Life Is Good

Here’s a place you can’t help feeling happy visiting. Founded in 1994 by brothers Bert and John Jacobs, Life is Good is centered around products featuring a simple drawing of a character, Jake, and his contagious smile.  As the company took off nationally, the drawings have expanded to depictions on products of other charming characters, including a very cute dog. Under the umbrella of  Kitty Hawk Kites, which is located next door, the store features T-shirts, coffee mugs, beach supplies and hats with wry sayings and irresistible cartoon drawings to fit numerous activities and topics,  as long as they’re upbeat.  The T-shirts are high quality and exceptionally soft. Don’t forget the dog or the baby --- there’s some irresistible items for little canines and tiny humans. A bonus: The store, located at Milepost 13 off the Bypass,is right across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. If you get there at dusk, you’ll pretty much be guaranteed to see an eye-popping sunset right out the front door.  But any time of the day will be a worthy trip to this fun shop. Also look for Life is Good products at Duck and Rodanthe locations.