Best of Duck, NC
My parents have had a house in Duck, NC for a while now and we've been and seen just about everything there is in the small town. And I absolutely adore it. It has it's own feel, yet it's close to the other parts of the Outer Banks if you want to go elsewhere. Most of the time I choose to hang around Duck because, well, it's the best! If you find yourself visiting the area, here are some must see's and dos in the area.
Top 3 Restaurants (Because I can't pick just one!)
- Roadside Cafe- amazing salmon, shrimp and grits and clam chowder. I've been told the tomato pie is delicious too. It has a very eclectic and cozy feel.
- The Bluepoint- The sea scallops and old southern drinks are unbeatable. They also have live music overlooking the sound for a great view to enjoy your drinks to. (Pictured above)
- Cravings- As seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, this little dive tucked in with a gas station is definitely a must when visiting Duck.
Best View
Sunset Raw Bar and Grill by far has the best view. The sun sets over the sound and Sunset overlooks it all. You can sit outdoor or indoor. Not to mention they have some awesome beach drinks to choose from and souvenir cups! They also have the best tuna bites I've ever had.
Best Bookstore
Island Bookstore is tucked in the back of the Scarborough Fair and is the coziest little store I've ever been in. I could get lost for hours! I never take books to the beach because half of the fun is exploring this little shop and getting something new there.
Best Shopping
The Waterfront Shops are home to Life's a Beach, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, and Islands by Amity, an upscale clothing boutique carrying designers like Free People, Joe's Jeans, 7 for all mankind, and tons more! The Waterfront Shops are where I do my best clothing shopping as I can always find great, unique items. Not to mention the view overlooking the sound is amazing. And if you're lucky, you might spot the Lilly jeep!
Best Home Store
I absolutely LOVE Urban Cottage. It is by far my favorite store in Duck. It always inspires me to do more at my house and tweak my decorations. They have classic cottage furniture, decor, and more. During a conversation this week, my brother mentioned a store in Scarborough Faire that sold home stuff and 'looks just like Johnna's house.' That was one of the best compliments he's ever given me. I could have died!
Best Rentals
Duck Village Outfitters has it all. Surfing, stand up paddleboarding, bikes, boogie boards, and more. What used to be a tiny little shack of rentals and clothes has grown into an awesome new building with tons of inventory with great prices.
Best Drinks: Coffee, Wine, & Beer
Sweet Tea's has a ton of beer, wine, and coffees to choose from! I love it not only because it's in walking distance, but it has everything I need for my day: coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. They have live music a lot too. On the weekends, they have wine and beer tastings. You can also purchase the wine and beer to take home with you. I love to get different beer glasses there.
Best Seafood and Crabs
Dockside and Duck is my absolute favorite. They have the best, freshest seafood ever and the friendliest staff. Every year we get a bushel of crabs to pick on the deck. And every time I'm in Duck, I stop by to stock up on wild caught shrimp, fish, mussels, and scallops. Right now my freezer is stocked with swordfish and shrimp and I cannot wait to eat.
And if you ever get a change to stop by Schooner Ridge in Duck, you'll find this fisherman just hanging out.
Do you have favorite spots in Duck or the Outer Banks?
xo-Johnna