Visit the Historic Fort Johnston of SouthportLocated in Southport, Fort Johnston was opened in 1754 as the first working military installation in North Carolina, with the purpose to defend the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Fort Johnston played an important role in the Civil War and worked alongside other area forts of Caswell, Anderson and Fisher. While the main structure of Fort Johnson is no longer in place, some original structures remain, and markers tell the story of the fort that was once in place at the location. For more information, contact Fort Johnston at (910) 457-7927. Participate in an Area Golf TournamentIf you like taking your golf game to a competitive level, you may enjoy participating in a local golf tournament during your stay in Brunswick County. Throughout the year, a number of tournaments are held in the county, most of which benefit area non-profit organizations and charities. For more information on upcoming area tournaments, you can contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644, the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964, or any of the area golf courses. Fly a KiteThe beach is a great place to fly a kite, because of the open spaces and beautiful surroundings. Whether you fly a regular kite to mark your beach spot or you want the challenge of flying a stunt kite, you will enjoy doing so on the beaches of Brunswick County! For your safety, you will want to head to a clear area that is free of power lines and other obstructions. If you need to purchase a kite, some of the local shops may have some to choose from, or you can visit the Blowing in the Wind store in Wilmington, which can be reached at (888) 691-8034. Go Shopping at Southport's Blue Crab Blue ShopIf you are looking for the perfect handcrafted souvenir, Blue Crab Blue of Southport is the shop for you! Housed in a small boat-builder's cottage located close to the Oak Island Bridge, this shop offers various handmade items like pottery, jewelry, stained glass, metal work, paintings, and more. Work from various area artists is showcased in this unique store, which offers a variety of styles to suit everyone's needs. For more information, contact Blue Crab Blue at (910) 454-8888. Drink from an Old-Fashioned Water Pump at the GroveThe Grove is a historic park set among the old live oaks of Southport. Located in Franklin Square Park at E. West and Howe Streets, the entrances of this park were built from ballast stones that were used in ships more than 100 years ago. Also in this area, you will find the Franklin Square Gallery, which began as a schoolhouse, then served as the City Hall, and eventually was turned into its present use as an art gallery. Another unique aspect of this park is the old-fashioned water pump, which is still in working condition and enables visitors to enjoy well water while they relax in the park. Take a Trip on the Bald Head Island FerryThe Bald Head Island Ferry takes passengers from the Southport ferry terminal to Bald Head Island. Cars are not allowed on this ferry - it only has capacity for pedestrians, bicycles, and electric carts. A round-trip ferry pass is $15.00 per person, $8.00 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids under 2 years old. The ferry operates daily and leaves the Southport Ferry Terminal every hour from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except at 12:00 p.m. (noon.) To return to Southport, the ferry leaves Bald Head Island every hour on the half-hour, except at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact the Bald Head Island Ferry at (800) 234-1666. Visit the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort AndersonThe Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson in Southport marks the first permanent European settlement located between Charleston and New Bern that was successful. Founded in 1726, Brunswick endured attacks from both Spain and Britain, and Fort Anderson was built in 1862 to help defend Wilmington. Today, visitors can still see Fort Anderson, whose earthworks are completely intact. The site is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the site also has a visitor center, gift shop, research library, and more. For more information, contact the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson at (910) 371-6613. Take the Cape Fear River Circle TourBrunswick County has a few places that are included on the Cape Fear River Circle Tour, which is a driving tour that circles the Cape Fear River. If you and your family would like to take this tour, you may want to dedicate a full day of your vacation to get the full experience of all stops on the tour. The tour consists of about two hours of driving time, including the 30-minute ride on the Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry. Attractions and stops included on this tour are: Battleship North Carolina, Orton Plantation Gardens, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson, Southport Maritime Museum, Progress Energy's Brunswick Nuclear Plant, North Carolina Aquarium, and Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. You can get a brochure including a map and details about the tour at a variety tourist information racks throughout the area, or by contacting the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at (910) 341-4030. Go Shopping For Souvenirs at the Lighthouse Crafts and GiftsLighthouse Crafts and Gifts of Holden Beach is a great gift shop where you may be able to find that perfect Brunswick County souvenir! While you are in the area, you may want to stop in and check out everything this shop has to offer. For more information, you can contact Lighthouse Crafts and Gifts at (910) 842-5740. Learn about the Nursery Industry at Phillips NurseryPhillips Nursery is a local plant nursery, located in Leland. You can visit Phillips to see how a nursery of its nature is managed, or you can purchase some North Carolina bushes or shrubs to plant in your landscaping. When you visit Phillips Nursery, you will be able to enjoy a piece of North Carolina in your landscaping, even after your vacation is over! Specializing in container-grown shrubs, shade trees, potting mix and loads of bark, Phillips Nursery is open year-round. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Phillips Nursery at (910) 253-6692. | Brunswick Beaches RestaurantsHuddle House Restaurant132 Country Club Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 China Garden 300 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Domino's Pizza 402 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Frosty's Ice Cream 8600 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Chasers Bar & Grill 8520 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Thai by the Sea 705 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Duffer's Pub & Grille at the Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Jones' Seafood House 6404 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Wildlife Restaurant & Grill 4381 Fish Factory Road SE Oak Island, NC 28461 Oak Island Jungle Golf, Arcade & Ice Cream Shop 6321 Oak Island Drive East Oak Island, NC 28465 Turtle Island Restaurant & Catering 6220 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Brunswick Beaches ShoppingBoat House Gifts128 Country Club Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Karen's Just Dessert 3 St. Andrews Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Frosty's Ice Cream 8600 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Island Wear 8600 East Oak Island Drive Suite #6 Oak Island, NC 28465 Seaside Baskets 706 Yaupon Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Haag & Sons Seafood 7901 E Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier 705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Town & Country Marine 3918 Old Bridge Road SE Oak Island, NC 28461 Boat House Marine 3974 Old Bridge Road Southport, NC 28461 Bounceez Party Rentals 5146 Minnesota Drive SE Southport, NC 28461 Dutchman Creek Bait & Tackle 4019 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Renee's Fine Jewelry 4146 Long Beach Road Southport, NC 28461 Brunswick Beaches AttractionsYaupon Beach Fishing Pier705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 The Oak Island Lighthouse 1100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Indigo Plantation & Marina 6099 Indigo Plantation Road Southport, NC 28461 Southport Marina 701 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 NC Baptist Assembly / Fort Caswell 100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Fort Johnston Intersection of Davis and Bay Streets Southport, NC 28461 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport 116 N Howe Street Southport, NC 28461 Southport Historical Society 501 N Atlantic Avenue Southport, NC 28461 The Old Brunswick County Jail 501 N Atlantic Avenue Southport Historical Society Southport, NC 28461 Southport Parks and Recreation Department 107 E Nash Street Stevens Park Southport, NC 28461 The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip 205 E Moore Street Southport, NC 28461 Brunswick Beaches ActivitiesEndless Summer Sailing Cruises4909 Fish Factory Road South Harbour Village Marina Southport, NC 28461 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Jungle Golf, Arcade & Ice Cream Shop 6321 Oak Island Drive East Oak Island, NC 28465 Oak Island Fun Park 4434 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Priority Sailing Academy 5900 Dutchman Creek Road Southport, NC 28461 Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters 701 W West Street Southport Marina Southport, NC 28461 Starship Deep Sea Fishing & Scenic Cruises 701 W West Street Southport Fishing Center Southport, NC 28461 Surf Cinemas 4836 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Ocean Rentals 4014 E Beach Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Pirate's Hideaway Mini Golf 4874 Long Beach Road SE Southport, NC 28461 Cape Fear Maritime Passenger Co., LLC 230 Caswell Avenue Solomon T - The Heritage Boat at the Southport Marina Southport, NC 28461 |