Dynamic Variation:

Arts & Culture on the Outer Banks

There are those talented voices among us in the Outer Banks fan community who can evoke emotion using glass and clay, or transport you back in time with gentle strokes of brightly colored oils on canvas. If you let the OBX in, it’ll change the way you see the world around you. There’s something intimate and relaxing about combing the beach for nature’s treasures. Your keepsakes from what the sea has given up become pieces of art on your windowsill or work desk, reminders that there is more to life, and more to you. We invite you to experience the OBX with a new filter, through creativity of individuals with the ability to see beyond the horizon of the five senses. Share a deeper understanding of what it means to have an Outer Banks soul with those who create tangible connections to it every day.

Day 1

Breakfast

Winged Horses
Throughout the Outer Banks you can find public art installations of beautifully decorated Winged Horses. These Winged Horses were a part of the 2003 Centennial of Flight celebration. Sponsors, businesses, and individuals purchased horses and commissioned an artist to decorate it then put it on public display. Go on a scavenger hunt and see how many you can find. 

Lunch in Duck

Waterfront Shops of Duck
Meander along the picturesque boardwalk and discover Islands by Amity, Sea Dragon Gallery and possibly a winged horse or two!

Dinner and Music
Enjoy an evening of delicious food and local music.

Day 2

Breakfast

Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens encompasses ten acres of botanical, museum quality Italian Renaissance sculptures and a rare oil painting of Queen Elizabeth I.

http://elizabethangardens.org/visit-elizabethan-gardens-outer-banks-nc/rarequeen-elizabeth-i-portrait/

Explore the Manteo Waterfront
Manteo is a thriving art community and full of independently owned shops, eateries and businesses that offer one of a kind handcrafted art.

Lunch

Dare County Courthouse and Dare County Arts Council
Stop in the renovated historic Dare County Courthouse. The Dare County Arts Council renovated the courthouse creating a gallery space on the first floor and converted the second floor into a multi-use center for arts, educational workshops, performances, and community gatherings.

Outer Banks History Center
Discover thousands of photographs, post cards, oral histories and more chronicling the Outer Banks rich history.

Dinner

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at one of our independently owned eateries. Book tickets to the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama.

Day 3

Front Porch Café
The original Front Porch Café located at milepost 6 in Kill Devil Hills includes a paint your own pottery studio, a full service retail bead store, and glass fusion. Grab a bite and create your own piece of art.

Beach time
Collect sea glass tumbled by the surf and sand, discover shells of all shapes, sizes and colors, find artistic inspiration on the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks.

Lunch at Mama Kwan’s Outer Banks Grill and Tiki Bar
Mama Kwan’s offers a laid back casual dining experience.  Colorful table art and fun beach themed wall paintings.

Kill Devil Hills Cooperative Gallery and Studios
Visit the KDH Co-op! This artist-operated gallery features over 40 local juried members. Member artists offer a variety of art ranging from paintings, glass, jewelry, metal art, photography, and sculpture.

Dinner

Day 4

Hatteras Island Art Tour
Pea Island Art Gallery

Representing 100+ east coast artists of all media, this charming gallery, housed in a historic replica of a 19th century Old Lifesaving Station, is absolutely chock-full of watercolors, oils and acrylics, sculpture, jewelry and untold other beautifully inspirational & tempting works of local art.

Blue Pelican Gallery
Located in a Hatteras-style home built in 1950 and renovated. Feature art and artistic gifts in many different media, from small gifts to large custom wall art, tiles, jewelry, pottery and much more.

Kinnakeet Clay Studio and Showroom
Artist -Owner is a fourth generation artist living and working as a potter in Avon. Stop in and see her clay studio and showroom. There is always something new coming out of her kilns.

Check out a full list of Art Stores and Galleries below.