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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.

Attend a Cape Fear Yacht Club Event

The Cape Fear Yacht Club is based in Southport and began in 1993 by area residents who appreciate the boating industry and wanted to have an organization with other members who shared their interests. Today, the Cape Fear Yacht Club is an active area organization that has various events each year. Regattas to support charity causes like their Leukemia Cup Regatta in May, summer sailing yacht racing and the annual "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony are among some of the exciting things the Yacht Club does each year. For more information about attending some of these events, or about possible membership, contact the Cape Fear Yacht Club at (910) 845-2860.

Have Fun with Your Family at the Brunswick County Bowling Center

While you are in the Brunswick County area, you may enjoy spending some time at the local bowling alley, the Brunswick County Bowling Center in Shallotte. This family-friendly bowling alley will allow you to compete against members of your family for just $3.00 to $3.50 per game, per person. For more information, contact the Brunswick County Bowling Center at (910) 754-2695.

Have Breakfast at Russell's Place

Russell's Place Restaurant, located on Oak Island, is a diner-style restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. A favorite among locals, Russell's serves omelets, biscuits, pancakes and waffles for breakfast; while the lunch menu offers sandwiches and burgers. The atmosphere in Russell's is a friendly one, with many patrons sharing conversations with those seated at nearby tables. Russell's Place is open daily and can be reached at (910) 278-3070.

Go Bicycling on Area Bike Paths

Brunswick County is a great place to ride your bicycle, as the roads are not as busy as they are in other coastal areas of North Carolina. A 32-mile bike route takes you from Southport to Orton Plantation and Brunswick Town Historic Site. Also, a recently built 3-mile paved shoulder bike path takes you from the state ferry dock to downtown Southport. Other bike trails can be found throughout the county. For more information, you can get a bicycle trail map from the Oak Island Recreation Center at (910) 278-5518. For information about state-funded bicycle trails, you can contact the North Carolina Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation at (919) 733-2804. For your bicycling adventure, you can rent bicycles in the area from Boomer's Rentals of Holden Beach at (910) 842-1400 or Julie's Rentals of Sunset Beach at (910) 579-1211. Also, there is a full-service bicycle shop in Southport, Southport Bicycles at (910) 457-1878.

Visit the Nascar Speed Park of Myrtle Beach

If your family is interested in the sport of NASCAR racing, you may enjoy an afternoon trip to the NASCAR Speed Park in Myrtle Beach. Open year-round, this park has seven custom stock-car tracks, race simulators and racing games. Also at the facility, you will find a variety of interactive games in the Speed Dome. Located on the U.S. Highway 17 Bypass at 21st Avenue North, NASCAR Speed Park is an exciting way to spend part of your vacation! For more information, contact NASCAR Speed Park at (877) 626-8725.

Visit the Holden Brothers Farm Market

The Holden Brothers Farm Market of Shallotte is a popular destination for many visitors and locals each year. This unique place has both fields and a market, and families enjoy bringing their children to pick strawberries and tomatoes. Both the fields and the market are open from April 1 through December 25, and are located 3 miles south of Shallotte on Highway 17 West. For more information, contact the Holden Brothers Farm Market at (910) 579-4500.

Learn More about the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association

The 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.

Spend an Afternoon in the Small Town of Shallotte

Shallotte is a small town in Brunswick County that is located conveniently off Highway 17. A variety of restaurants, shops and other businesses are located in Shallotte, which is a central commerce area where visitors can purchase what they need from the various grocery stores, department stores, professional offices and restaurants. For entertainment, Shallotte is home to a 10-screen movie theater with stadium seating and a bowling alley. Whether you need to stock up on the necessities or just need a family night of movies or bowling, Shallotte is just the place for you! For more information, contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644.

Take a Nature Trip To Bird Island

If you like adventure and you enjoy viewing wildlife, you may enjoy a trip to Bird Island while you are in the Brunswick County area. Bird Island is at the south end of Sunset Beach and is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina. The State of North Carolina purchased the island so it could be protected from development, and several species of shorebirds live on Bird Island. An anonymous visitor created the "Kindred Spirit" mailbox, which gives nature lovers that visit the island a place to leave notes and letters about their experiences on the island.