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. Go Scuba Diving or SnorkelingScuba diving and snorkeling are fun adventures you can experience while you are in Brunswick County. Scuba diving is popular off the coast of North Carolina because of the large number of shipwreck remains that are found in this area - the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Snorkeling is also popular because of the interesting sea life that can be found in some local areas. If you are interested in trying either of these adventures, you may want to try Scuba South Diving Company of Southport. They offer dive charters to area waters and sites and will travel to any site along the southern coast. They also have a variety of equipment available for rent. For more information, contact Scuba South Diving Company at (910) 457-5201. Get Married on the BeachWhat better place to have your wedding or vow renewal ceremony on the Brunswick County beaches of North Carolina? There is something quite romantic about the incoming waves and ocean breeze that makes the beach a perfect setting for your special ceremony. Because the weather and winds are unpredictable in the area, you may want to have an alternate location available in case of inclement weather. If you are interested in having your ceremony in Brunswick County, you will first need a North Carolina marriage license from the local Register of Deeds office. You can contact the Brunswick County Register of Deeds at (877) 625-9310. If you need help planning your ceremony, A Carolina Wedding of Wilmington may be able to help, and can be reached at (910) 686-2690. Stroll Through the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird GardenAs part of the series of Environmental Overlook Trails on Oak Island, the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is located on the trail behind the Oak Island Recreation Center. On the path, there are several elevated platforms that will allow you view the variety of trees and flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to the area. You will enjoy viewing these species while you travel this path, and you may want to bring your camera! For more information about the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, call (910) 278-5518. Enjoy a Sweet Treat at Sandman's Candyland or Sandman's Ice CreamSandman's Candyland and Sandman's Ice Cream of Holden Beach has something for everyone's sweet tooth! Sandman's Candyland on Jordan Boulevard has a variety of over 100 different candies ranging from new to old-fashioned. The candy store is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sandman's Ice Cream on Ocean Boulevard West has 25 fun flavors of ice cream that will hit the spot any day of the week! The ice cream store is open daily from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information, contact Sandman's Candyland at (910) 842-6322 or Sandman's Ice Cream at (910) 842-5743. 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. 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. Get a Unique Nautical Souvenir from Cape Fear JewelersMany women enjoy getting a piece of jewelry from the area to act as their souvenir, so after they are not on vacation anymore they can always be reminded of their fun vacation times. If you want to get a jewelry souvenir that will remind you of Brunswick County, Cape Fear Jewelers has just what you are looking for! Located in Southport, Cape Fear Jewelers has a variety of 14-carat gold nautical jewelry. They also have a selection of other jewelry, including diamonds, gemstones, silver, and more. One of their unique nautical pieces will make the perfect souvenir for you! For more information, contact Cape Fear Jewelers at (910) 457-5299. Go To the Movies at a Local Movie TheaterIf you end up with a rainy or chilly day during your vacation, what better way to spend the afternoon than by going to see a movie at a local movie theater? There are a few options in the area where you can see the newest movie releases. In Southport, Surf Cinemas is a 4-screen theater and can be reached at (910) 457-0320 for show times. In Shallotte, Coastal Cinemas offers 10 screens and can be reached at (910) 754-7469 for show times. 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. |