Attend the Annual Christmas by the Sea FestivalThe Christmas by the Sea Festival, sponsored each year by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, is an annual festival to celebrate the Christmas holiday. The moderate climate of the North Carolina Coast makes the weather beautiful in December, and this festival is a great way to celebrate! Fresh mistletoe and seashell ornaments are available for purchase at local shops, and oyster stuffing is a popular local holiday food. The festival occurs during three weekends of December and involves a variety of community organizations. A parade and tour of homes in Oak Island kicks off the festivities for the first weekend, and the second weekend takes visitors to Southport for a historic home tour, lighted boat parade, choral concert and a variety of great local shopping. Finally, the third weekend finishes the festival with a band concert and a variety of children's activities. For more information, contact the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964. Visit the Price Creek LighthouseThe Price Creek Lighthouse was built in 1849, which made it the last lighthouse built in the series of lighthouses on the Cape Fear coast of North Carolina. The lighthouse used to be accompanied by the two beacons - a brick structure and a wooden tower with the light keeper's house. The brick structure was damaged during the Civil War but is still standing today. The light keeper's house was damaged in the late 1800s and early 1900s and is no longer at the site. The Price Creek Lighthouse is located on private property and currently is not open to tours, though this may change sometime in the future. If you would like to view the Price Creek Lighthouse, it is located on the west bank of the Cape Fear River and can be seen from the Southport/Fort Fisher Ferry. Learn More about the Long Bay Artificial Reef AssociationThe Long Bay Artificial Reef Association, based in Bolivia, was formed in 1984 and consists of members of the Brunswick, Oak Island and Ocean Isle Fishing Clubs. Their initial project was to build six artificial reefs in the area, which were all completed by 1992. One more reef was built in 1996, so today there are seven artificial reefs existing in the area. The Association has completed several projects to enhance the habitat of the artificial reefs, including adding tugboats, barges, concrete pipe and "Reef Balls," which act as homes for the fish who live in the reefs. The creation of these artificial reefs helps the fishing economy of Brunswick County, and plans to continue their enhancement projects as long as funds allow. The Association sponsors a King Mackerel and Flounder tournament each year. To learn more about the project, or for more information about how you can help the project, contact the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association at (910) 842-3136. Take a Head Boat Charter TripCharter head boats offer a great offshore fishing experience for the beginner fisherman or for families with children. Staffed by a number of mates who will help you set your bait and reel in your fish (if needed), these boats take you right to the fish and let you have fun while you catch them. In Brunswick County, there are several options for head boat charters, which range from $40 to $100 per person for a day of fishing. In Oak Island, the BlueWater Princess can be reached at (888) 634-9005 and the Southport Fishing Center of Southport can be reached at (910) 454-4000. In Holden Beach, the Intimidator Fishing Charters can be reached at (910) 842-6200, while the Hurricane Fleet Deep Fishing Center of Calabash can be reached at (800) 373-2004. Learn about the Agri-Tourism Industry of Brunswick CountyThere are a number of local farms in Brunswick County that are available for tours. Your family may enjoy an afternoon tour of a produce farm, aquatic farm, cattle or swine farm, or a tobacco or cotton operational farm. Several of the produce farms allow you to pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, and other in-season fruits and vegetables, while the other types of farms will enable you to get a glimpse into the farm operation lifestyle. For an informational guide about the various farms in the area, contact the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610. Have Fun with the Adventure CompanyThe Adventure Company of Southport offers a variety of outdoor adventure trips that you can enjoy while you are in the Brunswick County area. Their specialty is kayaks, and you can choose between a variety of kayak tours, rentals and environmental programs. Single and tandem kayaks are available for rental and range from $30-$40 for four hours, $45-$55 for a full day and $140-$175 for five days. Kayak tours begin at $45 per person, but family discounts are available. The Adventure Company also offers bicycle tours of historic Southport, and a variety of adventure trips to countries like the Bahamas, Honduras, Chile, and more! For more information, contact The Adventure Company at (910) 454-0607. Visit Area Historic ChurchesIf you are interesting in viewing some of the area's beautiful historic churches, then Southport is just the place for you! The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's is the oldest church in Southport and was actively used until 2004. The church is open 24 hours a day and still hosts some religious ceremonies. For more information, contact The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's at (910) 457-5643. Next, you will find the Trinity United Methodist Church, which was built in 1890 and has beautiful stained glass windows, a beaded ceiling and other unique architectural features. For more information, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at (910) 457-6633. Also in Southport is St. Philip's Parish at the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site. This church was built in 1768 and was burned down shortly after that by the British, in 1776. Today, you can see ruins of the structure and some Colonial-era graves. Some religious services are still held within the ruins. For more information, contact St. Phillip's Parish 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 Swimming in the Atlantic OceanSwimming is a popular activity enjoyed on the beaches of Brunswick County each year. For your safety, many beaches are staffed with lifeguards in the spring and summer. When you are swimming in the ocean, be careful of rip currents and sea creatures. The surf is usually quite moderate in the area, but you should always swim with a partner. The warm ocean water and fine sand will make for a great day of swimming and sunbathing at the beach! Take a Tour at Indigo Farms and Garden CenterThe Indigo Farms and Garden Center of Shallotte is a great place for the kids to learn about how a produce farm is managed. Home-grown fruits and vegetables are available for purchase, or you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. A variety of special events are hosted throughout the year, including Farm Heritage Day and Pumpkin Day, both in October. Evening hayrides are offered in the fall. Also onsite is a bakery, ice cream shop, and florist. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Indigo Farms & Garden Center at (910) 287-6794. | Brunswick Beaches RestaurantsDuffer's Pub & Grille at the Oak Island Golf Club928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Huddle House Restaurant 132 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 PJ's Restaurant & Market 614 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 Fish Tales Restaurant & Tiki Bar 606 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 Yacht Basin Provision Company 130 Yacht Basin Drive Southport, NC 28461 Fishy Fishy Cafe 106 Yacht Basin Drive Southport, NC 28461 Brunswick Beaches ShoppingKaren's Just Dessert3 St. Andrews Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Boat House Gifts 128 Country Club Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier 705 Ocean 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 Bounceez Party Rentals 5146 Minnesota Drive SE Southport, NC 28461 Southport Bait & Tackle 701 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 Cape Fear Coppershop 600 W Brunswick Street, Suite #5 Southport, NC 28461 Potter's Seafood 94 Yacht Basin Drive Southport, NC 28461 Town & Country Marine 3918 Old Bridge Road SE Oak Island, NC 28461 Brunswick Beaches AttractionsThe Oak Island Lighthouse1100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 NC Baptist Assembly / Fort Caswell 100 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier 705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461 Indigo Plantation & Marina 6099 Indigo Plantation Road Southport, NC 28461 Southport Marina 701 W West Street Southport, NC 28461 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport 116 N Howe Street Southport, NC 28461 Fort Johnston Intersection of Davis and Bay Streets 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 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 Brunswick Beaches ActivitiesOak Island Golf Club928 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island, NC 28465 Endless Summer Sailing Cruises 4909 Fish Factory Road South Harbour Village Marina Southport, NC 28461 South Harbour Village 4909 Fish Factory Road 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 Cape Fear Maritime Passenger Co., LLC 230 Caswell Avenue Solomon T - The Heritage Boat at the Southport Marina Southport, NC 28461 Cape Fear Sailing Academy 5003 O'Quinn Boulevard Suite G Southport, NC 28461 Sailtime Southport 4956 Long Beach Road, Suites #14-119 Southport, NC 28461 Southport Parks and Recreation Department 107 E Nash Street Stevens Park Southport, NC 28461 The Cutting Edge II 505 N Howe Street Southport, NC 28461 The Adventure Company 807 Howe Street, Suite A Southport, NC 28461 |