October 2025 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine

EDITOR

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@liveoakmediainc.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lisa P. Stites

lisa@southportmag.com

LEAD DESIGNER

Liz Brinker

lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Chuck and Sue Cothran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Louise Sheffield-Baccarny

Carla Edstrom

Patricia Langer

Jan Morgan-Swegle

Janet Fortney

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

PUBLISHER & SALES

Jeffrey Stites

jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine is published once a month by

Live Oak Media, Inc

The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.

Annual Subscription: $45

email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741

Fall Fair Fun

Brunswick County has its own County Fair, y’all! You’ve probably heard it’s coming this month and may have seen a little of what they have in store, but be sure to check out Louise’s excellent article about not just how jam packed with fun the very first Brunswick County Fair and Expo is, but also how much work went into bringing such a first-class event to our community. Personally, I love a county fair. It makes me happy that as much as we’ve changed as human civilization, we still gather at harvest time to play games, feast, listen to music, watch performances and celebrate the bounty that agriculture brings to us. Humans have been doing this since we learned to domesticate animals and grow food crops. That’s an important thread and we need to hang onto the things that tie all of humanity together across different cultures, throughout our history, all over the world. We have more in common with each other than we have differences, and things like county fairs remind us of that and let us join in a timeless celebration. I hope to see you there, and at all the other fall fun coming our way — the NC Oyster Festival, the Haunted Trail in Grissettown, Port Brunswick Day at Brunswick Town, and so much more you’ll find on this month’s calendar. — Jeffrey

Community

Brunswick County Fair

Animals, Games, Rides, Food and Music

STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY

Brunswick County is getting its own county fair, complete with all of the traditional food, games, rides, and animal exhibits a fair brings to town. Stump Hill Farms, a locals’ favorite spot for seasonal fun, began a fifth year on Sept. 20 and will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Offering hayrides, gem mining, swings and slides, a jumping pillow and a pumpkin patch, this family farm is no stranger to a fun time! Adding to the fall lineup, the farm family is hosting the First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo Oct. 15-19 on their property at 2030 Ash Little River Road.

A drive along our local streets, wait in line at the nearest post office, or numerous attempts to renew your driver’s license at the DMV will confirm the rapid growth and development in Brunswick County. People from the West, North and everywhere in between are moving East to the southernmost areas of North Carolina in record numbers, making Brunswick one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.

Despite the many changes to our county, the reminiscence of the rich history of local laborers and the culture of our community was what brought about the formation of the Brunswick

County Fair Board and members’ collective hope of showcasing our great area in a commemorative way. Even with such a booming population and increase in newcomers, the county remains deeply rooted in farming and agriculture. Dialogue among the board members and nearby families who traveled hours away for 4H events in recent years, had the board reaching out to surrounding counties about how to begin a fair in our area. Interest in youth organizations such as 4H, FFA, Scouts and Trail Life, homesteading, gardening, crafting, hobby farming and environmental conservancy have

also spiked in recent years, and the Fair board members are thrilled to have this venue offer not only rides and concessions but offer agricultural, educational and individual exhibits.

Extended kindness and fair insight from Robeson County, the Cape Fear Fair & Expo Board that remains active, and the Mountain State Fair in particular, encouraged the Brunswick Fair Board to put their heads together and get to work creating this spectacular, nonprofit event. Months of extensive research, discussion and planning have led to a five-day schedule, jam packed with something for everyone.

The fair will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will remain open from 4-11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday the fair will be open from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. General admission is $7 per person paying with cash, $8 paying with a card, and parking is free.

Live music will begin nightly at 7 pm featuring Parker Lanier of Winnabow on Oct. 15, Phillip Page of Granite Falls on Oct. 16, Joe Coople & The Wild East Band of Wilmington on Oct. 17 and Hunter Varnum & Ethan Clewis of Varnamtown on Oct. 18. Performances by Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment and the Victoria Circus High Wire Pirate Show will also be included with general admission along with tunes by DJ Kelz Robbins of Leland.

The animal exhibit featuring cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, poultry, rabbits and ducks will be open for public viewing. The home exhibit will include field crops, horticultural crops, culinary, clothing, needlework, arts and crafts, and youth and vocational entries. Dreamland Amusements, serving the East Coast from Maine to Florida, will have approximately 25 rides ranging from kiddie and family favorites to spectacular new thrillers. Classic carnival games, prizes and concessions will be available alongside local vendors. Unlimited wristbands are $25, and tickets for amusements can be purchased at the Dreamland ticket booth.

Agricultural contests include a chicken show on Thursday at 6 pm, a goat show on Friday at 6:30 pm and a Dairy Heifer show on Saturday at 11 am.

Community

The county’s first ever Dairy Derby, where local 4H youth will teach county commissioners how to show cows, will also take place on Friday from 3-5 pm. Brunswick County Fair is excited to offer a “Sensory-Friendly” event on Friday from 10:30 am to 1 pm. This time will provide a calmer, less stressful, fair experience. Admission during the “Sensory-Friendly” time is free for the child and their caregiver and a discounted price of $5 per person will

be extended to the rest of their party. Local high school students from The Academy of Coastal Carolina will be in attendance to “buddy up” with participants and ensure an enjoyable time for all.

The Brunswick County Agricultural Fair would like to recognize and kindly thank the official fair sponsors, HEIL Heating & Cooling Dealership of Brunswick County and Capital Chevrolet of Shallotte. They would also like to thank the many stage sponsors, exhibit sponsors, rib-

bon sponsors, fair supporters, tv, radio and billboard advertising sponsors, fair friends and the Carolina Border Shields Retired Police for parking assistance.

So, jump in the car, crack the windows and follow the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs as you wind down

the back roads of Brunswick to the county’s first ever Agricultural Fair & Expo. October 15-19 will be an exciting time to relive childhood memories and make new ones with family and friends, and you may even experience a little “deja-moo”! Please visit www.brunswickfair.com for the daily schedule, fair forms including rules and regulations, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities and contact information. Updates and information are also available on Brunswick Fair social media.

Community

Haunted Trail Opens

Grissettown Fire Department Fundraiser

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

It’s off the main highway, down a country road, but just follow the screaming and you’ll get there. Now in it’s 17th year, the Haunted Trail in Grissettown promises to carry on its tradition of safely scaring the general public while raising funds to support operations of the Grissettown-Longwood Fire and Rescue Department.

The Haunted Trail is at the station, 758 Longwood Rd NW, near Ocean Isle Beach and open every Friday and Saturday in October as well as Halloween Night from 7-11 pm. It’s a huge fundraiser for the department, of course, and has become one of the must-do activities in an already crowded fall schedule of events in Brunswick County.

The Grissettown-Longwood Department doesn’t cover any municipal areas, but serves approximately 30 square miles in the county, including U.S. 17. Chief

Tal Grissett said that last year’s numbers showed that the department had the fifth lowest budget in the county but the third highest number of calls; it’s also the only nonprofit department in the county with an ISO rating of 2, the second-highest rating possible. There are eight firefighters on the roster, and three juniors. The Chief said he staggers their shifts so they have round-the-clock coverage. Grissett shares his family name with the Department and the unincorporated community, with family in the area back to the 1830s or so. One of his ancestors is buried in the old church cemetery that is now in the Ocean Ridge community. The Department started operations in 1985, and Grissett has worked with the Department since 2001.

The Department used to do turkey shoot fundraisers, Grissett said, but looked for something new as costs increased and other departments started having safety issues with similar events. So in 2009, they started with their first-ever haunted trail. That first year, they put it on for a month and saw about 400 people, Grissett said, “Back then, it was just silly little props and stuff that we just put together.”

Now it’s a much more sophisticated event and work on the Haunted Trail is not all fun and games. Members of the department build everything in-house,

so while they’re working on fundraising for the department, they’re also working on learning and refining construction and other skills.

“We buy all the components, the actuators, the cylinders, the boxes that you can program to run everything,” the Chief said. He said his sister does a good job teaching the programming. Preparations for opening the Trail start in the summer, but there is usually a lot of activity the last two weeks before opening, Grissett said. They’ll also make changes during October when the Trail is operating, if they see something that needs tweaking or need to change out some lights.

Different features on the Trail also provide training opportunities, the Chief explained. They can use the building as a nightclub, for example,

and play out different scenarios that firefighters may face. Set as a nightclub, with the distractions of music and lights, means a firefighter can get hurt if not using the correct safety measures if there were an active shooter, he explained.

“Then they become victims. We’ve had a whole class laid down in there,” he said. They can also use the staircases for firefighters to practice moving people, he said. “We try to keep it interesting,” he said.

The Trail is about four times as long now as it was in 2009, and sees quite a few more thrill-seekers, with last year’s operation bringing in approximately $90,000 with 5,400 visitors. About 5060 volunteers work on any given night, with people working in the attraction itself, in concessions and selling tickets, and monitoring activity on the trail and in the parking lot. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office also helps with security. Grissett said he usually gets stuck working the parking lot, where he can kind of keep an eye on things, and that may have something to do with why he says the concession stand is his favorite part of the trail. The department sells all the typical festival-type food, including funnel cake, fried Oreos, nachos and cheese

Community

fries.

The Trail takes 25 to 30 minutes to go through, Grissett said. “It just depends on how fast you want to run.”

And run they do. Lining up for the beginning of the Trail gives a great view of the end of the trail, which is sometimes a shipping container with Friday the 13th’s Jason and his chainsaw. It doesn’t matter how long people wait in line and how many times they hear that

chainsaw and the screaming that follows. When they get to that last scene, they become the screamers and come running out of the container, to the delight of the next groups waiting in line.

“It gets people excited. They hear the chainsaw and they think about what else could be going on in there. It adds to the curiosity and the excitement, and the nerves,” Grissett said. Some of the volunteers will work at a section of the Trail but not walk through the length of it, just not able to do it.

Grissett’s daughter Madison is in 9th grade at West Brunswick High School, and she works in the room that leans, where people step in and seem to fall down and roll around a lot. But her favorite attraction is the insane asylum. “There’s a lot of screaming in there,” she said.

“We’ve had people run into trees,” Grissett said. “You’d be surprised at how silly they sometimes act. Sometimes we

get punched.”

Besides getting new and repeat customers from Brunswick County, Grissett said the Trail has a bit of a following from other states as well.

“We’ve had people travel a long way,” he said. “We had a guy who came from Ohio so he could propose to his fiancé. We had an area picked out. We were going to have some characters picked out and hold him. She didn’t understand that and she kept going, so we had to go and get her and bring her back.”

used to benefit area schools. This year, Union Elementary’s night is Oct. 10, Jesse Mae Monroe Elementary is Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 is for Waccamaw Elementary. “We have a good time with it. I hope it continues,” Grissett said.

Some nights, a portion of proceeds is

Corning Credit Union Location In Shallotte Serves Coming Soon

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

We’ve been members of Corning Credit Union since we launched Live Oak Media in late 2019, opening both business and personal accounts. We’ve been so happy with the service that we take every opportunity to share that satisfaction with other business owners. We were thrilled to see Corning Credit Union opening a second Brunswick County Branch (they also have one in the Waterford shopping center in Leland) and wanted to find out more about it and share with all of our readers what CCU offers.

Here is what we found out from CCU Market relationship Manager Shari Leone.

Can you tell me a little about Corning Credit Union? Who can join? What do you offer? Who do your customers tend to be?

Corning Credit Union was founded back in 1936 to serve employees of Corning Glass Works, and today we serve more than 150,000 members across the United States and in many foreign countries. Shallotte is the eighth branch we’ve opened in the Carolinas.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in our service areas, as well as employees of our many partner companies and their families. If you are reading this, you can join! We offer the full spectrum of financial services — checking and savings products, credit cards, mortgages, auto and boat loans, business banking, and investments through CCU Wealth Strategies. Our members range from young families and professionals to retirees and small business owners, all of whom value our member-first approach.

What makes a Shallotte branch a good idea for CCU?

Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, and Shallotte sits right at the center of that

growth. It’s a hub for the surrounding beach communities and a natural extension of where many of our members already live and work. It’s also equidistant from our Carolina Forest location in South Carolina and our North Carolina Regional Office in Wilmington, so opening a branch here allows us to serve those members more conveniently while welcoming new ones in this thriving community.

How much work has been involved in refurbishing an old bank into your new location? That’s a pretty prime location, isn’t it?

It really is a great location—highly visible and easy to reach. Our team has put a lot of effort into transforming it. We’ve updated the technology, redesigned the interior to be more open and welcoming, and created spaces that reflect the way our members want to bank today. It’s about combining convenience with a warm, community-focused atmosphere.

What will people find at the new location in terms of services?

They’ll find everything they’d expect from Corning Credit Union: our high yield checking products, savings accounts, consumer loans, mortgages, debit and credit cards, and digital banking support. We’ll

also offer business banking services, and, of course, 24/7 ATM access. It’s a full-service branch designed to serve both individuals and businesses.

How big a presence do you have in Brunswick County, in terms of members? Is that number growing? We already serve thousands of members in Brunswick County, and that number keeps growing every year as more people move to the area. We’ve seen a lot of demand from members who live closer to Shallotte or commute across state lines, and this branch is our way of meeting that

demand. We fully expect our footprint here to keep expanding.

What are your future plans to expand your services in Brunswick County?

The Shallotte branch is another step forward as we continue to enhance the services we provide to our existing South and North Carolina members. Beyond branches, we’re also committed to expanding community partnerships, offering more financial education, and strengthening our business banking relationships. Our vision is to grow with the county while staying true to our member-first mission.

Community Green Swamp Tours

Explore A Uniquely Diverse Ecosystem

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

This fall you have the opportunity to join The Adventure Kayak Company for a series of birding and nature walks exploring the Green Swamp Preserve located off Hwy 211 in Supply.

The Green Swamp is famous for its carnivorous plants, orchids, wildflowers and birding opportunities.  Within the Preserve are some of the country’s finest examples of Longleaf Pine savannas.

These walks are open to all levels of nature enthusiasts.  Bring your binoculars, camera, notepad, pen and join the fun!

Guided Birding and Nature Walk tour fee is $40 per person. Pre registration is required.

Guided Green Swamp Nature and Birding Walks:

Sat., Oct. 11, 8:30 am

Tues., Oct. 21, 8:30 am

Thurs., Oct. 31, 8:30 am

Thurs., Nov. 6, 8:30 am

Tues., Nov. 18, 8:30 am  (additional dates will be added by request)

Call The Adventure Kayak Company for more kayak tour information and for reservations at 910-454-0607.

Community Country Fair Festival

Seaside United Methodist Church Fall Fundraiser

STORY CONTRIBUTED

It’s a fall tradition for Seaside United Methodist Church to host its annual Country Fair Fall Festival. For the more than 30 years locals and visitors know that the best bargains around can be found at 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach. This year on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8 am to 1 pm (Backup date Oct. 25), the Fall Festival will have for sale an astonishing number of items at low, low prices. If you are a bargain hunter, this is the place to be.

Outside the church, shoppers will find tents filled with furniture and appliances. If you are looking to furnish your home or beach house this is the place to find the perfect chair, sofa, end table (and more) to make your home yours.

Shoppers will encounter a fabulous bakery section filled with delicious homemade goodies just like mom used to make. No surprise, since moms and dads are doing the baking for Seaside. Buy some cookies to stash away when you have unexpected company, buy a pie or a cake to serve at dinner, or a bag of snack mix to munch on while shopping.

One of the highlights of the fair is Seaside’s Crafts section located in the lobby. Our band of crafters has been feverishly working on amazing crafts for months now – shoppers will find

fine handcrafted items made especially for gift giving.

You can get an expensive item for just a fraction of the cost.

Moving through the building, shoppers will find our ever-popular Jewelry area, with lots of gems to be found –earrings, brooches, necklaces, watches, rings and bracelets. In that same area shoppers will be able to shop in our linen section. There are sheets, comforters, placemats, tablecloths, towels, pillows and more all at a fraction of new.

get hungry — we’ll be offering hot dogs, chips and soft drink for sale. If you are unsure where to start, visit our Welcome Desk just inside the doors of the church for the help in navigating the sale. As a public service, we also will have a Health and Wellness station staffed by professionals. Shoppers can get information about local health services, be able to pick up a few freebies as well as get a blood pressure check.

Continuing into the Fellowship Hall shoppers will find tables and tables filled with a huge variety of housewares. Look for baskets, dishes, pet supplies, small appliances, rugs, paintings, knick-knacks, pottery and much, much more. If you are a decorator, there are seasonal items that can be displayed in your home to make each holiday all the more festive. If you have children or grandchildren you must check out the Toys and Baby section – you might find something that will delight your child or make living with a youngster easier. In this room shoppers will also find the ever-popular Better Buys, which has items that are just a little more special than our other things. The prices are higher but are most definitely a tremendous value.

Many shoppers wait all year to shop in the Country Fair Book Room, with books in all genres, as well as board games, puzzles, CDs and DVDs and other book-related items, all at super great prices! If you like mysteries, romance novels, thrillers, adventure books, fiction and nonfiction, shoppers will find it here.

Of course, while shopping you might

Proceeds from the Country Fair go to Seaside’s outreach ministries at the local, state, national and international level. Just a few of the programs are the SUMC Food Pantry, Edge of the Field Free Store, Beach House Recovery, Brunswick County Literacy Council, Providence Home, Rainbow Covenant, UMCOR Disaster Relief, STARS Program, South Brunswick Interfaith Council, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Aid Fund, Christian Recovery Center, Brunswick Family Assistance, Matthew 25 Ministries and many more. Your purchases impact these programs and help people here at home as well as farther afield. How much better can it get? When you shop, you help others.

Stop by the Seaside United Methodist Church Country Fair Fall Fest, Oct. 18 (backup date Oct. 25) from 8 am to 1 pm.at 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach. Also, coming up on Nov. 22, from 8 am to noon is Seaside’s Country Fair Christmas for all things Christmas and the bakery stocked with holiday goodies as well. Please mark your calendars now, as you will want to be the first in line to shop the treasures that will be awaiting you and in turn support necessary outreach programming.

Community Grow Your Own Salad

Sign Up For This New Educational Program

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Gardeners and salad lovers are invited to participate in a handson workshop that teaches how to plant a container filled with cool-season greens designed to last into spring. The Grow Your Own Salad Bowl Workshop will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, with two sessions offered: 10 am to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 pm at 25 Referendum Drive in Bolivia. A rain date is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at the same times.

Each participant will create a container garden with a choice of lettuce varieties, specialty greens, herbs and edible flowers. Included in the $40 fee are a 14-inch bowl, plants, planting medium and a care guide for the season.

bringing gloves, an apron or smock, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a hat and sunscreen.

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Participants may select either the morning or afternoon session when registering online at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/grow-your-own-saladbowl-tickets-1711967092659.

Proceeds from the event benefit Cooperative Extension’s educational programming, Habitat for Humanity projects, school gardens and the Brunswick County Botanical Education Garden, which is open for self-guided tours.

About North Carolina Extension Master

GardenerSM Volunteers

Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices that grow healthy people, gardens, landscapes, and communities. Their vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.

The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Association of Brunswick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports volunteer education, fosters camaraderie, and provides skilled volunteers for Cooperative Extension projects. Key events include plant sales and public workshops. Proceeds support educational programs and the Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, where visitors are invited to explore on a self-guided tour.

The workshop begins with a short overview of container gardening before participants design and plant their own takehome salad bowls. Organizers recommend Specializing in Single Family and Multi-Family Properties

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kelly Vendetti at 303547-6275 or email communications@bcmastergardenerva.org

Community Turtle Patrol T-Shirts

Get Your Turtle Merch With 2025 Deisgn

STORY CONTRIBUTED

It has been a tradition since 1994 for the members of the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program (also call the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol) to design, produce and sell a new T-shirt every year. This year they announced their first ever open contest for the creation of an original design for their 2025 T- shirt. The contest winner is….Lois Palermo, a local sea turtle lover, and her artistic sister Alyson Natale from Woodlands, Texas, with their “Let the Sea Set you Free” design. Congratulations to Lois and Alyson!

Selling merchandise is the HBTWP’s major fundraiser each year. The 2025 T-shirts, along with tote bags and hats, are in stock and can be purchased at The Lighthouse Gifts on the Holden Beach causeway. Merchandise is also available by mail from the HBTWP website, www.hbturtlewatch.org, and they will be available at the Turtle Talk and Children’s Turtle Time programs. Merchandise prices will be the same as

last year, Youth Short Sleeve Shirts are $17, Adult Short Sleeve Shirts are $20-22 (depending on size), Adult Long Sleeve Shirts are $25-27, Hats and Tote Bags are $22. The complete collection of T-shirts from 1994 can be viewed in the photo section of the website.

Participation in the first Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program T-Shirt Contest was greatly appreciated. There were more than

20 submissions from participants in eight different states, and selecting the winning design from all of the submissions was very difficult.

The 2026 Contest Is Open

The HBTWP 2026 T-Shirt Design Contest is open through Oct. 15, 2025 for submissions of original, hand drawn designs for the 2026 season T-Shirt. If you love turtles and have a talent for graphic design, please consider donating your design to the contest.

Put your creative cap on and note these requirements:

•Only one design submission allowed, per individual

•The design must include a sea turtle

•The design must be an original hand drawn design

•The design is limited to two colors

•The design must be in a PDF format to allow for possible changes in printing constraints

•The chosen design will become the property of the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program

•Submissions should be sent to orders@ hbturtlewatch.org

•FINAL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

•All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt

HBTWP was founded in 1989 to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach. This all volunteer, nonprofit conservation organization operates under the authority of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

For more information about the HBTWP, visit them on their website at www.hbturtlewatch.org or find the group on Facebook.

Community Hooray For Oysters

Don’t Miss The 2025 NC Oyster Festival

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Some love them and some can’t imagine eating them, but there’s no denying that oysters are a part of Brunswick County culture. The NC Oyster Festival celebrates those slimy, tasty mollusks with a weekend of oyster-related contests, music, food (other than oysters, too) and craft vendors. This year’s festival starts with a Community Night Kick-Off on Friday, Oct. 17 and continues through the weekend.

Community Night Kick-Off

This is free, family-friendly event to kick of the festival. Gates open at 4:30 pm, so head out early and find a spot to enjoy the evenings festivities, including a flag raising ceremony with honor guard, ribbon cutting and unveiling of the official Festival t-shirt and print featuring artwork by Keith White. The evening wraps up with a free concert by The Extraordinaires.

Parking

A FREE shuttle service will be provided from two designated lots near the Festival. The shuttles will run non-stop during festival hours. Please keep in mind that during the hours of 11 am – 2 pm, there is high

traffic volume onto the island. Please allow extra time as you may have to a longer wait time to get onto a shuttle. Look for the volunteer parking crew to direct you in designated lots. Please note that parking in non-designated lots may cause your vehicle to be towed.

Lot Locations & Bus Route: Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee.

Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA accessible transportation will be located in the Lowes Food Lot. The NC Oyster Festival is navigable for wheelchairs.

Contests

Oyster Shucking, Professional and Amateur Contests

Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 pm in the Contest Tent

Free to enter

Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with the oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!

Oyster Eating Contest

Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 pm in the Contest Tent

Cost: $5 per bucket

Compete with other oyster lovers to speed eat as many oysters as you can and earn the title of “Oyster Eating Champion.” If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!

Oyster Stew Cook-Off

Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 pm in the Contest Tent

Cost: $5 per ticket

Taste all the contest entries and help pick the Best Stew of The Year!

Musical Entertainment

Saturday, Oct. 18

9 am-12 pm: Blackwater Band

3-6 pm: The Main event Band

Sunday, Oct. 19

2-5 pm: Jim Quick & Coastline Band

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Community Local History Events

Fall Fun At Brusnwick Town/Fort Anderson

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Two of our favorite events of the year are coming up soon at the Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson State Historic Site. First, you’ll have a chance to visit the colonial-era town of Port Brunswick and see how the folks who helped found our nation lived. Then you get to use Civil war-era technology to blow up your Halloween pumpkin. Yes, you get to blow it up. And yes, it is every bit as fun as it sounds.

Enjoy the day at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site on Saturday, Oct. 18 for the return of Port Brunswick Day! Beginning at 10 am, living historians will be interpreting various colonial trades and aspects of colonial life including candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. Kids will have an opportunity to experience colonial toys and games.This event is free and all ages are

welcome.

And when that jack-o-lantern on your front porch outlived his usefulness, come out on November 1 beginning at 11 am dispose of it in a unique and rather explosive way by implementing the same technology used to detonate Civil War era torpedoes! There is a $10 fee per pumpkin and BYOP (bring your own pumpkin).

It is free to watch, but YOU get to press the button to detonate if you bring your own! Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but all types are welcome. Tickets can be purchased

online in advance beginning Oct. 4 at https://historicsites.nc.gov/news/events/ great-pumpkin-blowout.

FISHING REPORT

October Fishing Report

Autumn Is The Best Time Of Year To Be Fishing

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

October is one of the very best months to fish our local waters— from the back creeks and inshore rivers to the blue waters of the Gulf Stream. If you’re new to the area, or haven’t yet experienced fishing here in the fall, now is the perfect time. Whether you launch your own boat or book a local charter during this slower season, don’t miss out—October offers some of the finest fishing of the year.

Adding to the excitement, Southport will again host the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament October 2–4, 2025. This legendary event draws anglers from across the region, all competing for big fish and even bigger prizes. The energy on the water—and around town—makes it one of the most thrilling weekends of the year to fish our coast.

Inshore

This month brings excellent action for speckled trout and red drum. Trout are best targeted in the main feeder creeks along the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Look for current rips and oyster rock structures, as these hold fish consistently. A popping cork rigged with live or artificial shrimp is highly effective, especially when worked with the tide. The docks along the Southport waterfront are also productive, where rocks beneath the pilings create ideal ambush points for feed-

Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919

ing trout.

For red drum, focus on creek mouths during moving tides. At high tide, watch for fish tailing in the grass flats—casting a jig with a paddle tail ahead of them is a proven tactic. As the fall mullet run tapers off mid-month, artificials will become the go-to bait for convenience and success.

coast, drawing in big bull red drum and king mackerel. Slow-trolling pogies near the beach, especially along tide lines, will produce king mackerel strikes. Productive spots include Yaupon Reef and just offshore of local piers.

For bull reds, rig a live pogie on a heavy Carolina rig and fish the bait schools near the bottom. Yaupon Reef and the Hot Hole are prime locations. Be sure to use stout tackle to reduce fight times and increase survival rates for these breeding fish. Offshore

While many anglers concentrate on kings along the beach, October offers outstand-

Nearshore

Along the beaches, expect to find Spanish mackerel and bluefish feeding aggressively on migrating finger mullet. Trolling clarkspoons in 10–15 feet of water is a reliable method. Large schools of menhaden (pogies) are also moving down the

ing offshore opportunities as well. Areas such as Lighthouse Rocks, the Old Sea Buoy, Shark Hole, and Horseshoe are holding fish. In the 7–20 mile range, frozen cigar minnows often outperform live bait for king mackerel. Black sea bass are also pushing into shallower ledges and rock piles, with keeper-sized fish common in the 15–20 mile range near Shark Hole and Christina’s Ledge. For those venturing to 80–100 feet, expect steady action with triggerfish and vermilion snapper.

Gulf Stream

October is prime time for wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish. From September through November, Gulf Stream fishing off our coast is world-class. Troll ballyhoo on islanders or skirted rigs with wire leaders for

wahoo—40–60 lb. fish are common, and 100-pounders are landed each season. Blackfin tuna are showing strong; cedar plugs or tuna feathers fished on fluorocarbon leaders are highly effective. Sailfish enthusiasts should focus on the color change where blue-green water shifts to deep blue. Dredges, squid chains, and small ballyhoo on circle hooks will draw strikes—though be ready for inevitable cutoffs from toothy predators.

October is, without question, one of the most exciting months to fish our coast. The variety and quality of opportunities are unmatched, whether you’re targeting trout in the creeks, bull reds nearshore, or wahoo offshore. Don’t miss your chance—get out there and experience it for yourself.

Tight lines, Captain Steele

DQ S SHAKES DQ S SHAKES Any Size

America 250 Calling All Artists Crafting The American Story Art Show

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

The City of Southport, in partnership with the Brunswick Arts Council, is excited to announce that the Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center is inviting local artists to apply for Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History, an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition will open Feb. 21, 2026, at theSouthport Community Building.

Open exclusively to artists 18 years old and older residing in Brunswick County, the exhibition will celebrate the ways art reflects and interprets American history. From painting and sculpture to handcrafts and other creative forms, artists are encouraged to submit works that engage with historical themes, cultural identity, and the resilience and vision that have shaped the nation over the past 250 years.

Applications are due by Nov. 1, 2025. Selected works will be announced Dec. 15, 2025, and the exhibition will run Feb. 21–28, 2026. Full details about the event can be found on the City of Southport website at www.cityofsouthport.com/crafting-the-american-story and the artist application form can be found at www.eventeny.com/events/ vendor/?id=35676.

An optional county-wide exhibition opportunity will extend select works beyond the Southport showcase. Chosen pieces may be displayed at partner locations across Brunswick County from March 7, 2026, through Feb. 20, 2027, offering artists increased visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.

The project is the brainchild of Southport’s Assistant Director of Community relations Jessie Labell. “This exhibition will celebrate the boundless creativity of Americans, both past and present, and explore how creativity serves not only as artistic expression but also as a powerful catalyst for change. We invite artists to engage with materials and processes that reflect the diverse and multifaceted nature of American creativity over the past 250 years — highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and vision that have shaped our collective journey, even in times of adversity.

“This exhibit seeks to uncover the vibrant manifestations of creativity in local contexts, highlighting the history, culture, and innovation of American ingenuity in Brunswick County. From graphic arts, sculpture and handcrafts, this exhibit will explore how creativity emerges both from adversity and joy and how diverse perspectives enrich our cultural fabric,” she said.

How does an art exhibit tie into America 250? Labell explained, “The creative arts and history are inseparable. Art is shaped by the events and

contexts of the past, and it can interpret history in ways that make the past feel immediate and personal, offering depth and emotion beyond what traditional exhibits can convey. Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History seeks to uncover the vibrant manifestations of creativity in local contexts, emphasizing the history, culture, and innovation of American ingenuity in Brunswick County. From graphic arts and sculpture to handcrafts and beyond, artists are encouraged to explore how creativity has been shaped by history—born from moments of adversity, triumph, and cultural transformation. This exhibition seeks works that reflect historical events or themes, capturing the ways in which art serves as both a response to and a record of our nation’s past. Whether inspired by movements of resilience, expressions of identity, or the evolution of American culture, submissions should engage with history as both inspiration and catalyst for change.”

According to Labell, Artists should consider how their work can:

•Inspire public engagement by sparking dialogue and reflection on history

•Celebrate North Carolina’s rich heritage and its contributions to the American story

•Represent diverse perspectives, ensuring inclusivity and connec-

tion to identity

•Showcase the power of art as a storytelling medium, preserving narratives through visual expression

•Expand the definition of craft and artistic legacy, highlighting the significance of different forms of creative work

“Through this exhibition, we aim to create a space where history is not only remembered but actively interpreted through art—where past and present converge to inspire a future shaped by creativity and understanding. We welcome Brunswick County artists of all backgrounds to contribute their vision and voice to this collective exploration of American history,” Labell said.

About the Museum

The Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center, owned and operated by the City of Southport, is housed within the historic Garrison House, built in 1810 on the site of the original colonial fort. The museum offers rotating exhibits, Southport heritage displays, and serves as a welcoming hub for tourists exploring our local history and coastal charm.

About the Brunswick Arts Council

The Brunswick Arts Council works to support and promote the arts throughout Brunswick County, fostering opportunities for creativity, cultural expression, and community engagement.

Keeping Fit

Fitness Isn’t Free Your Quality of Life Is Worth Every Penny

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness

My health and fitness services don’t come cheap..

Do you know why?

Because our health and well-being don’t come cheap either. It’s the most priceless commodity in our lives — yes, ahead of our families, our careers, and everything else we value in our lives.

It’s considered priceless, because it needs to be treated as priceless. Yet, “I can’t afford it” is the most popular excuse I get above all others from people who aren’t ready to do the work to take control of their health and well-being.

That excuse is rooted in fear, not financial records. Here’s how I know...

I used that excuse for many years. In reality, money was tight for our family 15 years ago, the time when I finally began the health and fitness journey I remain on to this day. We lived on a budget, paycheck to paycheck really, and we had just welcomed the newest member of our family, Zach, into the world.

Then a coach sat across a table from me at a fitness center in Erie, Pennsylvania, and challenged me to change my way of thinking, to finally realize that if I didn’t affect change in my life, life would make those decisions for me.

think that way when at such a wonderful time in life. But I weighed 250 pounds at the time, and given the choices I made, 300 pounds, 350, or more, wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.

At that rate, I wasn’t guaranteed to be around long enough to see the formative milestone moments in his life — his first steps, first day of school, high school graduation, college, career, marriage, family.

So, I found a way to make it work financially after years of doing anything but finding a way to change. I hired a coach. Whether I could truly afford it didn’t matter, because I needed a coach, and I needed to improve. Not simply for me, but for the people who matter most in my life.

Then I lost 75 pounds over the next 14 months, and that wasn’t the most pronounced change in my life.

joining the health and wellness industry in February 2019. A fair share of them didn’t and don’t have a lot of disposable income but have invested in themselves because they refuse to treat their health and well-being as disposable.

To this day, they know the reward — quality of life — far outweighs the financial risk. For me, that means doing at 60 what I’m doing now in my 50s without feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus. To you, it may mean something else.

Either way, it requires consistently hard work that excuses can’t handle for us.

“I can’t afford it” is an excuse, because when people want to achieve something bad enough, they find a way. So next time the thought, “I can’t afford it,” crosses your mind...ask yourself — “Can I afford not to?” — and then do the math.

Determine how much money you will spend hiring a coach to help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself that represent taking control of your health and well-being, and how much in your life, personally and professionally, you will risk losing if you choose to live and die by that excuse.

“Can you afford not to?” she asked me. Suddenly, I chose not to look at my health and well-being strictly by dollars and cents. Suddenly, I realized the alternative — continuing to see my health declining at the same time Zach was growing up.

It’s truly difficult to

I left a career in sports journalism after 26 years. I moved our family to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, and now the Cape Fear region. I moved into the health and wellness industry and now operate my own business. I shudder to think where I would be right now if I hadn’t spent the money to hire my first coach.

Overweight and unhealthy, for sure.

Riddled with health problems, probably.

Dead, possibly.

I’ve worked with great people of all backgrounds and budgets since

Then make it happen, because investing in ourselves always pays off.

And of course, if you need help laying out the best plan of action for you to achieve your goals, I’m here to help because…

At Fernandes Fit, Fitness Is Our Business.

Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started.

You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.

History

Healing The Nation

Brunswick Civil War Roundtable

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

During his Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865, with a speech of only 701 words that was considered one of his greatest and most remembered, a re-elected President Abraham Lincoln wanted to unify a broken nation. With the end of the brutal four-year Civil War within sight, many on both sides felt anger and frustration toward their fellow Americans. Lincoln attempted to rise above the divisiveness and start the process of healing. Within that speech, the powerful phrase, “with malice toward none, with charity for all.” summarized the essence of Lincoln’s goal to heal.

Returning by popular demand for the Tuesday, Oct. 7 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table is retired Navy Capt. Edward W. Gantt. He believes Lincoln offered a hopeful national environment in that speech. However, Gantt turns Lincoln’s memorable phrase into a question because in his mind, it just wasn’t to be. According to him, much of that sentiment died after Lincoln’s assassination six weeks later.

At the beginning of 1865, African Americans had a sense of optimism, and probably justifiably so. They watched their fathers and sons return to areas in the southern states wearing the blue uniforms of Union soldiers. They had heard the stories of Union victories in the eastern theater. Even the 13th Amendment had been passed by Congress, promising that their emancipation would have a sense of permanence under the law. Something changed, however, and it changed dramatically. What happened to quell that sense of optimism, and how did it happen?

How did African Ameri-

cans go from sitting in the U.S. Congress to, in a few short years, having to step off the sidewalk if a white person approached? Gantt will convey some of the writings of the late 19th century and early 20th century to develop some understanding of this period of American history that still affects us today in so many ways.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the

military, first as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter in Vietnam with the Army, then joining the Navy after completing his degree, eventually rising to Navy Captain. He served as a Naval Flight Officer in F-14 TOMCAT squadrons, both in the U.S. and aboard aircraft carriers.

After retiring from the military, he became a public high school teacher in Prince George’s County, MD, and Washington, D.C. Passionate about telling underrepresented stories, he joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an African American

Civil War reenactment group, and also served with the 23rd USCT in Maryland. He is active with The African American in the Civil War Era Round Table, and serves as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW). This meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee remains at $10, and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which can include a spouse. Everyone is invited. Incidentally, about one-third of our audiences are female!

For more information about the meeting or the Round Table, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com for background and current information, news, and updates, or the group’s Facebook page.

History

Rosie O’Neal Greenhow

Confederate Spy Visits The Ladies’ Forum

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Willing to tell all, and say it like it is, Rose O’Neal Greenhow, a prominent Washington socialite, emerged as one of the Confederacy’s most valuable spies during the Civil War. First-person interpreter Emily Lapisardi, appearing in her period dress, will portray Rose at the Monday, Oct. 20 meeting of the Civil War Ladies’ Forum.

As a socialite during the period before the war, she moved in important political circles and cultivated friendships with presidents, generals, senators, and high-ranking military officers. Once the war began, her life was marked by daring espionage, influential social connections, and unwavering dedication to the Southern cause. Her most celebrated achievement came in July, 1861, when she smuggled coded messages to the Confederacy detailing Union Army movements, and was credited with contributing significantly to the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Bull Run. But there is more, like being jailed in Washington,

D.C. for espionage; being deported back to the Confederacy and resuming spying; traveling on diplomatic missions in Europe; and being a prolific author. Upon returning to this country, she drowned off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, weighed down by $2,000 worth of gold she had earned, which was sewn into her underthings. Best of all….she was honored with a Confederate military funeral. Rose was no ordinary lady!

Ms. Lapisardi will bring Rose vividly and realistically to life with her interpretive style, almost as if Rose was at the meeting. She has portrayed Rose at a range of venues including the International Spy Museum, Manassas National Battlefield Park, the Lomas Center in Gettysburg, PA, and the Petersburg National Battlefield Park. She is also the editor of “Rose Greenhow’s My Imprisonment: An Annotated Edition,” which debuted as the highest ranking new release in Amazon.com’s U.S. Civil War Women’s History category in the spring of 2021.

the personal dressmaker and confidante to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Ms. Keckley’s life was quite remarkable yet rarely discussed in the annals of Civil War history.

The Civil War Ladies’ Forum (sponsored by the Brunswick Civil War Round Table) will be held in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., in Southport, across from the U.S. Post Office. The program will take place from 6 to 8 pm. Refresh-

The evening’s program will also include a special appearance by Musette Steck, a Southport historian and past President and longtime member of the Southport Historical Society; she still participates in two of the programs she helped establish— Living Voices of the Past and Tuesday Talks. Musette will talk about Elizabeth Keckley, an African American enslaved woman who became a renowned seamstress and

ments will be served. There is a modest $5 fee for guests. It is a free event to all women members of the Round Table. Sorry guys, gals only! For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact us at Brunswickcwrt@ gmail.com.

Community Flytrap Conservation

Documentary Highlights Local Efforts

STORY BY JANET FORTNEY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The iconic Venus flytraps of Southeastern North Carolina – and the tireless local conservationists, volunteers, scientists, and wildlife officers who nurture them – are the focus of two-time Emmy-winning British filmmaker Robert Ford’s film “Flytrap Town.” The feature-length documentary that Ford has been producing in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, including Boiling Spring Lakes, Green Swamp Preserve, and Wilmington, will share the story of the extraordinary carnivorous plant and the fight to save it from development and other threats.

“The Carolinas,” explained Ford, “are the only place on earth where Venus flytraps grow wild, and yet they’re vanishing in plain sight. This film is both a celebration of the awe-inspiring flytrap and a tribute to the people on the frontlines of protecting it.” The passion and dedication of the volunteers, according to the filmmakers, forms the emotional core of the documentary, showing that conservation is not just the work of scientists and governments.

“Working with North Carolinians has been inspiring,” Ford said. “People here have opened their doors and their land to me and they’ve been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. It’s clear

how much pride they take in the Venus flytrap and the unique ecosystems of the area. That authenticity and warmth has really shaped the film.”

Ford said that “what’s most striking is the persistence of local conservationists. Many of these folks are volunteers, yet they put in hours of hard work – from surveying flytrap populations to moving them onto safe ground – often without recognition. People are willing to get their hands dirty and their commitment shows how much the flytrap means to the community. It’s a level of dedication that deserves to be celebrated, and one of the reasons we’re working so hard to get this story funded and out into the world.”

As Ford mentioned, at this time, the documentary’s completion is at stake due to budget constraints and the filmmakers are seeking additional financing.

Southern Conservation Partners, a 501(c)(3) charity, has sponsored “Flytrap Town” and it has also received support from the Film Partnership of North Carolina.

- and raising the funds to do it right - feels so urgent.”

One Saturday afternoon this past April, Ford, his film crew, and the Venus Flytrap Champions – a group of committed local participants – were in Boiling Spring Lakes (BSL), according to the Champion’s website, “to dig up Venus Flytraps threatened by construction and move them to safe ground. These flytrap relocations are known as ‘rescue missions’ and the volunteers are ready to mobilize at short notice, dedicating their time and passion to the iconic plant.”

“One moment I’ll never forget,” said Ford, “was being with the group that relocated flytraps from [that] patch of land that was bulldozed soon after. Each plant was dug up and replanted by hand, with such care it felt almost ceremonial. It was a powerful reminder of both the fragility of these plants and the love local people have for them. It underscored why finishing this film

Boiling Spring Lakes resident and flytrap advocate Kathy Sykes remembers that specific day as well. “Saturday April 26, 2025, was a banner day for our little dedicated [BSL] Plant Rescue Volunteer Group,” she reports on the group’s website. “This marks the eighth effort to save our precious natural treasure of Venus flytraps from imminent annihilation from that most dangerous wildfire of all – destruction of habitat. It’s my understanding that we have now hit the monumental milestone of saving 2,000 plants! That’s quite an undertaking for just a handful of folks!

“Although our uniforms were mismatched, our hearts were in unison as we marched to our appointed destination, where the flytraps would be lovingly planted into a safe place, free from the threat of man-made destruction. It doesn’t matter how protected the plant is if the habitat isn’t protected.”

“Flytrap Town,” which, according to the film’s producers, will “feature state-of-theart macro photography of the flytraps with a level of detail never seen on screen before is poised to reach audiences worldwide. The filmmakers will bring the documentary to North Carolina through a community impact campaign, with screenings for schools, conservation groups, and policymakers to inspire awareness and action close to home.”

More about the film and how to donate to its production is available at www.flytrapfilm. com.

CALENDAR

Our Calendar is full of information from all of Brunswick County. We publish three magazines — Leland Magazine, Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine, and Southport Magazine. We love collecting details about all the of the fun events from all across our county and we think that everyone in the county, no matter which magazine they read, should be able to see all of the opportunities our community offers. We hope you’ll find something unexpected in this month’s Calendar and we really encourage you to hop in the car and go to something you’ve never experienced before.

October

OCT 1

Operation Medicine Cabinet - Dosher Memorial Hospital

Drop off expired and unused medication at this drive-through collection event at the hospital’s front entrance, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Drop off medicines from 9 am to 1 pm.

OCT 2-4

U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

The tournament starts Thursday with check-in; fishing is Friday and Saturday, and the awards ceremony starts at 8 pm on Saturday. Not fishing? You can still check out the tournament — there will be food trucks on site throughout and music Saturday night. Visit https://www. usopenkmt.com/schedule for schedule details. The tournament events take place at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road.

OCT 3

30th Anniversary - Communities In Schools

Celebrate 30 years with CIS! Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert, music and dancing with The Beehive Blonds DJ group, and a fun photo bus experience. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available throughout the evening. The event will also feature a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and an inspiring look at the impact of Communities In Schools programs on local students. This event will help raise funds to continue CIS dropout prevention programming in nine local schools,

serving over 600 Brunswick County students each school year. The celebration is 6-1 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St. Visit https:// secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/UAgcBMcrqya2CKAZnbgeeQ for more information and for tickets.

OCT 3

Leland a Hand in Leland

This community-side day of service brings together individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in the community. Projects will be completed from 8:30 am to noon at various locations; visit https://www.townofleland. com/lendahand to register for a project.

OCT 4-31

Grissettown Haunted Trail

Open every Friday and Saturday in October and Halloween Night from 711 pm. This professional-level scary trail takes about a half hour to complete. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit the Grissettown Fire Department. See our story in this issue for more!

OCT 4

Sunset on Sunset Festival

Enjoy a day of music, art, food and family-friendly fun at this end of season celebration at Sunset Beach Park, 200 Sunset Blvd N. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm and will include children’s activities and shuttle buses for transportation.

OCT 4

Leland a Hand in Leland

This community-side day of service brings together individuals and organi-

zations to make a positive impact in the community. Projects will be completed from 8:30 am to noon at various locations; visit https://www.townofleland. com/lendahand to register for a project.

OCT 4

Captain Charlie’s Fishing Tournament — Southport

Kids have their own fishing tournament in Southport, at the City Pier, 178 E. Bay St. The tournament is 8:30 am to noon.

OCT 7

National Night Out - Leland

Get to know Leland’s law enforcement officers a little better, while enjoying treats from food trucks and browsing among vendors. The event is 5-8 pm at Northwest District Park, 1938 Andrew Jackson Highway (U.S. 74/76).

OCT 7

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Retired Navy Capt. Edward W. Gantt will lead this session on President Abraham Lincoln and his attempt to rise above the divisiveness and start the process of healing. The program is at Hatch Auditorium, at Fort Caswell in Caswell Beach. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm.

OCT 9

Artist Reception — LCAC

View the works of artist Lourdes Rosas Rasdall at this gallery reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

OCT

11

Back Door Kitchen Tour--Historic Downtown Wilmington

From 10 am to 4 pm, Residents of Old Wilmington is presenting their annual Back Door Kitchen Tour, which raises money that ROW uses to fund grants for local nonprofit organizations doing much-needed work to improve the quality of life in Wilmington.

During the Back Door Kitchen Tour, homeowners graciously open what’s called the heart of the home--the kitch-

en--as well as the first floor, to share the history, beauty, architecture, and southern charm that Wilmington is known for. This year’s tour will showcase eight stunning homes in the Historic District.

Tickets for the Back Door Kitchen Tour are $40 per person and can be purchased in advance at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2025-back-door-kitchen-tourtickets-1373784429209), where you can also get more information about the tour and view the homes being featured.

OCT 11

Touch a Truck — Shallotte

Kids will be able to see, touch, explore, and even honk on garbage trucks, police cars, military vehicles, fire trucks and more. This free-family friendly event happens at the Riverwalk (158 Wall Street), from 10 am to 1 pm.

OCT 11

Intercultural Festival

— at LCAC

The Brunswick Arts Council hosts this annual festival, committed to celebrating cultural diversity in all its aspects, while honoring the cultural history of Brunswick County itself. This fun, cross cultural education event brings and presents a vast culturally enriching and entertaining experience for people of all ages. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that live side by side within our county. The festival is packed with numerous performing artists, children’s activities, cultural displays, ethnic food vendors and many more. In addition to displaying Brunswick County’s heritage, this year the International Village has new, exciting countries, displaying cultural information from the African Continent, South America, Asia, and Europe. Many countries and cultures will be represented. We will have the very popular activities for all ages “Passport to Culture” mostly geared to introduce kids about cultures from different countries. The festival is 11 am to 4 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Mag

shallottemag.com /October 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 25

CALENDAR

nolia Village Way, Leland.

OCT 14

Haunted Fishing Derby - Oak Island

Find your favorite costume and head out for some spooky fishing at the Oak Island Pier, 705 E. Oak Island Drive. Fishermen need to bring their own poles and bait, and the fishing is from 5:30-7 pm. The program is free, but registration is required.

OCT 15-19

First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo

Head out to Stump Hill Farms, at 2030 Ash Little River Road, for five days of rides, games, food and all sorts of agricultural fun.

The fair will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will remain open from 4-11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday the fair will be open from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. General admission is $7 per person paying with cash, $8 paying with a card, and parking is free.

OCT 18

Port Brunswick Day

Brunswick Town - Fort Anderson State Historic Site

Beginning at 10 am, living historians will be interpreting various colonial trades and aspects of colonial life including candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. Kids will have an opportunity to experience colonial toys and games.This event is free and all ages are welcome.

OCT 18

Band, Brews & BBQ

The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event, which includes award-winning BBQ, local craft beers, music and a beautiful view at the Brunswick Riverwalk Park. The event includes a BBQ Cook-Off in which both professionals and amateurs compete – and which attendees get to enjoy. The festival is 11 am to 4 pm at

the Park, 580 River Rd SE, Belville.

OCT 18

Living Voices of the Past — in Southport

The Southport Historical Society hosts this event, 2-4 pm at the Old Smithville Burying Grounds, 401 E. Moore St. The former Southport residents will come to life, thanks to Society volunteers who will portray them and share their stories. A $5 donation is suggested.

OCT 18

Rain Garden Workshop - Oak Island

Members of the Oak Island Beautification Club will lead a program on the benefits of rain gardens; participants will get hands-on experience by helping install a rain garden at the Arboretum Park, at the southeast corner of E. Oak Island Drive and Middleton Avenue. The program is 9-11 am at the park.

OCT 18

Fall Festival and Haunted Trail — Boiling Spring Lakes

This spooky festival is 5-8 at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road. There is a costume contest, haunted trail, hot dogs and hamburgers for sale, candy, and even a fortune teller!

OCT 18-19

NC Oyster Festival

Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm at 11 E. 2nd Streety, Ocean Isle Beach. Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). A free shuttle runs to the festival from both lots. The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee. Admission is $5/adult, children under 12 are free. Enjoy vendors, music, and OYSTERS at this annual must-do event.

OCT 20

Brunswick Civil War Round Table - Ladies Forum

Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a prominent Washington socialite who emerged as one of the Confederacy’s most valuable spies during the Civil War.

First-person interpreter Emily Lapisardi, appearing in her period dress, will portray Rose at this meeting of the Civil War Ladies’ Forum. The meeting is at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., in Southport, across from the U.S. Post Office. The program will take place from 6 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. There is a $5 fee for guests, but free for all women members of the Round Table.

OCT 21

Leland We Don’t Know

Explore Leland’s past, present, and future during this program. Get to know the area with this talk highlighting history and discussing some of the Town’s exciting plans for the future. The program is 9-10:30 am at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and registration is required.

OCT 24

Belville Riverwalk Trunk or Treat Monster Mash

Enjoy spooky tunes played by DJ Beetlejuice while Trunk or Treating. This family-friendly safe alternative to doorto-door trick or treating has something for every member of the family, including a costume contest, candy, food

trucks and fall treats. The festival is 5-7 pm at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Rd SE, Belville.

OCT 24

Blood Drive — in Southport

Dosher Memorial Hospital is hosting a blood Drive at the Jaycee Building, 309 N. Fodale Ave. The blood drive is 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and donors are encouraged to sign up online at www. redcrossblodd.org.

OCT 24

Taste of the Vine

Hors d’Oeuvres paired with tasty wines, silent auction items and wine sales make for a fun evening with the Rotary Club of Shallotte. Tickets are $75; call Vince at 920-352-6562 or email vince.bacchi@gmail.com. The event is 5:30-7:30 pm at the Lockwood Folly Country Club, 19 Clubhouse Drive SW, Supply.

OCT 24

Spook or Treat — Southport

Take the kids to this safe trick-or-treat celebration just for them. Southport hosts this event at 209 N. Atlantic Ave., from 5-6:30 pm.

OCT 25

Medication Disposal Event — Novant

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center will hold a drive thru event with contactless drop off at 240 Hospital Drive, Bolivia from 10 am to 2 pm. All medications, syringes, e-cigarette and vaping devices with batteries removed are accepted; anyone can safely dispose of medications throughout the year at any of the medical center’s local permanent drop boxes at any time. A list of locations is available at fda.gov/drugs

OCT 25

Howl-o-Ween Bowser Bash — Southport

The pets take stage today with their costumes, with awards for the best dressed. The bash is 10 am to noon, and the $5 fee will benefit local animals in need. The event is on the Fort Johnston Garrison lawn, 203 E. Bay St.

OCT 25

Spooktacular — Oak Island

Take the whole family to Oak Island’s annual Halloween event at the Middleton Park fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive. The vendors market starts at 4 pm; live music and children’s activities, including a costume contest, games, and trick-or-treating, start at 6 pm, and the festival wraps up at 8 pm.

OCT 25

Fall Festival — Leland

Children can safely trick-or-treat among decorated booths at Northwest District Park, 1937 Andrew Jackson Hwy, from 4-7 pm. The event also includes games and interactive activities.

OCT 25

Classic Car and Truck Show — Southport

Check out cars and drugs from many decades at this classic car show, 8:30 am to 3 pm in downtown Southport (bottom of Howe Street/Bay Street). There will be music from the Back Porch Rockers and DJ Dave, and there will also be a 50/50. The Cape Fear Cruisers use proceeds from the show to support local charities.

OCT 28

Spooktacular — Shallotte

Celebrate Halloween at this family event, starting at 6 am at Riverwalk Park, 158 Wall St.

OCT 29

Trunk-or-Treat Trail — Sunset Beach

Enjoy spooky fun at Sunset Beach’s Halloween celebration, 5-6:30 pm at Sunset Beach Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. North.

OCT 30

Brunswick County Fall Festival

Enjoy free hot dogs and candy at this family-friendly fall celebration! There will also be games, a costume contest, hay rides, and a haunted trail. The festival is 6-9 pm at the Government Complex in Bolivia.

OCT

31

Trunk-or-Treat — Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach wraps up the Halloween celebrations with its annual

trunk-or-treat, 5-6:30 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.

OCT

31

Trunk-or-Treat — Southport Fire Department

Kids can collect treats at this event hosted by the Southport Fire Department, 1011 N. Howe St. The festivities are 6-8 pm.

OCT 31

Trunk-or-Treat

Kids can wear their costumes and collect treats, 5:30-7 pm at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road. A $2 donation is requested.

NOV 1

Great Pumpkin Blowout

Brunwick Town-Fort Anderson State Historic Site

Beginning at 11 am, dispose of your Halloween pumpkin in a unique and rather explosive way by implementing the same technology used to detonate Civil War era torpedoes! There is a $10 fee per pumpkin and BYOP (bring your own pumpkin). It is free to watch, but YOU get to press the button to detonate if you bring your own! Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but all types are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online in advance beginning Oct. 4 at https:// historicsites.nc.gov/news/events/ great-pumpkin-blowout.

NOV 1

Tree Giveaway — Leland

Trees are available for free on a first come, first-served basis, 9 am to noon at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

NOV 1

Open House at LCAC

Learn more about the programs and classes offered at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, and meet some of the instructors. The open house is 10 am to 1 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

CALENDAR

NOV 1

National Weather Service Station Tour

Tour the National Weather Service’s station in Wilmington, and learn more about the equipment and the people behind our weather forecasting. Tours are 9:30-11 am and 11:30 am to 1 pm; register through the Town of Leland.

NOV 1

Southport Wooden Boat Show

Come see the wooden boats on land and in the water in Historic Downtown Southport along with a variety of craft vendors. 10 am - 4 pm along W. Moore Street and the Old Yacht Basin.

NOV 1

Jack’s Boat Pull

Come cheer your favorite team as they attempt to be the fastest to pull a boat and truclk across the finish line. All proceeeds go to the JAck Helbig Foundation’s drowning prevention programs. Beginning at 12 pm at the Morningstar Marina, 606 W. West Street, Southport

NOV 6

Gallery Reception — Art League of Leland

Artists are exploring the color green for this reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

NOV 7

Holiday Boutique — St. James

The Artisans Association hosts this market, just in time for some holiday shopping, featuring art, glass, crafts, baskets, fabric arts, jewelry, woodworking and more. The market is 10 am to 4 pm at the Homer E. Wright Event Center (St. James) at 4136 Southport-Supply Rd SE.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Oak Island Live & Local

Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)

Oct 4 — the Live and Local fall series kicks off with food and craft vendors starting at 4 pm, and music from The Back Porch Rockers starting at 6 pm.

Oct 11 — The Doorsmen

Oct 18 — Chocolate Chip & Co.

Oct 25 — The Cruise Brothers (also the Spooktacular festival)

Movies on the Lawn - Southport

Garrison Lawn, starting at 7:20 pm/ dusk

203 E. Bay Street

Oct 10 — “Beetlejuice”

Odell WIlliamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College 150 College Road NE, Bolivia

Oct 11 — Don Jovi (Bon Jovi tribute band)

Oct 24 — Taylor’s Thread (James Taylor tribute band)

Oct 26 — The U.S. Army Field Band

Nov 1 — ABBA-Mania

Nov 15 — Sail On (Beach Boys tribute band)

Visit https://bccowa.com/ for tickets.

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third St., Wilmington

Oct 2 — Anjelah Johnson-Reyes

Oct 9 — The North Carolina Symphony presents All Beethoven

Oct 11 — The Voice of Whitney

Oct 14 — Ami Bruni

Oct 16 — Here Come the Mummies, an eight-piece funk band of 5,000-yeaold Egyptian mummies

Oct 17 — Dusty Slay

Oct 21 — Twilight in Concert

Oct 25-26 — City Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland and the Picture of Dorian Gray

Nov 1 — Dvorak & Colberg from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

Nov 8 — Il Divo

Nov 12 — The Life & Music of George Michael

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington

Sept 26 - Oct 5 — The Thalian Association Community Theater presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Oct 1 — Mohamed Abozekry

Oct 2-5 — Red: A Bioplay about Artist Mark Rothko

Oct 9 — Horror Circus

Oct 11 — Gunhild Carling

Oct 16-26 — Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, from Big Dawg Productions

Oct 17-19 — The Thalian Association Community Theatre presents “Home”

Oct 20 — Haunted Illusions

Oct 23 — Chanticleer

Oct 28 — Ailey II

Oct 31 — Carmen Carpenter

Nov 2 — Jamie deRoy & Friends

Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.

Greenfield lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington

Oct 2 — JJ Grey and Mofro

Oct 3 — Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Oct 5 — The 502s - Easy Street Tour

Oct 10 — Blackberry Smoke

Oct 11 — American Aquarium

Oct 12 — Phantogram

Oct 16 — Big Gigantic

Oct 17 — Gov’t Mule

Oct 18 — Old School Hip Hop Vs R&B Juelz Santana Performing Live

Oct 24 — Paul Cauthen

Nov 6 — The Revivalists

Nov 12 — The Elovaters

Nov 15 — Kicking Cancer County Style Benefit Concert featuring Cody Webb

Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

10 Cowan St., Wilmington

Oct 3 — Gavin Adcock

Oct 12 — Lukas Nelson - The American Romance Tour with Stephen Wilson Jr.

Oct 22 — Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guest Little Feat

Oct 29 — John Legend

OPEN AIR MARKETS

Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market

Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville

Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is available every day.

4th Friday Art Market

Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.!

ONGOING EVENTS

Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island

The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Donations accepted Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am - noon.Visit https://folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.

Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.

Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. The Southport Historical Society leads a session with Henry Livingston, who will discuss “The Southport Family Tree” for the Second Tuesday Talk, Oct. 14 at 10 am. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport

204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Historic Bike Tours in Southport

Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.

Oak Island Recreation Department

Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.

Franklin Square Art Gallery

The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. Works in the 2025 Maritime Art Show will be on display Oct. 27 through Nov. 15..

First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport

The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and the Intracoastal Realty Downtown Southport Office. Stroll along and browse in the shops to see what local artists have to offer.

Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island

Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm

with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.

Battleship North Carolina — near Leland

Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year. Battleship 101 is Oct. 11, when visitors can explore spaces that are normally closed. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

.Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday) and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Sandbar lectures are every Tuesday at 6 pm. Snakes Alive is on Thursdays at 6 pm. The touch tank is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, 11 am to noon..

Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium. org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.

Leland Library

487 Village Road NE

Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

4th Friday Art Market

Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.

Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation

Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.

Wilmington River Tours

212 S. Water St., Wilmington Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.

Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

Looking for something to do besides going to the beach? Here you’ll find lots of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check before you go as hours may change and some attractions may be seasonal

Attractions

INGRAM PLANETARIUM

7625 High Market Street

Sunset Beach (mainland)

https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/

Enjoy musical laser shows and learn more about the night sky; check website for schedule and tickets. Hands-on activities and interactive displays are available in the Paul Dennis Science Center, and admission to the Center is free.

MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA

21 E. 2nd St.

Ocean Isle Beach

https://museumplanetarium.org/

Learn more about our coastal environment, with a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs. The Mu-

Attractions Guide

seum is open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday for sandbar lectures.

SHALLOTTE RIVER SWAMP PARK

5550 Watts Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland)

https://www.shallotteriverswamppark. com/

This adventure park features zip line tours, an aerial park, guided ATV tours and eco-tours on a swamp boat.

PLANET FUN/STARZ GRILL

349 Whiteville Road

Shallotte

https://planetfuncenter.com/

This family entertainment center offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling (including cosmic bowling on weekends), many TVs for watching all the games, and a restaurant.

SHALLOTTE RIVERWALK

Gazebos at 159 Cheers St. and 146 Wall St.

The Riverwalk is open from dawn to dusk, and features a quarter mile boardwalk, gazebos at each end and beautiful views of the Shallotte River.

OLD BRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

109 Shoreline Drive West Sunset Beach (mainland) http://www.theoldbridge.org/

The old swing bridge that used to connect Sunset Beach to the mainland has been preserved as a museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, with stories about the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge tender house, local history, and more.

STUMP HILL FARMS

2030 Ash-Little River Road NW Ash

https://www.stumphillfarms.com/

The farm is open on Saturdays in April and October, and by appointment or for special events other times of year, with hay rides, games for children, and educational opportunities covering bee pollination and local crops.

GRAYCE WYNDS FARM AND THE WILD HORSE RESERVE AT GRAYCE WYNDS

2450 Grayce Wynds Drive Supply, NC 28462

Visit the farm, take a guided tour, or participate in special events. Check https://www.graycewyndsfarm.com/ for tours available and events.

SILVERY COAST WINERY

6680 Barbeque Road

Ocean Isle Beach https://silvercoastwinery.com/

Winery tours, tastings, and shop for wine accessories and gifts; event rental space also available.

OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF

6391 Beach Drive SW

Ocean Isle Beach http://oceanisleminigolf.com

TREASURE ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF

3445 Holden Beach Rd.

Holden Beach (910) 842-4878

Parks

There are so many great spots to get out and enjoy this beautiful county. We’ve listed a few of the main parks here, but keep an eye out for smaller pocket parks and water access areas.

HOLDEN BEACH PAVILION AND BRIDGEVIEW PARK

The Pavilion is tucked in next to the west side of the bridge on the island, and Bridgeview Park is a couple blocks down the Intracoastal Waterway, at Davis Street.

TOWN CENTER PARK

11 E. Second St.

Ocean Isle Beach

This town park has an amphitheater, interactive fountain, bocce ball court, playground, and plenty of bike parking.

SHALLOTTE PARK

5550 Main St.

Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground, picnic shelters and a dog park.

MULBERRY STREET PARK

123 Mulberry Street

Shallotte

Picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and home to Shallotte’s outdoor markets

SUNSET BEACH TOWN PARK

Sunset Boulevard North (mainland) Stroll through five acres of live oaks along the Intracoastal Waterway, sit a spell on a bench, do some fishing or visit the Veterans Memorial.

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK

6483 Old Georgetown Road

The Park features 2 playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelter and a multipurpose field for soccer/football with walking trail and fitness stations.

WACCAMAW PARK

5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash

This park features ball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, bocce ball and a nine-hole disc golf course.

Fishing Piers

SUNSET BEACH FISHING PIER

101 W. Main St. Sunset Beach http://sunsetbeachpier.com/

OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER

1 W. First St. Ocean Isle Beach https://oibpier.com/

CAROLINAS COASTAL ADVENTURE TOURS

2000 Sommerset Road SW

Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.ccattours.com/

SALT FEVER GUIDE SERVICE

21 Causeway Drive

Ocean Isle Beach https://www.saltfeverguideservice. com/

HURRICANE FLEET - LEAVES FROM THE CALABASH WATERFRONT

https://hurricanefleet.com/

CALABASH FISHING FLEET

9945 Nance St. Calabash https://calabashfishingfleet.com/

HOLDEN BEACH FISHING

https://www.holdenbeachfishing.com/

HOLDEN BEACH WATERSPORTS

3325 Old Ferry Road SW

Holden Beach

https://www.holdenbeachwatersports. com/index.html

Fishing Charters

Boat Tours

Boat Rentals

OCEAN ISLE FISHING CENTER

65 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.oifc.com/

TOUR H2O

Locations in Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Southport https://tourh2o.com/

BLUE PLANET WATERSPORTS

7156 Beach Drive

Ocean Isle Beach

https://blueplanetwatersports.com/

HOLDEN BEACH JET SKI RENTALS

1305 Cedar Landing Road SW Supply

https://www.holdenbeachjetski.com

SORTA SALTY FISHING CHARTERS

Holden Beach https://sortasalty.com

OLLIE RAJA CHARTERS

3238 Pompano St. SW

Holden Beach/Oak Island

https://holdenbeachfishingcharters. com/