Take a Head Boat Charter TripCharter head boats offer a great offshore fishing experience for the beginner fisherman or for families with children. Staffed by a number of mates who will help you set your bait and reel in your fish (if needed), these boats take you right to the fish and let you have fun while you catch them. In Brunswick County, there are several options for head boat charters, which range from $40 to $100 per person for a day of fishing. In Oak Island, the BlueWater Princess can be reached at (888) 634-9005 and the Southport Fishing Center of Southport can be reached at (910) 454-4000. In Holden Beach, the Intimidator Fishing Charters can be reached at (910) 842-6200, while the Hurricane Fleet Deep Fishing Center of Calabash can be reached at (800) 373-2004. Learn How To KiteboardKiteboarding is a challenging sport that requires less wind than windsurfing and has become quite popular in recent years. Kiteboarders are pulled by a large kite that flies through the air, and advanced riders are able to do tricks and jumps that carry them between 10 and 40 feet in the air. Kiteboarding is popular in the Brunswick County area, which doesn't always have enough wind for the sport of windsurfing. Though the sport can be very fun if you know what you are doing, you should take lessons before attempting to ride on your own. For more information, contact the area's kite and wind shop in Wilmington, Blowing in the Wind, at (888) 691-8034. Learn about the Agri-Tourism Industry of Brunswick CountyThere are a number of local farms in Brunswick County that are available for tours. Your family may enjoy an afternoon tour of a produce farm, aquatic farm, cattle or swine farm, or a tobacco or cotton operational farm. Several of the produce farms allow you to pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, and other in-season fruits and vegetables, while the other types of farms will enable you to get a glimpse into the farm operation lifestyle. For an informational guide about the various farms in the area, contact the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610. Go Running or Walking in the AreaA great way to get some exercise in the Brunswick County area while enjoying the local scenery and wildlife. There are a few organizations in the area that promote running and walking. The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Walking Club at (800) 222-4790 encourages you to keep a daily record of the number of miles walked, with prizes rewarded at the end of the year. In Southport, the Southport Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 457-7923 works the same way, where walkers keep track of their miles and are given prizes at the end of the year. Of course, many of the area beaches and sidewalks also offer great opportunities for running and walking. 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. 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. Learn More about the Long Bay Artificial Reef AssociationThe Long Bay Artificial Reef Association, based in Bolivia, was formed in 1984 and consists of members of the Brunswick, Oak Island and Ocean Isle Fishing Clubs. Their initial project was to build six artificial reefs in the area, which were all completed by 1992. One more reef was built in 1996, so today there are seven artificial reefs existing in the area. The Association has completed several projects to enhance the habitat of the artificial reefs, including adding tugboats, barges, concrete pipe and "Reef Balls," which act as homes for the fish who live in the reefs. The creation of these artificial reefs helps the fishing economy of Brunswick County, and plans to continue their enhancement projects as long as funds allow. The Association sponsors a King Mackerel and Flounder tournament each year. To learn more about the project, or for more information about how you can help the project, contact the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association at (910) 842-3136. Learn about the Area's History at the Smith Island Museum of HistoryLocated on Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Museum History is located in a building that was replicated after the original Bald Head Island light keeper's house. Located near the lighthouse, this museum features lighthouse artifacts available for viewing, and also has a gift shop with some souvenirs for sale. Some lectures and educational programs are offered at the museum, and tickets are sold for $3.00 per person to climb the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. For more information, contact the Smith Island Museum of History at (910) 457-7481. Travel To Myrtle Beach To the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water ParkLocated just a short distance from Brunswick County in Myrtle Beach, you will find the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park. Located at 300 South Ocean Boulevard, this family amusement park is the only oceanfront water park located on the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach. The Swamp Fox, a rollercoaster made entirely of wood, is a popular ride at the park. The 33 rides found at the park are sure to include one of your favorites. The park also has a section called Kiddie Land, which has 18 rides for young children to safely enjoy. For more information, contact the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park at (843) 626-3447. Take a Nature Trip To Bird IslandIf you like adventure and you enjoy viewing wildlife, you may enjoy a trip to Bird Island while you are in the Brunswick County area. Bird Island is at the south end of Sunset Beach and is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina. The State of North Carolina purchased the island so it could be protected from development, and several species of shorebirds live on Bird Island. An anonymous visitor created the "Kindred Spirit" mailbox, which gives nature lovers that visit the island a place to leave notes and letters about their experiences on the island. | Oak Island RestaurantsCaptain Stanley's Seafood Restaurant5515 E 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 Tropical Treats 5811 East Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 LunaPops 5818 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 The Barbeque House 5002 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 The Flying Pig Coffeehouse 6006 Oak Island Drive 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 Oak Island ShoppingThe End106 SE 58th Street Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Motorsports & More 5319 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Pawn, Bait & Tackle Shop 5422 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Burlington Outlet 5817 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Eagles Beachwear & Sport Shop 5802 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Pain 5119 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Bubba's 5825 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 Oak Island Senior Craft Shop 5918 E Oak Island Drive PO Box 61 Oak Island, NC 28465 3 Cheers Party Rentals 5022 E Oak Island Drive Suite #2 Oak Island, NC 28465 Island Gift Baskets 6018 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Brunswick Beaches AttractionsEnvironmental Overlook Trails3003 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier 705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Ocean Crest Fishing Pier 1411 E Beach Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 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 Skate Park 49th Street SE Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Fun Park 4434 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 St. James Plantation 4006 St. James Drive Southport, NC 28461 Cattail Cruises & Tours 4320 Southport Supply Road SE, Suite #600 Southport, NC 28461 Priority Sailing Academy 5900 Dutchman Creek Road Southport, NC 28461 |