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. Go Skateboarding at Oak Island State ParkThe Oak Island Skate Park was designed with input from area youth, and offers a variety of challenges and trick opportunities for skaters who come to the park. Skaters must wear protective equipment while they are in the park, and spectators are welcome. Skaters on skateboards, inline skates and roller skates are allowed in the park. Regular open sessions are available, as well as sessions for specific age and skill level. For more information, contact the Oak Island Skate Park at (910) 278-4747. Enjoy the Seafood Buffet at the Lucky Fisherman RestaurantThe Lucky Fisherman's "Super Seafood Buffet" is located in Southport and offers a variety of all-you-can-eat seafood menu items. Open on Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Lucky Fisherman has crab legs, fresh local seafood, crawfish, flounder, chicken, oysters, soups, salads, desserts, ice cream, and more! For more information, contact the Lucky Fisherman at (910) 457-9499. 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. Travel To Myrtle Beach To Tour the La Belle Amie VineyardLocated near Myrtle Beach in Little River, South Carolina, the La Belle Amie Vineyard is an operating vineyard. The vineyard sits on 40 acres not far from the ocean in North Myrtle Beach. The vineyard has been owned by the Bellamy family since the 1800s, and is part of a former tobacco plantation. Visitors to the vineyard can sample wines, browse the gift shop, and then relax as they enjoy a glass of wine of their choice. The vineyard is open Monday through Saturday, and hours vary depending on the time of year. For more information, contact La Belle Amie Vineyard at (843) 399-9463. Stroll Through the Waterfront Park of SouthportThe Waterfront Park of Southport's unique location at the end of Howe Street will give you a great view of the area's waters and other landmarks. Located where the waters of the Cape Fear River, Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway meet, you can see the Oak Island Lighthouse and the Bald Head Island Lighthouse from this park. Located in the park is a trail that is almost a mile long and takes you through the city's waterfront. While you are in Southport, visiting this park is a great way to get a feel for the area's rich maritime history. Relax For an Afternoon at a Day SpaSpending an afternoon at the spa during your Brunswick County vacation is a great way to relax. Enjoy the calm atmospheres of some local spas while you pamper yourself with a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, and more! The E Spa & Salon in Southport can be reached at (910) 457-0009 and offers a variety of massages, hair, facials, nails, and aromatherapy treatments. Also in Southport, Totally You Day Spa can be reached at (910) 457-0502 and also offers various spa treatments for both men and women. Finally, located in Shallotte is the Kozo Hair Designs & Spa, which can be reached at (910) 754-9477 and offers hair and facial treatments, massages, nails and wedding packages. Take a Private Charter Boat TripMany visitors to the area enjoy going fishing in private charter boats. A variety of private charter options are available in Brunswick County, including full-day and half-day trips that can either go inshore or offshore. Depending on what kind of trip you are interested in, you will more than likely be able to find a captain in Brunswick County who can meet your needs. Half-day charters range from $300 to $600 and full-day charters range from $650 to $1,200. A variety of charters are available in the area. Bald Head Island offers Impulsive Charters at (910) 457-5331, while Oak Island is home to the Boss Lady Charter Boat Services at (910) 278-3433, the Fugitive Charter Boat at (910) 278-3796 and the Liquid Asset Sport Fishing Charter Boat at (910) 278-4199. Southport offers the Southport Fishing Center at (910) 454-4000 and the Salty Dog Charter Boat at (910) 278-9834. In Holden Beach, Holden Beach Charters can be reached at (910) 842-9055, while Ocean Isle Beach is home to the Voyager Fishing Charters at (910) 575-5978 and Captain Brant's Fishing Charters at (910) 575-3474. Get Married on the BeachWhat better place to have your wedding or vow renewal ceremony on the Brunswick County beaches of North Carolina? There is something quite romantic about the incoming waves and ocean breeze that makes the beach a perfect setting for your special ceremony. Because the weather and winds are unpredictable in the area, you may want to have an alternate location available in case of inclement weather. If you are interested in having your ceremony in Brunswick County, you will first need a North Carolina marriage license from the local Register of Deeds office. You can contact the Brunswick County Register of Deeds at (877) 625-9310. If you need help planning your ceremony, A Carolina Wedding of Wilmington may be able to help, and can be reached at (910) 686-2690. Relax or Enjoy Activities at an Area ParkThe Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department oversees numerous community and district parks in the area. All of these parks feature a variety of great facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, football and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Some of the parks have other features like community buildings, horseshoes and shuffleboard. If you need a place to play or relax for an afternoon, one of these area parks is just the thing for you! For more information on parks in Brunswick County, contact the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department at (800) 222-4790. |