Legendary North Carolina Outfitter Stores: Where Craftsmanship Meets North Carolina Heritage (Currently Open)
North Carolina is a land of diverse landscapes and rich traditions—from the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains to the tranquil coastal plains. And amid all this natural beauty, there’s a special breed of outfitter stores that combine local heritage, skilled craftsmanship, and outdoor or artisan gear to serve adventurers, artisans, and culture-seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for high-end outdoor equipment, locally made crafts, or simply a shop that reflects North Carolina’s heritage, this guide will take you through some of the most remarkable outfitter stores currently open in the state.
Authenticity and Heritage: What Makes an “Outfitter Store” in North Carolina
Before diving into individual stores, let’s clarify what we mean by **outfitter stores in North Carolina **. In this context, the term refers to shops that:
Offer gear, apparel, or crafted goods tied to outdoor life (hiking, camping, fishing) or artisan culture (pottery, traditional crafts).
Have strong roots in North Carolina’s landscapes, culture or history—so you’re not just buying gear, you’re engaging with place.
Are currently operating and welcoming visitors (not defunct or closed).
When you search for “best North Carolina outfitter stores” or “heritage gear in North Carolina,” you’ll find stores that evoke the state’s outdoors-lifestyle, local craftsmanship, and regional identity.
1. Chatham Outfitters – Historic Downtown Pittsboro Gear & Lifestyle
Located at 106 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Chatham Outfitters is a family-owned outdoor gear and apparel store in the heart of the Piedmont. Chatham Outfitters
What sets it apart:
A broad selection of outdoor apparel and gear (for hiking, camping) paired with stylish everyday wear.
Local ownership, giving it a personal feel and connection to the community.
The downtown Pittsboro setting makes it ideal for combining a shopping visit with exploring local cafés, galleries and the historic town square.
For travellers and locals alike seeking rugged gear with a touch of regional character, this is a great stop.
2. Catawba River Outfitters (CRO) – Downtown Belmont’s Outdoor Gear Hub
In Belmont, NC, Catawba River Outfitters (also known as CRO) provides outdoor gear anchored in the region’s rivers and trails. Address: 6 N Main St., Belmont, NC 28012. Catawba River Outfitters
Highlights:
Geared toward both novices and seasoned adventurers—offering apparel, footwear, camping gear, and kids’ items.
Located in a historic downtown district, giving the shop a strong local-roots feeling rather than a big-box vibe.
If you’re looking for a store that reflects the heritage of North Carolina outdoors, this is a solid choice.
Whether you’re preparing for a river outing or simply outfitting for hiking, CRO brings craftsmanship and place together.
3. Apex Outfitter & Board Co. – Urban Outdoor Style in Apex/Raleigh Area
Though slightly more urban and modern, Apex Outfitter & Board Co., based in Apex (with a presence in downtown Raleigh area), balances action-sports, outdoor gear and lifestyle apparel. Address: 225 N Salem St., Apex, NC 27502. Apex Outfitter & Board Co
Why it’s worth including:
Offers a mix of apparel, footwear, skate/board gear, longboards, and backpacks—appealing to the adventurous, style-conscious customer.
Locally owned by North Carolinians Kyle and Megan Denis; rooted in outdoor passion.
Great for visitors who want to shop for gear that works for both the trail and the town.
If your idea of “outfitting” includes freedom of movement, style and urban-outdoor crossover, this store checks that box.
4. Eastern Outfitters – Coastal & Hunting-Focused Gear in Hampstead & Jacksonville
Out on the coast of North Carolina, Eastern Outfitters brings together hunting, fishing, marine electronics, and outdoor apparel. Locations: Hampstead and Jacksonville, NC. Eastern Outfitters
What makes this store special:
Tailored to Eastern NC’s outdoors culture: surf fishing, salt water, hunting, boats, and marine gear.
The gear selection and service reflect a coastal heritage and a lifestyle of sea and salt.
If you’re visiting North Carolina’s coast and want outfitting that aligns with barrier-island adventures or coastal wildlife, this is the place.
It’s an example of how geography (coastal region) and craftsmanship (gear selection) combine to show regional outfitter heritage.
5. Waypoint Outfitters – Mountain Gear in Boone, NC
Up in the High Country of North Carolina, Waypoint Outfitters (244 Shadowline Dr Suite C, Boone, NC) offers premium outdoor gear tailored for mountain adventures. Waypoint Outfitters
What stands out:
Located in Boone, a gateway to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian trails, so the gear is serious and the staff knowledgeable.
Great for hiking boots, trail-running shoes, backpacks and more technical outdoor wear.
For travelers seeking mountain heritage—North Carolina’s historic trail culture and outdoor craftsmanship—this store delivers.
If you’re planning a trip to the mountains or want gear that works in rugged terrain, Waypoint is a local outfit that delivers expertise.
6. Appalachian Craft Center – Handmade Craft Gear & Heritage in Asheville
Moving beyond purely outdoor gear, the outfitters list broadens when we consider stores of artisan craft and heritage. In Asheville, Appalachian Craft Center (10 N Spruce St., Ste 120, Asheville NC 28801) offers handcrafted pottery, wood, fiber and glass pieces made by North Carolina artisans. APPALACHIAN CRAFT CENTER
Why include this:
A focus on craftsmanship meets heritage—hand-thrown pottery, handcrafted wood and fiber work, all reflecting Appalachian traditions.
While not an “outdoor gear store” in the traditional sense, it captures a different dimension of outfitting—equipping your life with pieces that reflect regional culture and craft.
Visitors who appreciate the aesthetic of heritage gear will find something deeply authentic here.
When you want to bring North Carolina history home with you—beyond a T-shirt—craft stores like this shine.
7. Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. – Native American Craft Cooperative in Cherokee
Located at 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC 28719, Qualla Arts & Crafts is the oldest Native American cooperative in the U.S., with over 350 juried artisans creating pottery, baskets, jewelry and traditional crafts. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
What makes it essential:
Deep rooted in heritage—Native American craft traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Shop meets cultural experience: you’re not just buying gear; you’re connecting with craft traditions that span generations.
A one-of-a-kind stop for anyone interested in the artisan side of outfitting—heritage wearables, handmade objects, meaningful gear.
This shop elevates the concept of outfitter beyond function to culture and story.
8. North Carolina Crafts Gallery – Chapel Hill’s Collection of Local Handmade Goods
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina Crafts Gallery (Chapel Hill/Orange County) features pottery, gifts and handcrafted items made exclusively by North Carolina artists. visitchapelhill.org
Why it deserves a spot:
A hub for state-wide artisan work, curated for locals and visitors alike.
Ideal for those who view outfitting as buying something meaningful from the place you’re visiting.
A complement to more technical gear stores—this gallery is about local identity, craft and memory.
For travellers seeking unique souvenirs or meaningful purchases tied to North Carolina’s art and craft scene, this gallery is a standout.
9. Jesse Brown’s Outdoors – Charlotte Area Outdoor & Fly Fishing Specialists
While a broader outdoor gear store, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors (Charlotte, NC) has built its reputation around high quality gear, apparel, guided trips and local expertise. Jesse Brown’s Outdoors
What distinguishes it:
Strong emphasis on fly fishing, tools, guides and outdoor lifestyle.
Offers a blend of gear, services, local knowledge—gear plus experience.
For someone wanting to outfit not just with equipment, but also with expertise and adventure local to North Carolina, this is a refined choice.
It represents the higher end of outdoor outfitter stores in NC—where gear meets experience.
10. Native American Craft Shop – Cherokee’s Traditional Art Hub
Also in Cherokee, the Native American Craft Shop (1847 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee NC 28719) features work of more than 75 artists and focuses on basketry, pottery, beadwork and cornhusk dolls made by local Native American artisans. blueridgeheritage.com
Why this is important:
A strong representation of Appalachian craft heritage and Native American traditions.
Unique items rooted in local materials and history—carvings, baskets, handcrafted goods you won’t find elsewhere.
A place for those seeking something beyond mass retail: an authentic local crafts-store experience, tied to place, people and tradition.
When you truly want to shop somewhere that resonates with the heritage of North Carolina, this one is deeply meaningful.
Why These Stores Matter for North Carolina Heritage and Craftsmanship
Each of the stores above does more than just sell products. They:
Reflect regional geography (coast, mountains, Piedmont) and cultural identity.
Combine functionality (gear, apparel) with meaning (craft, tradition).
Offer locally rooted ownership, artisanship or curated selections rather than purely national chains.
Serve tourists, families, locals and enthusiasts alike—making them options for different audiences.
Whether you’re shopping for a serious hiking boot, a handcrafted pottery piece, or a gift that tells a story, these stores help you engage authentically with North Carolina.
Tips for Visiting Outfitter Stores in North Carolina
Call ahead or check hours: Some smaller craft outlets may have seasonal hours.
Ask about local materials or regional gear: Many stores carry items made in NC or tied to local landscapes.
Combine shopping with a local outing: For example, stop by Chatham Outfitters in historic Pittsboro, then explore the town. Or visit Waypoint Outfitters in Boone before heading to the trails.
Look for craft demos or artisan connections: At craft-focused stores like Qualla or Appalachian Craft Center, you might witness live demonstration or meet the maker.
Keep geography in mind: The coast, Piedmont and mountains each bring a different vibe and gear/heritage to the table—visiting stores across regions enriches the experience.
Support local business: Many of these shops are independently owned or artisan-driven, meaning your purchase has greater local impact.
How to Choose the Right Outfitter Store for Your Trip
Consider these questions to find the best match:
Are you shopping for outdoor gear (hiking, camping, fishing) or artisan craft items (pottery, hand-made goods)?
Do you prefer mountain region stores (Boone, Asheville) or coastal/outdoor-water focused shops (Hampstead, Belmont)?
Are you looking for high-end specialty gear (fly fishing, trail running) or more general outdoor lifestyle apparel?
Would you like to combine shopping with local heritage experience (e.g., Native American craft, Appalachian pottery) or stick to functional gear?
By answering these, you can pick the store(s) that fit your interests and region in North Carolina.
Honorable Mentions & Additional Suggestions
While the ten above stand out, there are many more in North Carolina worth exploring:
Additional craft galleries across the state, especially in small mountain towns.
Specialty outdoor outfitters focusing on specific pursuits like sea kayaking, rock climbing or surf fishing.
Regional gift and gear shops that combine local culture with gear.
If you love the concept of local outfitter stores, carve in time for exploration beyond the major names.
Conclusion: Gear Up with North Carolina’s Heritage in Mind
From the mountain trails of Boone to the historic downtowns of Pittsboro and Belmont, and the craft-rich communities of Cherokee and Asheville, the outfitter stores of North Carolina tell a story. They merge craftsmanship with heritage, gear with tradition, and visitors with place. By visiting stores like Chatham Outfitters, Catawba River Outfitters, Waypoint Outfitters, Qualla Arts & Crafts and others listed here, you’re not just shopping—you’re connecting with the landscape, culture, and craftsmanship of the Tar Heel State.
If you’re planning a trip, make a point to set aside time for one of these stores. Ask questions, explore local gear or artisan pieces, and take home something that reflects more than just a purchase—it reflects North Carolina.