Drink from an Old-Fashioned Water Pump at the GroveThe Grove is a historic park set among the old live oaks of Southport. Located in Franklin Square Park at E. West and Howe Streets, the entrances of this park were built from ballast stones that were used in ships more than 100 years ago. Also in this area, you will find the Franklin Square Gallery, which began as a schoolhouse, then served as the City Hall, and eventually was turned into its present use as an art gallery. Another unique aspect of this park is the old-fashioned water pump, which is still in working condition and enables visitors to enjoy well water while they relax in the park. Have a Snack at Chillin - Smoothies, Ice Cream and CappuccinoCHILLIN - Smoothies, Ice Cream and Cappuccino, located in Holden Beach, will offer you and your family a great place to stop and relax as you enjoy a sweet treat. Offering a variety of fruit, ice cream and coffee drinks and snacks, CHILLIN is located on Holden Beach Road SW. For more information, contact CHILLIN at (910) 842-5665. Visit the Ev-Henwood Nature PreserveLocated in Town Creek east of Winnabow, the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve consists of 174 acres and is enjoyed by many who enjoy hiking, photography, bird watching, and more. There are 15 hiking trails located at Ev-Henwood, and each trail displays the various plants and animals that are found in the preserve. The low land forest area along the Town Creek has been left undisturbed, and you will also enjoy viewing the various small creeks that are found in the preserve. For more information, call (910) 962-3107. Go Searching For Beach TreasuresWhile you are hanging out on the beaches of Brunswick County, you may want to go beachcombing for beach "treasures" that are found in the area. Shells and shark's teeth are easily found on the beaches, especially after storms and hurricanes. On a normal day, the best time to search for treasures is after high tide. Shark's teeth normally sparkle at the water's edge in coarse, wet sand. Whole sand dollars are also very common on the beaches of Brunswick County, but make sure you leave the live ones on the beach. If they are still brown and furry, they are alive and should be returned to the water. If they are white and skeletal, you can take them home with you! Whatever you find at the beach, it is a good idea to clean your treasures with mild bleach water. Learn about Area History at Fort CaswellFort Caswell of Caswell Beach plays an important part of the area's history, as it is one of the strongest forts of its time. Built in 1838, Fort Caswell originally consisted of 2,800 acres and was built of a pentagonal brick-and-masonry fort and citadel. Much of the fort was damaged in 1865, but the remains are still intact today and managed by the Baptist Assembly of North Carolina. Fort Caswell is open for self-guided tours for $3.00 per person and hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, contact Fort Caswell at (910) 278-9501. 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. Go HuntingBecause of the abundant wildlife areas in Brunswick County, many people enjoy visiting the area to go hunting each year. There are a number of areas in the region where hunters can find both large and small game, which include species of deer, black bear, wild turkey, rabbit, and dove. In Brunswick County, the Green Swamp Game Land is almost 15,000 acres and one of the most isolated areas of southeastern North Carolina. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this area can only be traveled on foot. Other hunting lands in Pender and New Hanover Counties include the Holly Shelter Game Land, Sutton Lake Game Land and Roan Island. For more information about hunting regulations and licensing, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 629-4535. Information and licenses can also be found at a variety of local stores, including the Wal-Mart Super Center of Southport at (910) 454-9909, the Wal-Mart Super Center of Shallotte at (910) 754-2880, the Holden Beach True Value Hardware at (910) 842-5440, or Island Tackle and Gifts at (910) 579-6116. Take an Adventure in the Green SwampNorthwest of Supply, you will find a 150,000-acre preserve called the Green Swamp. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, this preserve is full of wildlife and vegetation and is home to a variety of wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, black bears and bobcats. Several carnivorous plant species are also found in the preserve, including the Venus Fly Trap. For more information, including a map or local guide schedules, contact the Nature Conservancy at (910) 762-6277. Relax or Enjoy Activities at an Area ParkThe Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department oversees numerous community and district parks in the area. All of these parks feature a variety of great facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, football and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Some of the parks have other features like community buildings, horseshoes and shuffleboard. If you need a place to play or relax for an afternoon, one of these area parks is just the thing for you! For more information on parks in Brunswick County, contact the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department at (800) 222-4790. Take the Cape Fear River Circle TourBrunswick County has a few places that are included on the Cape Fear River Circle Tour, which is a driving tour that circles the Cape Fear River. If you and your family would like to take this tour, you may want to dedicate a full day of your vacation to get the full experience of all stops on the tour. The tour consists of about two hours of driving time, including the 30-minute ride on the Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry. Attractions and stops included on this tour are: Battleship North Carolina, Orton Plantation Gardens, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson, Southport Maritime Museum, Progress Energy's Brunswick Nuclear Plant, North Carolina Aquarium, and Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. You can get a brochure including a map and details about the tour at a variety tourist information racks throughout the area, or by contacting the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at (910) 341-4030. | Oak Island RestaurantsOak Island Jungle Golf, Arcade & Ice Cream Shop6321 Oak Island Drive East Oak Island, NC 28465 Turtle Island Restaurant & Catering 6220 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Pizza Shack 6212 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Jones' Seafood House 6404 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 The Flying Pig Coffeehouse 6006 Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Little Bit's Grill 5902 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Bogey's Restaurant 5908 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 LunaPops 5818 Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Tropical Treats 5811 East Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Beana's Kitchen at the Beaach 106 SE 58th Street PO Box 115 Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Sub Shop & Deli 5705 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Russell's Place Restaurant 5700 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island ShoppingBeverage Barn6235 East Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Island Gift Baskets 6018 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Senior Craft Shop 5918 E Oak Island Drive PO Box 61 Oak Island, NC 28465 Bubba's 5825 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Burlington Outlet 5817 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Lucia's Gifts 5820 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 J. Huffman 5818 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 The End 106 SE 58th Street Oak Island, NC 28465 Eagles Beachwear & Sport Shop 5802 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Pawn, Bait & Tackle Shop 5422 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Motorsports & More 5319 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Pain 5119 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Brunswick Beaches AttractionsYaupon Beach Fishing Pier705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Environmental Overlook Trails 3003 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Ocean Crest Fishing Pier 1411 E Beach Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 The Oak Island Lighthouse 1100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Indigo Plantation & Marina 6099 Indigo Plantation Road Southport, NC 28461 Southport Marina 701 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 NC Baptist Assembly / Fort Caswell 100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Fort Johnston Intersection of Davis and Bay Streets Southport, NC 28461 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport 116 N Howe Street 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 Brunswick Beaches ActivitiesOak Island Jungle Golf, Arcade & Ice Cream Shop6321 Oak Island Drive East Oak Island, NC 28465 Ocean Rentals 4014 E Beach Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department 3003 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Privateer Charters 104 SE 25th Street Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Endless Summer Sailing Cruises 4909 Fish Factory Road South Harbour Village Marina Southport, NC 28461 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island Fun Park 4434 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island Skate Park 49th Street SE Oak Island, NC 28465 Priority Sailing Academy 5900 Dutchman Creek Road Southport, NC 28461 Cattail Cruises & Tours 4320 Southport Supply Road SE, Suite #600 Southport, NC 28461 St. James Plantation 4006 St. James Drive Southport, NC 28461 |