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Learn about the Nursery Industry at Phillips Nursery

Phillips Nursery is a local plant nursery, located in Leland. You can visit Phillips to see how a nursery of its nature is managed, or you can purchase some North Carolina bushes or shrubs to plant in your landscaping. When you visit Phillips Nursery, you will be able to enjoy a piece of North Carolina in your landscaping, even after your vacation is over! Specializing in container-grown shrubs, shade trees, potting mix and loads of bark, Phillips Nursery is open year-round. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Phillips Nursery at (910) 253-6692.

Visit Railroad Museums in Chadbourn and Fair Bluff

If you are interested in the history of the railroad industry, you may want to take a day trip to some area railroad museums. There are two railroad museums not far from Brunswick County that will teach you about this interesting aspect of history. The Atlantic Coast Line Depot Museum is located in Chadbourn, which is located off U.S. Highway 76 South on N.C. Highway 410. This depot was built in 1910 and is now home to a variety of historical displays and stories about the railroad. Admission is free to the Atlantic Coast Line Museum, which is open on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Also in the area, you will find the Fair Bluff Depot Museum, located in Fair Bluff off U.S. Highway 76 to N.C. Highway 904. This depot was built in 1897 for the Atlantic Coast Line and has a variety of railroad memorabilia. The Fair Bluff Depot Museum also offers free admission, and is open on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information about the Atlantic Coast Line Depot Museum, call (910) 654-6269 and for more information about the Fair Bluff Depot Museum, call (910) 649-7707.

Go Golfing

If you want a break from the beach, golfing a round at a local golf course may be the perfect getaway for you! Because of the area's mild temperatures, most golf courses are available year-round. Brunswick County is home to several great golf courses, any of which will meet your golfing needs. In Southport, there are three courses at St. James Plantation on Highway 211, and each of the courses has something unique to offer. Of these three courses, The Founders Club can be reached at (800) 247-4806, The Members Club can be reached at (800) 474-9277, and The Players can be reached at (800) 281-6626. In Caswell Beach, you will find one of Brunswick County's oldest courses, the Oak Island Golf and Country Club, which can be reached at (800) 278-5275. In Shallotte, Brierwood Golf Club is a championship course and can be reached at (888) 274-3796. Ocean Isle Beach is home to the Brick Landing Plantation, which has 41 sand traps and 12 water holes and can be reached at (800) 438-3006. In Calabash, the Calabash Golf Links can be reached at (800) 841-5971 and the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club can be reached at (800) 579-8292. As you can see, if you enjoy golfing, there are plenty of options for you in Brunswick County!

Go Hunting

Because of the abundant wildlife areas in Brunswick County, many people enjoy visiting the area to go hunting each year. There are a number of areas in the region where hunters can find both large and small game, which include species of deer, black bear, wild turkey, rabbit, and dove. In Brunswick County, the Green Swamp Game Land is almost 15,000 acres and one of the most isolated areas of southeastern North Carolina. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this area can only be traveled on foot. Other hunting lands in Pender and New Hanover Counties include the Holly Shelter Game Land, Sutton Lake Game Land and Roan Island. For more information about hunting regulations and licensing, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 629-4535. Information and licenses can also be found at a variety of local stores, including the Wal-Mart Super Center of Southport at (910) 454-9909, the Wal-Mart Super Center of Shallotte at (910) 754-2880, the Holden Beach True Value Hardware at (910) 842-5440, or Island Tackle and Gifts at (910) 579-6116.

Visit the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop and Center

The Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center is a community-based shop and gallery that showcases a variety of arts and crafts made by local senior citizens. Artwork ranges from baskets to photography to paintings. Art classes are also available to seniors in areas such as painting, basket weaving, cooking, computer basics, needlework, cake decorating and more. Class fees are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For more information, contact the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center at (910) 278-5224.

Go Boating

The Brunswick County area offers a variety of boating opportunities, whether you want to cruise in a small boat on the Cape Fear River or in a larger boat that can handle the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Before you take your boating adventure, be sure you are familiar with area rules and regulations. The coast of North Carolina is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the numerous shipwrecks that have happened because of shallow water and treacherous shoals, so you will want to be familiar with area waters before taking your trip. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Safe Boating courses throughout the year and can be reached at (910) 458-9598.

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.

Go Horseback Riding

While you are visiting the Brunswick County area, you and your family may want to give an afternoon of horseback riding a try. Horseback riding can be a fun way to view a portion of the area from a whole new perspective! In Holden Beach, K&K Stables consists of 18 acres with shady trails. They offer Western-style riding lessons and guided trail rides. For more information, contact K&K Stables at (910) 842-8002. In Calabash, Peachtree Equestrian Center is located on 127 acres, with 70 acres of shaded trails. Trail rides, outdoor riding rings and an indoor riding arena give you a variety of options for your riding experience. Lessons are also available in both English and Western riding styles. For more information, contact Peachtree Equestrian Center at (910) 287-4790.

Take a Break at a Local Coffee Shop

If you enjoy drinking specialty coffee while reading your daily newspaper or a favorite book, there are a few options for you in Brunswick County. The Flying Pig Coffeehouse of Oak Island is a bright shop with interesting furniture that serves a variety of specialty coffees and teas. Open seven days a week, The Flying Pig can be reached at (910) 278-5929. In Holden Beach, you may enjoy Cappuccino by the Sea, which serves coffees, teas and snacks. This shop also has a gift shop, and can be reached at (910) 842-3661. Finally, in Sunset Beach, The Roasted Bean Beverage Co. and Art Gallery serves gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches and snacks. They also have some local art on display that is available for sale, and they can be reached at (910) 575-6759.

Join an Adult Soccer League

If you enjoy competitive sports and getting lots of exercise, you may enjoy participating in the adult soccer league of Oak Island. The Oak Island Recreation Department offers adults the opportunity to play in this soccer league, which is open to both men and women. Throughout the league season, ten matches are played, and the season ends with a single-elimination tournament. The location of the games is the Oak Island Soccer Field at Middleton Park. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-4747.