Brunswick County: A North Carolina Gem

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to several charming towns and cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the county seat of Bolivia to the largest community of Leland, Brunswick County offers a diverse range of experiences for residents and tourists alike. The county boasts picturesque beaches, historic landmarks, and a vibrant community, making it a popular destination for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Boiling Spring Lakes

The median income for a household in the city was $37,165, and the median income for a family was $40,810. The per capita income for the city was $18,079. About 8.1% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under 18 and 7.6% of those aged 65 or over.

In terms of demographics, the population was spread out across different age groups, with 22.0% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years old or older. The median age was 40 years.

Southport

A Brief History

The Southport area was first explored by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. In the 18th century, British settlements along the Carolina coast were vulnerable to attacks by pirates and privateers. In response, Governor Gabriel Johnston appointed a committee in 1744 to select a site for constructing a fort to defend the Cape Fear River region. This led to the construction of "Johnston's Fort," later known as Fort Johnston, and the town of Southport developed around it.

The town was officially founded as Smithville in 1792 and served as a fishing village and supported military activity. In 1887, it was renamed Southport in an effort to promote it as a major shipping port. While this endeavour was not successful, Southport became known for its Victorian-era seaside charm.

Things to Do in Southport

• Explore the Waterfront: Downtown Southport is home to the picturesque Waterfront Park, offering stunning views of the Cape Fear River. The Southport Pier and Riverwalk are perfect for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenery.
• Tour the Local History: With a history spanning centuries, Southport has a wealth of historical sites and stories to uncover. Visitors can take walking, vehicle, or boat tours to explore the town's rich past, including Fort Johnston Museum & Visitors Center and the Old Brunswick County Jail.
• Art and Antique Shopping: Southport is known for its local art galleries and antique shops, especially along Howe Street. Visitors can find a range of regional art, coastal treasures, and unique vintage items.
• Dining and Cuisine: Southport is a foodie's dream, with over 30 unique restaurants offering everything from casual diner fare to international cuisine. The downtown area also has local bakeries, coffee shops, and fresh seafood options.
• Watersports and Kayaking: With its surrounding waters, Southport is ideal for watersports enthusiasts. Kayaking is a popular activity, with several rental companies and guided expeditions exploring the local rivers, creeks, and lakes.
• Hollywood Locations: Due to its proximity to Wilmington and its natural beauty, Southport has been the filming location for many movies and TV shows, including "Safe Haven," "A Walk to Remember," and "Under the Dome." Visitors can explore these famous sites through dedicated tours or self-guided explorations.
• Festivals and Events: Southport hosts a range of annual events, including the renowned NC 4th of July Festival, attracting 40,000 to 50,000 visitors. The town also offers weekly events like the Southport Waterfront Market and "First Friday" Gallery Walk.

Leland

The town of Leland has a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor and four-member town council serving four-year terms. The town offers various amenities, including designated parks, schools, and a thriving business corridor with retailers like Wal-Mart and Feller, Inc. Leland is also home to several residential developments, such as Waterford of the Carolinas and Magnolia Green, offering a range of housing options for its residents.

Bald Head Island

Brunswick County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It was formed in 1764 from parts of Bladen County and New Hanover County. The county seat is Bolivia, which is among the least populous county seats in the state. As of the 2020 census, the population of Brunswick County was 136,693, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.

Much of the economy of the county is based on tourism, with beach communities such as Bald Head Island being popular destinations. Bald Head Island is a small island located just two miles off the southern coast of North Carolina. It is known for its celebrated golf course, rated among the Top 100 Courses You Can Play in America, and its epic aquatic centre. The Bald Head Island Club provides a wonderful lifestyle for island property owners, with a range of dining options, from steaks and chops to southern coastal cuisine. The club also offers a Temporary Guest Member Program for renters of members' homes.

In addition to its tourist attractions, Bald Head Island has a rich history. The island was likely first inhabited by Native American tribes, and it later became a site of colonial settlement. The island's name is derived from a story about a pirate named Bald Headed Ben, who is said to have buried treasure on the island.

Oak Island

The island has been inhabited since the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. The island's development was slow, but by the late 1930s, it had started attracting people from nearby Southport, with fox hunting being a popular pastime in the areas along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck, leaving only five buildings standing on the west end of the island. However, the island recovered quickly, and the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach were incorporated.

The town is also home to the Oak Island Golf Club, which offers a nine-hole golf course and an outdoor swimming pool for its members during the summer. Oak Island hosts several sporting events throughout the year, including the "Run Oak Island" Marathon in February, and the Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Oak Island Lighthouse Run in April.

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