Brunswick County Day Trip

Since we're located so close to the NC/SC border, we've come to explore and enjoy the Brunswick County area between N Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, NC. The beaches are all barrier island beaches and all along the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.They bear NO resemblance to the beaches you'll find in the SC section of the Grand Strand. The pace is slower, the traffic less....so much history and so much to see and do! We've put this 'day' trip together for you highlighting some of the wonderful places to see and things to do. As we explore more and learn more, we add to it!.You'd be hard pressed to make this a 'day' trip anymore, but.....given the proximity to the condo, take one trip today....and another tomorrow! You won't regret it!

(This is a very aggressive day trip…..chances are you’d never be able to complete all these stops and do them justice. A good alternative is to do the Southport/Wilmington piece in one day and Ocean Isle/Sunset Beach area on another day. The first 4 ‘stops’ are not really stops; just landmarks to help you on the route (although you should plan to visit Indigo Farms…it’s just a few minutes from the condo so you can do it at any time). If you have a 4-wheel vehicle, the area of beach adjacent to the Aquarium in Kure Beach is open to 4 wheel traffic – be careful of the sand around the dunes…..VERY soft!)

Your trip starts out at the condo and if you follow in this order, your first stop on Oak Island will after about a 45 minute drive.

Stop # 2

Oak Island Nature Center & Register Park

Overlooking the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway, the Oak Island Nature Center offers fun and educational activities for children and adults alike. Take the "Talking Trees Walking Trail." It's an interactive stroll among trees like the Dogwood, Red Cedar, Southern Magnolia and Black Gum. They'll actually “talk” to you and explain their particular role in ecological system found in coastal forests. See the Animal Exhibits that include a ferret, prairie dog, hedgehog, guinea pig, rabbit, gecko, and moon crab. Kids will enjoy a large “touch tank” with marine creatures native to the Oak Island community. They’ll also like the mineral and rock exhibits. The Nature Center and adjacent park is located at the end of East 52nd Street on Oak Island facing the Intercoastal Waterway. The Nature center is open on Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 5:00pm. Register Park is open year-round. Call or see the website for more information.

Stop # 3
Southport Trail

(910) 457-7927
This two-mile-long walking tour links 25 historic landmarks, among them the tiny Old Brunswick County Jail and the Stede Bonnet Memorial. Architectural beauty abounds along the route, revealing Queen Anne gables, Southport arch and bow, and porches trimmed in gingerbread. The free brochure describing this informal, self-guided chain of discoveries can be obtained at the Southport Visitor Center, 113 W. Moore Street (where the tour begins) Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM in summer. Off-season, call for information at (800) 388-9635

Play the video below for some sights and sounds from Southport!

Stop # 4
NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM at SOUTHPORT

The North Carolina Maritime Museum's Southport branch houses a collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of the "Lower Cape Fear" area of southeastern North Carolina. You can easily follow the self-guided tour throughout the twelve designated stations and on-site Research Library.
MUCH TIDE HAS PASSED...
... Your first stop - the colorful landstat satellite photo of the Lower Cape Fear area ... Then move on to
Storyboard No. 1 to view a 2,000 year-old 54" Indian canoe fragment ...... Read Gentleman Pirate Stede Bonnet's touching pleas for clemency, before he was hanged ... Test your knowledge for pertinent trivia, from our own jeopardy board. Great fun for "children" of all ages ... See artifacts from the important colonial port of Brunswick ...
Touch the chevrons of an old pine tree "boxed" for naval stores ... Our Civil War Blockade exhibits include a
200 lb. pile torpedo retrieved from the historic waters of the Cape Fear River ... Enjoy the extensive collection of delicate ship models, including those built by the late Col. Herbert Franck ... The "River Pilots, Rescues and Aids to Navigation" section offers a variety of nautical instruments, including a 48" Coast Guard nun buoy ... Bounce and rock on the 5' model of a turn-of-the-century "Joggle Board" ... The shipwreck "City of Houston" display will bring back memories of great-grandmother's home of 1878.
See our rescued treasures from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, near the Frying Pan Shoals. Newly
retrieed additions are a continuing delight ... Commercial and sport fishermen posing with their "catch of the day" display angrand variety of fresh seafood from the waters of the Lower Cape Fear ... A local net expert has made a 9' model of a shrimp-boat net for our museum, complete with "doors." If he's in the museum while you are visiting, he'll be glad to show you how to knit a net ...
North Carolina shells are here, as well as white and black coral. Shark teeth, a loggerhead turtle skull and
an overhead 8' whale jaw bone await your discovery, all a beautiful addition to our Lower Cape Fear
maritime story ...
The research library/classroom provides an abundance of material for study and program presentations ...
... Learn about hurricanes and listen to the weather forecast on marine radio; when storms are present in the Atlantic, we will be tracking them on a hurricane chart... The 12 Storyboards will guide you through our maritime history, from the earliest settlers to modern sailors... Visit our gift shop for a variety of small toys, souvenirs, and post cards, and rest on an antique bench used in the old Brunswick County Courthouse. The expansive Research Library can provide hours of study and entertainment... Videos of pelicans, pirates and shipwrecks are on view, anaother pleasant way to learn about the "Lower Cape Fear" ...
And please sign our visitor's log as we wish you a bon voyage ...
ADMISSION
$2.00 AGES 16-61
$1.00 AGES 62+
Children - no charge
MUSEUM HOURS
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Stop # 5
Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry -- "The Best $5 Cruise on the Planet!"

North Carolina's ferry system began in the 1920s with a private tug and barge service crossing Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks. Other private ferries subsequently developed that were subsidized by the state during the 1930s and '40s. In the late '40s and '50s, the state began purchasing the private ferry companies, and today the North Carolina ferry system has seven ferry routes, 24 ferries and more than 400 employees. More than 1.1 million vehicles and more than 2.5 million passengers are transported every year over five bodies of water.

The Southport-Fort Fisher ferry service is not only a mode of transportation that saves miles of driving, it's also a wonderful scenic tour. On the approximately 30-minute cruise, the ferry provides a panoramic view of the mouth of the Cape Fear River above Southport. On the Brunswick County side, huge yellow cranes mark the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point, the largest distribution center in the country for military supplies. Other sights include Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse on Bald Head Island; Price's Creek Lighthouse, which guided Confederate blockade runners through New Inlet during the Civil War; and the Oak Island Lighthouse, the nation's brightest. (For information on tours and attractions, see our Attractions chapter.)

The Fort Fisher ferry terminal on Pleasure Island is near the southern terminus of U.S. 421 on the right. The Southport terminal is on Ferry Road, just off N.C. 211, about 3 miles north of town. During summer months, plan to get to the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. The ferry is extremely popular and capacity is limited to about 36 cars. Even if you don't actually NEED to travel between Southpost and Ft Fisher, this is one of the most enjoyable and scenic $5 boat rides you could take!

Stop # 6

Located south of Wilmington, NC and north of SouthPort, NC you have entered Pleasure Island when you have crossed over Snow's Cut Bridge or stepped off the Ft. Fisher Ferry.

Since 1857 visitors have been enjoying the 7.5 miles of wide, clean, fun and safe beaches. You will always find something new, something different and something pleasantly unexpected on Pleasure Island and that is what brings visitors back each and every year.

If your interest is fishing then your options are many. Whether it is enjoying the miles of bountiful surf, choosing one of two fishing piers, taking your 4X4 on a secluded beach access or taking advantage of the largest fleet of charter boats in southeastern North Carolina, Pleasure Island does not disappoint. If you would rather cruise the waters at a more social event, the fleet can accommodate you as well with regularly scheduled excursions day and night for 150-400 passengers with moonlight dining and entertainment.

CAROLINA BEACH

A lot is going on at the Carolina Beach Central Business District with the renovating and refurbishing of the existing boardwalk properties. The 10 story oceanfront Marriott brand hotel will soon be joined by an oceanfront Hilton brand property. There are new neighborhoods popping up with resort style amenities and new construction going on all over the island but not so much that it disturbs the vacationers. There are 2 championship golf courses within a mile or so, the Jubilee Amusement Park, miniature golf, free Sunday movies at the lake, nearby campgrounds and the incredible State Park with miles of hiking trails through distinct habitats that have rare carnivorous plants like pitcher plants and the famous Venous Flytrap.

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

The 761-acre park located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River was established in 1969 to preserve the unique habitat along the Intercoastal Waterway.

Besides the unique plants, the state park is home to many native birds like brown pelicans, woodpeckers, warblers and finches. It is also an important migration stop for many bird species during their extreme voyages.

Besides birdwatching, the Carolina Beach State Park offers many family activities including: ground camping, family camping, picnicking, boating and fishing.

KURE BEACH

Kure (Cure-e) beach is located in close proximity to Ft. Fisher and the 2,000 full time residents are friendly, welcoming and intent on protecting this environmental jewel. The town recently purchased an older ocean front hotel, tore it down and are replacing it with an oceanfront park. Seasonal lifeguard supervision protects the 3 miles of beaches which can also be used for fishing, shelling or just taking a beach walk. The lighted boardwalk can be used to take in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a seat on one of the benches and you my see a surfer catching a wave or get a glimpse of a passing school of dolphin. You can also use a playground, tennis court or dog park at one of the many recreational areas around town.

FORT FISHER

The southern most point of Pleasure Island is home to the Fort Fisher Historic Site/Civil War Fort and Museum. This area was dedicated to the memory of two major battles ending in 1865 that made up the largest land/sea battle in our history at the time. This venue is exciting and educational despite the fact that 90% of the original area has be reclaimed by the ocean. Across from the site are magnificant ocean blown and twisted live oaks covering the beach and at the tip is the ferry that can take you over to the historic town of Southport.

NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

Pleasure Island boasts one of only three aquariums in the entire state. The recent renovations house a huge 235,000 gallon salt water tank home to sharks, barracuda, eels, sea turtles and countless species of fish. There are many educational programs supported by the aquarium and it is a fun trip for the whole family. Even after hours events are allowed, from corporate events to weddings it makes for a unique nightime experience.

PLEASURE ISLAND

Pleasure Island is a year round delight with many events ranging from the Beach Blast Festival to the Blues & Jazz Festival to the famous Island of Lights boat parade on the water. This place is fun and welcoming and fairly secluded. There is plenty of space on the beaches and also plenty of things to do rain or shine, winter or summer Pleasure Island is the Pearl of the North Carolina Coast.

Stop # 7
NC Aquarium - Alive and Swimming

Explore environments where sharks and sea
turtles glide, fishes school and morays guard sunkenship Wrecks. Call 1-800-832-FISH
or go on line at www.ncaquariums.com

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers FREE Admission to North Carolina
Aquarium Society Members. For a little more than the price of one time admission for a
family of six you can join the Aquarium Society and recieve FREE Admission all year,
as well as many other benefits.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is available for open-hours and after-hours
rentals. For more information on how to rent the Aquarium, click here.

Stop # 8
USS NORTH CAROLINA

Class: North Carolina
Launched: June 13, 1940
At: New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York
Commissioned: April 9, 1941
Length: 728 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 108 feet, 3 inches
Draft: 35 feet
Displacement: 36,600 tons
Armament: Nine 16-inch/45 caliber guns; twenty 5-inch/38 caliber guns; sixty 40mm Bofors
guns; forty-eight 20mm guns
Address:
USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
Box 480
Wilmington, NC 28402
(910) 251-5797
Fax: (910) 251-5807
Email: ncbb55@battleshipnc.com
http://www.battleshipnc.com/index.htm
The first of ten fast battleships built by the United States which saw service in World War II, North Carolina set a standard for new shipbuilding technology that combined high speed with powerful armament. Her superior performance during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in August 1942 established the primary role of the fast battleship as a protector ofthe aircraft carrier. Her resiliency to battle damage was proven just a month later in the same area when North Carolina sustained a hit from a Japanese torpedo. Despite an 18 by 32 foot hole in her side, and following a short period to counterflood, she resumed a speed of 25 knots to regain position to protect her assigned aircraft carrier. North Carolina is the most decorated U.S. battleship of World War II with 15 battle stars, having participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific from Guadalcanal to Tokyo Bay. She is also credited with kills of 24 aircraft, a merchantman and the bombardment of nine Japanese strongholds. In 1947, "The Showboat" was decommissioned and placed in the reserve fleet in Bayonne, New Jersey. In 1960, a public subscription drive which received broad statewide support, including nickels and dimes from 700,000 school hildren, raised over $325,000 to save the ship from the scrappers torches and provide a permanent home for the ship. Now moored on the Cape Fear River just across from downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, the battleship is the State's memorial to her World War II veterans, a growing museum and a major tourist attraction. Painted in her most distinctive Measure 32 camouflage scheme of the War, with many spaces open and interpreted for visitors, and with changing exhibits, the Battleship accurately depicts shipboard life of the period for visitors to experience.
USS North Carolina is a National Historic Landmark.
Admission Prices:
Adult - 12 and over $9.00
Seniors (65 and older) $8.00
Military
(active duty or retired with military ID card) $8.00
Child - 6 through 11 $4.50
Child - 5 and under Free
ADA $4.50
Child ADA $2.25
ADA Staff needed to assist - Free (up to 1 per client)
The Battleship gladly accepts Cash, VISA or MasterCard. We do not accept
personal checks.

Stop # 9

Silver Coast Winery
6680 Barbeque Rd.
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
910-287-2800

An award winning winery at Ocean Isle Beach? Its true and the awards keep coming! Ocean Isle Beach’s Silver Coast Winery has been awarded six medals in the 2008 Wines of the South competition at the UT Conference Center in Knoxville TN. With these six medals added to those won over the past six years the total awarded the winery comes to the 219 awards! Silver Coast Winery received bronze medals for its 2006 American Oak Chardonnay, 2005 Seyval Blanc and 2002 Merlot and silver medals for its Premium Oak Chardonnay, 2005 Reserve Merlot and 2004 Treasure. Silver Coast Winery Winter hours (January & February) for tours and tastings are offered from noon to 5pm Wed - Sunday. For more info visit the winery’s site at: silvercoastwinery.com or call 910.287.2800

Welcome to Silver Coast Winery, home to Coastal North Carolina's premier producer of premium wines. We are just 15 minutes inland from the beach, and our vineyard and winery are set on 40 acres, surrounded by lush woods. We are the only winery in the neighborhood, and our lovely setting is the perfect place to learn about wines, share a peaceful picnic with friends, enjoy art by local artists or stage a festive event. We welcome you to visit our vineyard, tour our winery and taste our wines in our beautiful tasting room. We have wines available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle Your hosts at Silver Coast Winery are John and Maryann Azzato. We combine our passion for fine wine with a deep desire to share good wines with friends and guests. We want to invite you to share the things we love most: the beauty of nature, the warmth of friendship and the goodness of wonderful wine.

Stop # 10
Museum of Coastal Carolina

What do seashells and polar bears have in common? Find out at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469.
Spring hours are Friday and Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4.
Summer hours are Monday & Thursday 10am - 8pm Sundays 1pm - 5pm. All other days 10am - 5pm.
Permanent exhibits include extensive collections of seashells, saltwater fish, birds, wetland animals, sea animals, snakes, animal skins, Native American artifacts, and Civil War memorabilia. Excellent dioramas include The Swamp, The Reef, and Waterfowl. Touch tank with live sea animals is open. Educators: call for information about programs
that meet NC science requirements. Facilities for birthday parties and corporate events. Visit our Nature's Treasures Gift Shop. Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. 910-579-1016.

Stop # 11
Ingram Planetarium

Where can you view five planets in Coastal Carolina? See them at the Ingram Planetarium located at 7625 High Market Street, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
Hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 3-8 pm. Summer hours Tuesday — Saturday from 2pm-8pm hourly program with telescope viewing afterward, weather permitting.
Educators: call for information about programs that meet NC science requirements.
Facilities for birthday parties and corporate events. Visit our Galaxy Gift Shop.
Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. 910-575-0033.

Stop # 12
Callahan's of Calabash Nautical Gifts
9973 Beach Dr., Calabash
(910) 579-2611, (800) 344-3816

Don't leave Calabash without a stop at Callahan's. The building is a huge sprawling structure that actually houses several departments under one roof, so plan for a long visit. Calabash Nautical Gifts, the store's namesake, has everything nautical you can imagine plus a large selection of gifts, gold and silver jewelry, homemade candy and fudge, a complete card shop and much more. St. Nick Nacks Christmas Shop, the holiday (Christmas, Easter, Halloween) collectibles area of the store, boasts nearly three million ornaments. If you're a collector, this is a must-stop destination. You'll find generous selections of Christopher Radko ornaments, Seraphim Classic angels, Precious Moments, Snowbabies, Department 56 Villages and others. In yet another area of this sprawling store, you'll discover Pea Landing Mercantile. This area of Callahan's features mouthwatering fudge and homemade candy, gourmet foods, cookbooks with a coastal flair, and accessories for home or garden. Worn out from all this shopping? The benches on the building's covered wraparound porch are a great place to rest tired feet.

Click on the map below for complete driving directions.