Go Kayaking or Canoeing on the Cape Fear RiverThough the Cape Fear River areas aren't recommended for beginners because of high boat traffic and dangerous currents, the more advanced kayak and canoe paddlers enjoy the Cape Fear River waters each year. The Town of Oak Island has dedicated about 24 miles of canoe water trails in the Cape Fear River, which offer various challenges and adventures for the paddlers. This trail system is known as the Long Beach Canoe Trail System, and the four trails are the 4.2-mile Lockwood Folly trail, the 7-mile Montgomery Slough trail, the 6.5-mile Howells Point trail, and the 6-mile Davis Creek trail. Some of the waters are calm and protected, while others are rough and exposed, but all areas offer a variety of scenic opportunities. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-5518. Day Trip To Myrtle Beach For the Carolina OpryThe Carolina Opry is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Carolina, and is located in Myrtle Beach, which is just 20 minutes from the beaches of Brunswick County. The Carolina Opry shows offer both comedy and music, and styles of music range from bluegrass and country to gospel and oldies. There is also a special Christmas concert that is performed during the holiday season. Because of the show's popularity, you will want to call ahead to reserve your tickets. For more information, contact the Carolina Opry at (800) 843-6779. Spend an Afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement ParkThe Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, located in Myrtle Beach at Ocean Boulevard and Ninth Avenue North, has a variety of fun rides, games and activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The park, which is open from the middle of March through the middle of September, offers a variety of 40 rides, 25 games, gift shops, an arcade, a haunted house, and more! Also on site is a nightclub for those under 21 years old, which is called The Attic. For more information, contact the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park at (800) 819-2282. Have Lunch in Keziah Memorial ParkKeziah Memorial Park, located in Southport, is a shaded park that is home to the famous 800-year old live oak. This interesting tree, called the Indian Trail Tree, is curved and it is believed it is from damage done to the tree when it was just a sapling. You can enjoy relaxing in the gazebo and benches of Keziah Memorial Park, which also has a partial view of the Southport waterfront. If you would like to visit this park during your visit to Brunswick County, it is located at the intersection of West Moore Street and South Lord Street. Visit the Bald Head Island LighthouseThe Bald Head Island Lighthouse, otherwise known as "Old Baldy," was built of bricks and cement in 1817. This lighthouse was built to replace the original structure in this location, which was built too close to the water in 1795 and was torn down in 1810. The current lighthouse is 109 feet tall and though it is no longer an operating beacon, self-guided tours are available. Now a historic site with a museum, the lighthouse is climbed by many visitors each year. Historic tours are also available. For more information about the Bald Head Island Historic Tour, call (910) 457-7481. Have Fun with Your Family at Treasure Island Miniature GolfTreasure Island Miniature Golf of Holden Beach will offer your family an entertaining and fun-filled afternoon of miniature golf. The unique themes of each hole will make you anxious to get to the next hole to see what challenge it has to offer. For more information, contact Treasure Island Mini Golf at (910) 842-4878. Learn about the Stars at Ingram PlanetariumThe Ingram Planetarium, located in Sunset Beach, has a unique 40-foot dome theater and offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Programs include Ancient Horizons, Endless Horizon, The Sky Tonight, Search for Life in the Universe, and more. In the summer, hourly programs are held Tuesday through Saturday between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. During the rest of the year (during fall, winter and spring), hourly program are held Thursday through Saturday between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Also in the Planetarium is a Science Room with a variety of science, math, and navigational exhibits. For more information about the programs offered throughout the year, contact Ingram Planetarium at (910) 575-0033. Attend a Summer Sundays PerformanceSummer Sundays of Southport consists of a series of outdoor concerts that are sponsored by the Southport Visitor's Center and the City of Southport. Held in the historic Keziah Memorial Park, the concerts feature a variety of music styles performed by local artists. Concerts are held on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. between May 29 and August. Concert attendees range from children to senior citizens and can bring chairs, blankets, picnic baskets. For more information, contact Summer Sundays at (910) 457-7927. Go Bird Watching For Area Bird SpeciesThe many natural habitats in Brunswick County are home to more than 200 species of birds. Many visitors and locals enjoy bird watching each year, and there are also groups of volunteers who monitor some species to ensure their safety. The wood stork is a popular species, which are commonly found in the Twin Lakes section of Sunset Beach. You may spot ibises and pelicans on Battery Island in the middle of the Cape Fear River, with critical nesting areas protected by the National Audubon Society. For more information about bird watching or volunteering in the area, call (910) 579-2828. Go CampingIf you enjoy the wilderness, you may want to try camping for a night or two during your stay in Brunswick County. A variety of camping facilities are available in the area, ranging from the remote, undeveloped Masonboro Island to the modern private campgrounds with electric and water facilities. No matter what type of camping you prefer, be sure to check the local weather forecast before heading out on your camping trip. Remember to take sunscreen and insect repellent, and beware of poisonous snakes. Depending on where you camp, you can enjoy activities like hiking, bicycling, canoeing, fishing, and more! A few campgrounds you could try are: the KOA Kampground of Sunset Beach at (888) 562-4240, Ocean Aire Camp World Inc. of Supply at (910) 842-9072, and Sea Mist Camping Resort of Shallotte at (910) 754-8916. | Brunswick Beaches RestaurantsSouth Harbour Village4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Wildlife Restaurant & Grill 4381 Fish Factory Road SE Oak Island, NC 28461 Huddle House Restaurant 132 Country Club Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Pelican Seafood 4332 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Barb's Seafood Market & Deli 4346 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Belly Busters Kiki Bar & Grill 4409 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 PJ's Restaurant & Market 614 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 Lucky Fisherman Seafood Buffet 4419 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Fish Tales Restaurant & Tiki Bar 606 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 Duffer's Pub & Grille at the Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 China Garden 300 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Domino's Pizza 402 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Brunswick Beaches ShoppingBounceez Party Rentals5146 Minnesota Drive SE Southport, NC 28461 Wild Life Bait & Tackle 4600 Fish Factory Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Basketcases - Gourmet Food & Specialty Gift Baskets 1018 Captain Adkins Drive Southport, NC 28461 Karen's Just Dessert 3 St. Andrews Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Town & Country Marine 3918 Old Bridge Road SE Oak Island, NC 28461 Boat House Marine 3974 Old Bridge Road Southport, NC 28461 Renee's Fine Jewelry 4146 Long Beach Road Southport, NC 28461 Rocking Chair Books & Antiques 4170 Long Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28461 Dutchman Creek Bait & Tackle 4019 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 McNeill Company Coastal & Nautical Home Accents 4143 Long Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Boat House Gifts 128 Country Club Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Save 2 Golf.com 4273 Long Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28461 Brunswick Beaches AttractionsSouth Harbour Village4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Indigo Plantation & Marina 6099 Indigo Plantation Road Southport, NC 28461 Southport Marina 701 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 The Oak Island Lighthouse 1100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Fort Johnston Intersection of Davis and Bay Streets Southport, NC 28461 Southport Historical Society 501 N Atlantic Avenue Southport, NC 28461 The Old Brunswick County Jail 501 N Atlantic Avenue Southport Historical Society Southport, NC 28461 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport 116 N Howe Street Southport, NC 28461 Southport Parks and Recreation Department 107 E Nash Street Stevens Park Southport, NC 28461 Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier 705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip 205 E Moore Street Southport, NC 28461 NC Baptist Assembly / Fort Caswell 100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Brunswick Beaches ActivitiesEndless Summer Sailing Cruises4909 Fish Factory Road South Harbour Village Marina Southport, NC 28461 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Priority Sailing Academy 5900 Dutchman Creek Road Southport, NC 28461 Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters 701 W West Street Southport Marina Southport, NC 28461 Starship Deep Sea Fishing & Scenic Cruises 701 W West Street Southport Fishing Center Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island Fun Park 4434 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Cape Fear Maritime Passenger Co., LLC 230 Caswell Avenue Solomon T - The Heritage Boat at the Southport Marina Southport, NC 28461 Sailtime Southport 4956 Long Beach Road, Suites #14-119 Southport, NC 28461 The Adventure Company 807 Howe Street, Suite A Southport, NC 28461 The Cutting Edge II 505 N Howe Street Southport, NC 28461 Cape Fear Sailing Academy 5003 O'Quinn Boulevard Suite G Southport, NC 28461 |