by: encore staff

There are many reasons why folks flock to our locale to enjoy getaways from city life and vacations with family. Sure, Wilmington itself has a lovely historic downtown, along with a solid foundation of restaurants, shopping, tours and museums. Still, something tranquil and more moving draws visitors back time and again: the beach. Whether going to Wrightsville, Topsail, Pleasure Island or Southport, the sleepy haze of sea life is appealing on many levels: surf, sand and sun. But after days of crisping their skin and feeding more seagulls than we locals like to count, many find a life beyond the sea. Here, we’ve mapped out a Top 10 to-do list for each beach town around Wilmington so folks who visit—occasionally or often—will make the best of their trips beyond the crashing waves and high tides. What they’ll experience is a culture all its own.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
As of July 2007, the population in Wrightsville Beach topped out at 2,670, with a little more than half (55.6 percent) being males (city-data.com). Yet, within the four miles of the island, including interior Harbor Island, folks of all sorts mingle among commercial and residential property. Everything from dining to shopping, fishing to coasting on land and water vessels awaits local and out-of-town vacationers. Here is how we choose to make the best of a Wrightsville-Beach visit:

1. Kayak/boat to and camp out at Masonboro Island. A hotspot for surfers and kayakers, Masonboro is the largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of NC’s coast, located five miles southeast of Wilmington. Protected by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the island has the Intracoastal Waterway to its west, the Atlantic to its east, Carolina Beach Inlet to the south and Masonboro Inlet to the north. It’s covered with marsh and tidal flats, as well as a slew of other coastal habitats, including loggerhead and green sea turtles, along 8.4 miles and 5,000 acres.

While it’s a serene destination of pure nature, first and foremost, during holidays such as July 4th, it tends to be a crowded playhouse of numerous parties and camp-outs. Its water-lock appeal makes it a great escape and educational spot for all-things coastal.

Public and private boat ramps in and near Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are open to allow folks access to the island, and there are also private-fee ferry services to get to it.

2. Have a beer at Buddy’s; enjoy Wrightsville’s nightlife. To fit in with the locals, there is one mainstay beer joint every visitor must flock to for a cold brew or two after a day of surfing and playing on the beach. Buddy’s Crab House and Oyster Bar is located right in the heart of Wrightsville at Johnny Mercer’s Pier. Founded in ‘91 it embraces the Jimmy-Buffett vibe (although, better tunes are also on its jukebox) which many beach bums and bunnies have come to adhere to: flip-floppin’, fishin’, relaxin’ and drinkin’. Essentially, everyone is welcome, whether they’ve come straight from the beach—sand and all—or from a long day on the boat.

Located at 101 Roland Avenue, the large plantation shutters at Buddy’s open to the cool beach breezes, as folks traipse in and out to mingle and laugh. Dollar bills with quaint messages align the walls, counters, ceilings and stairwell—a tradition in which every Buddy patron has learned to partake.

The rest of island’s nightlife is also within grasp of Buddy’s. The Palm Room is located next door and hosts live music often, showcasing a ton of talent, locally and regionally. A half mile south on Lumina is the nightlife hub of Wrightsville. Surfers and dancers alike flock to Red Dogs, while college frats and yuppies take on 22 North and Jerry Allen’s, as cruisers and people-watchers take a seat front and center on Loggerheads’s patio.

To enjoy live music at one of Wilmington’s best live-music venues, visitors will have to trek over the bridge (off the island but still only a few miles away) to Kefi. Kefi welcomes musicians of every genre, hosting shows every weekend. Upcoming this Friday is Crowfield—two Charleston songsmiths who perform piano-powered rock, soul, jazz and funky grooves.

Wherever the choice to enjoy a few drinks, be sure to refrain from driving! The island police have a heavy reputation for catching tons of intoxicated drivers, so there is no sense in being one of ‘em. Taxis abound on Wrightsville; call one.

3. Catch a Wrightsville Beach scenic cruise. Nothing makes the sea more satisfying than enjoying it over a sunset. Wrightsville Water Taxi offers cruises of all sorts on Wrighstville Beach, but their sunset cruises make any vacation a more memorable one.

Their basic sunset cruise costs $25 and departs from the Blockade Runner dock at 6:30pm Monday through Saturday, trolling various routes, which may include Masonboro Island, Figure Eight Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination. While coasting the water at dusk is certainly a lovely experience, Wrightsville Water Taxi ups the ante by offering sunset wine-tasting or even dinner cruises, too. Prices vary according to participants, destination and menu, and the wine-tasting cruises are only available by special arrangement.

Wrightsville Beach Taxi also does eco-tours for folks who want to experience the educational side of coastal life. Cape Fear Naturalist’s Captain Joe explores local barrier islands, creeks, rivers and inlet waterways on the 26-foot catamaran boat ($35 per adult/$15 per child ages 4-12), as well as birding tours on Wrightsville Beach’s north end ($10 per person), and they drop off and pick up travelers to and from Masonboro Island at 9am and 3:30pm Monday through Saturday (Dr. Roger Shew will offer a Natural History of Masonboro Island tour on July 10th for $25). Visit them at www.capefearnaturalist.com.

4. Eat—be merry. Sure, some folks cross the drawbridge to enjoy the wonderful eats around Wrightsville Beach: Dockside makes a dank Bloody Mary (hey, it’s food for some of us!). Boca Bay offers the best Sunday brunch. Portland Grille is the finest dining in Wilmington, hands down. But what folks often forget is that on the actual island—not just surrounding it—there are some really good eats, too.

Lunch stops at The Trolly [sic] Stop for their NC-style hot dog, or at Vito’s for a slice of pizza, or at Tower 7 for a Baha-style taco always satiate street-food cravings. But after living in Wilmington for 15 years now, I’ve found a host of other Wrightsville eateries prove as decadent. South Beach Grill’s rich and gooey seafood nachos serve up creamy crab-and-shrimp-like dip atop fresh fried flour tortillas, cheese and jalepenos.

Robert’s Grocery is the only grocer on the island, offering not only country-cookin’ meat-and-threes for lunch but containers of their famous chicken salad that tastes as Southern as sweet tea (that means it’s made with sweet relish, egg and onion, y’all). Robert’s chicken salad is traditional Wrightsville fare, and can only be enjoyed to its maximum on the beach whilst the kids are building sand castles and running about with hermit crabs in their hands.

Buoy 32 Bistro may be one of the finest dining establishments on the island, thanks to the luxe talent of Chef Eric Gephart, a Top 10 Wilmington Chef finalist for the StarNews. Gephart makes dining out fun and eclectic, especially when trying his tempura tuna lollipops—a favorite item on the appetizer menu that takes the fun of eating things on a stick to all-new gourmet heights. Even though the lollipops are tempura-battered and fried, the tuna in the middle is perfectly medium rare and to be dipped in a lovely wasabi sauce.

Causeway Cafe is the breakfast haven of Wrightsville Beach, drawing in diners from all over town. Anyone going on a Saturday or Sunday morning should prepare to wait—but, oh, how the wait is worth it after one bite of their malt pancakes. Causeway’s patty cakes are huge and fluffy, making mornings something to look forward to as long as maple syrup and fresh-brewed coffee is involved. Oh, and they have super large omelets made a variety of ways, too.

When people think of beach living, they often consider seafood the meal du jour—for every “du jour” on any menu. On the island, Oceanic is well-known for its seafood-serving reputation and, most notably, its waterside dining. Aside from having the best crab dip in town, along with typical seafood fare of salmon, tuna, mahi-mahi, shrimp, scallops, grouper and so on, it offers pier dining right on the Atlantic—something truly mesmerizing, but, please, don’t feed the seagulls.

5. Attend free concerts. At Bluewater, diners enjoy Intracoastal Waterway-dining, while watching boats flock in and out among calmer waters. While the seafood and drinks may be a few reasons folks go to Bluewater (4 Marina Drive.), during the summer their live-music Sundays are just as big of a draw. Their concert series brings local music to the deck, including bands like Big Fish (rock) on the 28th and The Schoolboys (classic rock) on July 5th. Cocktails flow, good times roll, and the party starts at 4pm.

Wrightsville Beach Park plays host to WECT’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series, which welcomes local bands on the lawn some Thursdays, 6:30-8pm. Concert-goers can hear and see acts like the Craig Woolard Band (beach/Top 40) play on July 9th and Jason Marks Band on August 6th. The concert is always free, and folks can bring lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy.

6. Shop for souvenirs. Every beach trip requires ye ol’ souvenir shopping for those poor people back home who didn’t get to enjoy the surf-and-sand vacation. Sure, Wrightsville has the typical Wings (who can pass up hermit-crab shopping?), but it also has many specialty shops offering even more fabulous gifts. Hallelu (84 Waynick Boulevard) is the area’s premier consignment shop, selling new and gently-used high-end fashion for really affordable prices. They often have some of the cutest jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories made to shine against the perfect bronze tan.

Sweetwater Surf Shop (10 N. Lumina Avenue; sweetwatersurfshop.com) and Surf City Surf Shop (530 Causeway Drive; gosurfcity.com) are the only two on the island specializing in all-things tubular. Both are every surfer’s dream, placating wave-riders with top-notch gear and fashions from every surf label imaginable.

On Harbor Island, off Causeway Drive, rests Redix—Wrightsville’s all-in-one stop for beach gear, swimsuits, trinkets, fishing tools, food, beverages, practically anything and everything under the sun. Having been around for eons, Redix is as much a part of Wrightsville Beach as its crashing blue waves. No trip would be complete without a stop here.

7. Take surf lessons. Enjoy the waves beyond simply diving in them and boogie-boarding on them. Find the Moondoggie within, and sign up for lessons. Many places in and around Wrightsville can help finesse surf skills. The folks at Wrightsville Beach Supply Company (1 North Lumina Avenue; wbsupplyco.com), in fact, specialize in it, offering daily classes from 8am to 10am for $45, which includes surfboard rental and lesson. They also offer lessons where folks can pick a two-hour time slot best suited to their schedules for $60 (rentals included).

Other reputable lessons worth checking out include Surf Camp (wbsurfcamp.com), Crystal South Surf Camp (crystalsouthsurfcamp.com), Indo Jax Surf School (indojaxsurfschool.com) and Kowa Bunga Surf Lessons (kowabungasurflessons.com).

8. Fish off the pier. What’s a trip to the ocean without bringing along the rod and reel? While many catch a charter to enjoy the deep-sea variety (captainjot.com, offshoreaccountcharters.com or fishingwrightsvillebeach.com), others prefer the old-fashioned variety of casting off the pier (or even beside of their beach gear onshore). It costs $8 per rod to enjoy the catches of the day at Johnny Mercer’s Pier (walking on the pier only is $1 for adults, 50¢ for kids). Consider it a deal of serene seaside enjoyment.

9. Walk ‘The Loop,’ and stop in at the Wrightsville Beach Museum. All fitness fanatics can be found trekking along the 2.4-mile Loop, which circles many beautiful marshes, the Intracoastal Waterway and Harbor Island. Whether jogging, biking or rollerblading, The Loop is the fashionista of exercise trails in Wilmington—everyone’s showing toned skin most proudly.

Also positioned along the concrete trail is the Wrightsville Beach Museum (wbmuseum.com). The Myers Cottage showcases the history of beach life and what it once entailed before gazilion-dollar mansions took over the land. There are exhibits showcasing the old-fashioned days of Lumina Pavilion, Wrightsville’s hurricane history and even information about the interaction between the people and natural environment. Open Tuesday through Sunday, admission is only $3 (or free for children under 12).

10. Relax. As if anyone needs to iterate such a notion, there is nothing more peaceful and invigorating then mere relaxation on the beach. Tuck those feet deep into the sand for an exfoliation unlike any other, cuddle up to a book, and lather on the sunscreen. Life really doesn’t get much better than this.—Shea Carver

TOPSAIL ISLAND
Taking into consideration all of Southeastern North Carolina’s barrier island beaches, Topsail Island seems to be the odd one out. Being awkwardly situated between Wilmington and Jacksonville and with both cities offering other, closer beaches, Topsail rarely seems to catch popular attention. It’s a shame, too, because the 26-mile long island offers enough history, businesses and uncrowded beaches to rival any of its better-known brothers. Within the three communities found on the island (North Topsail, Surf City, Topsail Beach) there lives roughly 3,300 permanent residents, with tourist season ballooning the population considerably. As one local put it, Topsail Island is “big enough to serve, small enough to make you happy.”

1. Absorb the history. As with most coastal communities throughout NC, history and legend are a large part Topsail Island’s allure. Said to have been named so because of the pirates that would hide on the sound side of the island waiting for merchant ships to pass; the merchants quickly learned to look for the topsails of the pirate ships sticking up just above the dunes. Shortly after World War II, Topsail was also used as a military missile test site, evidence of which can still be found dotting the island. Sticking out noticeably between extravagant oceanfront homes are small concrete missile observation towers. The Topsail Area Guide pamphlet mentions that the result of this missile testing, the ram jet engine, makes Topsail “to jet flight what Kitty Hawk is to propeller flight.”

The Missiles and More Museum, located in the Assembly Building just south of Surf City, displays Topsail’s fascinating history in more depth. While small, the museum packs a lot of information into the space it has and is only open from 2 to 4pm April through October.

2. Meet the turtles. A short walk from the Missiles and More Museum is the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center which holds similar hours (see www.topsailbeach.org for exact schedules). Because of their odd hours and close proximity, these two must-sees of Topsail Island go together perfectly.

The sea turtle hospital gets very crowded around opening time at 2pm. Its quick tour, while shaded, is open-air, and temperatures can get rather hot, making the less popular and air-conditioned museum a welcome stop afterward. Of the two, the sea turtle hospital is more kid-friendly, featuring turtles as big as 3 feet wide that pop their heads out of the water as though greeting their visitors. There are, however, strict rules against touching and photography.

3. Discover the bars and nightlife. For people who don’t find the beach itself quite relaxing enough, Buddy’s Crab House and Oyster Bar gives one and all the chance to sip a beer while looking at the ocean. Known as a hangout for local surfers, Buddy’s is located just beside the Surf City pier and has an outdoor shaded area open to the sea breeze. Grab a drink from the bar and head upstairs for one of the best views on Topsail.

Further down the island and just inside the North Topsail town limits, the Sand Bar Saloon is a great place for late-night carousing that is also popular with locals. Its downstairs videogame arcade is open all day, with the second-story bar opening at 7pm.

4. Be treated to a pick-me-up. When it comes to food and shopping, Topsail more than delivers, with many stores offering both in the same building. The Topsail Island Trading Company in Surf City is one such business, featuring clothing, various knick-knacks and its widely praised, homemade fudge. More than one of the tourists I talked to recommended I seek it out for the fudge alone.

For caffeine fiends like myself, Quarter Moon Books and Gifts on Topsail Beach (in the same vicinity as the museum) has coffee hot and cold for every season, as well as Internet access, smoothies and new and used literature. From my personal distinction between genuine kindness and hi-how-can-I-help-you commercial politeness, Quarter Moon also had the friendliest staff of my entire visit to Topsail.

5. Tune into nature. For those of us who like to mix nature into our day whenever possible, Herrings Outdoor Sports in Surf City offers bicycle and fishing-rod rentals as well as kayak tours through the local sound. Herrings’ shop has all the outdoor gear needed for excursions into the Topsail area wilderness. The owner of Herrings recommends the nearby Lee and Permuda islands for hiking enthusiasts who are just too down-to-earth for paddling.

Sadly, like so many other beach communities, most all of the land on Topsail Island has been developed, with little room left for nature except the waves themselves. While I didn’t get the chance to check it out myself to verify its authenticity (so much of what is labeled “nature” these days involves a dozen tiny trees and a dirt path between them), North Topsail’s town park reputedly has a nature trail.

6. Explore in style. While Topsail has no shortage of places to buy anything and everything related to the beach, I cannot recommend Bert’s Surf Shop highly enough. Bert’s is a local chain that has become an eastern NC staple, with its stores in close proximity to all our beaches, Topsail included. Bert’s is inarguably one of the best places to go for the latest styles in beach clothing—including Reefs, Rainbows, Calcutta sunglasses, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong and more—as well as being a great place to pick out a surf or skateboard, like a nice new BIC or Sector.

7. Grab some grub. Just two doors down from Bert’s in Surf City is Island Delights, a local joint offering burgers and pitas to go along with its ‘50s atmosphere. Not the sort of place to be offended by bathing suits or bare feet, Island Delights makes for a tasty end to an afternoon of swimming and sun bathing.

Not far from Island Delights is New York Corner Deli (NYCD), owned and operated by the local Hoffman family. In addition to their sandwiches on homemade bread, NYCD offers breakfast and ice cream for every craving.

8. Enjoy the shrimp and grits. Speaking of grub, by far the highlight of my dining experience on Topsail Island was Beach Shop and Grill, a restaurant just across the road from Quarter Moon that was recommended to me by locals and tourists alike. While they do have a small gift-shop area, that is not why the name “Beach Shop Grill” was on so many lips—or why it deserves a category of its very own.

Now, I’ve grown up eating seafood at esteemed local restaurants and family reunions, so I have a fairly good idea of what makes for “good” seafood. I do not exaggerate when I say that Beach Shop Grill’s shrimp and grits is the best seafood dish I have ever tasted in my entire life—oh my god! With shrimp, sausage, bell peppers and onions covered in a lobster cream sauce surrounding a central cheese grit cake, I thought it looked pretty enough to put a bikini on. Long after becoming full to the point of bursting, I couldn’t help but shove forkful after forkful of the delicious dish into my mouth.

9. Meet and greet the people. Topsail Island seemingly rises above the tourists-versus-locals vibe so common to North Carolina beaches, where tempers can rise just as high as the temperature. However, everyone at Topsail, locals and tourists alike, appears content with their quiet, out-of-the-way beach, and it shows in just how eager they are to have a friendly chat with a stranger. I suspect that the Topsail populace may even be a little proud of their distinction as one of NC’s lesser-known barrier islands. Anyone looking for an escape from the stress of city life (such as it is in NC) will find a visit to Topsail to be just what the doctor ordered.

10. Stroll the beach and piers. No visit to one of NC’s barrier islands would be complete without a dip in the ocean and a walk on a pier. While there is little to be found on Topsail’s beaches that isn’t common among other islands of its type in NC, Topsail does offer an uncommon amount of public beach access points with ample free parking. Topsail also has a pier for each of its three towns and all of them let visitors take a stroll out over the waves for just a dollar.—Shane Arthur.

Topsail Island Calendar of Events:

• June 24th and July 1st: Turtle Talks—Sponsored by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center (a.k.a. The Sea Turtle Hospital), this one-hour presentation (3:45-4:45pm) is filled with fun, hands-on opportunities, visuals and handouts. For ages 5-adult. Please leave food and drinks at home. No live turtles will be present. Turtle Talks are held on the mainland at Surf City Community Center. Free with donations greatly appreciated.

• June 26th: Bald Fury—This classic-rock band begins at 9pm, playing at the Brass Pelican Club, 2112 N. New River Drive in Surf City. Don’t miss folk-rock band Arise, Awake the next day, June 27th.

• July 3rd: Concert and Fireworks in the Park—Check out the live music of Mark Roberts and Breeze from 6-8:30pm with fireworks beginning at 9pm. Soundside Park, next to swing bridge on the island in Surf City.

• July 8th: NC Aquarium Summer Outreach Program—From 10:30-11:30am at the Surf City Community Center, 201 Community Center Drive, this program entitled “Shark Attack” will prove to be both educational and fun.

• July 10th: Movies in the Park—At Soundside Park next to the Swing Bridge on the island in Surf City, movies begin at dark around 8:15pm. Tonight’s showing is Nanny McPhee (PG), a film by Emma Thompson that is the motion picture adaptation of the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand.

PLEASURE ISLAND
When I think of Pleasure Island I drift back to my childhood. I spent my days soaking up the sun on the beach, and in the evenings the scent of freshly charred grill marks and juicy steamed shrimp wafted through the air calling me home. But this little island has so much more to offer than just the beach itself. Now named one of the top summer destinations in the country by The New York Times, Pleasure Island truly has something for everyone who yearns for activity: locals and tourists, alike.

1. Experience the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. If education is a goal, look no further than the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Each exhibit displays the different habitats that form in our area of the Cape Fear River. A large, tree-filled atrium welcomes visitors to the freshwater exhibit, stocked fully with everything from catfish and box turtles, to NC’s indigenious Venus Flytraps, to its newest member, Luna, a rare albino alligator.

Inside, visitors will find the Coastal Waters Gallery, which includes the Coquina Outcrop Touch Pool where visitors can get up close and personal—even touch!—with creatures such as sea urchins and horseshoe crabs.
The Cape Fear Shoals exhibit is the largest exhibit, holding a whopping 235,000 gallons of saltwater, and a multitude of sea life including several species of sharks, stingrays, moray eels and many species of fish that can be found right off our local shores.

The aquarium also offers many daily programs and special events for visitors. Each day during Dialog with a Diver, a dive-trained aquarium volunteer dives into the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit and answers guest’s questions from underwater, while being able to interact with certain animals and point them out to guests. At 10:30am and 2:30pm each day, this event is highly anticipated. Hours: 9am-5pm daily. 900 Loggerhead Road. 1-866-301-3476. www.ncaquariums.com.

2. Explore Fort Fisher Historical Sites. Fort Fisher is not only home to beautiful beaches and a thriving ecosystem, but history was made here, too! Visit the Fort Fisher Historical Sites to learn about the island’s important role as one of the last remaining supply routes to the Confederacy in the last few months of the Civil War. At the museum see exhibits like a Fiber-Optic Battle Map with narrations that tell the tale of Fort Fisher’s last hours, including the Union Naval bombardment and the Confederate surrender at Battery Buchanan.

The museum also displays bullets, rifles, clothing, flags of the Civil War and other items from this period. Step outside of the museum for tours of Shepherd’s Battery, a restored gun emplacement featuring a 32-pound fully operational seacoast cannon, and walking trails surrounding the remnants of the original fort. During the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays at 11am and 3pm, these walking tours will include a costumed guide and a small arms demonstration. Admission to the museum and tours is free, but donations are appreciated. Monday through Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sundays, 1-5pm. 1610 Ft. Fisher Blvd South. (910) 458-5538. www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm.

3. Go wild with Pleasure Island Safari Tours. To see Pleasure Island in a different way, why not book one of the many guided tours offered by Pleasure Island Safari? For $45 per hour, climb aboard Zork, the zebra-striped Land Rover, and discover the wonders of the island from its dune systems, maritime forests and carnivorous plants, to tours that provide puppy playtime, shell and shark tooth hunting, and tales of the famous Fort Fisher Hermit.

Reservations are required, so call in advance: (910) 538-7474; www.pleasureislandsafari.com.

4. Enjoy Pleasure Island Rentals and Surfing Lessons. For those who really want to get out and enjoy nature, but don’t have the equipment to do so, just call Pleasure Island Rentals and get set up with anything from chairs and umbrellas, to jet skis and family-sized Surrey bikes. They also offer surfing lessons with certified instructors to any skill level—ages 10 and up—and kayak tours around the Fort Fisher Basin, including their spectacular sunrise and sunset tours.

Price for rentals and surfing lessons varies but all kayak tours are $55 and require a reservation. They even have a delivery service and online item reservation. 2 North Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-4747; www.pleasureislandrentals.com.

5. Stroll or fish the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. This 712-foot fishing pier is one of the oldest piers on the Atlantic Coast and will certainly be enjoyed by those who have caught that summer itch to fish. Having stood the test of half a dozen hurricanes, the Kure Beach Pier is not only a delightful place to spend the afternoon but an icon of the island. Those with a fishing license and the $5 pier fee can lounge along the benches that border the pier waiting for that tell-tale tug on their line.

The pier also sells bait, tackle, rods and reels, coolers, food and apparel for those looking for the perfect souvenir. While Mom and Dad try their luck at fishing, send the kids inside to the pier’s arcade stocked with pool tables, a jukebox and various video games that are sure to keep them busy. The pier also periodically hosts fishing tournaments to serve those competitive streaks among guests. (910) 458-5524; www.kurebeachfishingpier.com/index.html.

6. Have some fun at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. Since the closing of Jubilee Park in my childhood, Pleasure Island has been in desperate need of a new amusement park, and I’m glad to say that the situation has finally been remedied. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park opened on May 22nd and has a decent selection of rides considering the small area in which it rests. Grown-ups and children alike can roam this park and play games of chance to win oversized stuffed animals or hop on the Tilt-A-Whirl or The Scrambler for a spin.

The park also has a Ferris Wheel which offers a great view of the Boardwalk and the ocean from its top (cover photo). If stomachs start rumbling while enjoying the rides, don’t worry: The park also sells funnel cakes and other fair foods. A short walk down the Boardwalk are delicious slices of pizza at Frank’s.

The park is open seven days a week: 10am-11pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 10am-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $1.50 each, and most rides cost between two to three tickets. All-day passes are available for $25.

7. Sink some teeth into Britt’s donuts. If there is one true must-do while visiting Pleasure Island, it would be a stop at Britt’s Donuts. Britt’s has been a Boardwalk icon since opening in 1939, and their secret donut recipe rivals any other I have ever experienced. Don’t think about asking for a menu because they only make one thing: the hottest, freshest glazed donuts sold for 75 cents a pop.

Get em’ quick because Britt’s is only open during the summer, but luckily they’re open seven days a week from 8:30am-10:30pm to curb those post-beach donut cravings.

8. Eat at Freddie’s Restaurant. When dinnertime rolls around, don’t even think about heading off the island into Wilmington for more variety. Pleasure Is land has an abundance of flavor for any taste or craving. Freddie’s Restaurante in Kure Beach is not the typical beach seafood shack or the overpriced tourist trap that so many beach communities boast. Freddie’s cooks up Italian-American cuisine that is so good the lines start trailing out the restaurant door early into the evening.

A simple salad with tomatoes, chick peas, beet slices and owner Barbara Gargan’s famous salad dressing is a must for any diner to start off their meal. Barb won’t tell what’s in it, but its sweet, herb-infused flavor is what elevates this salad to new heights. While serving Italian favorites like lasagna and chicken cacciatore, and boasting a nice selection of fresh seafood dishes, Freddie’s is truly famous for its pork chops. At an inch thick each, Freddie’s pork chops can come with toppings ranging from simple salt and pepper to the Rum Runner—a glaze of rum-molasses and covered with grilled peaches. 111 K Avenue. (910) 458-5979; www.freddieskurebeach.com.

9. Catch the live music and fireworks at the Gazebo Stage. When Thursday nights roll around, and people are looking for an exciting way to kick-start the weekend, head back over to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for free live music and fireworks. Bands begin playing at 6:30pm and play until the fireworks display begins around 9:30pm.

With bands ranging from Tom Rhodes and The Rhodes Scholars (rock), playing July 30th, to the Notorious Gringos (Texas hillbilly-rock) playing September 3rd, there is something for any music fan at the Boardwalk. For a complete list of bands, visit www.pleasureislandnc.org/fireworksbythesea.asp.

10. Camping at the North End. For a relaxing end to the night, the undeveloped end of Carolina Beach, also known as the North End, or Freeman Park, is open to visitors who can access the beach with a 4x4 vehicle. The area is extremely popular with locals who set up camp and spend the evening lounging around the fire, enjoying the company of friends.

Daily permits to drive on the beach are only $10 per vehicle, and annual passes can be purchased for $50 per vehicle with valid driver’s license and registration. Pets are allowed, but just like other trash, make sure to leave the beach with the same clean, natural beauty as it was found. For other rules and regulations, visit www.pleasureislandnc.org/freemanpark-rules.asp.

While Pleasure Island is a beach retreat for thousands during the summer months, the island has much more to offer than simple sun and sand activity. No matter the age, activity level or taste, Pleasure Island truly has something for everyone.—Anna Brown

Pleasure Island Calendar of Events:

• June 28th (and every Sunday through August): Free Movies at the Lake—Tonight’s showing is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13). Once across Snow’s Cut Bridge, the Carolina Beach Lake is approximately one and a quarter mile on the right. Movies start at dusk (around 8:45pm) and are subject to change. 910-458-8434.

• July 3rd: Independence Day fireworks—Enjoy the sparkling bright explosions in the sky to celebrate the hard-won independence of our country and family time in the summer. 910-458-8434.

• July 10th-12th: Got-Em-On Classic King Mackerel Fishing Tournament—Call 910-458-8434 to sign up and get more information. And be sure to bring that A-game!

SOUTHPORT/OAK ISLAND
Established in 1972, the city of Southport has a current population of just over 2,300. Yet, despite its small size, the city has something for every vacationer looking to get away. Located in Brunswick County at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this coastal city offers everything from kayak rentals to guided ghost tours. Here is how I would choose to make the most of a visit to this sleepy beach town:

1. Visit the Maritime Museum. The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is a must-see for everyone in the family! The museum was first established in the early 1900s, beginning as no more than a collection of fish mounts, fishing tackle and bird skins. But this Southport mainstay has since expanded into two different branches and tons of fun exhibits—including a boat shed with a collection of actual traditional, working watercrafts!

The museum focuses on the vast nautical history of the lower Cape Fear region. It strives to “collect, preserve, research, document and interpret the maritime history of North Carolina,” while adding important perspectives on coastal ecology and barrier-island ecology. Taking a look at the museum’s collection of exhibits, memorabilia and objects found on and in the Cape Fear River will inspire the history- and nature-lover in all of us. Call 910-457-0003 for more information, or visit www.ncmaritime.org. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, located at 116 N. Howe Street.

2. Rent a kayak or bike. For those looking for a little outdoor adventure on the water, The Adventure Company in Southport offers kayak sales and rentals, as well as guided tours and lessons. The tours venture to exciting, concealed sites like Dutchman Creek and The Black River. It is the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn about the waters surrounding coastal North Carolina and to meet fellow adventurers!

The Adventure Company also offers beginner and intermediate kayak lessons for travelers looking to try something new. Tours feature environmental-education programs to help citizens become more aware of their impact on the natural world, and instructs participants on how to preserve the environment within everyday life. Crabbing workshops and fishing clinics are also available.

Tours last anywhere from 2-4 hours. Call 910-454-0607 for more information or to make reservations. Visit www.theadventurecompany.net for locations, dates and times of kayak tours.

Another way to enjoy the environment among and around Southport is to take a historic bicycle tour, a great way to learn about Southport’s exciting history while getting exercise and spending time outdoors. Participants will get their fill of educational lore while pedaling by Fort Johnston, Brunswick Inn, the Old Brunswick Jail, the Crimes of the Heart home, The Indian Trail Tree and all along the Cape Fear River. Custom group tours are also available.

Tours last one hour. There is a $15 charge for the tour (if participants bring their own bikes and helmets) or $25 for the tour and bike rental. Participants must pre-register by calling The Adventure Company at 910-454-0607 and must mail a check to the company at 807 Howe St. Southport, NC, 28461. Visit www.theadventurecompany.net for schedules and times.

3. Take a horse-’n’-buggy ride. The Smithville Horse-’n’-Buggy Company in Southport gives carriage rides for all occasions. Whether visitors are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a good time, the carriage promises to take passengers for a fun ride all over Southport. The rides feature exquisite horses pulling extravagant carriages, as though the entire experience is a step into a fairy-tale land. Carriage drivers are dressed in old-fashioned black coats with long tails in the back, reflecting the charm of quaint Southport.

Reservations are accepted. Call Rodney and Denita Derr Melton at 910-477-2045 for more information, or e-mail them at southportcarriage@yahoo.com. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Prices vary for special events.

4. Take a ghost and history tour. Considering the background of a town as old and rich in history as Southport, visitors will be sure to shiver with delight along its Ghosts and History Tales Tour. The tours include tales about Indians, pirates, river pilots, blockade runners, soldiers, slaves, the Civil War and more. Tour participants are invited to walk among the spooky locations that are said to be the home of Southport’s most outspoken ghosts. For visitors looking for a scare, the tour promises to dig up some horrifying history!

Tours are $10 per person and $5 for children under 12, beginning 15 minutes before sunset from the foot of Howe Street. Call Noel for reservations at 910-540-4790.

5. Take a Trolley Tour. Trolley Tours of Southport offer 45-minute narrated adventures that investigate the magnificent beauty and charm of historic Southport. The tour covers a variety of topics, including historical homes, TV/movie locations, forts/soldiers, explorers/settlers, ghosts, pirates, lighthouses and railroads. The tour promises that “as you cruise the quaint streets under the old oak trees, your mind will drift back to a simpler time as we bring to life the homes, people and events of our area.”

The trolley will visit all of the historic homes in Southport, as well as locations where famous movies were filmed, like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember.

The trolley departs from the Southport waterfront on the hour, Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm, June through August. It is also available for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, reunions, parties and group tours. Private charters are available all year round.

6. Visit Orton Plantation. Just a short drive up the road from Southport is the resplendent Orton Plantation, one of America’s finest gardens. Featuring magnificent live oaks, magnolia and cypress trees, Orton is a beautiful haven of some of the South’s most acclaimed natural wonders.

Built in 1735, the plantation is said to be the epitome of antebellum architecture and is one of the oldest-standing structures in Brunswick County. Its history includes going under attack by Native Americans, being used as a military hospital, and serving as home to a Colonial governor. The plantation has spacious lawns and ponds that provide an impressive setting for thousands of azaleas, camellias, annuals and rare flowering plants. Bird lovers may spot some unique species in the gardens and old rice fields. Of note to film buffs, the plantation has been featured in several popular motion pictures like Lolita and The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.

The plantation is open March through August, 8am-6pm, and September through November, 10am-5pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for senior citizens (60+), $3 for children (6-16), and free for children under 6. A season pass is $23 for adults and $20 for seniors. Located at 9149 Orton Road; call 910-371-6851 or visit www.ortongardens.com for more information.

7. Take a historic boat tour. Captain Bert Felton will gladly take passengers for a ride on the Heritage Boat, Solomon T, a 1938 traditional North-Carolina workboat. Gliding along the Cape Fear River, the tour features stories about colonial times, Southport pilots, lighthouses, The Revolutionary War, The Civil War, World War II, U.S. Live Saving Service, coast guards, coastal birds, marine life, workboats and ocean ships. Felton is extremely educated on the history of the region and has been known to adjust the tour schedule to meet the interests of the passengers. For those interested in Southeastern NC history, the boat tour is a fantastic way to learn about the region while exploring the pristine coastal waters.
A maximum of six people is allowed per tour. Each tour lasts an hour and a half, and the cost is $25 per adult and $10 per child 12 and under. Call 910-457-5302 for more information, or e-mail Bert at felton@ec.rr.com. Also visit www.solomontsouthport.com (which features a blog!).

8. Eat at Yacht Basin Provision Company. Favored by Southport locals and regulars alike, “Provisions” is a tiny restaurant overlooking the Southport Yacht Basin and the Intracoastal Waterway. Featured in Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines, this stellar seafood joint consists only of outdoor seating and offers fresh seafood at completely affordable prices. After a day of walking around Southport, Provisions will give visitors a place to sit right on the water, enjoy each other’s company and eat some delicious coastal fare.

Try the grilled yellowfin tuna sandwich or the crab-cake burger for lunch, as they are sure not to disappoint hungry diners. The casual atmosphere, spectacular views and welcoming staff will provide a relaxing break from a day of sightseeing. Plus, Provisions is just a short walk from some of Southport’s most photogenic landscapes.

9. Visit the Waterfront Park, and take a walk along the historic Southport Riverwalk. The historic Southport Riverwalk meanders from the Old Yacht Basin and Southport Marina to Bonnet’s Creek, offering spectacular views of surrounding waters. The riverwalk also features a waterfront park, complete with picnic benches and swinging seats, perfect for packing a lunch and eating amongst the breathtaking scenery.

10. Catch some live music in the great outdoors. The South has no shortage of talented live entertainment, and the town of Southport is no different. Every Sunday through Labor Day weekend, from 2-4pm, the Summer Sundays concert and entertainment series takes place at Keziah Park, on the corner of Lord and Moore streets. The event’s admission is free, sponsored by the City of Southport Department of Tourism. Call 910-457-7927 for details.—Melanie Clark

Southport/Oak Island Calendar of Events:

• June 25th: “Love Letters”—Stage II Theatre presents dinner and a show, “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Doors open at 6pm, and dinner begins at 6:30pm. Dinner and dessert catered by Fuzzy Mae’s Café. The entrée will be fried chicken or beef roast, served with homemade mashed potatoes, dirty rice, green beans, and broccoli-and-cheese casserole. Banana pudding will be served for dessert. There will be a cash bar for beer and wine.

The cost for admission is $30 per person, $50 per couple. Tickets are available at Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Ricky Evans Gallery and Fuzzy Mae’s Café (832 N. Howe Street in Southport).

• June 26th: Get Smart—Beginning at 8pm at Middleton Park Cinema, the Town of Oak Island will present the film Get Smart (PG-13), starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson. A concession stand will be open. Bring a blanket or lounge chairs; no glass items. The film will show weather permitting, located at the soccer field behind the Oak Island police station (46th Street, Oak Island). Admission is free.

• June 27th: 31st annual North Carolina 4th of July Festival Freedom Run—This 5K Freedom Run/Walk and 1-mile Freedom Run/Walk begins at 8am. Shirt pickup and registration will take place on Friday, June 26th, from 6-8pm and Saturday, June 27th, from 6:15-7:55am. Located at the Southport Waterfront Park on Bay Street in Southport; 910-457-5578. Admission is $20.

• June 27th: NC Coastal Land Trust Paddle Tour—Experienced guides from the Adventure Company will lead participants along the Waccamaw River. Meet at 8am at the Southeastern Welcome Center at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 130. The tour fee is $50, or participants can bring their own kayak and gear, dropping the rate $25 per single and $40 per double. Five dollars of the tour fee will be donated to the Coastal Land Trust. The Adventure Company: 910-454-0607; space is limited, so call to sign up.

• June 27th: Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament—Dust off the drivers and irons, and head to the Lakes Country Club, 591 S. Shore Drive in Boiling Spring Lakes, for a round of golf. A fee will be charged; contact Mary Stilwell at 910-845-2762 for more details.

• July 1st-4th: N.C. 4th of July Festival—Arts, crafts, a parade, a 5K run, food, entertainment, children’s games, a naturalization ceremony and more will abound at this popular annual festival. See www.nc4thofjuly.com for a full schedule of events, or contact the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce (910-457-5578) for more information. Most events are free.