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Visit the Historic Fort Johnston of Southport

Located in Southport, Fort Johnston was opened in 1754 as the first working military installation in North Carolina, with the purpose to defend the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Fort Johnston played an important role in the Civil War and worked alongside other area forts of Caswell, Anderson and Fisher. While the main structure of Fort Johnson is no longer in place, some original structures remain, and markers tell the story of the fort that was once in place at the location. For more information, contact Fort Johnston at (910) 457-7927.

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!

Learn How To Kiteboard

Kiteboarding is a challenging sport that requires less wind than windsurfing and has become quite popular in recent years. Kiteboarders are pulled by a large kite that flies through the air, and advanced riders are able to do tricks and jumps that carry them between 10 and 40 feet in the air. Kiteboarding is popular in the Brunswick County area, which doesn't always have enough wind for the sport of windsurfing. Though the sport can be very fun if you know what you are doing, you should take lessons before attempting to ride on your own. For more information, contact the area's kite and wind shop in Wilmington, Blowing in the Wind, at (888) 691-8034.

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

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

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.

Visit the Old Brunswick County Jail

The Old Brunswick County Jail was built in Southport in 1904 and consists of two cells and a second floor runabout. The structure has been managed by the Southport Historical Society since 1984 and will soon be home to a Southport History Museum and Genealogy Research Room. Inside the jail, some remnants of prisoners' graffiti is still visible on the walls. The Jail is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, and admission is free. For more information, contact the Southport Historical Society at (910) 457-0760.

Go Camping

If you enjoy the wilderness, you may want to try camping for a night or two during your stay in Brunswick County. A variety of camping facilities are available in the area, ranging from the remote, undeveloped Masonboro Island to the modern private campgrounds with electric and water facilities. No matter what type of camping you prefer, be sure to check the local weather forecast before heading out on your camping trip. Remember to take sunscreen and insect repellent, and beware of poisonous snakes. Depending on where you camp, you can enjoy activities like hiking, bicycling, canoeing, fishing, and more! A few campgrounds you could try are: the KOA Kampground of Sunset Beach at (888) 562-4240, Ocean Aire Camp World Inc. of Supply at (910) 842-9072, and Sea Mist Camping Resort of Shallotte at (910) 754-8916.

Practice Your Swing at the Driving Range

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

Spend an Afternoon Shopping in Area Antique Stores

Though there are many nice gift shops in the area, many visitors prefer to do their shopping at area antique stores. Shopping at antique stores is a great way to find unique items of the area that can't be purchased by just anyone at a souvenir shop. If you are interested in antiques, Brunswick County has a number of shops available. In Southport, you may enjoy Magnolia Gifts and Antiques at (910) 457-4982, Northrup Antiques Mall at (910) 457-9569, or Southport Antiques at (910) 457-1755. Also, you may want to travel to nearby Burgaw, which is home to the Burgaw Antiqueplace, which consists of items from 50 dealers. The Burgaw Antiqueplace can be reached at (910) 259-7070.

Attend a Cape Fear Yacht Club Event

The Cape Fear Yacht Club is based in Southport and began in 1993 by area residents who appreciate the boating industry and wanted to have an organization with other members who shared their interests. Today, the Cape Fear Yacht Club is an active area organization that has various events each year. Regattas to support charity causes like their Leukemia Cup Regatta in May, summer sailing yacht racing and the annual "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony are among some of the exciting things the Yacht Club does each year. For more information about attending some of these events, or about possible membership, contact the Cape Fear Yacht Club at (910) 845-2860.