Accessing Brunswick County, Nc: What You Need To Know

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, coastal towns, and southern charm. With over 45 miles of beaches, world-class golf courses, and stately lighthouses, it offers something for everyone. The county is easily accessible by road, with several highways and interstates connecting it to the rest of the country. Major airline service is also available through nearby Wilmington, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, both about 45 minutes away. For those seeking a beach vacation that's a little less crowded, Brunswick County is an ideal choice. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean and its multiple islands, including Bald Head Island and Oak Island, make it a favourite for families.

Travel options

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination, with over 45 miles of beaches and communities steeped in history. The county is easily accessible by road, with several interstate highways and US highways passing through or nearby. Interstate 95 and US Highway 17 are both four-lane highways running north to south from New York to Florida. Interstate 40 is a four-lane interstate running east to west from California to Wilmington, with a future extension bringing the interstate into Brunswick County. US Highway 74/76 is a four-lane highway running east to west towards Charlotte. Interstate 74 is a planned interstate from Rockingham to Brunswick County.

For those travelling by air, there are several options available. Major airline services are offered through Wilmington, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, both of which are approximately 45 minutes from the centre of Brunswick County. Wilmington International Airport is served by several major US airlines, including US Air, Delta ASA, and Fly First Class. Myrtle Beach International Airport is served by several major airlines, including AirTran, ASA ComAir, Continental, Delta, Spirit, and US Air.

In addition to the larger airports, there are also two smaller airports located within Brunswick County itself. Cape Fear Regional Jetport, located near Oak Island, offers a 4,300-foot runway that is paved and lighted, as well as jet and piston fuel, airplane maintenance, skydiving, airplane rides, repairs, and flight instruction. Ocean Isle Airport, located in Ocean Isle Beach, offers a 4,000-foot runway that is also paved and lighted, as well as tie-down service.

Brunswick County is also accessible by ferry, with the Bald Head Island Ferry and the Southport/Fort Fisher Ferry providing transport to and from the county's islands.

Attractions

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a bustling tourist destination, offering scenic shorelines, impressive seaside attractions, and over 45 miles of beaches. The county seat is Bolivia, and it includes the cities of Boiling Spring Lakes, Northwest, Southport, and Leland, the largest city.

Old Baldy Lighthouse

Take a self-guided or in-depth guided tour of North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, standing tall on Bald Head Island. Climb the 108 stairs to enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the Cape Fear River inlet. While there, visit the Smith Island Museum of History to learn about the island's historical significance.

Oak Island Lighthouse

Located on Caswell Beach Road, the Oak Island Lighthouse is a working lighthouse that stands 153 feet tall. It features a unique design with a series of ship ladders instead of a spiral staircase. Visitors can choose from Top Tours, available year-round, or the Open House tour, which is available during the summer months.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

Sitting on Ocean Isle Beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina showcases the region's natural history, culture, and environment through various themed galleries. Notable exhibits include the Changing Tides Gallery with the Mastodon and Megabites exhibits, and the Waterways Gallery, featuring displays such as an aquarium with live sea animals and a diorama of flora and fauna from the Green Swamp.

Ingram Planetarium

Ingram Planetarium, located in Sunset Beach, offers educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family. Catch featured shows like the Animated Adventures of Cy, Annie, and Armstrong the Dog on Accidental Astronaut, or learn about Chile's observatories in Big Astronomy. The planetarium also hosts popular laser music shows, combining laser artwork, sound effects, and well-loved music.

Bald Head Island Conservancy

The Bald Head Island Conservancy is a scientific research organisation providing educational and public recreational activities. Join an Island Nature Tour to explore the unique beach, marsh, and forest habitats, or take the Middle Island Tour to capture stunning views of Cape Creek and the Ibis Sanctuary. The conservancy also offers activities such as BHI After Dark, Kayaking the Creeks, and Family Beach Fishing.

The Swamp Park

The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach is a fantastic destination for families seeking adventure. It features the Eastern Seaboard area's largest and longest zip line, with 10 lines, three bridges, and a guided tour. The Aerial Adventure Course challenges visitors with three difficulty levels and fun obstacles. The Eco-Swamp Boat Tour offers a chance to explore the surrounding ecosystem, and the Sanctuary is home to live alligators.

Other Notable Attractions

• Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson: Historical landmarks in Winnabow, offering a glimpse into the past with archaeological remains and displays from the 18th century and Civil War eras.
• Sunset Beach Fishing Pier: The southernmost fishing pier in the state, offering fishing opportunities and delicious snacks at the Grill.
• Tropical Adventure Mini Golf: A fun-filled, palm-tree-lined mini-golf course open seven days a week, challenging players with different levels and obstacles.
• Old Brunswick County Jail Museum: A historic jailhouse-turned-museum in Southport, open to the public since 1984, offering guided tours and activities for children.
• Holden Beach: A top-rated family beach area stretching over nine miles of shoreline, offering boating, kayaking, and surfing, as well as dolphin-watching opportunities.
• Kent Mitchell Nature Trail: A half-mile-long trail on Bald Head Island, providing a vantage point for wildlife watching and nature hikes through a maritime forest.
• Zeke's Island Reserve: A dedicated nature preserve located south of Wilmington, known for its uncrowded beaches, shelling adventures, and paddler's paradise with endless marsh trails.

History

Brunswick County, located in North Carolina, was formed in 1764 from New Hanover and Bladen Counties. The county was named after King George I, who was also the Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg. The county seat has been relocated several times, from Brunswick Town to Lockwood Folly, to Smithville (now known as Southport), and finally to Bolivia, where it remains today.

The history of Brunswick County dates back to the early inhabitants of the region, the Cape Fear Indians, followed by English and French Huguenot settlers. The first European to explore the area was English sailor John Cabot in 1497. In the early 1500s, Spanish explorers, including Francisco Gordillo and Pedro de Quejo, sailed along the coast but did not settle. It wasn't until 1662 when William Hilton, Jr., a New Englander, made his way to the region to explore the Cape Fear River. This sparked interest in the area, and soon after, a small group of New Englanders purchased land from the Cape Fear Indians, becoming the first settlers of Brunswick County. However, they left within a few months, and the next group of settlers, brought by Sir John Yeamans in 1664, established the first town, Charles Town.

Brunswick Town, established in 1726, became the first county seat when Brunswick County was created in 1764. However, during the American Revolutionary War, the British ransacked and burned down Brunswick Town. As a result, the county seat was relocated several times before settling in Bolivia in 1977.

Brunswick County played a role during the American Civil War, with Confederate forces erecting Fort Anderson near the ruins of Brunswick Town to defend against federal attacks on the Cape Fear River and the Port of Wilmington. The county also has a rich agricultural history, leading the state in rice production during the late 1700s and throughout the 1800s. Today, the county's economy is largely driven by tourism, with its beaches, golf courses, and fishing charters attracting visitors.

Food

For those looking to open a restaurant or purchase an existing one, Brunswick County provides clear guidelines. A plan review application packet is necessary for new and renovated food establishments. Additionally, when ownership changes or a food establishment is leased, a transitional permit application is required. The county offers assistance and answers questions regarding the application process.

The county also recognises the issue of food insecurity among its residents, with organisations like PORCH – South Brunswick coordinating monthly neighbourhood food drives to address this issue. This volunteer-based grassroots hunger relief organisation has been instrumental in collecting and donating significant amounts of food and supplies to various local organisations.

Another valuable resource in Brunswick County is the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, a nonprofit organisation providing food to people at risk of hunger. They serve a network of over 800 partner agencies, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults. BSRI, a partner of this food bank, offers supplemental food boxes to residents with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty guideline.

During special events, vendors preparing and selling food and drinks are typically required to obtain a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit from the local health department. This ensures that food safety standards are maintained even during temporary events.

Brunswick County also has a variety of restaurants offering takeout, curbside pickup, drive-thru, and delivery services to meet the dining needs of its residents and visitors.

Population

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is the southernmost county in the state and has a population of approximately 159,964 people as of 2023, making it the 19th most populated county in the state. The population has been growing rapidly, with a 4.41% increase from 2022 to 2024, and a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% between 2010 and 2020. The county seat, Bolivia, has a population of around 150 people, making it one of the least populous county seats in North Carolina.

Brunswick County is part of the Wilmington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area, and its economy is largely driven by tourism. The county offers over 45 miles of beaches and historically significant communities like Southport, Oak Island, and St. James. Bald Head Island, the southernmost point of North Carolina, and Oak Island are popular tourist destinations. The county's beaches, lighthouses, and golf courses attract visitors from all over.

The racial composition of Brunswick County is predominantly White (81.4%), followed by Black (8.6%), and Hispanic (5.1%). The median age of residents is 55.7 years, and there are approximately 119,498 adults in the county, with 45,749 of them being seniors. The median household income is $71,193, and about 5.9% of families live below the poverty line. The county has a high school graduation rate of 94.8% and a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 35.1%.

Brunswick County is a popular filming location due to its proximity to Cinespace Wilmington. It has a rich history, dating back to its formation in 1764, and offers a unique blend of southern charm and coastal attractions.

Frequently asked questions