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Visit the Beautiful Orton Plantation Gardens

Located just north of Southport, the Orton Plantation Gardens are on the grounds of the Orton Plantation, which was built in 1725. The Gardens at Orton Plantation began in 1904, with the addition of Luola's Chapel in 1915. The chapel and gardens are still used today as sites for meetings and private weddings. The gardens consist of a variety of ponds, statues, fountains, trees, and more. Late winter to late spring offer the best times to visit the gardens, as most of the blooming flowers and trees are active during this time. The gardens are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from March to August and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from September to November. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens, $3.00 for children ages 6 to 16 and free for children under six years old. For more information, contact the Orton Plantation Gardens at (910) 371-6851.

Go Bird Watching For Area Bird Species

The many natural habitats in Brunswick County are home to more than 200 species of birds. Many visitors and locals enjoy bird watching each year, and there are also groups of volunteers who monitor some species to ensure their safety. The wood stork is a popular species, which are commonly found in the Twin Lakes section of Sunset Beach. You may spot ibises and pelicans on Battery Island in the middle of the Cape Fear River, with critical nesting areas protected by the National Audubon Society. For more information about bird watching or volunteering in the area, call (910) 579-2828.

Visit the Oak Island Lighthouse

The Oak Island Lighthouse, built in 1958, was one of the last lighthouses to be built in the United States. Also, it is the last lighthouse in the world to be manually operated. One of three lighthouses left on the southern coast of North Carolina, the Oak Island Lighthouse is managed by the United States Coast Guard. Their weekly inspections ensure the lights in the tower continue to be in working order. The lighthouse is 153 feet high with a concrete base, and its aerobeam lights can be seen by boats that are as far as 24 miles out to sea. In 2003, the National Park Service turned ownership of the Lighthouse over to the Town of Caswell Beach. Since then, the Town of Caswell Beach created an organization to help preserve the lighthouse, which is called the Friends of the Oak Island Lighthouse.

Take a Private Charter Boat Trip

Many visitors to the area enjoy going fishing in private charter boats. A variety of private charter options are available in Brunswick County, including full-day and half-day trips that can either go inshore or offshore. Depending on what kind of trip you are interested in, you will more than likely be able to find a captain in Brunswick County who can meet your needs. Half-day charters range from $300 to $600 and full-day charters range from $650 to $1,200. A variety of charters are available in the area. Bald Head Island offers Impulsive Charters at (910) 457-5331, while Oak Island is home to the Boss Lady Charter Boat Services at (910) 278-3433, the Fugitive Charter Boat at (910) 278-3796 and the Liquid Asset Sport Fishing Charter Boat at (910) 278-4199. Southport offers the Southport Fishing Center at (910) 454-4000 and the Salty Dog Charter Boat at (910) 278-9834. In Holden Beach, Holden Beach Charters can be reached at (910) 842-9055, while Ocean Isle Beach is home to the Voyager Fishing Charters at (910) 575-5978 and Captain Brant's Fishing Charters at (910) 575-3474.

Enjoy Legends in Concert or Tribute! the Concert in Myrtle Beach

While you are in the Brunswick County area, you may want to take an evening journey to Myrtle Beach for a Las Vegas-style musical concert. These concerts are led by performers who impersonate famous stars like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Rod Stewart. Two of these concerts are offered in the area - the first is Legends in Concert which can be reached at (800) 960-7469, and the other is Tribute! The Concert, which can be reached at (800) 313-6685.

Visit the Historic Fort Johnston of Southport

Located in Southport, Fort Johnston was opened in 1754 as the first working military installation in North Carolina, with the purpose to defend the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Fort Johnston played an important role in the Civil War and worked alongside other area forts of Caswell, Anderson and Fisher. While the main structure of Fort Johnson is no longer in place, some original structures remain, and markers tell the story of the fort that was once in place at the location. For more information, contact Fort Johnston at (910) 457-7927.

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.

Enjoy a Performance by the Brunswick Concert Band

The Brunswick Concert Band, located in Southport, is a non-profit group of members throughout the area. Volunteers with a high-school or higher skill level are welcome to join, and must bring their own instrument and be able to read music. Auditions are not required. Various music styles are played by this 16-year old group, including Big Band, jazz, light classical, marches and show tunes. Two concerts are performed each year, as well as a variety of performances at area events. Rehearsal is held every Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Progress Energy Brunswick Energy Center. For more information, contact the Brunswick Concert Band at (910) 371-2062.

Learn about the Nursery Industry at Phillips Nursery

Phillips Nursery is a local plant nursery, located in Leland. You can visit Phillips to see how a nursery of its nature is managed, or you can purchase some North Carolina bushes or shrubs to plant in your landscaping. When you visit Phillips Nursery, you will be able to enjoy a piece of North Carolina in your landscaping, even after your vacation is over! Specializing in container-grown shrubs, shade trees, potting mix and loads of bark, Phillips Nursery is open year-round. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Phillips Nursery at (910) 253-6692.

Spend an Afternoon in the Small Town of Shallotte

Shallotte is a small town in Brunswick County that is located conveniently off Highway 17. A variety of restaurants, shops and other businesses are located in Shallotte, which is a central commerce area where visitors can purchase what they need from the various grocery stores, department stores, professional offices and restaurants. For entertainment, Shallotte is home to a 10-screen movie theater with stadium seating and a bowling alley. Whether you need to stock up on the necessities or just need a family night of movies or bowling, Shallotte is just the place for you! For more information, contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644.