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Enjoy Some Target Practice at Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range

Located in Southport, the Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range has a variety of activities for you. If you would like to learn how to shoot a gun, you can take safety classes and get your concealment certification at the range. If you want to spend some time doing target practice, the covered area and practice ranges are just the thing for you! Their ranges include black powder, archery and trap shooting ranges, as well as 25-500 yard rifle ranges and 7-25 yard pistol ranges. For more information about range hours or for directions to the range, contact the Ye Olde Gun Club and Shooting Range at (910) 278-3763.

Take a Nature Trip To Bird Island

If you like adventure and you enjoy viewing wildlife, you may enjoy a trip to Bird Island while you are in the Brunswick County area. Bird Island is at the south end of Sunset Beach and is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina. The State of North Carolina purchased the island so it could be protected from development, and several species of shorebirds live on Bird Island. An anonymous visitor created the "Kindred Spirit" mailbox, which gives nature lovers that visit the island a place to leave notes and letters about their experiences on the island.

Eat Some Authentic Seafood in the Small Town of Calabash

Calabash is a small town in the Brunswick County area that is known as the "Seafood Capital of the World." Many people travel to Calabash each year to enjoy their unique style of seafood, which mixes southern cooking with seafood to create a unique taste known as "Calabash-style." With its location near the Atlantic Ocean and also as the most southernmost river town in North Carolina, the first Calabash Restaurant was opened in 1935 as an oyster roast. If you enjoy seafood, you may want to stop in and try some seafood - "Calabash-style!"

Go Surfing

While the location of the Brunswick County beaches produce moderate surf that is more suited for body boarding, some surfing can still be done in the area. Just north of Brunswick County, the Topsail Island beaches offer great surfing conditions and are just a short drive from Brunswick County. Before you head out for a day of surfing, be sure to check the local weather and tide reports, and be aware of local regulations. For more information on local regulations, as well as information about surfing lessons, you can contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-3925. To purchase surfing gear, you can reach Local Call Surf Shop of Oak Island at (910) 278-3306; while Beach Fun Rentals of Holden Beach at (888) 355-4446 offers equipment rentals.

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.

Stroll Through the Waterfront Park of Southport

The Waterfront Park of Southport's unique location at the end of Howe Street will give you a great view of the area's waters and other landmarks. Located where the waters of the Cape Fear River, Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway meet, you can see the Oak Island Lighthouse and the Bald Head Island Lighthouse from this park. Located in the park is a trail that is almost a mile long and takes you through the city's waterfront. While you are in Southport, visiting this park is a great way to get a feel for the area's rich maritime history.

Enjoy an Afternoon of Water-SkiIng

Brunswick County offers a variety of great waters that are suited for water-skiing, which is a popular recreational activity that can't always be enjoyed in coastal areas. In Brunswick County, the 22-mile stretch of beach between Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach is great for skiing because of its quiet surf. Also, northwest of Southport in Boiling Spring Lakes you will find Big Lake, which offers great water-skiing conditions and a free public boat ramp on Alton Lennon Drive.

Take a Trip To Winnabow To Tour the Natural Beauty Garden Spot

The Natural Beauty Garden Spot, located in Winnabow, is a local greenhouse that features a variety of local plant, shrub and tree species. Most of their products are grown in their greenhouse and include hanging baskets, trees, shrubs and bedding plants. If you are interested in learning more about the business, they offer greenhouse tours, though you will want to call ahead to make reservations. They are open from March to June, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Natural Beauty Garden Spot at (910) 253-5777.

Go Shopping For Souvenirs at the Lighthouse Crafts and Gifts

Lighthouse Crafts and Gifts of Holden Beach is a great gift shop where you may be able to find that perfect Brunswick County souvenir! While you are in the area, you may want to stop in and check out everything this shop has to offer. For more information, you can contact Lighthouse Crafts and Gifts at (910) 842-5740.

Go Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular water sport that is enjoyed in many coastal areas, and Brunswick County is no exception. In the Oak Island area, many windsurfers enjoy their sport in the ocean waters. Some other area waters like the Shallotte Inlet and River and the Intracoastal Waterway are decent options, but not always great options because of their limited space. For more information about windsurfing in the area, or for information about equipment, contact Blowing in the Wind at (888) 691-8034, which is the area's kite and wind shop and is located in Wilmington.