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
Enter the Brunswick Islands Pets at the Beach Photo Contest
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is excited to announce its spring social media photo contest, #PetsOfNCBI! We invite you to share your best Brunswick Islands photos of your pets enjoying the beach on Instagram and Facebook using #PetsOfNCBI from April 3-17, 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 a first, second and third prize, 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.
Share your photos and follow us on Instagram: @NCBrunswickIslands
Share your photos and like us on Facebook: @NCBrunswick
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands‘ pet-friendly beaches invite the whole family along on vacation! Beachgoers who don’t want to leave their pets behind can check into a variety of pet-friendly lodging options throughout the Brunswick Islands, including hotels and motels, condos, resorts, vacation home rentals and more. Several pet-friendly lodging options include direct beach access, plenty of amenities all without leaving the property, and lots of space for people and pets.
CONTEST RULES: The following rules will be …read more
Tour the Brunswick Islands by Land, Sea and Air
With five barrier islands, 45 miles of beaches and several charming coastal towns, there’s lots to explore when visiting North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. While self-guided tours are an excellent way to discover the area, let the local experts give you the inside scoop. Guided tours are available throughout the islands and seaside towns, whether you’re a history buff, film buff, nature lover or just enjoying learning more about your favorite vacation destination. Below are some tour options that are sure to help you impress friends and family with your Brunswick Islands knowledge.
On Land
Find a historic Southport tour for all visitors in this quaint and charming town along the Cape Fear River. Tours are led by foot, bike and tram to provide in-depth history and fascinating facts about the town with homes and other architecture dating back to the 1800s. Other landmarks that will captivate those looking to learning about the past include the Old Brunswick Jail, Old Smithville Burial Grounds and the Old Yacht Basin, a popular movie filming location. If you’re looking for a thrill, be sure to check out the lantern-led Ghost Walk Tour to delve into the legends and lore of …read more
Bald Head Island Real Estate Update February 2017
Sales Manager/Broker
Tiffany’s Beach Properties
(M)910-352-1928
kurt@tiffanysrentalsandsales.com
www.tiffanysrentalsandsales.com
www.kurtonbhi.com
Choosing the Perfect Accommodations for your Brunswick Islands Vacation
In North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, you don’t have to compromise when it comes to choosing your vacation accommodations. The islands and coastal communities are full of lodging options for every group size and itinerary. Read on to learn more about the benefits of every type of accommodations the Brunswick Islands have to offer and how to find your perfect “home away from home.” You can also visit www.ncbrunswick.com/accommodations for a full listing of the area’s accommodations.
Vacation Rental Homes
Vacationing families who want to be near or on the beach can find the perfect fit for their stay with one of the vacation rentals throughout the Brunswick Islands. Beach vacation rental homes often become a tradition for families, and they return to the same house year after year. Along with easy access to the beach, vacation rentals offer the comforts of home with full kitchens, and gathering space for the entire family to spend time together and relax. Choose from cozy condos and beach cottages to grand oceanfront homes able to accommodate a large family reunion. Vacation rental homes along the Intracoastal Waterway or island canals are also a great option for visitors with boats looking for direct boating access …read more
Fall in Love with Nature in the Brunswick Islands
February is the month of love, but visitors and locals can fall in love with North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands year-round, including its stunning nature and coastal beauty. Whether spotting dolphins from the sand or birdwatching in the marshes, the nature of the Brunswick Islands is sure to take your breath away. Plan your next date with the outdoors with one of these scenic adventures.
Sun, Sand and Surf
The Brunswick Islands’ 45 miles of beaches are filled with opportunities for amazing nature sightings. Take a morning stroll and spot sand dollars and other unique shells along the shore, or go for a bike ride at low tide and watch for dolphins playing in the waves. In the fall and winter months, watching the sun rise and set over the ocean is an incredible view on the Brunswick Islands’ south-facing beaches. No matter the time of year, beachgoers in search of natural beauty won’t be disappointed.
Walk (or float!) on the Wild Side
Discover a different side of the barrier islands with the Intracoastal Waterway and the area’s vast ecosystem of salt marshes, creeks and estuaries. Find some of the best kayaking, paddle boarding and more in the region where salt …read more
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands: The Place For Your Next Golf Getaway
Looking for a retreat to relax and reconnect with good friends while playing some great golf courses? North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, also known as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast”, is awaiting golfers of all levels with more than 30 championship courses and a mild, four-season climate. Get together with friends and play a round in this stunning coastal destination with 45 miles of beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to tee up the perfect getaway. Whether you’re planning a guys’ or a girls’ trip, NC’s Brunswick Islands has an abundance of adventures for both serious golfers and those looking to let loose and feel the sand between their toes.
Book Your Stay
Select the best accommodations for your group with the array of lodging options in the Brunswick Islands. Try a golf resort like Sea Trail Resort or Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort for all the makings of a golf getaway in one location. Experience a hotel or resort, either oceanfront or inland for a comfortable stay in your desired location. Another great option for groups, the Brunswick Islands is home to countless beach rental homes, ideal for individual rooms and the advantage of a main gathering space. Check …read more