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Enjoy a Sweet Treat at a French Bakery

The French Bake and Pastry Shop is located on Ocean Isle Beach and offers a variety of traditional French pastries and desserts. The bakery's décor consists of yellow, blue and white, which is the design of traditional French style. The bakery's menu includes muffins, turnovers, pastries, cream puffs, croissants, cheese cakes, and more. The owner of the bakery is from Amsterdam and previously ran a successful restaurant next to the White House in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact The French Bake and Pastry Shop at (910) 575-0284.

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 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.

Travel To Myrtle Beach For Some Fun at the Grand Prix Family Thrill Park

Just a short drive from Brunswick County, your family may enjoy spending an afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park. This adventure park offers a variety of rides and go-carts. Some features of the park include junior racers, 2-seaters and bumper boats. The Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park is located at 3900 Highway 17 South and can be reached at (843) 238-4783.

Learn about the Stars at Ingram Planetarium

The Ingram Planetarium, located in Sunset Beach, has a unique 40-foot dome theater and offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Programs include Ancient Horizons, Endless Horizon, The Sky Tonight, Search for Life in the Universe, and more. In the summer, hourly programs are held Tuesday through Saturday between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. During the rest of the year (during fall, winter and spring), hourly program are held Thursday through Saturday between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Also in the Planetarium is a Science Room with a variety of science, math, and navigational exhibits. For more information about the programs offered throughout the year, contact Ingram Planetarium at (910) 575-0033.

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.

Play Sand Volleyball on the Beach

Beach volleyball is a sport that you always see it on television and think about how much fun it would be to try it. Why not try it while you are on the beaches of Brunswick County? Playing this competitive sport in the sand will give you a great workout while you have fun with your friends and family. Many area parks and beaches offer sand volleyball courts, which are open to the public. If you don't have enough for a full "team" but still want to play, it is usually pretty easy to join in with a group who is already playing a match. Get ready for some fun!

Enjoy a Concert of the Sea Notes Choral Society

The Sea Notes Choral Society of Brunswick County is a non-profit organization that consists of volunteers, and is based in Southport. More than 100 members are a part of this chorus, which is open to anyone with an interest in singing. Rehearsal is held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday nights at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport. Three concerts are performed throughout the year, including a spring concert, Fourth of July concert and a Christmas concert. Chorus members pay $25 per year for annual dues, and admission to the concerts is free, though donations are accepted. For more information, contact the Sea Notes Choral Society at (910) 278-5542.

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.

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.