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Browse Through Local Art Galleries

If you enjoy viewing (and possibly purchasing) art, you may enjoy visiting some of the art galleries located in Brunswick County. The galleries showcase a variety of local talent, most of which have art themes specific to the coastal area. In Southport, you will enjoy the ArtShak Studio, Gallery and Sculpture Garden, which features a variety of beautiful sculptures and art and can be reached at (910) 457-1757. Also in Southport, the Franklin Square Gallery at (910) 457-5450 showcases a variety of local works and also offers workshops, classes and competitions. The Ricky Evans Gallery of Southport can be reached at (910) 457-1129 and features lighthouse paintings, a historic Southport series and a coastal waterfront series. Other galleries you may enjoy are The Blue Heron Gallery of Sunset Beach at (910) 575-5088 and the Sunset River Marketplace of Calabash at (910) 575-5999.

Stroll Through the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden

As part of the series of Environmental Overlook Trails on Oak Island, the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is located on the trail behind the Oak Island Recreation Center. On the path, there are several elevated platforms that will allow you view the variety of trees and flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to the area. You will enjoy viewing these species while you travel this path, and you may want to bring your camera! For more information about the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, call (910) 278-5518.

Visit the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department Nature Center

The Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department is very active in promoting area recreation and wildlife, and this is displayed in their Nature Center. Admission is free to this great center, which offers a variety of live animals on display. Also available at the Nature Center is a talking tree trail, an interpretive trail, a walkway and picnic area and restrooms. If you enjoy nature, you won't want to miss a stop at the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department Nature Center, which can be reached at (910) 278-5518.

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.

Travel To Myrtle Beach To Visit Ripley's Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an interesting place to visit to view area sea creatures and habitats. Located at the edge of Broadway at the Beach, exhibits and programs in the aquarium will teach you and your children about various aspects of sea life. Many sea creatures are on display, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and other exotic fish species. There is also a unique "Titanic" display for your enjoyment. For more information, contact Ripley's Aquarium at (843) 916-0888.

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.

Visit the Price Creek Lighthouse

The 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.

Take a Cruise with Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises

Based in Southport, the Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises offer a variety of passenger charters and cruises for your enjoyment. Departing from the Southport Marina, The Starship is a 70-foot vessel that accommodates up to 140 passengers. Fishing trips are available for either a half or full day - half day trips run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and cost $55 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under, while full day trips run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and cost $70 for adults and $50 for children 12 and under. If fishing isn't for you, you will enjoy the dolphin and scenic cruise, which runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in June, July and August and costs $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under. Finally, sunset cruises are given from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and include a light buffet. The cost for the sunset cruise is $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children 12 and under. To make reservations for any of these cruises, or for more information, contact the Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises at (910) 454-4000.

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 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.