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The Outer Banks has been a popular vacation destination for years. The obvious keepsakes from a beach vacation are pictures of the sunrise, some pretty seashells or sea glass, or the ever-popular Outer Banks t-shirt. But if you’re looking for something a bit different to seek out as a souvenir, then this is the post for you!
Try My Nuts
The name is comical but seriously…you have to try these nuts. The Try My Nuts Nut Company has handmade gourmet chocolates, peanut brittle, and a wide variety of pecans, peanuts, cashews, and more. Aside from the actual product, this store has some awesome souvenirs. If you love a good humorous t-shirt, this is the gift shop for you. They have men’s and women’s shirts, can and bottle koozies, drinkware, bumper stickers, novelty coffee pods, and more. There’s something for everybody in your group at Try My Nuts and something for you to bring back home for your friends too.
Kill Devil Rum
If you’re looking for a piece of the Outer Banks with a story, check out Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo. Their Kill Devil Rum is named after the local town and the rum found in shipwrecks along the coast.
A brief history: The first known reference to rum is from the 1650’s in Barbados where it was commonly referred to as “kill-devil” and rumbullion. The town’s name is believed to have come from either barrels of rum with the brand name “Kill Devil” that washed ashore after over 1,000 shipwrecks along the coast or for a rum that was “strong enough to kill the devil” and hidden in the dunes.
History aside, Outer Banks Distilling has some cool memorabilia options in their store. There’s the usual hats and shirts, but also stickers, koozies, flasks, posters, flags, and drinkware. Then there is of course, the rum. While you can find Kill Devil Rum in some ABC stores throughout North Carolina and Virginia, I personally think it’s much cooler to grab a bottle straight from the distillery! Swing by and grab the Solspice Series (only released twice per year) with diverse ingredients including fig, cinnamon, orange blossom, and honey.
Bob’s Grill
Bob’s Grill has delicious, fresh foot with the laid-back Outer Banks atmosphere visitors and locals both love. While the food is great, you can’t take it home from vacation with you. The thing that makes this KDH restaurant a go-to spot for Outer Banks souvenirs is their famous slogan… “Eat and Get the Hell Out”. According to their website, this slogan came to be during busy lunchtimes as founder, Bob McCoy would move through the crowds (lovingly) encouraging locals to keep it moving so he could seat waiting customers; so stop by, grab some hot cakes and eggs, and get proof that you did “Eat and Get the Hell Out” at Bob’s Grill!
Dirty Dick’s Crab House
Another comedic Outer Banks souvenir destination is Dirty Dick’s Crab House. According to founder, Ken Hersey, while on vacation in the Outer Banks he had the idea to open a crab house in the OBX when he found it hard to find a local market for them. He told his friend, Dick, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny to open a crab house and call it Dirty Dick’s Crab House?’ I sat on that idea for 25 years.” And thus…a legendary concept was born. Despite the risqué name, this restaurant is a great family friendly place to enjoy a great meal. The billboards and t-shirts are definitely eye-catching with their now widely known phrase, “I got my crabs from Dirty Dick’s”.
First in Flight
The story of the Wright brother’s first flight is one that locals hold in high regards here on the Outer Banks. If you get a chance to stop by the monument, I highly recommend it! While you’re at it, check out all of the “First Flight” memorabilia in the park store. There are pins, books, stamps, ornaments and more.
OBX Sticker
You might think this is too easy of a find to be on a scavenger hunt…and you may be right. However, this is one of those souvenirs that is just a must have. There is such a wide variety of stickers you could make them a scavenger hunt of their own. If you’re up for the challenge, here are just some of the types of stickers to look for on your next Outer Banks vacation. For an extra special touch, you could keep one per person in your group and have everyone write their favorite part of the trip on the back before you head home.
While you’re out and about gathering these fun and unique souvenirs, don’t forget to stop and take it all in. Search the beach for some shells or sea glass, take photos of all the lighthouses and piers, and of course, make lifelong memories with your family and friends.
