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Go Shopping at the Olde Southport Village Shoppes

Located on Howe Street in Southport, the Olde Southport Village Shoppes is a collection of unique shops that are houses in various refurbished old buildings. These unique buildings bring character to the shopping area, as you can shop for today's products but think back to what may have been sold in each store in the past. Shops in the Olde Southport Village offer a variety of products, including jewelry, antiques, glassware, linens, furniture, lotion and spa ware, candy, and more! Whatever you are looking for, you can probably find it while you are in the Olde Southport Village Shoppes.

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.

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.

Play a Tennis Match at an Area Court

Tennis is a popular sport that can be enjoyed year-round in the Brunswick County area, because of its moderate climate. If you and your tennis partner would like to play a few matches while you are in the area, there are a number of public courts available for your use. The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department, headquartered in Bolivia, offers a variety of lessons and courts throughout the county. Lessons are open to children between ages 8 and 12 and are held at town parks in Shallotte, Lockwood Folly, Smithville and Town Creek. Courts in these parks can be used for play when they are not being used for lessons. Also, the Oak Island Recreation Department offers lessons for children and adults, and has some public courts available as well. For more information on either of these facilities, contact the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department at (800) 222-4790 or the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-4747.

Get Married on the Beach

What better place to have your wedding or vow renewal ceremony on the Brunswick County beaches of North Carolina? There is something quite romantic about the incoming waves and ocean breeze that makes the beach a perfect setting for your special ceremony. Because the weather and winds are unpredictable in the area, you may want to have an alternate location available in case of inclement weather. If you are interested in having your ceremony in Brunswick County, you will first need a North Carolina marriage license from the local Register of Deeds office. You can contact the Brunswick County Register of Deeds at (877) 625-9310. If you need help planning your ceremony, A Carolina Wedding of Wilmington may be able to help, and can be reached at (910) 686-2690.

Take an Art Class from the Associated Artists of Southport

The Associated Artists of Southport is a non-profit organization that is housed in the Franklin Square Gallery. The group educates and promotes original art within the community, and offers various workshops and competitions held throughout the year. Drawing and painting classes are held on Monday through Friday, and pottery classes are also held in the facility. Classes and other activities for children are also offered. For more information, contact the Associated Artists of Southport at (910) 278-5562.

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 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is home to a variety of exhibits and artifacts that will teach you about the maritime history of the area. Local shipwreck treasures, sharks' teeth, a fragment from a 2,000-year-old Indian canoe, and shrimping nets are among the items you will find at the museum. Visitors of all ages enjoy the trivia board located in the museum, and there is also a research library and video collection available. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $2.00 for adults (ages 16 and older), $1.00 for seniors (62 and older), and free for children less than 16 years old. For more information, contact the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport at (910) 457-0003.

Have a Meal at 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse

The 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse, located in Southport, offers great views as it overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Depending on your preference, there are three unique environments for you to enjoy your dinner - the main dining rooms, the outdoor patio, or the fully-equipped bar. The atmosphere in the restaurant is sophisticated yet casual, and they serve a variety of food including steak, pork, seafood and poultry. For more information, contact 317 West Bay Waterway Steakhouse at (910) 457-0317.

Day Trip To Lumber River State Park

If you enjoy camping and outdoor activities, you may want to take one or two of your days in the Brunswick County area to travel to Lumber River State Park, which is near Orrum, North Carolina. Located on the Lumber River, this park offers a variety of activities including paddle sports, hiking trails, picnic areas and more! You may want to call ahead for river conditions if you plan to go canoeing or boating, as the water levels are too low for these sports during some times of the year. The park is open year-round, with varying hours of operation depending on the season. For more information, contact the Lumber River State Park at (910) 628-9844.