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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.

Browse Through Local Art Galleries

If you enjoy viewing (and possibly purchasing) art, you may enjoy visiting some of the art galleries located in Brunswick County. The galleries showcase a variety of local talent, most of which have art themes specific to the coastal area. In Southport, you will enjoy the ArtShak Studio, Gallery and Sculpture Garden, which features a variety of beautiful sculptures and art and can be reached at (910) 457-1757. Also in Southport, the Franklin Square Gallery at (910) 457-5450 showcases a variety of local works and also offers workshops, classes and competitions. The Ricky Evans Gallery of Southport can be reached at (910) 457-1129 and features lighthouse paintings, a historic Southport series and a coastal waterfront series. Other galleries you may enjoy are The Blue Heron Gallery of Sunset Beach at (910) 575-5088 and the Sunset River Marketplace of Calabash at (910) 575-5999.

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.

Enjoy Nature on the Environmental Overlook Trails

If you enjoy exploring, hiking, and viewing nature and wildlife, then the Environmental Overlook Trails on Oak Island are just the thing for you! A variety of trails are located in the area that will allow you to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Behind the Oak Island Recreation Center, one trail leads to the Dot Kelly Memorial Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, while another leads to the rainforest area of wetlands. In Tidal Waves Park, you can launch kayaks and canoes, or you can enjoy the Environment Crossover trail through salt marshes, trees, and wetlands. Also, a wooden walkway has been built at the west end of Oak Island, where you can view a variety of local wildlife and shorebirds. If you enjoy nature, you may want to spend an afternoon hiking along some of these interesting trails. For more information, contact the Environmental Overlook Trails at (910) 278-5518.

Visit the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson

The Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson in Southport marks the first permanent European settlement located between Charleston and New Bern that was successful. Founded in 1726, Brunswick endured attacks from both Spain and Britain, and Fort Anderson was built in 1862 to help defend Wilmington. Today, visitors can still see Fort Anderson, whose earthworks are completely intact. The site is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the site also has a visitor center, gift shop, research library, and more. For more information, contact the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson at (910) 371-6613.

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.

Enjoy a Meal at the Provision Company Restaurant

Located in Holden Beach, the Provision Company Restaurant offers casual waterfront dining along with a great seafood menu. Live entertainment is offered weekly at Provision Company, which is located on the mainland side of the bridge across from the water tower. Provision Company serves lunch and dinner and is open 7 days a week beginning at 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact the Provision Company Restaurant at (910) 842-7205.

Learn about the Area's History at the Smith Island Museum of History

Located on Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Museum History is located in a building that was replicated after the original Bald Head Island light keeper's house. Located near the lighthouse, this museum features lighthouse artifacts available for viewing, and also has a gift shop with some souvenirs for sale. Some lectures and educational programs are offered at the museum, and tickets are sold for $3.00 per person to climb the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. For more information, contact the Smith Island Museum of History at (910) 457-7481.

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.

Take a Sailing Trip with Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters

The Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters is based in Southport and offers a variety of four sailing charter trips on its 37-foot boat, Stephania. There is a Morning Sail, Afternoon Sail, Sunset Sail and a Moonlight Sail. Depending on which cruise you take, costs vary from $51 to $53 per adult and $29 for children. Each trip is about three hours long and will teach you about the history and attractions found on Oak Island. Only six passengers can ride at a time, so you will need to call ahead to make reservations. For more information, contact Winds of Carolina Sailing Charters at (910) 278-7249.