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Go Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is enjoyed by many area fishermen each year who enjoy the peacefulness of the beach while trying to catch local fish. In Brunswick County, a great spot for surf fishing is on the west end of Oak Island, which is otherwise known as "The Point." At this location, a parking lot has been built next to the beach access, which allows anglers a quick and convenient way to access the ocean for their fishing adventure. For more information about local fishing licenses and other rules and regulations, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 248-6834. Local resources for tackle and other fishing supplies are the Rod and Reel Shop in Holden Beach at (910) 842-2034 or the Island Tackle & Gifts of Ocean Isle Beach at (910) 579-6116.

Visit the Beautiful Orton Plantation Gardens

Located just north of Southport, the Orton Plantation Gardens are on the grounds of the Orton Plantation, which was built in 1725. The Gardens at Orton Plantation began in 1904, with the addition of Luola's Chapel in 1915. The chapel and gardens are still used today as sites for meetings and private weddings. The gardens consist of a variety of ponds, statues, fountains, trees, and more. Late winter to late spring offer the best times to visit the gardens, as most of the blooming flowers and trees are active during this time. The gardens are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from March to August and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from September to November. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens, $3.00 for children ages 6 to 16 and free for children under six years old. For more information, contact the Orton Plantation Gardens at (910) 371-6851.

Go Searching For Beach Treasures

While you are hanging out on the beaches of Brunswick County, you may want to go beachcombing for beach "treasures" that are found in the area. Shells and shark's teeth are easily found on the beaches, especially after storms and hurricanes. On a normal day, the best time to search for treasures is after high tide. Shark's teeth normally sparkle at the water's edge in coarse, wet sand. Whole sand dollars are also very common on the beaches of Brunswick County, but make sure you leave the live ones on the beach. If they are still brown and furry, they are alive and should be returned to the water. If they are white and skeletal, you can take them home with you! Whatever you find at the beach, it is a good idea to clean your treasures with mild bleach water.

Go Kayaking or Canoeing on the Cape Fear River

Though the Cape Fear River areas aren't recommended for beginners because of high boat traffic and dangerous currents, the more advanced kayak and canoe paddlers enjoy the Cape Fear River waters each year. The Town of Oak Island has dedicated about 24 miles of canoe water trails in the Cape Fear River, which offer various challenges and adventures for the paddlers. This trail system is known as the Long Beach Canoe Trail System, and the four trails are the 4.2-mile Lockwood Folly trail, the 7-mile Montgomery Slough trail, the 6.5-mile Howells Point trail, and the 6-mile Davis Creek trail. Some of the waters are calm and protected, while others are rough and exposed, but all areas offer a variety of scenic opportunities. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-5518.

Attend the North Carolina Festival by the Sea

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is held on the last Saturday of October on the streets of Holden Beach. The festival features more than 160 booths of arts and crafts, a sandcastle building contest, a kite flying contest and a horseshoe competition. There are 1K, 5K and 10K races held during the festival, and a street dance with live music takes place on Saturday night. There is no admission fee to get into the festival. For more information, contact the North Carolina Festival by the Sea at (910) 842-3828.

Take a Workshop from the Oak Island Art Guild

The Oak Island Art Guild offers free monthly workshops to the public. Led by experienced area artists, these workshops teach a variety of art topics including watercolor, oils, acrylic, pastel, clay, tile painting, calligraphy, abstracts, and more. Meetings are held at the Oak Island Recreation Center on the second Friday of each month. The Art Guild is also involved in a variety of local events and organizations in the Oak Island area. For more information, contact the Oak Island Art Guild at (910) 201-4090.

Get a Unique Nautical Souvenir from Cape Fear Jewelers

Many women enjoy getting a piece of jewelry from the area to act as their souvenir, so after they are not on vacation anymore they can always be reminded of their fun vacation times. If you want to get a jewelry souvenir that will remind you of Brunswick County, Cape Fear Jewelers has just what you are looking for! Located in Southport, Cape Fear Jewelers has a variety of 14-carat gold nautical jewelry. They also have a selection of other jewelry, including diamonds, gemstones, silver, and more. One of their unique nautical pieces will make the perfect souvenir for you! For more information, contact Cape Fear Jewelers at (910) 457-5299.

Fly a Kite

The 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.

Have Lunch in Keziah Memorial Park

Keziah Memorial Park, located in Southport, is a shaded park that is home to the famous 800-year old live oak. This interesting tree, called the Indian Trail Tree, is curved and it is believed it is from damage done to the tree when it was just a sapling. You can enjoy relaxing in the gazebo and benches of Keziah Memorial Park, which also has a partial view of the Southport waterfront. If you would like to visit this park during your visit to Brunswick County, it is located at the intersection of West Moore Street and South Lord Street.

Enjoy a Meal at the Isles Restaurant

The Isles Restaurant, located on Ocean Isle Beach, offers an elegant atmosphere to match its menu. Serving both lunch and dinner, The Isles has a seafood and steak menu that ranges from catfish fingers, hot crab dip and pan-seared scallops to Caesar salad and Jack Daniels ribs. The wine list and Martini Menu also offer a variety of drinks to go along with your meal. For more information, contact The Isles Restaurant at (910) 575-5988.