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Go Shopping in the Yaupon Tree Shop

The Yaupon Tree shop of Oak Island is a unique local store that offers a variety of products. You can choose between pottery, jewelry, unique gifts and other accessories as you browse this store. Located on East Oak Island Drive, The Yaupon Tree is a stop you won't want to miss! For more information, contact The Yaupon Tree at (910) 278-5991.

Take the Bald Head Island Historic Tour

If you would like to learn more about the unique history of Bald Head Island, you may want to take the Bald Head Island Historic Tour. The tour includes visits to the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, the Smith Island Museum of History, and Captain Charlie's Station. The tour is two hours long and is available from March 1 through November 30. The tour begins each day with a 10:00 a.m. ferry ride from Southport to Bald Head Island. The cost of the tour (which includes the cost of the ferry ride and lunch at the River Pilot Cafe) is $40 for adults, $35 for children 12 years old and younger. The ferry departs from Bald Head Island to return to Southport at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Bald Head Island Historic Tour at (910) 457-5003.

Go Hunting

Because of the abundant wildlife areas in Brunswick County, many people enjoy visiting the area to go hunting each year. There are a number of areas in the region where hunters can find both large and small game, which include species of deer, black bear, wild turkey, rabbit, and dove. In Brunswick County, the Green Swamp Game Land is almost 15,000 acres and one of the most isolated areas of southeastern North Carolina. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this area can only be traveled on foot. Other hunting lands in Pender and New Hanover Counties include the Holly Shelter Game Land, Sutton Lake Game Land and Roan Island. For more information about hunting regulations and licensing, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 629-4535. Information and licenses can also be found at a variety of local stores, including the Wal-Mart Super Center of Southport at (910) 454-9909, the Wal-Mart Super Center of Shallotte at (910) 754-2880, the Holden Beach True Value Hardware at (910) 842-5440, or Island Tackle and Gifts at (910) 579-6116.

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 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.

Take a Break at a Local Coffee Shop

If you enjoy drinking specialty coffee while reading your daily newspaper or a favorite book, there are a few options for you in Brunswick County. The Flying Pig Coffeehouse of Oak Island is a bright shop with interesting furniture that serves a variety of specialty coffees and teas. Open seven days a week, The Flying Pig can be reached at (910) 278-5929. In Holden Beach, you may enjoy Cappuccino by the Sea, which serves coffees, teas and snacks. This shop also has a gift shop, and can be reached at (910) 842-3661. Finally, in Sunset Beach, The Roasted Bean Beverage Co. and Art Gallery serves gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches and snacks. They also have some local art on display that is available for sale, and they can be reached at (910) 575-6759.

Go Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular water sport that is enjoyed in many coastal areas, and Brunswick County is no exception. In the Oak Island area, many windsurfers enjoy their sport in the ocean waters. Some other area waters like the Shallotte Inlet and River and the Intracoastal Waterway are decent options, but not always great options because of their limited space. For more information about windsurfing in the area, or for information about equipment, contact Blowing in the Wind at (888) 691-8034, which is the area's kite and wind shop and is located in Wilmington.

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.

Browse the Shops at Howe Street Purveyors

The Howe Street Purveyors shopping center is located near downtown Southport on Howe Street. You won't be disappointed by the nice shops in this center, which offer a variety of clothing for your family, as well as a food-related gift shop. Papaya Island at (910) 457-0256 offers comfortable clothing for your family, while Bermuda Bay at (910) 457-1030 offers beach clothing. Also in the shopping center is Cat on a Whisk at (910) 454-4451, which offers a variety of gourmet foods and food-related gadgets.

Attend the Annual a Day at the Docks Festival

A Day at the Docks is an annual event held on the waterfront of Holden Beach each April. Free charter boat rides, live entertainment, free Coast Guard boat inspections, crafts, a sunset boat parade, and a blessing of the boats are activities enjoyed by attendees of the event each year. This event was created to celebrate the area's heritage, as well as to welcome the spring. Admission is free to the event, which is welcome to those of all ages. For more information, contact A Day at the Docks at (910) 842-4820.