A Day in Duck, NC is Essential to Your Outer Banks Vacation

This post may contain affiliate links (a girl's got to eat, right?).

Before visiting Duck, I honestly didn’t know there was anything there other than the beautiful Sanderling Resort. When my husband and I drove through originally, we really wanted to check out the resort. However, before we could get there, we kept finding cute waterfront shops and restaurants. We never did make it to Sanderling but we still had a blast! Our favorite places are listed below…

My Favorite Shops in Duck, NC

The Waterfront Shops

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the shop owners at The Waterfront Shops. Every shop owner we chatted with happily offered up the best places to eat and visit, without us even asking. We felt like we had known them forever, even though we had just met! We felt right at home in Duck, NC thanks to these friendly locals.

What the Shell Eccletic Boutique

Oh my gosh – this store is like Etsy come to life! The owner, Paulette is so nice and very helpful for giving fantastic food and shopping recommendations. I wanted to buy everything in the store!

I spotted tons of unique treasures made by local artists. Kiddos can even make their own souvenirs in a craft area with a “shot” of shells, choice of craft and paint. Probably the first thing I noticed when I walked in were the Pumpkin Spice bath bombs. So exciting for pumpkin lovers! 🎃

Outer Barks

Good luck not going broke on things you don’t need for your dog😂. I have never seen most of the items that were available at Outer Barks and let me tell you – I am an avid shopper for my furbabies! I loved all of the unique merchandise for pets, plus pet owners can shop for adorable dog-loving t-shirts.

Oh, and be sure to say hi to this shop cutie, Bogie!

Candy & Corks

Since the name of the store is exactly what my diet consists of, I had to go in. You can find everything from Pumpkin Spice Malt Balls to the best local wines in this adorable store.

Duck’s Cottage: Coffee, News, Books, Pastries

This quaint little bookstore has phenomenal coffee and delicious Key Lime Biscotti. The shelves are packed with books of course, but they also have lots of unique journals.

Osprey Landing Sound Front Shops

Duck Donuts

There is actually a Duck Donuts in the Charlotte area now, but I wanted my first visit to be in the town these famous donuts are named after (Duck, NC!). The whole ordering process is unique because you have the option of building your own donut. Once you order, the donuts are freshly made at the shop across the sidewalk.

The donuts are good, but I have to say – the coffee is amazing! I got the Pumpkin blend and the pumpkin flavor is subtle enough to not be overpowering, yet still offer that pumpkin taste.

What to Order (if you visit in the fall): Pumpkin Blend Coffee, Fall Themed Donuts.

The Boardwalk

Stroll down the boardwalk behind the shops to find cool trees, photo ops and bird watching.

Don’t miss these Outer Banks travel articles…

• Add Jockey’s Ridge to Your NC Bucket List for an Experience You Won’t Forget
• Wild Horses in Corolla Will Make You Feel Like You are in a Fairy Tale