Nine Not to Miss Golf Holes in NC’s Brunswick Islands
Salty breezes, unsurpassed coastal views, and exceptional golf make North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands a mecca for golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Home to more than 30 championship courses and over 120 miles of fairways, visitors to “North Carolina’s Golf Coast” can play a new course every day for a month without repeating a hole. It’s impossible to go wrong with the abundance of incredible golf courses throughout the Brunswick Islands, but before you leave, make sure to check out the list below of some of the top golf holes in the area. Selected for their challenge level and extraordinary scenery, these holes will challenge and delight your inner golf aficionado. (All yardages are from the white tees.)
Leopard’s Chase, Hole 18
Designed by Tim Cate, and named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Public Courses in America for 2007,” Leopard’s Chase is a breathtaking course. Located in Ocean Isle Beach, the course showcases natural and man-made water features throughout its 18 holes. The par 4 18th hole is an impressive finishing hole that tees off over native wetlands to a narrowing fairway guarded by a massive bunker running down …read more
Find Authentic Coastal Cuisine with Waterfront Dining in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
No beach vacation is complete without enjoying fresh seafood with a view. Throughout North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, waterfront restaurants are serving up local fare in scenic settings. The area offers waterfront dining set along the Atlantic, the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway and more, making for memorable meals for any getaway to the Brunswick Islands. Top it off 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 same day. Visitors to this dining locale find themselves in the vacation mood with tiki-style décor and outdoor picnic tables for a true coastal dining experience by the water. Diners looking for scenic river views and an authentic Calabash seafood dining experience will find the perfect setting at Captain John’s Seafood House, Captain Nance’s …read more
Choose NC’s Brunswick Islands as your Homebase for the Great American Solar Eclipse
A once in a lifetime experience, The Great American Solar Eclipse is coming up on August 21. With the eclipse sweeping from the Pacific to the Atlantic, this natural wonder will transform the sky, turning daytime into twilight for just a few minutes. This is a can’t-miss event, so pack up your bags and make a one-of-a-kind vacation out of this natural phenomenon. Stay in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands where you’ll be a short drive to numerous prime eclipse viewing locations in the path of totality. Before and after the big event, the Brunswick Islands serve as the perfect spot to relax and escape the crowds.
Although the path of totality is slightly south of the islands, the Brunswick Islands’ 45 miles of beautiful beaches are an ideal lodging spot for easy accessibility to the main event. Find hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation rental homes, and many more options where you can settle in and rest up for the occasion. Spend the weekend on the beach, enjoy some authentic coastal cuisine and explore the Intracoastal Waterway.
Another perfect reason to choose the Brunswick Islands for your eclipse getaway is the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset …read more
Get Your Groove on at Free Outdoor Concerts in NC’s Brunswick Islands
The fun doesn’t have to end at the beach when the day ends. Bring your beach chair or blanket and the whole family to enjoy free outdoor music concerts scheduled throughout the summer in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Dance like no one is watching or just sit back and enjoy music of all genres from talented local bands to well-known regional favorites. You can catch a free concert practically every night of the week. And you’re certain find music you’ll want to tap your feet to from beach tunes, blues, rock, and soul to reggae, bluegrass, big band, and country. Visit www.ncbrunswick.com/events to get a complete schedule of concerts and bands.
Calabash Concert Series
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. (through August 29)
Calabash Town Park, Calabash
Sunset Beach Concerts
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (through September 6)
Gazebo in the Village Park, Sunset Beach
Southport Summer Concerts – Thursdays in the Park
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (through September 21)
Franklin Square Park and Garrison Lawn, Southport
Shallotte SummerFest
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. (July 6 through August 10)
Mulberry Park, Shallotte
Ocean Isle Beach Concerts
Fridays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (through September 8)
Museum of Coastal Carolina parking lot, Ocean Isle Beach
Oak Island Summer Concerts
Fridays, 6:30 – …read more
Celebrate Seasonal Freshness with Outdoor Markets in the Brunswick Islands
Summer is the prime time for fresh, local goods in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. The area’s outdoor markets take place throughout each week so you never have to be without seasonal fruits and vegetables, whether you’re a local or a visitor. In addition to produce, the markets are filled with artists and artisans showing off their creative talents and offering pottery, photography, handmade goods, and homemade snacks and desserts. Topping off the perfect outdoor market scene, local musicians can also be found playing at several of the events, making these must-do summer and fall activities.
Southport Waterfront Market
Wednesdays through September 6, 2017; 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn, Southport
http://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/1217
Local artisans come together by the Cape Fear River to offer fresh and local produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. Enjoy the shade of ancient Live Oak trees with music and entertainment.
Oak Island Farmers and Artisans Market
Mondays through September 4, 2017; 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Middleton Park, Oak Island
http://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/1306
Market-goers can pick up fresh produce, homemade goods, like cakes and jam, as well as a variety of handmade crafts, like jewelry and potholders.
Ocean Isle Beach Waterfront Market
Mondays through September 11, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 …read more
Treat Dad to a Father’s Day Getaway in NC’s Brunswick Islands
This Father’s Day, skip the tie and spoil dad with a getaway to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. With expansive beaches, endless adventures and plenty of opportunities for relaxation, dad will be thanking you for making this Father’s Day the best one yet.
Fish On
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands holds some of the finest fishing spots on the eastern seaboard where dad can cast a line and reel in an abundance of fish. Catch a bite from wahoo, flounder, tuna, mackerel, sea bass, snapper, bluefish and many more. Make a morning or afternoon of reeling in fresh finds at one of the ocean piers perfectly perched for fishing. You can rent all the equipment you need and get bait on site. If dad is looking for to get out on the water, he can choose from inshore and offshore fishing charters including trips to the Gulf Steam. For more information about piers and fishing charters visit http://www.ncbrunswick.com/fun_and_adventure/fishing_and_charters.
Hole in One
Known as North Carolina’s “Golf Coast,” North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands features over 30 championship golf courses including some of the top ranked courses in the state. Combine that impressive number with the mild four-season climate and scenic views, and …read more
Check Off Your Beach Bucket List in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
A beach vacation in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers a chance for some rest and relaxation and also opportunities to create lifelong memories with loved ones. Across the destination’s five islands, you’ll find all the activities that make for the best beach vacation memories, along with a few unexpected surprises.
Here are seven Brunswick Islands’ beach bucket list activities sure to make your vacation memorable for the whole family:
Build a Sandcastle
Opportunities abound to try your hand at sandcastle artistry, or relaxing in the sun and strolling alongside the ocean. With 45 miles of idyllic beaches and six separate beach communities over five barrier islands, fun in the sun awaits travelers in need of a relaxing escape or an adventure-packed getaway. Sandcastle building tip: create a good strong packed foundation for your sandcastle and be sure to keep your sand wet while building!
Get a Sweet Treat
Satisfy your sweet tooth and stop by one of the many locally-owned ice cream shops and creameries sprinkled throughout the destination. With unique flavors and quality ingredients, you’ll be in for a treat. Each shop offers something special, whether it’s homemade recipes, specialty cones, or a welcoming environment with rocking chairs to …read more
Find Seashells by the Seashore in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands’ 45 miles of scenic beaches provide plenty of opportunities for discoveries of coastal treasures along the way. Beachgoers going for a stroll are in for a treat with the variety of seashells found in the area – just keep a careful eye toward the sand.
To help with your next Brunswick Islands shelling excursion, below is a guide of just a few of the shells and other treasures you might find on your outing. Just remember to leave the seashells and creatures in their home if they’re still alive! Shelling Tip: Be aware of the tides and schedule your shelling adventure for low tide.
Angelwings
Resembling the wings of an angel, this shell can get up to about 5 ¾ inches long with 30 sharply beaded ribs.
Olive Shells
These shiny, cylindrical shells can grow up to around 2 ½ inches long, and North Carolina is the Northernmost location where they are found in the U.S.
True Tulips
The large, spindle-shaped shells have smooth and shiny exteriors and can get up to 9 ½ inches in size.
Sand Dollars
Sand dollars are not seashells but sea urchins. Sand dollars that are safe to take …read more
Pets of NC’s Brunswick Islands Photo Contest Winners
It’s obvious from the entries in our Pets of NCBI photo contest that our visitors love their pets and their pets love the pet friendly beaches of NC’s Brunswick Islands. With 125 entries, it wasn’t easy to choose just a few winners but we sure enjoyed looking through all the photos of adorable pets. Thank you to everyone who shared their photos for our contest! And now, here are the winners, along with the inspiration behind their photos and why the Brunswick Islands are their pet-friendly beaches of choice.
1st Place:
Ava and Gabby, a Jack Russel Terrier and Beagle mix rescued from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services, enjoy the sunset on Caswell Beach – photo by Instagram user @amy_jeanphotography. “The Brunswick Islands is a great place to bring your pets because of the amount of beaches, there is a dog park in Southport, a great pet shop in Southport, and absolutely beautiful weather year round. The beaches in the area are exceptional, the temperature of the water, the soft sand and friendliness from people. It is just a very pet friendly area to bring your companion. We love it!!”
2nd Place:
Buttercup enjoying the Marsh …read more
Welcome to Calabash: “Seafood Capital of the World”
“Good Night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are…”
Fans of classic television and radio will remember star Jimmy Durante and this infamous phrase, but not many know its connection to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
Legend has it that while visiting Calabash, Durante was feeling a bit under the weather. A local restaurateur offered to fix him something to make him feel better. When she did, he told her he’d make her famous, and from that day forward, he closed each and every show with this tribute!
Fast forward to today and Mr. Durante would be right at home – still delighted to find delectable shrimp, clams, fish and oysters coated in a light batter, quickly fried to lock in freshness and served up in very generous portions! This is dining Calabash-style, and the reason the town has earned the title of “Seafood Capital of the World!” Restaurants from coast to coast have tried to replicate the style, but there is nothing like the experience of enjoying it in its home town of Calabash.
As you drive down to the docks that line the Calabash River, restaurant after restaurant beckons – family-owned and each holding their secret recipes …read more