< PreviousSalt marshes and waterways lead the way to new adventure. Few experiences are more serene and inspiring than a glide through the salt marshes and waterways of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Whether you choose to travel by kayak, paddle board, or canoe, your perspective changes with this close-range view sitting just above the water’s surface. Explore an ecosystem of oyster beds, fish, crabs, and skates. In these quiet realms you can hear the call of birds, the rustle of marsh grass, and the splash of fish skipping through the water— along with the occasional squeal of delight from friends and family who spy something new. No need to haul equipment from home. Our expert outfitters have everything you need to explore our wetlands, including gear, training, and tips for the best routes. The entire county offers paddling experiences, including blackwater rivers and creeks as well as the Intracoastal Waterway. Keep your eyes open for otter, deer, egrets, great blue herons, and brown pelicans, as well as bottlenose dolphins on their own fishing expedition. How about a guided tour? Plan a half- or full-day tour with the experts to get the most out of your experience. Outfitters can arrange everything for you, 20 HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE MARSH BY MOONLIGHT? 800.795.7263 | NCBRUNSWICK.COM 21 OUTFITTERS The Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Beach Fun Rentals Beachway Rentals and Services, LLC Blue Planet Watersports Boomers Rentals, LLC Coastal Urge Island Dan’s Julie’s Rentals Long Beach Paddle Company Mr. Beach Rentals OKI Bike & Paddle Co. Riverwalk Rentals Salty’s Surf Shop Sandlappers Beach Supplies Summertide Adventure Tours Sunset Beach Umbrellas Surf Unlimited The Oak Island Experience your family, or group, including kayak, canoe, or paddle board rentals and transport, along with expert guidance through marshland mazes and waterways. You may opt for a twilight tour to enjoy a magnificent sunset and stargazing from your kayak—truly a one- of-a-kind experience to write home about. Rather walk than paddle? Several of our towns provide boardwalks and scenic walkways along our rivers, marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bring your fishing gear or camera as you look for blue heron, eagle, spot, flounder, and alligator. Hooked with your first cast. This is an angler’s paradise. 22 WHAT KIND OF FISH STORIES WILL YOU TELL? When you live in a place that includes the “Seafood Capital of the World,” you know a thing or two about where to find and bring in the best catch. But we’re also known for amazing sportfishing. Ask any local and they’ll be happy to give a bit of advice. What’s your pleasure? You can simply claim your spot on the beach, plant your rod holder in the sand, and spend a glorious day casting into the surf for red drum, blue fish, whiting, or flounder, depending how they’re running. Cast a bait net and you’re a self-sufficient fishing marvel. Want to get a little farther out? The five fishing piers on our barrier islands stretch hundreds of feet out into the bountiful ocean. There’s no limit to the conversation with locals and other visitors. Choose one and make a day of it. Fishing passes vary. For exciting blue water adventure, our local charter captains can get you on the fish. You’ll find larger charters with the speed for deep sea adventure 45 miles out in the Gulf Stream as well as custom skiffs for inshore fishing in the marsh creeks and inlets. These guides know the species and the weather conditions to make the most of your half- or whole-day trip while trolling, bottom fishing, or casting for big game fish. If you have your own boat, you’ll find plenty of public access ramps with parking throughout our towns, and private marinas offer slip rentals and fueling. For the ideal fishing vacation, tie up your boat on your private dock at a rental home with canal or marsh-side access. Whether fishing is your passion or just an excuse to be on the water, we promise you’ll reel in great memories day after day. FOR THE CURRENT TIDE CHART GO TO WWW.NCBRUNSWICK.COM/THINGS-TO-DO/BEACHES/TIDE-CHARTHOLDEN BEACH PIER Recently purchased by the Town of Holden Beach, plans are underway to upgrade the pier and other onsite public facilities such as concessions and beach access. OAK ISLAND PIER Rebuilt in 2019, the pier is complete with a pier house, a bait and tackle store, restaurant, and coffee shop. OCEAN CREST PIER Also located on Oak Island, the pier has a full line tackle shop and onsite weather station. A restaurant adjoins the pier. OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER An Ocean Isle family favorite, the pier has bait and tackle as well as an arcade, grill room, and ice cream shop. SUNSET BEACH PIER A 900-foot stretch into ocean, the pier has a snack bar and tackle shop and is fully handicap accessible with free scooter chairs. 800.795.7263 | NCBRUNSWICK.COM 2324 YOUR TABLE IS READY. Get ready for the best seafood you’ve tasted. Raise your glass—whether craft beer or tropical umbrella drink—to the seafood capital of the world. Find your culinary bliss in fresh catches from the ocean, inlets, and bountiful salt creeks. Fresh-picked produce from local Carolina farms and fields are all lovingly prepared and fussed over to perfection. Here, in NC’s Brunswick Islands, we’re passionate about good food. Discover why our Calabash Shrimp is declared world famous and our oysters are the pearl of the East Coast. See how we raise good ol’ Eastern Carolina barbecue to a mighty fine art form. Then, pair them all with our local wines, a flight of craft beer, or our Carolina sweet tea. Whether you indulge at one of dozens of waterfront bistros or bring your market catch back to your beach house to feed your flock, nobody leaves the table hungry. DIG IN. 800.795.7263 | NCBRUNSWICK.COM 25 “ There are wonderful places to dine and memories to be made!” -Angela, 10 visits to NC’s Brunswick Islands26 MIND IF I TAKE THAT LAST HUSH PUPPY? Every sip. Every bite. Every meal. Everyone finds their bliss. Is it the salt air that makes us hungry? Or just the amazing food that calls us back for more? Whether you arrive at your favorite restaurant by boat, on foot, or in an SUV filled with family, you’re about to experience one of the Brunswick Islands’ most coveted vacation traditions—big helpings of freshly prepared food, served with warm and gracious hospitality from hush puppy starters to decadent desserts. Yes, we have a famous little town heralded as “The Seafood Capital of the World,” but there’s no limit to the cuisine offerings throughout the area—Asian, Mexican, Italian, Barbecue, Burgers—oh, who are we kidding? We’re here for the seafood! It’s best served with a frosty cold drink while overlooking the Atlantic, the Intracoastal, the Cape Fear River, or beneath oak trees beside green fairways. Some of our restaurants even start their seafood preparation before dawn when they send out their own boats to pull in the freshest catch. And then there’s world-famous Calabash style seafood—seafood prepared in the style that originated in the 1930’s along the docks of its namesake town. What makes it so special that it’s now imitated all over the world? We take fresh shrimp, fish, oysters, clams, and crabs, fuss over them with a feather-light batter, drop them into a sizzling fryer for a hot second, and, voila, you have a puffy, flaky taste of fresh and salty heaven. Calabash style isn’t Calabash unless it’s served in mega portions. And for purists, Calabash seafood isn’t Calabash unless it comes from its Brunswick Islands home. There’s no substitute for authenticity. Mornings at the beach should come with fresh-brewed coffee, tea, or other eye- openers. Our coffee shops are amazing and range from those that boast fancy barista wizards to coffee/surf shops that send you out with a good cup of joe and a few surf tips. For something liquid a little later in the day, you’ll find a winery, breweries, taprooms, and wine bars. Don’t miss the North Carolina Oyster Festival each October or any of the other festival celebrations throughout the year. There are always new tastes to try and old favorites to enjoy while you listen to music, explore arts and crafts, or try a carnival game. Have you worked up an appetite yet? We’re ready to serve. 800.795.7263 | NCBRUNSWICK.COM 2728 DON’T FORGET YOUR STICKS! They call this “North Carolina’s North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands enjoys a rich golf tradition. With 30 championship courses by renowned course architects like Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Dan Maples, Willard Byrd, Tim Cate, and Fred Couples, it doesn’t take long to understand why this place has been crowned North Carolina’s Golf Coast. (And if this isn’t enough to keep you busy, there are 80 more courses within an hour’s drive.) It’s hard to keep your head down when there’s scenery like this to enjoy—a picturesque coastal landscape of ocean dunes, waterways, salt marshes, and forests. You’ll find 120 miles of sweeping 800.795.7263 | NCBRUNSWICK.COM 29 Visit www.NCBrunswickGolf.com to request a free Golf Guide or more information. Golf Coast” for good reason. emerald fairways including classic St. Andrews-style links courses, along with genteel but deceptively tricky Southern classic courses. Not to brag, but we’re masters at hosting golf buddy outings, family and couples play, or a child’s first taste of the game—in a low-key setting that many prefer to the Grand Strand down the road. No matter your skill level, there’s no better way to hone your skills than in a place where the love of the game is celebrated with every round.Next >