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Eat Some Authentic Seafood in the Small Town of Calabash

Calabash is a small town in the Brunswick County area that is known as the "Seafood Capital of the World." Many people travel to Calabash each year to enjoy their unique style of seafood, which mixes southern cooking with seafood to create a unique taste known as "Calabash-style." With its location near the Atlantic Ocean and also as the most southernmost river town in North Carolina, the first Calabash Restaurant was opened in 1935 as an oyster roast. If you enjoy seafood, you may want to stop in and try some seafood - "Calabash-style!"

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.

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling are fun adventures you can experience while you are in Brunswick County. Scuba diving is popular off the coast of North Carolina because of the large number of shipwreck remains that are found in this area - the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Snorkeling is also popular because of the interesting sea life that can be found in some local areas. If you are interested in trying either of these adventures, you may want to try Scuba South Diving Company of Southport. They offer dive charters to area waters and sites and will travel to any site along the southern coast. They also have a variety of equipment available for rent. For more information, contact Scuba South Diving Company at (910) 457-5201.

Take the Cape Fear River Circle Tour

Brunswick 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.

Stroll Through the Waterfront Park of Southport

The 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.

Go Bird Watching For Area Bird Species

The many natural habitats in Brunswick County are home to more than 200 species of birds. Many visitors and locals enjoy bird watching each year, and there are also groups of volunteers who monitor some species to ensure their safety. The wood stork is a popular species, which are commonly found in the Twin Lakes section of Sunset Beach. You may spot ibises and pelicans on Battery Island in the middle of the Cape Fear River, with critical nesting areas protected by the National Audubon Society. For more information about bird watching or volunteering in the area, call (910) 579-2828.

Enjoy a Seafood Dinner at the Seafood Peddler

The Seafood Peddler, located in Holden Beach, is a great local seafood restaurant that offers a menu that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Open for lunch and dinner with an affordable lunch buffet, The Seafood Peddler serves a variety of seafood, chicken, appetizers and more. The indoor is decorated with various ceramic sea creatures including sharks, turtles, etc. For more information, contact The Seafood Peddler at (910) 842-5515.

Learn about the Area's History at the Smith Island Museum of History

Located on Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Museum History is located in a building that was replicated after the original Bald Head Island light keeper's house. Located near the lighthouse, this museum features lighthouse artifacts available for viewing, and also has a gift shop with some souvenirs for sale. Some lectures and educational programs are offered at the museum, and tickets are sold for $3.00 per person to climb the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. For more information, contact the Smith Island Museum of History at (910) 457-7481.

Go Skateboarding at Oak Island State Park

The 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.

Take Your Kids To Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament

Held at the City Pier in Southport's Waterfront Park, the Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament is held each year to coincide with the King Mackerel Tournament. This is a great way for children to have their own tournament while their parents are out fishing in the adult tournament. Kids ages 16 and younger are welcome to enter Captain Charlie's Tournament, which is sponsored by the Southport Recreation Department and the Southport Lions Club. Kids bring their own equipment and bait, and the first 100 to enter get a free t-shirt. Prizes are given away throughout the tournament, and everyone can enjoy free hot dogs and refreshments. All fish that are caught are put back into the water in this catch-and-release tournament. For more information, contact the Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament at (910) 457-7923.