Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce

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Attractions

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The area's premier Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Coastal Carolina at Ocean Isle Beach, houses exhibits representing coastal North and South Carolina. An extensive collection of Carolina shells, tide machine, waterfowl diorama, antique fishing equipment, live snakes and artifacts of Native American culture are just a few the many displays. Details about the area's turtle watch program are available at the Museum. Open year-round, the Museum charges a small admission fee. Educational programs for children are held daily throughout the summer. 910-579-1016.

The Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department’s Nature Center – Live animals on display, talking tree trail, restrooms, interpretive trail, walkway and picnic area. 52nd Street Waterway Park, 5202 E. Yacht Drive. Free. 910-278-5518.

Southport Historical Society’s Southport Trail. A relaxed self-guided one mile walk through charming historic Southport. Begin with a stop at the Southport Visitor Center on Moore Street beside the Southport Library. Walkway winds around riverfront to the Southport Marina. Free. 800-388-9635

North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport houses a collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of southeastern North Carolina and offers self-guided tours through 12 designated stations. Items include sharks' teeth, commercial fishing and navigation exhibits, a 2000-year-old canoe fragment and Civil War artifacts recovered from blockade runners and other offshore wrecks. On-site research library, films and programs offered year-round. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, Seniors $1, Age 16 & up $2, Children free. 116 Howe Street, Southport. 910-457-0003.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse. The state's oldest remaining lighthouse, Old Baldy, is open for tours on Bald Head Island. Built in 1817, the 90-foot brick structure helped guide ships safely to the mouth of the Cape Fear River until 1935 when it was replaced by new light at Caswell Beach. Some 100 steps and a wooden ladder lead to the top and a spectacular view of the island, Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. Admission to lighthouse free.

Smith Island Museum of History, also on the island, is housed in a replica of the 19th century lighthouse keeper’s cottage. It houses artifacts and documents from the man-made history of Bald Head, Middle and Bluff Islands. Admission price includes a climb to the top of Old Baldy. www.oldbaldy.org. Museum, 910-457-7481; tours 910-457-5003. Ferry and guided tour reservations required. 910-457-5003 Ferry leaves from Indigo Plantation in Southport. For ferry information, call 800-234-1666.

The open-air ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher accommodates cars, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, all for very reasonable fees. Crossing time is about 30 minutes. During your ride you’ll be escorted by seagulls (bring bread to feed them) and may get a look at other birds and wildlife as well as ocean-going freighters or fishing vessels. The ferry’s winter schedule is shorter than the summer. Because space is limited, you should plan to be in line at the ferry about 30 minutes prior to boarding. Southport office 919-457-6942. Fort Fisher office 919-458-3329. 1-800-BY-FERRY. www.ncferry.org. (see Transportation Section for fares, schedules)

The short ferry ride from Southport to Fort Fisher gives you the best view of the remnants of Price Creek Lighthouse, the only remaining vestige of a chain of lighthouses constructed between 1845 and 1851 from Wilmington to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. During the Civil War, Confederate troops used the lighthouse to communicate with officers at Fort Fisher. It was closed in 1867.

CP&L Visitors Center at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant houses more than 30 exhibits on nuclear energy, energy conservation and electricity. Displays here include an operating model of the two power units. Films and video tapes are shown in the auditorium. The cooling towers are visible from the Southport/Fort Fisher Ferry. Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and in June, July and August on Sunday 1 to 4 pm. Free admission. Write PO Box 10488, Southport, NC 28461 or call 910-457-6041.

Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site. Founded in 1726, Brunswick Town was burned by the British in 1776. The site has been excavated, revealing much of the life in this colonial town. A museum displays artifacts and explains town life. Guide maps of the town and nature trail are provided in the Visitors Center. The ruins include St. Philip's Church, Russellborough, the home of two royal governors, and the earthen mounds of the confederate Fort Anderson. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (shorter hours and Monday closing in winter). Demonstrations are staged each Saturday through the summer. Free admission. North of Southport on NC 133. Write 8884 St. Philips Road SE, Winnabow, NC 28479 or call (910) 371-6613.