Walking along Howard Street will take you back in time. Shaded by the Live Oaks, the sand and oyster shell one-way street – with a speed limit that reads “Drive Real, Real Slow” – is lined with historical homes, wild flowers, and family cemeteries. After a rain, the large craters in the sandy terrain fill up, creating various pools along the way, and on a moonlit night, the street seems electric – maybe a bit spooky – with thoughts of ghosts that could be looming nearby.
At the end of the street sits the Village Craftsmen, a Howard family staple since 1970, where unique art, handcrafts, and jewelry are displayed and available for purchase. My mom and dad have some of these treasures; prints of pelicans created by Philip Howard have been hanging in their home for as long as I can remember. Upon meeting Philip I exclaimed something along the lines of, “Your name has been in my parents’ bathroom for ages!” The prints are still displayed, and have been for I’d say 20 years or so.
Now being managed by Amy Howard, Philip’s daughter, the Village Craftsmen has some changes for 2017. While not startling or drastic, the changes to the interior have opened up the front room area, allowed easier access to the back rooms, and have been organized in such a way to give the shop a gallery feel. Sparkly new aquamarine curtains, handmade by Ocracoke resident and musician Marcy Brenner, have been hung on each of the windows, adding a pop of color to the wooden walls.
As you browse the shop you’ll notice a variety of items, all made in the U.S. of A. An assortment of pottery (my favorite pieces have hand-painted purple flowers), handcrafted jewelry (including metals and glass), hair pieces, stained glass window hangings, paintings and photographs, coasters, books, music, soaps, and other household items are spread around the shop in such a way that will grab your attention and keep it.
In the main room, upper shelves are lined with an array of pottery. In the back rooms, stained glass lamps and lamp shades with dried and pressed flowers are available. Music of local musicians and groups, story tellers, and local history books are also displayed. Small tea candle fixtures, all intricately painted with vibrant colors, are perfect to add a splash of color to any setting. The high tide marks from some of the hurricanes that have flooded Ocracoke still remain on the porch steps, and to top it all off, you can meet the charming, warm, and knowledgeable staff of the shop!
And don’t forget about those ghost tours, which are available during the summer months! If you haven’t been on one yet, it’s worth the short jaunt around the village. Two tours are available; each led by either Amy or Philip, and the stories are sure to send some shivers down your spine. Coupled with local history, the ghost walks give you an inside look into the past and into local legends. Places you might not otherwise notice are pointed out, each with a unique story.
The Village Craftsman is now open for the season! Stop in and say hello! Spring hours are currently 10am–5pm Tuesday-Saturday, and 10am–2pm on Sunday. The shop is closed on Mondays. The times will change as the season progresses.
Ghost walks will be available from May 26-September, but if you’re here during Easter week, stop in and ask about the special ghost walk that is being planned!
Check out a minuscule sampling of other itmes at the Village Craftsmen in the photos below. Happy shopping!
