The Town of Duck is one of the most popular resort destinations on the east coast.  You hear it referred to as a “sound to sea community” thanks to the seemingly endless variety of recreational activities and events, great dining, and it goes without saying – shopping – all nestled in along a narrow strip of barrier island where there’s a guaranteed view of the sunrise and sunset each and every day.

But why Duck?  I’m often asked…why and how did Duck get its name?

From Ducks, of course! We’re situated along the Atlantic Flyway -- a route that the birds and waterfowl follow as they migrate between nesting and wintering areas.  It’s the reason we get to enjoy our seasonal visitors (of the feathered variety!) and why our locale became an area that sportsman began referring to as Duck.  Of course, this was way before the road was paved and only a few cottages dotted the dunes. Some say the origin can also be traced back to the first postmaster who labeled the area after one of its best-known features. I suppose like every other town around here, the name has its curious history and the stories seem to twist and turn like flags in the wind.

Before the Town of Duck became an autonomous municipality, Duck was part of what’s known as unincorporated Dare County.  Areas like Hatteras and Rodanthe remain like that now, but in ’99 that all changed for Duck. The threat of a Food Lion grocery store building in the middle of the Village served as a catalyst for Duck’s move towards incorporation of the community into its own separate town.  It was a grassroots efforts to be sure – from a committed group of citizens who saw the process all the way through to Election Day 2001, when the voters voted “for” the incorporation of Duck and then on May 1, 2002 it became the sixth Town in Dare County.  Learn more

And maybe because it’s unusual, endearing, or just plain obvious – “Duck” and all of its images, names, variations (etc!) can be seen all around the Town!  Think about where you’ve visited – the name of the neighborhood, the street, and even the name of the cottage!  Chances are in your favor that it had something to do with a duck. How many Duck Fire Tees have you owned over the years…and yes, I’ve posed for a picture in front of the fire truck too! I know how beloved it all is, because here at Beach Treasures in Duck we have collectibles, ornaments, dishware, clothing, artwork…well, a full array…of items that depict the place we all love: Duck, NC. 

Beach Treasures in Duck is proud to be a member of the Duck Merchants Association, an organization promoting the individual merchants of Duck, NC. My fellow member businesses include independent shops and boutiques, galleries, restaurants, booksellers, coffee shops, watersports, and more! As we say, the perfect time is now to #doducknc. Thank you for visiting our site, Outer Banks Gifts Online, part of Beach Treasures in Duck, located exclusively on the Town of Duck’s Boardwalk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.