Brunswick's Coastline: Miles Of Beauty

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a lot to offer when it comes to coastline. With six beautiful beaches stretched across five barrier islands, there is something for everyone. From resort-style stays to secluded spots, the county's southern-facing beaches provide a unique mix of relaxation and adventure. The beaches, including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island, offer a peaceful getaway for those seeking a laid-back vacation. The county's coastal towns, such as Leland, Belville, and Southport, also add to its charm. In addition to its natural attractions, Brunswick County has a rich history, with sites like the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site and the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, showcasing its colonial and Civil War past.

Brunswick County's beaches

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to six beautiful beaches stretched across five barrier islands. From resort-style stays to family adventures, there's something for everyone at these beaches, accented by sea breezes, sunny days, and rolling surf.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is the smallest of the five barrier islands known as North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. It is known for its captivating sunsets, waterfront dining, and understated coastal charm. It has a peaceful small-town feel and is a great spot for a laid-back beach trip. It is also home to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a whimsical depository for prayers and meditations.

Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach has been voted the best tiny town by Southern Living. It is a repeat favourite of families for generations, with its easy-going spirit and charming, laid-back village vibe.

Holden Beach

Holden Beach has been named one of the country's best family beaches by National Geographic Traveler. It offers uncrowded shores, pristine beaches, gentle waves, and plenty of family fun. It is also a great spot for water sports enthusiasts, with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Caswell Beach

If you're looking for quiet seclusion and seemingly endless sand, Caswell Beach is the place to go. It is the least inhabited of the Brunswick Islands beaches, offering peaceful, inviting stretches of sand and sea.

Oak Island

Oak Island provides the perfect setting for families to build cherished memories, with over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline. It is a great spot for avid fishermen and those seeking hidden gems, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway.

Bald Head Island

Leave your worries and your car behind when you visit Bald Head Island. Soak up the resort-style atmosphere and pristine beaches of this island, which is only accessible by ferry.

Brunswick County's golf courses

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a golfer's paradise, with over 30 courses and 45 miles of coastline. The region is known for its majestic Intracoastal Waterway, expansive marshes, and world-class golf course designs. The area attracts thousands of golfers each year, and its courses are consistently ranked among the best in the state.

Golf Courses in Brunswick County

The county boasts courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf, including Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Dan Maples, Willard Byrd, Tim Cate, and Fred Couples.

• Beau Rivage Golf & Resort: Located along US Highway, this resort offers a range of activities, from beach relaxation to an 18-hole golf course.
• Bald Head Island Club: An elite introduction to the small island community, featuring a championship 18-hole golf course, fine dining, tennis, and fitness facilities.
• Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club: Located in the Cape Fear area, known for its scenic and challenging golf courses, Brick Landing offers brilliant views and a field of play that will test golfers of all skill levels.
• Leopard's Chase Golf Club: One of five "Big Cat" golf courses in the area, Leopard's Chase is a popular destination for golfers visiting Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach.
• Lion's Paw Golf Links: Another stunning coastal course and part of the "Big Cat" collection, Lion's Paw provides a challenging field of play for golfers staying along the southern coast of North Carolina.
• Lockwood Folly Country Club: Voted the "Best Golf Course in Brunswick County" in 2012, this club in Holden Beach offers a fun day away from the beach on its scenic greens.
• Oak Island Golf Club: A favourite among Wilmington residents, Oak Island is a popular destination for golfers seeking a challenging and scenic experience.
• Ocean Ridge Plantation: This expansive community features a wealth of premier coastal properties, a central clubhouse, and four top-notch golf courses known as the "Big Cats" collection.
• Oyster Bay Golf Links: A longstanding favourite for Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach vacationers, Oyster Bay offers a picturesque locale along the Intracoastal Waterway and a challenging 18-hole course.
• Panther's Run Golf Links: The third "Big Cat" course on our list, Panther's Run is a stunning and challenging course located in the Ocean Ridge Plantation community.
• Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club: Located in Sunset Beach, this club is home to three classic 9-hole Carolina golf courses—the Sand Course, the Piper Course, and the Bay Course.
• Thistle Golf Club & Estates: Featuring a traditional Scottish design, Thistle Golf Club is an exclusive destination with 27 challenging and eye-catching holes.
• Tiger's Eye Golf Links: The fourth and final "Big Cat" course, Tiger's Eye is an elite daily fee course carved into the heart of a virgin pine forest in the Cape Fear region.

These are just a few of the many golf courses that Brunswick County has to offer. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the county's diverse range of golf destinations is sure to provide a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

The county's historic sites

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to several historic sites, including colonial-era landmarks and places of Civil War significance. Here is an overview of some of the county's most notable historical attractions:

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson

Brunswick Town, a former pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River, was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed on the old village site, serving as a defence post for the Confederacy. Today, the site features colonial foundations and earthworks of the Confederate fort, along with archaeological artefacts on display.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse ("Old Baldy")

The Bald Head Island Lighthouse, also known as "Old Baldy", is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. Built in 1817, it guarded the mouth of the Cape Fear River for over 187 years. The lighthouse offers scenic views of the surrounding natural beauty and is a popular spot for photography.

Oak Island Lighthouse

The Oak Island Lighthouse, completed in 1958, is the newest lighthouse in North Carolina. Unlike traditional lighthouses, it features a series of ship ladder steps instead of a spiral staircase. Visitors can climb the 131 steps to the top, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of Caswell Beach and the surrounding areas.

Saint Phillip's Episcopal Church

Saint Phillip's Episcopal Church, located in Brunswick Town, was destroyed by a fire in 1776 during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the remains of the original church and learn about its history. The congregation later relocated and reconstructed a new church in Southport, which is still active today.

Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center

Fort Johnston, built in 1749, was the oldest active-duty fort in the United States until 2006. The Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center showcases the history of the fort and the town of Southport through artefacts, original documents, and exhibits. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours to learn about the rich heritage and culture of the area.

Brunswick County Courthouse

The Brunswick County Courthouse, located at Davis and Moore Streets, is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as an important landmark in the county's legal and administrative history.

These are just a few examples of the historic sites that Brunswick County has to offer. Each location provides a glimpse into the region's past, showcasing its unique architecture, cultural significance, and role in shaping North Carolina's history.

Annual events in Brunswick County

There are a variety of annual events in Brunswick County, offering residents and visitors a range of cultural, social, and wellness activities. Here is a list of some of the annual events held in Brunswick County:

• Longfellow Days: This annual event celebrates the life and work of renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with readings, performances, and social gatherings held throughout February.
• The Trek Across Maine: This is a 3-day, 180-mile bike ride that takes place in June to raise funds for the American Lung Association. It starts and ends in Brunswick County, with overnight stops at Bates College and Saint Joseph's College.
• Brunswick in Bloom Garden Tour: This annual event, usually held in July, invites participants to explore the serene beauty of Brunswick's finest gardens. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Oasis Free Clinics, which provide free medical and dental services to the community.
• Summer Jam Camp Out: This annual summer camp takes place in July at Thomas Point Beach & Campground, offering a fun-filled camping experience with music and social activities.
• The Grateful Camp Out: Also held at Thomas Point Beach & Campground in August, this camp offers a unique camping experience with a focus on music and community.
• Culture Reggae Festival: This festival celebrates reggae music and culture, usually taking place at the Worumbo Riverfront Event Center.
• Broadfield Clay Shoot: This annual event combines sporting fun with social activities and is organised by the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber.
• Annual Gala & Auction: Organised by the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber, this annual event includes a silent auction, dinner, and awards ceremony.
• First Responders Appreciation & Awards Luncheon: This event recognises the contributions of first responders and is organised by the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber.
• Bingo Night: Held at the Social Goose Bar, this is a free and fun event that is open to all ages.
• Happy Hour: Social Goose hosts Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, offering food and drink specials, creating a great opportunity for socialising and relaxation.
• Mindfulness for Daily Living: This is a 4-week course offered annually to help individuals improve their daily experiences through practical mindfulness teachings and practices.
• Women's Pelvic Health Series: A series of free discussions on women's health topics led by Ruth E. Macy, PT, DPT, of Mid Coast Hospital Rehabilitation, held monthly.
• BDA's Annual Meeting: The Brunswick Downtown Association's annual meeting is a festive event with food, drinks, and the presentation of prestigious awards to honour the achievements of its members and supporters.

The county's agricultural products

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is known for its beachsIDE communities and tourism-driven economy. However, the county also has a rich agricultural history and continues to produce a variety of agricultural products.

The county's agricultural sector has evolved over the years, with different crops and practices shaping the local economy and culture at different times. During the antebellum era, for instance, the county's economy was largely dependent on slave labour in plantations producing naval stores, corn, cotton, and rice. Today, Brunswick County's agricultural landscape is diverse, with a range of crops and livestock contributing to the local economy.

One of the notable agricultural products of Brunswick County is seafood. The town of Calabash, in particular, is renowned for its style of lightly breaded fried seafood. "Calabash-style" restaurants can be found throughout the region, and the town is often referred to as the "Seafood Capital of the World". The unique Calabash-style seafood has put the county on the map, attracting food lovers and tourists alike.

In addition to seafood, Brunswick County also produces a variety of other agricultural products. The county is home to agricultural businesses that provide a range of products and services, including fertilisers, farm supplies, feed, and seeds. The presence of AGRIServices of Brunswick, a full-service agricultural retailer, grain elevator, feed supplier, and wholesale fertiliser supplier, further underscores the importance of agriculture in the county.

Brunswick County's agricultural sector also contributes to the local economy through commodity transport. AGRIServices of Brunswick, for instance, specialises in transporting commodities by barge, rail, and truck. The county's central location provides strategic access to any port on the inland waterways, including the Brunswick River Terminal, the largest port on the Missouri River.

While tourism is a significant driver of the economy in Brunswick County, agriculture remains an important part of the local culture and economy. The diversity of agricultural products and the presence of specialised businesses indicate a vibrant and evolving agricultural sector in the county.

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