Bottom Line: Shells, driftwood and beach inspired decor and jewelry…read more What I really like about Shipwreck is the scenic causeway location overlooking the sound and the very friendly employees. I also think the name is very cute. Shipwreck is an Outer Banks staple that has been in business for decades. They have tons of sea shells and driftwood. They also have jewelry, ornaments, home decor and toys all inspired by the Outer Banks. For those looking for hermit crabs, they have those too! For vacationers wanting a great beach souvenir shopping experience, Shipwreck is a good place to check out!

Sweet ladies, great artful finds. Some large coral and shells are pricey, but good and rare finds!read more

Cutest little plant shop in Manteo! If you're in the Outer Banks, it's a must visit :)…read more The couple running the shop was so sweet and knowledgeable, and the selection was good as well.

I almost walked right by this unassuming store but I'm so glad I didn't miss it because it ended up…read morebeing one of the highlights of my vacation! It's a beautiful shop that's got a great selection without being overwhelming. I'm a crazy plant lady - the inside of my house looks like a jungle. But I found soooo many plants I didn't yet have! Honestly, if it were spring and not fall, I would've purchased dozens of plants. Luckily for my wallet, it's getting colder and I try not to buy plants when they have to stay inside for so long. Anyway, the prices are amazing! I typically buy my plants online or from a really expensive local nursery so I felt spoiled by the great prices. I ended up exercising my self control and only taking 6 plants home. The shopkeeper was so sweet and friendly and always willing to look up care instructions for me, which was much appreciated. Since this shop was our first stop of the day, she also held my plants until I was done shopping so they didn't have to sit in the car and fry. She wrapped each plant so carefully and packaged them all up in pretty green bags! It was the sweetest touch!

I love the store and am a huge fan of the products she has, yes they are pricey but the quality and…read morestyle never goes out of style!

Such a gem if you are looking forward hard to find luxury. Highly recommend! Ridiculous amounts of…read moreFrank and Eileen and fun French Finds!

OMG! THE BEST CHRISTMAS STORE EVER!!! This is amazing and outstanding and amazing gorgeous store…read moreand love it so much and so beautiful pretty and so many kinds of Christmas decorations and gifts ideas and plus and love it so much! I am in heaven everything is organized and so clean and plus remarkable and blown away and I am back here again and it is AWESOME! The staff are so friendly kind caring sweet and always on top of everything and they have Halloween area and seriously come here get lots of goodies for gifts and stuff and plus they have giant food and candy store to get amazing things and simples you can taste and most best part of it and fun and super fun and brings me back to Christmas and holiday memories and so much fun and great ideas! You all rock and make this place magical fun and gorgeous! Happy school year everyone! From Lauren

Must stop by or make a special trip here. Don't confuse this spot with the Christmas Mouse in Kitty…read moreHawk. This is a totally different place and their prices are quite nice! We got NFL Football Santa hats for the Christmas less than they are sold online. They also have a cool Halloween section. The service was great- a bunch of sweet ladies working around the entire store. It was a fun place to explore!

great experience! i got the most beautiful middle eastern bracelet and a pair of sterling kanji…read moreearrings. they have vintage books, vintage jewely, a vintage leather seed beaded eyeglass case, anything! good prices to start but-- better prices when negotiated a little. very friendly owner, Kyle Yeager. will definitely go back next time we're here in Manteo. (just outside we got the special treat of being greeted by the neighborhood resident orange tabby kitty for ear scratches and some purrs at the bottom of the stairs.)

My favorite hobby. Antiquing! Lol. Just like all antique places...you have to keep coming back…read morebecause something different/new will pop up! The items were fairly priced, which was a definite plus lol

BLUF: Friendly employees and a bit of a scavenger hunt to find treasures…read more WaterLife Thrift Store is located in Whalebone Junction next to the KFC/Taco Bell. This old cottage has been a myriad of businesses over the years and is now a thrift shop selling clothing, housewares, toys, books and other odds and ends. I visited on a gloomy summer weekday and the parking lot and store were both packed. The store seemed like it was typically well organized but at the end of a busy day it was a bit messier than I expected. Ultimately I left with a vintage jigsaw puzzle and a book. The quality of the items seemed ok but I'm sure like all thrift shops, it's hit or miss and the treasure hunt is part of the excitement. The employees were friendly and the prices were fair.

Great little thrift shop. I purchased some pillows and both my friends came away with some…read moretreasures. It was well organized. Household items, jewelry, shoes, clothes and more. Wish they had a little bigger place. The selection was a good mix but feel with a little larger building they could have even more . Will definitely be back the next time im in town. Service was good and the prices were reasonable.

Bottom Line: Beautiful, detailed hand painted furniture and gifts and a delightful local…read morebusiness. If you are looking to take a piece of the Outer Banks home with you but don't want to get a cheesy, useless souvenir, consider a lovely, locally painted piece of furniture from Inspired by the Sea. The artists' (I think its a husband and wife team) work is a terrific representation of the beautiful OBX beaches and I love how much effort is put into the paintings. Even if you are not in the market for some beachy furniture, maybe some of the small décor would neste nicely in your luggage for the trip home. One of the items they have is a photo album with a hand painted cover. How awesome would it be to fill one of those with pictures from annual trips to the Outer Banks?

Bottom Line: This lovely store in Manteo offers traditional coastal home décor and gifts…read more Some of the best shopping in the Outer Banks is definitely in Manteo along the waterfront. I would put Acre Lane in that category for sure. This store is very classy and elegant. They had some great paintings, furniture and candles. I think the Acre Lane business is even more complex than this delightful shop. I believe they also offer cottage decorating servies and even have a super cute rental property in Manteo that is great for two lovebirds wanting to nest in a converted carriage house. Very cool!