Decades ago, when the barrier islands of the Outer Banks were sparsely populated and largely undeveloped, the first ancestors of the Wright family acquired an old cotton gin and turned it into a market. Here is where the legacy of The Cotton Gin stores began. For 60 years, this family-owned and operated business has captured the hearts of visitors and locals with its carefully curated selections of goods.
Though today’s goods are a far cry from the original wares – now, you can find stylish home decor and clothing and accessories from favorite brands like Pandora, Scout, Vera Bradley, Simply Southern, Vineyard Vines and Stanley – the Wrights’ loving and attentive stewardship of the stores remains the same.
The Cotton Gin has locations in Corolla, Duck and Nags Head, so no matter where you’re vacationing on the northern Outer Banks, you’re just a hop, skip and jump away from a great day of shopping.
The Wright family also runs a winery called Sanctuary Vineyards. On the family farm in Jarvisburg on the Currituck mainland, the sprawling vineyards are on 25 acres that have been cared for by the Wright family for generations. For the last two decades, they’ve made good use of the land and embraced the warm, sunny climate to grow vinifera grapes like Syrah, Tempranillo and Viognier.
Sanctuary Vineyards’ affordable, award-winning European-style wines capture the bright essence of the Outer Banks. Visitors are welcome to stop in the winery tasting room for free daily tours and wine tastings and, of course, to buy the wines. The wines are also available for purchase at all The Cotton Gin locations.
Sanctuary Vineyards is a hotspot for events as well. Every Thursday evening from April to September they host Acoustic Sunset, a family-friendly and pet-friendly event with live music, food trucks, wine and beer. Sanctuary Vineyards wines also will be available at Corolla Cork & Craft on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at Historic Whalehead in Corolla.
If you’re looking for even more fun, Sanctuary Vineyards also has a partnership with Kitty Hawk Kites for adventure at the Wright farm. In the summer months, there are Vineyard Voyage boat tours from Duck across Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards. Kitty Hawk Kites also offers high-flying tandem hang-gliding tours over the farm, where you can experience the beautiful maritime scenery of the Currituck Sound from a new perspective.
All of this is available just 20 minutes from the beaches over the Wright Memorial Bridge. Stop in on your way to or from the Outer Banks or, better yet, make a special trip to Currituck for the day.
“We’re a viable daytrip option for anyone on the beach,” says Sanctuary Vineyards owner John Wright. “Come to Currituck and make a whole day of it.
Corolla | Duck | Nags Head | Jarvisburg
cottongin.com
Corolla | Duck | Nags Head | Jarvisburg
sanctuaryvineyards.com
About the Author Leah Wingenroth
Leah was born and raised on the Outer Banks and is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and King's College. She currently resides in England, writing and managing content in the lifestyle, education, travel and literary publishing sectors.
