lots of great fishing designs. They also have plenty of fun gifts and fishy home décor items. See our Recreation page.
Whalehead Club Museum Shop
- 1100 Club Road, Currituck Heritage Park
- Corolla
After touring the house and grounds, visit the Museum Shop for unique Corolla keepsakes. They offer beautiful books of local interest such as The Whalehead Club; Reflections of Currituck Heritage by Susan Joy Davis and a new coffee table photography book, The Whalehead Club – A Legacy Preserved by acclaimed photographer Mollie Isaacs. The Museum Shop showcases the talents of area artists who create items pertaining to The Whalehead Club (circa 1920s), one of America’s most beautiful historic homes (see Attractions). During restoration the copper shingles were replaced and the originals (with a perfect green patina) were placed in the hands of artists who created unique art in jewelry, picture frames, lamps, birdhouses and ornaments. The Museum Shop also offers miniature decoys, clothing, hats, photographs, posters and scented bath salts in honor of Mrs. E. C. Knight, Jr., the original lady of the house, who enjoyed a seawater bath. Help save history: Proceeds from the shop support ongoing preservation of Currituck Heritage Park!
A Greener Shade of You
- 1130 Corolla Village Road
- Corolla
- (252) 453-6644
Shopping with a conscience? This cute boutique brings style and eco-friendly together for you with clothing and accessories made from organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. They also feature local jewelry and all natural lavender-based skin care products.
Ace Hardware
- 822 Ocean Trail
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4441
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, fishing tackle, grills, gifts, home accessories, art supplies, Carhartt clothing and much more. Check it out.
