Seven Reasons to Shellabrate the North Carolina Oyster Festival
October marks the start of Oyster Season in North Carolina, and the Brunswick Islands is the place to revel in and enjoy this tasty treat. North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is the site of the state’s official oyster celebration, and the Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival returns to Ocean Isle Beach for its 38th year October 20-21, 2018. Check out our list of seven reasons to stop by and shellabrate at the North Carolina Oyster Festival!
1.Two Days to Experience
With so many things to do, explore and eat, the North Carolina Oyster Festival offers two days to experience the exciting and action-packed event. Visitors can swing by from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20 and from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21 for a shell of a good time.
2. Friendly and Flavorful Competition
The festival hosts several opportunities for a little friendly competition. Whether guests are looking to shag, shuck or stuff their faces, the North Carolina Oyster Festival has something for everyone. Festival-goers can enter the shag dance competition, oyster eating contest and oyster shucking contest. For even more festive flavor, attendees can buy a ticket to taste one of the delicious dishes prepared …read more
Make Travel Plans for Labor Day Weekend in NC’s Brunswick Islands
Still considering Labor Day travel plans for your family? Make crowded beaches and umbrella mazes a thing of the past with a holiday getaway to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Our 45 miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches will take you back to the beach vacations of your childhood. With a uniquely relaxed atmosphere and plenty of beach for your blanket, there is no better place to celebrate the end to a fun-filled summer. Our six island beaches house a collection of family-friendly activities perfect for saying farewell to summer. Be sure to check out these suggestions for ways to make the most out of your long weekend in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
Shallotte River Swamp Park
Families can experience the swamp like never before with an action-packed, high flying adventure. The park features a two and a half hour zipline tour, seven course adventure park, 50-foot Pelican Dive jump and more. Park owners did not want to sacrifice the beautiful, natural surroundings for adventure, but rather enhance guest experience by seamlessly weaving the two together. The park is uniquely designed around the landscape and rangers educate guests about the ecological benefits of the natural habitat. With an outdoor adventure perfectly suited for …read more
Enjoy Dinner with a View with Waterfront Dining in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Few scenes seem more signature of a beach vacation than a restaurant patio overlooking waves lapping the beach or the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal Waterway; and in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, fresh seafood with fantastic waterfront views is in no short supply. Each of our islands and towns are bursting with flavor and brimming with beautiful coastal views. The area boasts waterfront dining set along the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway and more, making for memorable meals for any getaway to the Brunswick Islands. With so many unique places to see and sample, discovering where to dine next will be an exciting culinary adventure. Top off your foodie bucket list with a visit to “The Seafood Capital of the World” in Calabash, and you’re in for a treat! Take your pick of the below waterfront dining options in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
The Calabash seafood phenomenon began in the town of the same name, now home to several restaurants along the Calabash River. The folks at Waterfront Seafood Shack own their fishing and shrimp boats, and the fresh catches go straight to the seafood shack, ready to be prepared and eaten all in the …read more
Get Active During Your Beach Getaway To North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Get Active Along the Coast at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Who says beach getaways are just for lounging? Sun, sand and scenic ocean views are undoubtedly a well-deserved treat, but those looking for a little adventure on their next vacation will find it in no short supply at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. While the Brunswick Islands offer 45 miles of scenic, sandy beaches just beckoning for you to plant a plush towel or beach chair, there are plenty of exciting ways to get up and get active on your next vacation.
Decompress and Destress
Treat yourself by treating your body with a beachside yoga session. Feel the tension and stress from home slowly slip away with every move and stretch. Many visitors come to the Brunswick Islands looking for some quality relaxation, and there are few activities better suited to test your fitness in a tranquil setting than a yoga session along one of our pristine beaches. Area instructors offer classes all summer long to ease your stress and keep you toned. Be sure to see if any classes are scheduled for when you are in town!
Check Out What’s SUP
Check out “what’s SUP” during your stay in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. The …read more
Summer is Sea Turtle Time in the Brunswick Islands
For many people the word “summer” evokes mental images of sandy beaches, gentle waves, glowing sunshine, pearly white sea shells and freshly caught seafood. While these classic coastal elements are key parts of a summer escape to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, locals and visitors alike know that the 45 miles of picturesque, uncrowded beaches bring in more than happy beachgoers each summer. For centuries, the beaches of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands have been home to loggerhead sea turtles. These spectacular creatures travel great distances to lay their eggs along the shore from May to August, with hatchings happening July through October. Many visitors book their stays to have front row seats to this bit of maritime magic, making summertime sea turtle time in the Brunswick Islands. With so many ways to take part in the action, it is easy to see why!
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Turtle loving travelers can venture to Ocean Isle Beach for the Barrier Island Gallery at the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The museum shares The Legend of the Loggerhead with an exhibit featuring a sand dune model complete with mother loggerhead turtle laying a nest and hatchlings emerging from the nest. Visitors can walk through …read more
Eight Ways to Enjoy Shrimp in the Brunswick Islands
Sun, sand and seafood simply go hand in hand, and there is no better place to snag a signature shrimp dish than North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. No trip to the Brunswick Islands is complete without some coastal cuisine, and our charming beach towns are brimming with tasty dining spots serving up innovative and scrumptious shrimp creations. Foodies looking to come out of their shell to savor a delicious dining experience can check out the below shrimp seeking guide to the Brunswick Islands.
1. North Shore Shrimp Taco (Oak Island)
The dining scene at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is as vibrant as the collection of coastal communities themselves. Here not only will you find classic seafood dishes, but also flavors from around the globe. Kai-Joes on Oak Island is serving up North Shore Shrimp Tacos. This international fusion dish features grilled shrimp, Asian slaw and a special Thai chili sauce.
2. Grilled Shrimp Burger (Holden Beach)
For a fresh spin on an American classic, check out the Grilled Shrimp Burger at Provision Company on Holden Beach. This waterfront dining spot can be reached by land or boat and is a popular spot for families looking to enjoy fresh seafood and …read more
Four Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
July 4th is a fabulous time to gather the family, pack the car and head to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. The sun is out, the temperatures are warm and there are plenty of exciting events and Independence Day celebrations happening all around our festive coastal community. Whether your trip is already on the calendar or you are looking for a reason to book, be sure to check out these four fun ways to celebrate the 4th of July with us.
1. NC 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Join a Southport tradition with more than 200 years of history at the NC 4th of July Festival June 24-July 4, 2018. Since 1792 the town has celebrated our nation’s independence in style. The celebration has evolved from colonial times when ships fired their cannons into the harbor to the family-friendly spectacle it is today. The beloved annual festival attracts more than 50,000 people to Southport each year with events including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, concerts, a flag raising ceremony, mobile exhibits, more than 100 arts and craft booths, food vendors, a parade and more. And it wouldn’t be a true 4th of July festival without fireworks! Cheer …read more
Eight Free Things To Do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Sometimes the best things in life are free, and that is no exception in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. This summer discover just how easy it is to go big on a budget in the Brunswick Islands. When you’re visiting, be sure to check out the below eight free activities that are sure to bring on the smiles without breaking the bank or sacrificing the fun factor.
1. Oak Island Lighthouse
Located on Caswell Beach, the Oak Island Lighthouse is a must-visit spot that proves it is possible to elevate your vacation experience at no added cost. The 153-foot structure is the last lighthouse built in North Carolina. While tours to the top of this 15-story beauty are free, friendly donations from visitors are always appreciated and help ensure that future travelers to the area will enjoy the scenic views awaiting atop the 131-step series of ships ladders.
2. Kindred Spirit Mailbox
While walks along the beach are always a priceless perk of a coastal getaway, at the Brunswick Islands you can take a tranquil stroll to a tucked away mailbox full of secrets. Standing in the sands of beautiful Bird Island is the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. This mailbox to nowhere is …read more
Get on Board in the Brunswick Islands
Temperatures are heating up and there is no better place to cool down and make a splash than North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Boasting 45 miles of pristine beaches as well as beautiful marshes, creeks and estuaries along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Brunswick Islands beckons visitors to kayak, paddle, surf and boat their way to an unforgettable vacation experience. With so many ways to suit up and explore, aquatic adventure seekers will find getting on board with the Brunswick Islands is a breeze!
Kayak
Experienced and amateur kayakers alike will revel in the incredible opportunities for sightseeing and adventure in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. While the crashing waves of our beautiful beaches draw guests year after year, the miles of salt marsh creeks and rivers as well as the Intercoastal Waterway await exploration. Individual kayak rentals and guided tours are available to help visitors gear up and get on the water. Whether chasing the colorful sunset, watching for native wildlife, stargazing or just looking to get active, kayaking through the Brunswick Islands promises to be a unique and unforgettable aquatic experience.
Paddle
Visitors can put balance and coordination to the test by trying stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). The smooth channels …read more
Forecast Reads 100% Chance of Fun with these Rainy Day Beach Activities
Sometimes cloudy skies decide to follow you on your vacation. Even the best-laid beach plans can be interrupted by a bit of inclement weather. While sunny skies are always ideal for a coastal getaway, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offer an abundance of enticing indoor activities that are not only unbeatable elements of a foolproof rain plan, but also make for incredible vacation stops to experience under the clearest of skies. No matter the weather, the travel forecast will read 100% chance of fun with these indoor activities and experiences.
Learn Something New
While our 45 miles of tranquil beaches are no stranger to the national spotlight, our scenic and lively community offers visitors more than just sand and surf. History buffs can venture to Southport to experience Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Fort Johnston-Southport Museum, originally built by the British in the mid-1700s, offers docent lead or self-guided tours showcasing the history, heritage and culture of Southport. For an even broader look into the history of the Brunswick Islands, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport shares the story of the Cape Fear region, complete with pirates, blockade running, riverfront archaeology and more. …read more