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
2017 Brunswick Islands Sunrise/Sunset Photo Contest Winners

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is excited to announce the winners of the #BrunswickIslandsSun Sunrise/Sunset photo contest! We invited you to share your best Brunswick Islands sunrise and sunset photographs on Instagram and Facebook using #BrunswickIslandsSun from November 15 through November 29, and we were amazed at the beautiful entries we received!
With over 150 entries, it wasn’t easy to choose just a few winners, but we have chosen our favorite photos from the submissions for a first and second place winner on both platforms as well as two random drawing winners. These lucky winners will receive a variety of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands rolling coolers, beach towels, and hats. Our first place winners will also receive a $100 gift card. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the contest. It was incredible to see folks loving the Brunswick Islands and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean as much as we do!
And now, here are the winners, along with the inspiration behind their photos and why the Brunswick Islands are their beaches of choice!
1st Place on Facebook:
Mark D. Head takes first place with his breathtaking photo of a sunrise over the marsh at Sunset Beach. As …read more
BHI Club | Rita & Shawn | October 15th

I was lucky to have had the opportunity to meet with Rita and Shawn about 8 months prior to their wedding since we all lived in the Raleigh area. I know many couples do not book a wedding coordinator until much closer to their event. I say the sooner the better, even if it is just for weekend-of coordination, as weddings on Bald Head Island have their own logistical challenges, and I like to be able to offer advice sooner rather than later!Rita and Shawn decided on a Sunday afternoon wedding, as many of their guests would be traveling from the Raleigh area just for the day. In order to maximize their time with their guests, Rita and Shawn opted for a first look and to take pictures with their bridal party prior to the ceremony. They decided to use the Common of Cape Fear station, a beautiful secluded (and commonly overlooked) park that includes an open grassy area, a little gazebo and a mini light house.The ceremony took place on the Ocean Terrace at the Bald Head Island Club, open to the seabreeze and amazing natural light. The aisle was lined with beautiful lanterns …read more
Source: BHI Weddings
La Vita Bruta | Samantha & Hunter | September 23rd

Samantha and Hunter booked my services well in advance of their Bald Head Island wedding, so I had to wait quite a while to see all of the hard work they put into planning such a special event. Once I was able to start getting the details, I grew more and more excited for the day to arrive!The weather was a little warm throughout the morning, but a light breeze rolled in right before the ceremony was set to begin. The intimate ceremony was held on the beach just outside of the reception home, La Vita Bruta, nestled in between the dunes on West Beach. I say it time and time again, little to no decor is needed, just let the natural backdrop of these locations on the island speak for themselves!Ceremony decor was simple, with an arbor and white benches with flowers cascading out of lanterns.There were personal touches dotted throughout the event, from the rows of complimentary flip flops for guests who may not have had the proper foot attire (heels and sand do not mix!), to the beautiful pillow for the ring bearer to carry down the aisle with the rings.The cocktail hour and …read more
Source: BHI Weddings
Enter the NC’s Brunswick Islands Sunrise/Sunset Photo Contest
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has more than forty-five miles of uniquely south facing beaches that allow one to view the sun rise and set over the Atlantic during the fall and winter. In recognition of that phenomenon, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is excited to announce its fall social media photo contest, #BrunswickIslandsSun! We invite you to share your best Brunswick Islands sunrise and sunset photos on Instagram (#BrunswickIslands and #BrunswickIslandsSun) and Facebook (#BrunswickIslandsSun) from November 15-29, 2017. When submitting your entry, please also include the Brunswick Islands’ location shown in the photo. North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands’ will choose its favorite photos from the submissions with first and second place prizes for both Instagram and Facebook winners, along with two randomly chosen winners. Prizes include North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands rolling coolers, beach towels and hats, and a $100 Visa® Gift Card! The official contest rules are listed below. Please read all the rules!
Share your photos and follow us on Instagram: @NCBrunswickIslands
Share your photos and like us on Facebook: @NCBrunswick
CONTEST RULES: The following rules will be required for entry.
1. ENTRY:
a. No purchase necessary to enter or win.
b. Fans may enter by Facebook or Instagram:
i. If entering by Instagram, follow …read more
Celebrate A Very Merry “Island-Style” Holiday Getaway in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

It’s time again to throw on a sweater, grab a cup of hot chocolate and feel the holiday spirit. North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands provides the perfect backdrop for a holiday getaway this season. From festive decorations to flotillas, the Brunswick Islands’ take on the phrase “’tis the season” is sure to make even Scrooge jolly.
Try something a little different this year and head over to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for fun, new memories and stories your loved ones will tell for years to come. These are just some of the exciting must-do seasonal events and experiences happening this year.
Replace Snowmen with Sandmen
Forget the gloves and heavy coats, and create your winter masterpiece with white sands and decorative seashells. Make your holiday getaway memorable by spending it beachside. Take advantage of the mild weather and uncrowded beaches with your loved ones. Beach rental homes are available at great rates this time of year and ready to accommodate families of all sizes.
Enjoy a Different Type of White Christmas
While everyone else might be trying to de-thaw in front of a fireplace, you and your family can take advantage of the better weather and take a stroll on the beaches. Or visit …read more
Experience North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands’ Winery and Brewery

After a day of salt and sun, kick back and sip on a taste of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands at the area’s local winery and brewery! The award-winning Silver Coast Winery and Check Six Brewing Company create beverages that are sure to please any palate, including those of wine and beer connoisseurs. Both the winery and brewery are owned by local residents who take pride in their craft, so be sure to stop by on your next visit to the Brunswick Islands.
Silver Coast Winery
Ocean Isle Beach is home to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands’ first winery, Silver Coast. Charming and eclectic, Silver Coast Winery encompasses the relaxed and ultimately unique ambiance of the Brunswick Islands. Owner Maryann Azzato’s passion for wine started at an early age. She spent her youth watching her father make wine, and dreamed of one day opening a winery of her own. Azzato’s childhood dreams came true in 2000, when her husband and three children gifted her a lovely eight-acre woodland property for Mother’s Day. In 2002, Silver Coast opened to the public. Silver Coast wines are modeled after traditional, European styles, but also feature hybrid grapes to create their signature Seyval Blanc and Traminette. …read more