Brunswick County's Towns

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to a variety of towns and communities, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the charming coastal town of Leland to the historic fishing village of Calabash, each place offers something different to visitors. Other towns in the county include Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Shallotte, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Belville, and Bolivia, the county seat. With its diverse natural beauty, rich history, and popular events, Brunswick County offers a range of experiences for both residents and tourists.

Boiling Spring Lakes

In terms of demographics, the 2020 census showed that there were 28.7% of households with children under the age of 18, with an average household size of 2.46 and an average family size of 2.73. The median income for a household in the city was $37,165, while the median income for a family was $40,810. The per capita income was $18,079, and around 8.1% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence caused damage to roads and destroyed four dams in Boiling Spring Lakes, which have since been repaired with FEMA funding. North Carolina Highway 87 runs north-south through the centre of the community, with Wilmington 22 miles (35 km) to the northeast and Caswell Beach and Oak Island 11 miles (18 km) to the south.

Southport

The picturesque town has a quaint, small-town feel with friendly streets, boutique shops, local art galleries, and restaurants offering outdoor dining on the waterfront. Visitors can stroll along the docks and enjoy seafood dishes like crab-cake sandwiches and steamed shrimp. Southport's charm has attracted not only tourists but also the movie industry, with scenes from popular films and TV shows such as "Safe Haven" and "A Walk To Remember" being filmed there.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Southport has a fascinating history. The town was once known as Smithville and was renamed Southport in 1887. It was a significant port town before the American Revolutionary War, when it was partially burned by British troops in 1776 and never fully recovered. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed on top of the town's ruins to defend the Cape Fear River and the Port of Wilmington. Today, the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the past with archaeological ruins of colonial kitchens, home sites, and outbuildings.

With its combination of historical significance, seaside charm, and cultural offerings, Southport is a beloved destination for visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience on North Carolina's southernmost coast.

Calabash

The small fishing town of Calabash is located in southwestern Brunswick County, North Carolina, and is known as the "Seafood Capital of the World". This title is due to its distinctive style of fried seafood, which has come to be known as "Calabash Style". The town has a rich history of seafood cuisine, with its restaurants serving up a variety of shrimp, clams, fish, and oysters coated in a light batter and quickly fried to lock in freshness. In addition to its culinary delights, Calabash offers a range of fun activities, including deep-sea fishing charters, sightseeing boats, unique shops, and miniature golf.

The town's emergency services extend to the communities of Sunset Beach and Carolina Shores, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Calabash is also known for its picturesque waterfront, offering beautiful views of the waterway. A quick stroll from the waterfront leads to the town's main street, where visitors can explore more restaurants, gift stores, and shopping options.

In terms of transportation, Calabash is conveniently located near several airports. The Myrtle Beach Jetport is approximately a 35-minute drive from the town, while the small airport at Ocean Isle Beach is just 5 miles away. Wilmington, a bustling city with a seaport and historic waterfront, is also about an hour's drive from Calabash.

The population of Calabash has grown significantly over the years. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 2,011, a notable increase from the 711 residents recorded in the 2000 census. Calabash's popularity as a seafood destination and its central location make it a desirable place for both visitors and residents.

Leland

The town was founded in 1989 and is named after Leland Adams, the nephew of Joseph W. Gay, the first postmaster. Leland has a total area of 22.68 square miles, including three officially designated parks: Founders Park, Cypress Cove Park, and Westgate Park. Founders Park, formerly known as Municipal Park, is the town's first park, featuring a playground, disc golf courses, community gardens, and a paved multi-use path. Cypress Cove Park, donated by Mr Kirby Sullivan in 2005, consists of 27 acres of wetlands and 1.2 acres of uplands, providing Leland's first water access site. Westgate Nature Park spans approximately 150 acres of wetlands and uplands, constructed with a $500,000 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

Oak Island

The town was formed in 1999 from the merger of three separate towns: Caswell Beach, located on the southeast end of the island; Long Beach, which encompassed most of the west end; and Yaupon Beach, which was between the two. The merger was prompted by the towns' leaders' desire to ensure better disaster recovery capabilities and to create an environmentally safe island with a town-owned and operated wastewater system.

The town is dealing with an unexpected population boom, and as a result, it will need to add capacity to its water and sewer systems. Oak Island will also need to address the complexities of managing two shorelines and the challenges of increased traffic and parking needs on the island.

Despite the challenges, Oak Island remains a popular destination, known for its old-fashioned summer beach vacations and charming coastal town atmosphere.

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