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This Crystal Coast is a whole lot more than just surf and sand-it is a true shopping haven, with a wide variety of eclectic boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, surf shops and much more.
From home decor to souvenirs, area shops are chock-full of unique items that echo the spirit of the Crystal Coast. Find fashionable clothes and accessories at area boutiques. Browse galleries that feature original
paintings, sculptures and crafts by local artists. Or search for one-of-a kind antiques in the historic downtown districts. Aside from souvenirs, Crystal Coast stores also carry everything you need for the perfect beach vacation. Find recreational equipment, like kites, surfboards and boogie boards, as well as all the essentials for a week at the beach, such as umbrellas, towels, coolers and more. Grocery stores and gourmet food markets are numerous, so you'll always have something tasty to eat when you don't feel like eating out.
From casual shoppers to serious spenders, all visitors are invited to enjoy
the wonderful variety of shops across the Crystal Coast. But where do you
begin? Here are some tips on shopping in each community across the
Crystal Coast.
Morehead City
The unoficial capital of the Crystal Coast, Morehead City has the biggest variety of shops in the region. Stroll through the inviting waterfront district and find gift shops, bookstores, art galleries and more. The historic downtown area has many similar shops, selling local handmade crafts, clothing and accessories, and other unique items. Beyond the downtown and waterfront, the retail options in Morehead City are almost limitless-find nautical supplies, pet products, furniture, jewelry, wine shops, seafood markets and traditional grocery and convenience stores across the town, supplying any need (or desire!) that might arise during your Crystal Coast vacation.
New Bern
The historic town features many unique shops and galleries. Stop by the pharmacy now known as the "Birthplace of Pepsi" and pick up an old-fashioned Pepsi souvenir while enjoying some cola from the recreated soda fountain. A farmer's market featuring local produce and handcrafted items takes place every Saturday morning from March through December, and Tuesday afternoons in the summer. But the main shopping attractions in New Bern are the antique stores and art galleries. There are five antique shops in the historic downtown area alone, as well as six galleries featuring arts and crafts. Unique gift stores offer everything from hand-woven rugs to cast iron pots and pans.
Bogue Banks (Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle)
From beachwear to novelty items, surfboards to colorful kites, shopping
in the beach communities of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, as well
as the mid-Island towns of Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores, is mostly centered around enjoying the beach lifestyle. However, there are manyboutiques with fashionable clothing and accessories for the beach andbeyond that are well worth browsing. Surf shops in this area are also well known and respected for their wide variety of merchandise. Beyond
surfboards and bikinis, find clothing, sandals, accessories, sunglasses,
bags, hats and more.
Beaufort
Strolling around Beaufort's historic waterfront district is appealing in itself. But add to that a plethora of unique shops and galleries, all within walkingdistance, and you've got one special place. There are also numerous activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained while the serious shoppers get to business. So while the kids are exploring a museum or visiting historic homes, discover treasures and unique items in the many specialty shops that line the two main thoroughfares - Front Street and Turner Street. Find handmade goods and fresh herbs at the Beaufort Historic Site's gift shop, regional cookbooks, works by local artists, fashion apparel, nautical accessories and much more.
Swansboro
Old-fashioned shops line the main street of the historic riverfront town of Swansboro. Enjoy lunch with a view of the White Oak River and then browse through the quaint stores and galleries on Front Street and the adjacent blocks. Find plenty of antiques, as well as 1950s-era treasures, reproductions and vintage apparel. Gift stores and art galleries featurea variety of locally made crafts, paintings, pottery and other collectibles. Small, scenic and walk-able, Swansboro is a great place to take your time in each store and chat with the storekeepers. You'll find their friendliness and charm quite refreshing.
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