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Learn More about the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association

The Long Bay Artificial Reef Association, based in Bolivia, was formed in 1984 and consists of members of the Brunswick, Oak Island and Ocean Isle Fishing Clubs. Their initial project was to build six artificial reefs in the area, which were all completed by 1992. One more reef was built in 1996, so today there are seven artificial reefs existing in the area. The Association has completed several projects to enhance the habitat of the artificial reefs, including adding tugboats, barges, concrete pipe and "Reef Balls," which act as homes for the fish who live in the reefs. The creation of these artificial reefs helps the fishing economy of Brunswick County, and plans to continue their enhancement projects as long as funds allow. The Association sponsors a King Mackerel and Flounder tournament each year. To learn more about the project, or for more information about how you can help the project, contact the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association at (910) 842-3136.

Go Shopping in the Yaupon Tree Shop

The Yaupon Tree shop of Oak Island is a unique local store that offers a variety of products. You can choose between pottery, jewelry, unique gifts and other accessories as you browse this store. Located on East Oak Island Drive, The Yaupon Tree is a stop you won't want to miss! For more information, contact The Yaupon Tree at (910) 278-5991.

Visit the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Located in Town Creek east of Winnabow, the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve consists of 174 acres and is enjoyed by many who enjoy hiking, photography, bird watching, and more. There are 15 hiking trails located at Ev-Henwood, and each trail displays the various plants and animals that are found in the preserve. The low land forest area along the Town Creek has been left undisturbed, and you will also enjoy viewing the various small creeks that are found in the preserve. For more information, call (910) 962-3107.

Attend the North Carolina Festival by the Sea

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is held on the last Saturday of October on the streets of Holden Beach. The festival features more than 160 booths of arts and crafts, a sandcastle building contest, a kite flying contest and a horseshoe competition. There are 1K, 5K and 10K races held during the festival, and a street dance with live music takes place on Saturday night. There is no admission fee to get into the festival. For more information, contact the North Carolina Festival by the Sea at (910) 842-3828.

Take a Tour at Indigo Farms and Garden Center

The Indigo Farms and Garden Center of Shallotte is a great place for the kids to learn about how a produce farm is managed. Home-grown fruits and vegetables are available for purchase, or you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. A variety of special events are hosted throughout the year, including Farm Heritage Day and Pumpkin Day, both in October. Evening hayrides are offered in the fall. Also onsite is a bakery, ice cream shop, and florist. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Indigo Farms & Garden Center at (910) 287-6794.

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.

Learn How To Kiteboard

Kiteboarding is a challenging sport that requires less wind than windsurfing and has become quite popular in recent years. Kiteboarders are pulled by a large kite that flies through the air, and advanced riders are able to do tricks and jumps that carry them between 10 and 40 feet in the air. Kiteboarding is popular in the Brunswick County area, which doesn't always have enough wind for the sport of windsurfing. Though the sport can be very fun if you know what you are doing, you should take lessons before attempting to ride on your own. For more information, contact the area's kite and wind shop in Wilmington, Blowing in the Wind, at (888) 691-8034.

Enjoy Some Target Practice at Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range

Located in Southport, the Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range has a variety of activities for you. If you would like to learn how to shoot a gun, you can take safety classes and get your concealment certification at the range. If you want to spend some time doing target practice, the covered area and practice ranges are just the thing for you! Their ranges include black powder, archery and trap shooting ranges, as well as 25-500 yard rifle ranges and 7-25 yard pistol ranges. For more information about range hours or for directions to the range, contact the Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range at (910) 278-3763.

Attend a Summer Sundays Performance

Summer Sundays of Southport consists of a series of outdoor concerts that are sponsored by the Southport Visitor's Center and the City of Southport. Held in the historic Keziah Memorial Park, the concerts feature a variety of music styles performed by local artists. Concerts are held on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. between May 29 and August. Concert attendees range from children to senior citizens and can bring chairs, blankets, picnic baskets. For more information, contact Summer Sundays at (910) 457-7927.

Visit the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson

The Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson in Southport marks the first permanent European settlement located between Charleston and New Bern that was successful. Founded in 1726, Brunswick endured attacks from both Spain and Britain, and Fort Anderson was built in 1862 to help defend Wilmington. Today, visitors can still see Fort Anderson, whose earthworks are completely intact. The site is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the site also has a visitor center, gift shop, research library, and more. For more information, contact the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson at (910) 371-6613.