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Watch Sea Turtle Nests

Brunswick County is one of the largest counties in North Carolina and is almost entirely surrounded by water, wetlands, and wooded areas. Because of the natural habitats found in Brunswick County, a variety of animals make their homes here. Sea turtles are no exception, and the endangered animals are protected by a variety of sea turtle protection programs that are in place in Brunswick County. A variety of volunteers monitor nests of sea turtle species, and during the June and July hatching season, volunteers watch the nests to ensure turtle hatchlings can make it safely to sea. If you happen to be in the area during the hatching season, you may be able to experience one of these amazing egg hatchings. For more information, contact the Ocean Isle Beach Turtle Watch Program at (910) 579-1016 or the Bald Head Island Turtle Sanctuary and Conservancy at (910) 457-0089.

Practice Your Swing at the Driving Range

If you enjoy golfing but don't have time to golf a full round at a local course, you may want to check out a local driving range. Holden Beach Driving Range is a lighted facility that has lessons available on-site. A pro shop and batting cages are also available at this location. At this range in Holden Beach, you can practice your swing 24 hours a day, because when no staff is on duty, there is a self-payment booth for your convenience. For more information, contact the Holden Beach Driving Range of Holden Beach at (910) 842-3717. Another option is the Pro Tee Practice Range in Ocean Isle Beach. They have 36 fully lighted stations, a pro shop, refreshment area, batting cages, and a mini golf course. This facility is open daily and operates with a self-payment booth. For more information, contact the Pro Tee Practice Range at (910) 754-4700.

Relax or Enjoy Activities at an Area Park

The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department oversees numerous community and district parks in the area. All of these parks feature a variety of great facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, football and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Some of the parks have other features like community buildings, horseshoes and shuffleboard. If you need a place to play or relax for an afternoon, one of these area parks is just the thing for you! For more information on parks in Brunswick County, contact the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department at (800) 222-4790.

Take a Trip on the Bald Head Island Ferry

The Bald Head Island Ferry takes passengers from the Southport ferry terminal to Bald Head Island. Cars are not allowed on this ferry - it only has capacity for pedestrians, bicycles, and electric carts. A round-trip ferry pass is $15.00 per person, $8.00 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids under 2 years old. The ferry operates daily and leaves the Southport Ferry Terminal every hour from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except at 12:00 p.m. (noon.) To return to Southport, the ferry leaves Bald Head Island every hour on the half-hour, except at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact the Bald Head Island Ferry at (800) 234-1666.

Visit Area Historic Churches

If you are interesting in viewing some of the area's beautiful historic churches, then Southport is just the place for you! The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's is the oldest church in Southport and was actively used until 2004. The church is open 24 hours a day and still hosts some religious ceremonies. For more information, contact The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's at (910) 457-5643. Next, you will find the Trinity United Methodist Church, which was built in 1890 and has beautiful stained glass windows, a beaded ceiling and other unique architectural features. For more information, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at (910) 457-6633. Also in Southport is St. Philip's Parish at the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site. This church was built in 1768 and was burned down shortly after that by the British, in 1776. Today, you can see ruins of the structure and some Colonial-era graves. Some religious services are still held within the ruins. For more information, contact St. Phillip's Parish at (910) 371-6613.

Travel To Myrtle Beach To Visit Ripley's Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an interesting place to visit to view area sea creatures and habitats. Located at the edge of Broadway at the Beach, exhibits and programs in the aquarium will teach you and your children about various aspects of sea life. Many sea creatures are on display, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and other exotic fish species. There is also a unique "Titanic" display for your enjoyment. For more information, contact Ripley's Aquarium at (843) 916-0888.

Enjoy a Performance by the Brunswick Concert Band

The Brunswick Concert Band, located in Southport, is a non-profit group of members throughout the area. Volunteers with a high-school or higher skill level are welcome to join, and must bring their own instrument and be able to read music. Auditions are not required. Various music styles are played by this 16-year old group, including Big Band, jazz, light classical, marches and show tunes. Two concerts are performed each year, as well as a variety of performances at area events. Rehearsal is held every Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Progress Energy Brunswick Energy Center. For more information, contact the Brunswick Concert Band at (910) 371-2062.

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.

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 Agri-Tourism Industry of Brunswick County

There are a number of local farms in Brunswick County that are available for tours. Your family may enjoy an afternoon tour of a produce farm, aquatic farm, cattle or swine farm, or a tobacco or cotton operational farm. Several of the produce farms allow you to pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, and other in-season fruits and vegetables, while the other types of farms will enable you to get a glimpse into the farm operation lifestyle. For an informational guide about the various farms in the area, contact the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610.