A shopping trip often means hopping between shops, malls and even web pages to find clothes, beachwear, accessories, home decor, books and more. But imagine taking care of it all with time still for a wine tasting, a vineyard stroll, a hang glider ride and the chance to unwind afterward in the company of musicians and sunset views. It sounds too good to be true, yet it’s The Cotton Gin’s reality.
With more than 50 years in the business, the revered, family-owned establishment maintains a reputation as a shopper’s oasis, with tempting promises of Vineyard Vines apparel, Pandora Jewelry, sophisticated home furnishings and eclectic decor. It’s evolved, too, from operating as a gift store alone into a recreation destination that capitalizes on its countryside locale. The original store shares its Currituck location with Sanctuary Vineyards. There, people can tour through the acres of vineyards or attend a wine tasting. With the soundside setting surrounding the store and winery, visitors can also take to the skies or the sound with hang gliding trips, boat cruises and other outdoor activities. The opportunity to shop, sip, play and be entertained is never a matter of either/or at The Cotton Gin; here, it’s all of the above.
Jarvisburg: (252) 491-2387 | 6957 Caratoke Highway
Corolla: (252) 453-4446 | TimBuck II
Duck: (252) 261-2387 | 1185 Duck Road
Nags Head: (252) 449-2387 | The Bypass, MP 14.5
cottongin.com
About the Author Hannah Lee Leidy
Hannah Lee is a fiction and creative nonfiction writer living on the Outer Banks. She graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Traveling is her passion, but nowhere ever feels as much like home as the Outer Banks. When not planning her next trip or adventure, Hannah Lee loves aimless drives down the Beach Road, spending copious amounts of time in coffee shops and reading every short story collection she gets her hands on. 
