Cloud Nine

Whenever you need a break from the beach, Cloud Nine is a great place for some creative renewal. This very cool shop was established here in 1988, and its since been a favorite for locals and visitors looking for unique creations from Outer Banks and regional artisans -- pottery, paintings, jewelry -- but especially to indulge one’s own creative yearnings by making earrings or a necklace, or who knows? There’s a vast selection -- the largest on the beach -- of the prettiest beads of all sizes and colors, including authentic trade and vintage beads, gorgeous seaglass and other jewelry-making supplies to choose from to fashion say, an ankle bracelet or headband.

And if you don't know how to start, owner Ginnie Flowers and her staff offer weekly classes and workshops, specializing in seaglass wire wrapping and beading. Along with sharing her talents and supporting over 50 local artists and designers, Ginnie gives back to the community in a number of other ways. She contributes to Dare County’s Arts Council, Animal Rescue, Surfrider Foundation and, to encourage children's literacy, she started a "Read for Beads" program.

You'll not want to miss Ginnie's treasure of a shop, tucked away near a corner in Pirate's Quay Shopping Center, just south of the YMCA. What better way to spend the day but by making something beautiful to wear or give as a gift? Cloud Nine offers the best kind of Outer Banks souvenir: one crafted with your own hands.