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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.

Learn How To Kiteboard

Kiteboarding is a challenging sport that requires less wind than windsurfing and has become quite popular in recent years. Kiteboarders are pulled by a large kite that flies through the air, and advanced riders are able to do tricks and jumps that carry them between 10 and 40 feet in the air. Kiteboarding is popular in the Brunswick County area, which doesn't always have enough wind for the sport of windsurfing. Though the sport can be very fun if you know what you are doing, you should take lessons before attempting to ride on your own. For more information, contact the area's kite and wind shop in Wilmington, Blowing in the Wind, at (888) 691-8034.

Visit the Bald Head Island Lighthouse

The Bald Head Island Lighthouse, otherwise known as "Old Baldy," was built of bricks and cement in 1817. This lighthouse was built to replace the original structure in this location, which was built too close to the water in 1795 and was torn down in 1810. The current lighthouse is 109 feet tall and though it is no longer an operating beacon, self-guided tours are available. Now a historic site with a museum, the lighthouse is climbed by many visitors each year. Historic tours are also available. For more information about the Bald Head Island Historic Tour, call (910) 457-7481.

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.

Spend the Day at the North Carolina Oyster Festival

The North Carolina Oyster Festival is held each year during the third weekend of October on Ocean Isle Beach. The N.C. Oyster Shucking Championship is held at this festival, which sends its winner to the national championship. Oysters are the favorite food of the Brunswick County islands, and there are plenty of them at this festival. Live music, arts and crafts vendors, 5K and 10K races, an oyster stew cook-off and more are also offered at the festival. Admission is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 12 years old. For more information, contact the North Carolina Oyster Festival at (800) 426-6644.

Take a Private Charter Boat Trip

Many 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.

Enjoy a Performance at the Odell Williamson Auditorium

The Odell Williamson Auditorium, located in Supply, is located on the campus of Brunswick Community College. This performing arts center is a state-of-the-art facility with 1,500 seats. A variety of educational and cultural activities are held in the auditorium each year, which was built by the citizens of Brunswick County for more than 3 million dollars. Major entertainers and local and regional theater companies perform at Odell Williamson each year. For more information about events at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, call (910) 755-7416.

Travel To Myrtle Beach To the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park

Located just a short distance from Brunswick County in Myrtle Beach, you will find the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park. Located at 300 South Ocean Boulevard, this family amusement park is the only oceanfront water park located on the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach. The Swamp Fox, a rollercoaster made entirely of wood, is a popular ride at the park. The 33 rides found at the park are sure to include one of your favorites. The park also has a section called Kiddie Land, which has 18 rides for young children to safely enjoy. For more information, contact the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park at (843) 626-3447.

Go To the Movies at a Local Movie Theater

If you end up with a rainy or chilly day during your vacation, what better way to spend the afternoon than by going to see a movie at a local movie theater? There are a few options in the area where you can see the newest movie releases. In Southport, Surf Cinemas is a 4-screen theater and can be reached at (910) 457-0320 for show times. In Shallotte, Coastal Cinemas offers 10 screens and can be reached at (910) 754-7469 for show times.

Go Boating

The Brunswick County area offers a variety of boating opportunities, whether you want to cruise in a small boat on the Cape Fear River or in a larger boat that can handle the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Before you take your boating adventure, be sure you are familiar with area rules and regulations. The coast of North Carolina is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the numerous shipwrecks that have happened because of shallow water and treacherous shoals, so you will want to be familiar with area waters before taking your trip. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Safe Boating courses throughout the year and can be reached at (910) 458-9598.