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Attend the Annual Christmas by the Sea Festival

The Christmas by the Sea Festival, sponsored each year by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, is an annual festival to celebrate the Christmas holiday. The moderate climate of the North Carolina Coast makes the weather beautiful in December, and this festival is a great way to celebrate! Fresh mistletoe and seashell ornaments are available for purchase at local shops, and oyster stuffing is a popular local holiday food. The festival occurs during three weekends of December and involves a variety of community organizations. A parade and tour of homes in Oak Island kicks off the festivities for the first weekend, and the second weekend takes visitors to Southport for a historic home tour, lighted boat parade, choral concert and a variety of great local shopping. Finally, the third weekend finishes the festival with a band concert and a variety of children's activities. For more information, contact the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964.

Day Trip To Myrtle Beach For the Carolina Opry

The Carolina Opry is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Carolina, and is located in Myrtle Beach, which is just 20 minutes from the beaches of Brunswick County. The Carolina Opry shows offer both comedy and music, and styles of music range from bluegrass and country to gospel and oldies. There is also a special Christmas concert that is performed during the holiday season. Because of the show's popularity, you will want to call ahead to reserve your tickets. For more information, contact the Carolina Opry at (800) 843-6779.

Participate in an Area Golf Tournament

If you like taking your golf game to a competitive level, you may enjoy participating in a local golf tournament during your stay in Brunswick County. Throughout the year, a number of tournaments are held in the county, most of which benefit area non-profit organizations and charities. For more information on upcoming area tournaments, you can contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644, the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964, or any of the area golf courses.

Go Bicycling on Area Bike Paths

Brunswick County is a great place to ride your bicycle, as the roads are not as busy as they are in other coastal areas of North Carolina. A 32-mile bike route takes you from Southport to Orton Plantation and Brunswick Town Historic Site. Also, a recently built 3-mile paved shoulder bike path takes you from the state ferry dock to downtown Southport. Other bike trails can be found throughout the county. For more information, you can get a bicycle trail map from the Oak Island Recreation Center at (910) 278-5518. For information about state-funded bicycle trails, you can contact the North Carolina Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation at (919) 733-2804. For your bicycling adventure, you can rent bicycles in the area from Boomer's Rentals of Holden Beach at (910) 842-1400 or Julie's Rentals of Sunset Beach at (910) 579-1211. Also, there is a full-service bicycle shop in Southport, Southport Bicycles at (910) 457-1878.

Get Married on the Beach

What better place to have your wedding or vow renewal ceremony on the Brunswick County beaches of North Carolina? There is something quite romantic about the incoming waves and ocean breeze that makes the beach a perfect setting for your special ceremony. Because the weather and winds are unpredictable in the area, you may want to have an alternate location available in case of inclement weather. If you are interested in having your ceremony in Brunswick County, you will first need a North Carolina marriage license from the local Register of Deeds office. You can contact the Brunswick County Register of Deeds at (877) 625-9310. If you need help planning your ceremony, A Carolina Wedding of Wilmington may be able to help, and can be reached at (910) 686-2690.

Go Skateboarding at Oak Island State Park

The Oak Island Skate Park was designed with input from area youth, and offers a variety of challenges and trick opportunities for skaters who come to the park. Skaters must wear protective equipment while they are in the park, and spectators are welcome. Skaters on skateboards, inline skates and roller skates are allowed in the park. Regular open sessions are available, as well as sessions for specific age and skill level. For more information, contact the Oak Island Skate Park at (910) 278-4747.

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.

Have Lunch at the River Pilot Café

The River Pilot Café of Bald Head Island serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers great views of the Cape Fear River. Their menu offers a variety of Southern food that includes seafood, meats, vegetables, and more. Adjacent to the Café is the River Pilot Lounge, which offers cocktails and a late-night menu. While you are on Bald Head Island viewing the lighthouse or other local attractions, you may want to stop and enjoy a meal at the River Pilot Café. For more information, call (910) 457-7390.

Go Searching For Beach Treasures

While you are hanging out on the beaches of Brunswick County, you may want to go beachcombing for beach "treasures" that are found in the area. Shells and shark's teeth are easily found on the beaches, especially after storms and hurricanes. On a normal day, the best time to search for treasures is after high tide. Shark's teeth normally sparkle at the water's edge in coarse, wet sand. Whole sand dollars are also very common on the beaches of Brunswick County, but make sure you leave the live ones on the beach. If they are still brown and furry, they are alive and should be returned to the water. If they are white and skeletal, you can take them home with you! Whatever you find at the beach, it is a good idea to clean your treasures with mild bleach water.

Enjoy a Seafood Dinner at the Seafood Peddler

The Seafood Peddler, located in Holden Beach, is a great local seafood restaurant that offers a menu that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Open for lunch and dinner with an affordable lunch buffet, The Seafood Peddler serves a variety of seafood, chicken, appetizers and more. The indoor is decorated with various ceramic sea creatures including sharks, turtles, etc. For more information, contact The Seafood Peddler at (910) 842-5515.