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Enjoy Nature on the Environmental Overlook Trails

If you enjoy exploring, hiking, and viewing nature and wildlife, then the Environmental Overlook Trails on Oak Island are just the thing for you! A variety of trails are located in the area that will allow you to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Behind the Oak Island Recreation Center, one trail leads to the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, while another leads to the rainforest area of wetlands. In Tidal Waves Park, you can launch kayaks and canoes, or you can enjoy the Environment Crossover trail through salt marshes, trees, and wetlands. Also, a wooden walkway has been built at the west end of Oak Island, where you can view a variety of local wildlife and shorebirds. If you enjoy nature, you may want to spend an afternoon hiking along some of these interesting trails. For more information, contact the Environmental Overlook Trails at (910) 278-5518.

Take a Head Boat Charter Trip

Charter 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.

Take a Break at a Local Coffee Shop

If you enjoy drinking specialty coffee while reading your daily newspaper or a favorite book, there are a few options for you in Brunswick County. The Flying Pig Coffeehouse of Oak Island is a bright shop with interesting furniture that serves a variety of specialty coffees and teas. Open seven days a week, The Flying Pig can be reached at (910) 278-5929. In Holden Beach, you may enjoy Cappuccino by the Sea, which serves coffees, teas and snacks. This shop also has a gift shop, and can be reached at (910) 842-3661. Finally, in Sunset Beach, The Roasted Bean Beverage Co. and Art Gallery serves gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches and snacks. They also have some local art on display that is available for sale, and they can be reached at (910) 575-6759.

Take a Stroll on the Riverwalk of Southport

While you are in the area, you will enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Riverwalk of Southport. Beginning at Waterfront Park on Bay Street, the Riverwalk will take you along the Cape Fear River to the Southport Marina and the Yacht Basin. From here, you can see views of Bald Head Island and Oak Island. Also in this busy area, you will be able to see various ships as they pass. On the right day, you and your family may even get to see a school of dolphins playing in the water!

Take a Sailing Trip with Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters

The Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters is based in Southport and offers a variety of four sailing charter trips on its 37-foot boat, Stephania. There is a Morning Sail, Afternoon Sail, Sunset Sail and a Moonlight Sail. Depending on which cruise you take, costs vary from $51 to $53 per adult and $29 for children. Each trip is about three hours long and will teach you about the history and attractions found on Oak Island. Only six passengers can ride at a time, so you will need to call ahead to make reservations. For more information, contact Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters at (910) 278-7249.

Visit the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop and Center

The Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center is a community-based shop and gallery that showcases a variety of arts and crafts made by local senior citizens. Artwork ranges from baskets to photography to paintings. Art classes are also available to seniors in areas such as painting, basket weaving, cooking, computer basics, needlework, cake decorating and more. Class fees are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For more information, contact the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center at (910) 278-5224.

Visit the South of the Border Attraction

While you are in Brunswick County and so close to the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, you may want to stop off Interstate-95 and check out the South of the Border attraction. South of the Border has a campground and a motel, a miniature theme park, shops, restaurants, a nightclub and more. As you are traveling either on Interstate-95 or the intersecting U.S. Highway 301-501, you are sure to see numerous signs advertising this famous attraction. You may want to stop and check it out - you can feel like you are in Mexico without even leaving the Carolinas! For more information, call South of the Border (a.k.a. Pedroland) at (843) 774.2411.

Watch Sea Turtle Nests

Brunswick County is one of the largest counties in North Carolina and is almost entirely surrounded by water, wetlands, and wooded areas. Because of the natural habitats found in Brunswick County, a variety of animals make their homes here. Sea turtles are no exception, and the endangered animals are protected by a variety of sea turtle protection programs that are in place in Brunswick County. A variety of volunteers monitor nests of sea turtle species, and during the June and July hatching season, volunteers watch the nests to ensure turtle hatchlings can make it safely to sea. If you happen to be in the area during the hatching season, you may be able to experience one of these amazing egg hatchings. For more information, contact the Ocean Isle Beach Turtle Watch Program at (910) 579-1016 or the Bald Head Island Turtle Sanctuary and Conservancy at (910) 457-0089.

Go Surfing

While the location of the Brunswick County beaches produce moderate surf that is more suited for body boarding, some surfing can still be done in the area. Just north of Brunswick County, the Topsail Island beaches offer great surfing conditions and are just a short drive from Brunswick County. Before you head out for a day of surfing, be sure to check the local weather and tide reports, and be aware of local regulations. For more information on local regulations, as well as information about surfing lessons, you can contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-3925. To purchase surfing gear, you can reach Local Call Surf Shop of Oak Island at (910) 278-3306; while Beach Fun Rentals of Holden Beach at (888) 355-4446 offers equipment rentals.

Browse the Shops at Howe Street Purveyors

The Howe Street Purveyors shopping center is located near downtown Southport on Howe Street. You won't be disappointed by the nice shops in this center, which offer a variety of clothing for your family, as well as a food-related gift shop. Papaya Island at (910) 457-0256 offers comfortable clothing for your family, while Bermuda Bay at (910) 457-1030 offers beach clothing. Also in the shopping center is Cat on a Whisk at (910) 454-4451, which offers a variety of gourmet foods and food-related gadgets.