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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.

Ride Personal Watercraft in the Intracoastal Waterway

Though there aren't many opportunities for riding personal watercraft in Brunswick County, a variety of options are available in the nearby Cape Fear area. Riders launch into the Intracoastal Waterway from Sneads Ferry and Wrightsville Beach, which are both just a short drive from Brunswick County. For more information about personal watercraft safety courses, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at (910) 270-9830. For information about rentals, contact Paradise Landing in Sneads Ferry at (910) 327-2114 or Performance Watercraft of Wrightsville Beach at (910) 799-9283.

Take a Workshop or Class from the Waterway Art Association

The Waterway Art Association, located in Calabash, is an organization that was created in 1991 to increase art awareness in the area. Each month between September and May (excluding December), the group meets at the Calabash Fire House on the third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Following the meeting, art programs are offered and are open to members of all skill levels. Offerings include professional art workshops, outdoor painting and drawing sessions, lectures, exhibits, and museum trips. The Association also offers two art shows throughout the year - a Labor Day show and a Memorial Day show. For more information, contact the Waterway Art Association at (910) 575-7981.

Have a Meal at 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse

The 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse, located in Southport, offers great views as it overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Depending on your preference, there are three unique environments for you to enjoy your dinner - the main dining rooms, the outdoor patio, or the fully-equipped bar. The atmosphere in the restaurant is sophisticated yet casual, and they serve a variety of food including steak, pork, seafood and poultry. For more information, contact 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse at (910) 457-0317.

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.

Learn about Area History at Fort Caswell

Fort Caswell of Caswell Beach plays an important part of the area's history, as it is one of the strongest forts of its time. Built in 1838, Fort Caswell originally consisted of 2,800 acres and was built of a pentagonal brick-and-masonry fort and citadel. Much of the fort was damaged in 1865, but the remains are still intact today and managed by the Baptist Assembly of North Carolina. Fort Caswell is open for self-guided tours for $3.00 per person and hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, contact Fort Caswell at (910) 278-9501.

View Area Art at the Southport Art Museum

The Southport Art Museum, located in Southport, offers a variety of art that is from different eras of North Carolina's history. You can begin your journey through the Museum by viewing early art of Native Americans, Scrimshaw, Early Explorers and Local Pirates. If you enjoy nautical themes, you will like the displays of Cape Fear Lighthouses, Early Maritime, Ships in a Bottle and Model Ships. Art from past wars is also displayed, which features the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Whatever your interest in art, the Southport Art Museum will have something on display to suit you! The Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is free. For more information or for tour reservations, call (910) 457-6166.

Go Horseback Riding

While you are visiting the Brunswick County area, you and your family may want to give an afternoon of horseback riding a try. Horseback riding can be a fun way to view a portion of the area from a whole new perspective! In Holden Beach, K&K Stables consists of 18 acres with shady trails. They offer Western-style riding lessons and guided trail rides. For more information, contact K&K Stables at (910) 842-8002. In Calabash, Peachtree Equestrian Center is located on 127 acres, with 70 acres of shaded trails. Trail rides, outdoor riding rings and an indoor riding arena give you a variety of options for your riding experience. Lessons are also available in both English and Western riding styles. For more information, contact Peachtree Equestrian Center at (910) 287-4790.

Go Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is enjoyed by many area fishermen each year who enjoy the peacefulness of the beach while trying to catch local fish. In Brunswick County, a great spot for surf fishing is on the west end of Oak Island, which is otherwise known as "The Point." At this location, a parking lot has been built next to the beach access, which allows anglers a quick and convenient way to access the ocean for their fishing adventure. For more information about local fishing licenses and other rules and regulations, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 248-6834. Local resources for tackle and other fishing supplies are the Rod and Reel Shop in Holden Beach at (910) 842-2034 or the Island Tackle & Gifts of Ocean Isle Beach at (910) 579-6116.

Visit the Holden Brothers Farm Market

The Holden Brothers Farm Market of Shallotte is a popular destination for many visitors and locals each year. This unique place has both fields and a market, and families enjoy bringing their children to pick strawberries and tomatoes. Both the fields and the market are open from April 1 through December 25, and are located 3 miles south of Shallotte on Highway 17 West. For more information, contact the Holden Brothers Farm Market at (910) 579-4500.