The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms that Love the Beach
Spring is here and that means it is time to get ready to celebrate that one very special lady in your life. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is never too early to start planning how to show mom just how much you care. For moms that live by the motto “life is better in flip-flops” think beyond flowers this Mother’s Day and get coastal at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Check out our list of the perfect gifts for moms who always seem to have the beach on the brain!
Toast to Mom at Silver Coast Winery
Say “cheers” to mom this Mother’s Day with a trip to Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach. The Silver Coast Winery story began on Mother’s Day 2002 when owner Maryann Azzato was gifted a half-acre plot of land from her husband, Dr. Bud. A full family affair, Maryann along with her siblings and children planted the very grapes that would grow to become this local gem and Mother’s Day must. The winery offers a vineyard, tasting room and tours daily. Visitors can also enjoy the local art that adorns the walls of the winery’s art gallery.
Take Mom to Dinner …read more
Any Way You Cast It, Fishing Means Fun In The Brunswick Islands
Spring is upon us in NC’s Brunswick Islands. If you’re any kind of fisherman or woman, you know what that means. If you aren’t, one trip to the isles can make you one.
No 45-mile stretch of the Atlantic coast has more ways to get into the adventure of fishing than our barrier islands do. You can charter a boat, fish off one of our ocean piers, cast right off the beach or fish the marshes and creeks from your own boat or kayak. And the show begins early with some of the best fishing in April, May and June.
To help you get a taste of the action and to provide a few tips in advance, we’ve talked to a couple of the many knowledgeable captains on our coast. Here’s a sampling of what they told us.
Get Your Ducks, er Fish, In A Row Before You Go.
Capt. Brant McMullen of Ocean Isle Fishing Center advises interested fishing folk to give some thought to the kind of experience they want to have. “We’ve got two main styles, deep sea fishing and backwater fishing and they both can be a blast,” says Capt. Brant. “Spring starts early with speckled trout, …read more
Find Some of the Best Beaches in the World in NC’s Brunswick Islands
The heart and soul of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is its 45 miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches. Each beach – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island is famous for its distinct offerings suited to delight every member of the family. Your favorite beaches, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, are gracing the ranks of “Best Beaches” lists all over the world! Five barrier islands, immense natural beauty, a delicious culinary scene, an abundance of outdoor recreation and easy accessibility are just a few reasons why the Brunswick Islands are so loved by beach goers everywhere.
Check out just a few of NC’s Brunswick Islands’ recent accolades:
9 Vacation-Worthy American Islands- Men’s Journal
Men’s Journal agrees that you don’t have to leave the country to take an unforgettable island vacation, and the editors named the Brunswick Islands a must for domestic travel.
“The chain of five islands offers 45 miles of beaches, along with the Intracoastal Waterway and scenic marshland in view of wildlife and pristine natural local ecosystems, best viewed by kayak or paddleboard.” We couldn’t agree more; visitors to the Brunswick Islands will revel at the abundant kayaking, surfing, and paddle boarding offerings in the …read more
Spring Birding in NC’s Brunswick Islands
The beginning of spring is just days away and with it’s promise of warmer weather, spring also means the beginning of migration and nesting seasons for birds. The five barrier islands that make up NC’s Brunswick Islands – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island and Bald Head Island- encompass a large network of bird sanctuaries. Situated along the coast of Southeastern North Carolina, the Brunswick Islands’ varied ecosystems make it a natural haven for hundreds of species of birds. In fact, there have been more than 330 species of birds spotted in Brunswick County. Brunswick County is also home to eight of the birding sites along the North Carolina Birding Trail!
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has more than 45 miles of unspoiled shoreline, pristine estuaries, and salt marshes that sustain a wide variety of wading birds and shorebirds during the spring nesting season. Battery Island, located in the Cape Fear River across from the Southport waterfront, alone is home to nearly 10 percent of the North American population of White Ibis. White Ibis is one of the most visible and prolific species with their bright white plumage that contrasts the colors in the …read more
How to Hold a Family Reunion at the Beach
It’s never too early to start planning a family reunion your loved ones will remember for years to come. With the area’s central Mid-Atlantic location, plenty of affordable accommodations, more than 45 miles of beautiful beaches, endless outdoor activities, and fairways as far as the eye can see, it is easy to see why hundreds of families host their annual reunion at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands each year. There is no better place to get the family together than at the beach, and the Brunswick Islands has offerings suited to every member of the family.
We spoke with Cheryl Summer, an Ohioan who has been visiting North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for more than 35 years. Cheryl originally started visiting the area with a few couples, and it has now morphed into a 20-person, two-house annual reunion with family and friends traveling from all over the country.
Check out Cheryl’s six tips on making the most of a family reunion, from planning to feeding a crowd:
Find Accommodations That Can Hold Your Entire Family:
The Brunswick Islands has plenty of accommodations and meeting space that can accommodate families of all sizes! One of the most popular accommodations is a vacation rental home. …read more
Find Golf for all Skill Levels in NC’s Brunswick Islands Including Beginning and Junior Golfers
Known as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast”, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands features more than 30 top golf courses built to accommodate players of all skill levels including new golfers and junior golfers. Many of the courses offer private and group lessons from golf professionals who work with every aspect of your swing to improve power, accuracy and consistency. The experience of learning to golf or refining your game in the Brunswick Islands is enhanced by scenic coastal views and more than 45 miles of beach.
Here’s just a few of the courses new golfers may want to include in their Brunswick Islands vacation:
Compass Pointe Golf Club
Located in Leland, Compass Pointe Golf Club is the newest 18 hole course in North Carolina. The Rick Robbins designed course features wide fairways, large Champion Bermuda greens and scenic native Carolina landscaping which creates an exceptional golf experience for players of all skill levels. Multiple sets of tees are offered including a set of “Family Tees” that are great for juniors, older players and new players. Golf instruction for individuals, groups, junior clinics and junior summer golf camps are available. The facility includes a complete short-game area with an 18-hole …read more
Upcoming Spring Events & Festivals in NC’s Brunswick Islands
Think past the chilly winter months and bulky sweaters forward to basking in the sun in your new bathing suit! Get rid of the winter blues by planning a picturesque coastal getaway this Spring to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Springtime in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands means tons of local events to entertain the whole family. The views are breathtaking, the food is exquisite, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Here’s just a taste of everything North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has to offer this spring:
Spring Art Show
Website: http://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/spring-art-show-southport-nc
When: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. February 27 – March 18
Where: Franklin Square Gallery, Southport
Contact: 910-457-5450
Southport’s Franklin Square Gallery hosts the annual spring art show featuring paintings, pottery, sculptures, and handmade jewelry by both members of the gallery and local guest artists. The historic building is located near the live oak trees behind Franklin Square Park three blocks from Southport’s waterfront at 130 E. West Street. Over 100 artists will be displaying their work during the exhibit and an award ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. This ongoing event is free and open to all ages.
First Friday Gallery Walks
Website: http://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/first-friday-gallery-walk-southport-nc-mar
When: Every …read more
Take a Romantic Escape to a Bed & Breakfast in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
Looking to relax and refresh this new year with a romantic weekend getaway filled with picturesque views, laid back Southern charm and delicious dining? North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers visitors more than 45 miles of unsurpassed beaches that are ideal for a romantic getaway worthy of a Nicholas Sparks novel. To make your visit quainter, choose from one of six enchanting and unique Bed & Breakfasts located in the charming town of Southport.
Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn
Located along the historic waterfront of Southport, Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn was built during the 1890’s by Lois Jane’s grandfather, and refurbished by her children in 1995. During your stay, relax and unwind as you experience Southern hospitality at its finest. The historic Inn features four bedrooms in the main home with two additional suites in the guest cottage. All rooms are furnished with period furniture and accessories, many of which are family heirlooms. All guests at Lois Jane’s enjoy a full Southern-style breakfast served daily, with wine and hors d’oeuvres served in the late afternoon. Reserve your stay in Miss Mary’s Room and take in the breath-taking views of the Cape Fear River as you relax with your special someone on the spacious …read more
Wrightsville Manor | Selenia & James | October 22nd
When a couple contacts me to be their weekend-of coordinator, there is always a huge amount of information I have to get from them in order to make sure that there special day runs smoothly. This is complicated a bit when the couple lives halfway across the country, and we are never able to meet face to face. Selenia and James had chosen to have a destination wedding at the Wrightsville Manor; a gorgeous event space located in Wilmington, NC. After many emails and phone calls to get all the details in place, we were faced with one final obstacle as the wedding weekend drew nearer; the weather! We were throwing around ideas for backup plans, so we would be ready if we had to make a last minute decision as the ceremony was supposed to take place outside.The morning of the big day arrived, and event though there was a steady rain falling, Selenia was in good spirits as she arrived at the Manor to start getting ready in her bridal suite. We made the final call to move the ceremony inside as the rain was supposed to clear by the afternoon, but would leave the ground soggy and …read more
Source: BHI Weddings
Take a Winter Soul-stice with a Coastal Getaway to NC’s Brunswick Islands
With Winter Solstice quickly approaching on December 21, there has never been a better time to reflect, restore and rejuvenate in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Escape from the stresses of the season and plan a peaceful coastal getaway complete with pristine, south-facing beaches boasting both sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, moderate temperatures and great prices on beach vacation rental properties.
Reflect
Feel the crunch of sand beneath your feet and take in the unsurpassed beauty of the beaches as you begin your Winter Soul-stice journey through the Brunswick Islands. Visitors looking to reflect and recharge look no further than Sunset Beach and take a short picturesque walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. This mailbox set amid serene undeveloped Bird Island holds pens, notebooks, and most importantly, memories. More than just a receptacle for pieces of paper, people from all over the world share and bare their soul to the universe and draw comfort by sharing their thoughts, prayers, and wishes while also enjoying the soothing sounds and sights of unspoiled beach, ocean and horizon.
Restore
In addition to the beauty of more than 45 miles of picturesque beaches, NC’s Brunswick Islands is also known as “North Carolina’s …read more