Manteo, NC, Shopping: Gifts

Escape the ordinary and surround yourself with luxury at this longtime favorite specialty shop in downtown Manteo. For the chic woman who likes to look simply elegant whether she's in the city or a relaxed location like the Outer Banks, Nest offers high-quality luxury lifestyle clothing brands like CP Shades, Frank & Eileen, Juliet Dunn and Wilt, along with pants by Equestrian, which Nest owner Nancy Seitz promises will be the best pants you've ever worn. Nest also offers everything you need to put together that stunning, effortless look, including distinctive artisan jewelry, cashmere by White + Warren, chic straw hats by Flora Bella and Lola and handbags imported from France. The shop smells so heavenly that you'll certainly want to treat yourself to one or more of the lush fragrances, soaps and personal care products imported from Portugal, Italy and France. Part of the shop is dedicated to home goods and table-top accessories, including block-print table linens from India. You'll swoon over this curated mix of goods so make some time for lingering.

This little market has everything you need to stock up for charcuterie night or pack the picnic basket. You'll find meats, cheeses, crackers, pickles, hummus, local honey, nuts, Mackeys Ferry Peanuts, locally made jams and jellies and other gourmet food items. Plus they have tasty sweets, including the regionally famous handmade fudge from Mackeys Ferry Peanuts. Upstairs in this shop you'll find an assortment of locally made soaps, candles, crocheted items and much more from local artists and crafters. The owners of this shop, the Cheshires, have given the store a charming Alice in Wonderland theme, and your little ones will love the tea party table.