Emily Pack
May 14, 2026
The Outer Banks community has been busy this off-season, getting everything ready for another unforgettable summer. From brand-new businesses to fresh storefronts and new ownership at longtime favorites, there’s so much to discover this year.
During your next visit to the Outer Banks, be sure to explore these local spots and experience what’s new around the beach!
Rundown Cafe
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 11:00 am- 11:00 pm
Location: 5218 Virginia Dare Trl N, Kitty Hawk, NC, United States, 27949
Rundown offers a refined take on coastal dining in the Outer Banks, where elevated cuisine meets a relaxed, oceanfront setting. Thoughtfully crafted dishes, fresh seafood, and expertly mixed cocktails—featuring local Kill Devil Rum—create an experience that is both polished and inviting. With live music, warm hospitality, and a seamless transition from dinner to late-night cocktails, Rundown is designed for memorable evenings by the water. Newly renovated for the 2026 season!
Salt & Cypress
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Location: 1100A S Bay Club Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
Nestled along the waterfront in Manteo, Salt & Cypress Kitchen and Cocktails is a sibling-owned dining destination that captures the essence of coastal Southern hospitality. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, seasonal menus and handcrafted cocktails, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet elevated experience with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the bay. Guests can enjoy inventive appetizers, thoughtfully composed entrées, and nightly chef’s cut game specials, making it a standout for both casual dining and special occasions. Salt & Cypress also offers catering and private event options, making it a versatile addition to the vibrant Manteo community.
Salty Skies Boutique
Hours: Monday – Saturday, open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Locations: 790 Sunset Boulevard Corolla, NC 27927, and a NEW location in Duck: 1171 Duck Road, Unit A-4/A-8 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Instagram for their Corolla and Duck Stores
Salty Skies Boutique offers a cheerful shopping experience at TimBuck II in Corolla and our new shop in Duck, NC, featuring a curated selection of contemporary apparel, accessories, handmade jewelry, eclectic home goods, party supplies, stickers, toys, and bath and beauty goods.
Outer Banks Candle Company
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: The Waterfront Shops – 1240 Duck Rd #119 Duck, NC 27949
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
The Outer Banks Candle Company is a small family-owned business that started in 2008 at their kitchen table! With a passion for art, beauty, and the beach, their signature fragrances are inspired by the Outer Banks and have been created so that you can bring a piece of this special place home with you. All of our candles are poured by hand daily in a studio just above the retail shop, which just opened this year! And you can join in on this fun by signing up for one of their candle-making classes! The business has grown up alongside their five children, who now work in the shop with them, helping to make candles, teach classes, and welcome their visitors!
Candle classes are offered throughout the week. They are fun and easy for all ages (children as young as 5 are welcome!) The class schedule and booking are available at this link.
Sound Side Studio
Hours: Sound Side Studio offers a variety of fitness classes Sunday-Friday from morning to evening.
Location: 1216 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
Sound Side Studio is a group fitness studio located in Duck, NC, offering a variety of classes for all levels. From Spin & Sculpt, Pilates, Strength, Yoga, and BXR (cardio kickboxing), there’s something for every fitness style and goal. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Outer Banks, Sound Side Studio provides a welcoming, inclusive space to move and feel your best. Sweat, strengthen, and stretch at Sound Side Studio!!
Downtown Books
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sundays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: 103 Sir Walter Raleigh St, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Downtown Books is Roanoke Island’s only independent bookstore and a proud supporter of our community. They carry a diverse array of books ranging from local history to all types of fiction and cater to all ages of readers! Their staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help each individual find the perfect book in our shop. New Owner for the 2026 season!
Juice Jar
Hours: Sunday and Monday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Location: 1130 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, North Carolina 27927
New owners for the 2026 season! In addition to their classic juices, smoothies, and Acai bowls, they are expanding their breakfast and lunch options to include organic salads, organic grass-fed beef, hormone-free chicken, and even treats for your pups. They are also excited to announce that crepes are now available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through their partnership with Sandy’s Beach Crepes, offering a variety of made-to-order sweet and savory options.
We invite guests to enjoy their beautiful outdoor picnic area and keep an eye on their social media pages for updates on expanded hours and their upcoming afternoon small plates menu.
Lucky Duck Ice Cream
Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, 7 days per week from Memorial Day until Labor Day
Location: 1190 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
Lucky Duck is proud to offer 32 rotating flavors of Hershey’s hand-scooped ice cream as well as 6 flavors of locally made Surfin’ Spoon sammies. Custom milkshakes and sundaes will certainly be staples at this location. They will also offer a selection of glass-bottled “Old School” sodas and feature North Carolina’s very own “Chilly Water” for refreshment. This new business is a partnership between BLVD Ice Cream Co in Southern Shores and Corolla Scoops & Sweets in Corolla.
Sweat & Sea Mobile Fitness
Hours: Mobile Gym Sessions Available
Looking for a gym while on vacation? Look no further! They bring the workout to you! With their mobile gym, they are able to cater to fit-fanatics or those just looking for a vacation pump in the sun! Choose from traditional strength training equipment (squat racks, barbells, and dumbbells), to a variety of functional strength and cardio equipment! They offer instructor-led classes or an “open gym” format.
The Den Coffee Co
Hours: Coming Soon!
Location: Nags Head, NC
More than just serving quality coffee, bespoke teas, smoothies, and locally made pastries the core mission of the Den is simple: to make people feel like family. The Den is a place where people come first, founded on kindness, honesty, compassion, and integrity. The aim is to show love to everyone, and provide a space that feels as welcoming as a family living room.
New shops, fresh flavors, and coastal charm are calling! Don’t miss out on what’s new this season. Book your Outer Banks vacation now and be among the first to experience it all!