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Go Surfing

While the location of the Brunswick County beaches produce moderate surf that is more suited for body boarding, some surfing can still be done in the area. Just north of Brunswick County, the Topsail Island beaches offer great surfing conditions and are just a short drive from Brunswick County. Before you head out for a day of surfing, be sure to check the local weather and tide reports, and be aware of local regulations. For more information on local regulations, as well as information about surfing lessons, you can contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-3925. To purchase surfing gear, you can reach Local Call Surf Shop of Oak Island at (910) 278-3306; while Beach Fun Rentals of Holden Beach at (888) 355-4446 offers equipment rentals.

Take a Day Trip To Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo

If your children enjoy viewing unique animals, you and your family may enjoy taking a day trip to the Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo, located in Bolivia. They have a unique variety of small and large breed animals, including Highland bulls, Watusi cows, Texas Longhorns, Zebu cows, lions, bears, yaks, tigers, black leopards, zebras, monkeys, buffalo, camels, and more! They also manage a petting zoo with lambs and goats, which are always a favorite with children. This unique zoo is open daily year-round from 9:00 a.m. until dusk. For more information, contact the Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo at (910) 253-6820.

Try Your Luck at Fly-Fishing

Fly-fishing is a type of fishing that is enjoyed by avid fishermen, and it requires great fishing skills. If you are a beginner in the sport of fly-fishing, you may want to visit some local shops that can teach you about the sport. Nearby in Wrightsville Beach, the Gottafly Guide Service offers fly-fishing charters of the area and can be reached at (910) 350-0890. Also nearby, in Surf City, East Coast Sports offers advice on bait and tackle for your fly-fishing experience. For more information, contact East Coast Sports at (910) 328-1887.

Take at Tour of the Progress Energy - Brunswick Plant Energy Center

The Progress Energy - Brunswick Plant Energy Center is located in Southport off N.C. Highway 87. While the nuclear plant is not open to the public because of safety reasons, there is a Visitor Center here where you can learn about the process. A variety of exhibits are available here, which includes a display about how to prevent sea turtles and other sea creatures from entering the plant with the million gallons of water that flow into the plant's cooling units each minute. The exhibits will also teach you about reading electric meters, used fuel storage, generating electricity with a stationary bicycle and educational videos. Admission to the Visitor Center is free, and the tours are self-guided. For more information, contact the Progress Energy - Brunswick Plant Energy Center at (910) 457-6041.

Relax or Enjoy Activities at an Area Park

The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department oversees numerous community and district parks in the area. All of these parks feature a variety of great facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, football and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Some of the parks have other features like community buildings, horseshoes and shuffleboard. If you need a place to play or relax for an afternoon, one of these area parks is just the thing for you! For more information on parks in Brunswick County, contact the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department at (800) 222-4790.

Go To the Movies at a Local Movie Theater

If you end up with a rainy or chilly day during your vacation, what better way to spend the afternoon than by going to see a movie at a local movie theater? There are a few options in the area where you can see the newest movie releases. In Southport, Surf Cinemas is a 4-screen theater and can be reached at (910) 457-0320 for show times. In Shallotte, Coastal Cinemas offers 10 screens and can be reached at (910) 754-7469 for show times.

Visit the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop and Center

The Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center is a community-based shop and gallery that showcases a variety of arts and crafts made by local senior citizens. Artwork ranges from baskets to photography to paintings. Art classes are also available to seniors in areas such as painting, basket weaving, cooking, computer basics, needlework, cake decorating and more. Class fees are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For more information, contact the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center at (910) 278-5224.

Spend an Afternoon Shopping in Area Antique Stores

Though there are many nice gift shops in the area, many visitors prefer to do their shopping at area antique stores. Shopping at antique stores is a great way to find unique items of the area that can't be purchased by just anyone at a souvenir shop. If you are interested in antiques, Brunswick County has a number of shops available. In Southport, you may enjoy Magnolia Gifts and Antiques at (910) 457-4982, Northrup Antiques Mall at (910) 457-9569, or Southport Antiques at (910) 457-1755. Also, you may want to travel to nearby Burgaw, which is home to the Burgaw Antiqueplace, which consists of items from 50 dealers. The Burgaw Antiqueplace can be reached at (910) 259-7070.

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.

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.