|
|
Visiting Our Area: Attractions |  Printer Friendly
From the Myrtle Beach area to historic Wilmington, North Carolina, you will find a wealth of points of interest and local attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Attractions are listed South to North.
Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park
(843) 238-4783
3900 Highway 17 South
Myrtle Beach, SC
Just minutes away, the family will enjoy thrill rides and all-you-can-ride go-carts at Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, including junior racers, 2-seaters and bumper boats.
La Belle Amie Vineyard
(843) 399-WINE
1120 St. Joseph Road
Little River, SC 29566
www.labelleamie.com
La Belle Amie is the Grand Strand’s only operating vineyard. Located on 40 acres just two miles from the ocean near North Myrtle Beach, guest may sample wines, browse the gift shop and relax with a glass of wine. La Belle Amie Vineyard is open Monday through Saturday. Call for hours.
|
 |
Silver Coast Winery
(910) 287-2800
6680 Barbeque Road
Ocean Isle, NC 28469
www.silvercoastwinery.com
Silver Coast Winery is set in the woodlands just a few minutes from the beach. Producing 5400 cases annually, the winery offers wine tastings, winery tours, an art gallery and gift shop as well as regular wine festivals, artists’ receptions, concerts and much more. The Art of Wine Tasting classes taught each Saturday at 11am. Open M-S 11am-6pm & Sun. noon-5pm. Grounds available for private events. For wine events, check the web site.
Ingram Planetarium
(910) 579-1016
The Village at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
www.ingramplanetarium.org
Ingram Planetarium offers a night-sky spectacular starring Ursa Major, Big Dipper and Polaris. Did you know that Arturus and Spica are the main stars in the constellations of Bootes and Virgo? Answers to these and other astronomical questions are answered at this newly opened state-of-the-art facility which features a 40 ft. dome, seating for 92, a science and education center with mathematical and navigational displays, and a gift shop. Call for hours and admission fees.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina
(910) 579-1016
21 East Second Street
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.museumofcc.org
The area's premier Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Coastal Carolina at Ocean Isle Beach, houses exhibits representing coastal North and South Carolina. An extensive collection of Carolina shells, tide machine, waterfowl diorama, antique fishing equipment, live snakes and artifacts of Native American culture are just a few the many displays. Details about the area's turtle watch program are available at the Museum. Call for hours and admission fees.
North Carolina Maritime Museum
(910) 457-0003
116 Howe Street
Southport, NC 28461
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport houses a collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of southeastern North Carolina and offers self-guided tours through 12 designated stations. Items include sharks' teeth, commercial fishing and navigation exhibits, a 2000-year-old canoe fragment and Civil War artifacts recovered from blockade runners and other offshore wrecks. On-site research library, films and programs offered year-round. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm.Fees: Seniors $1, Age 16 + $2, Children are free.
Bald Head Island Ferry
(910) 457-5006
Indigo Plantation
Southport, NC
The ferry departs for Bald Head Island from Indigo Plantation in Southport daily every hour on the hour from 8am to 6pm except at 12 noon. It returns from the island to the mainland daily every hour on the half-hour from 8:30am to 6:30pm except at 11:30am. The ferry runs later to and from the island from 7pm to 10:30pm, but reservations must be made prior to 6pm. Day trip cost is $15 per person round trip. Children 12 and under $8. Reservations are encouraged.
Bald Head Island Lighthouse
(910) 457-5003
www.oldbaldy.org.
The state's oldest remaining lighthouse, Old Baldy, is open for tours on Bald Head Island. Built in 1817, the 90-foot brick structure helped guide ships safely to the mouth of the Cape Fear River until 1935 when it was replaced by new light at Caswell Beach. Some 100 steps and a wooden ladder lead to the top and a spectacular view of the island, Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. Admission to lighthouse free.
Smith Island Museum of History
(910) 457-7481
Bald Head Island, NC
Also on Bald Head island, the Museum is housed in a replica of the 19th century lighthouse keeper’s cottage. It houses artifacts and documents from the man-made history of Bald Head, Middle and Bluff Islands. Admission price includes a climb to the top of Old Baldy. Ferry and guided tour reservations required. Ferry leaves from Indigo Plantation in Southport. For Bald Head Island ferry information and fees, call (800) 234-1666.
Progress Energy Education Center
(910) 457-6041
NC Highway 87
Southport, NC 28461
Progress Energy Visitors Center at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant houses more than 30 exhibits on nuclear energy, energy conservation and electricity. Displays here include an operating model of the two power units. Films and videotapes are shown in the auditorium. Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and in June, July and August on Sunday 1 to 4 pm. Free admission.
Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
(910) 457-6942
The open-air ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher accommodates cars, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Crossing time is about 30 minutes. You’ll be escorted by seagulls (bring bread to feed them) and may get a look at other birds and wildlife as well as ocean-going freighters or fishing vessels. Because space is limited, you should plan to be in line at the ferry about 30 minutes prior to boarding. The cost for a ferry ticket is $1 for pedestrian; $2 for bicycle; $3 for motorcycles; $5 for vehicles & combos under 20-feet; $10 for vehicles & combos under 40-feet and $15 for vehicles and combos 40 to 60-feet. www.ncferry.org.
Fort Fisher Civil War Museum
(910) 458-5538
Fort Fisher, NC
Just across the Cape Fear River by ferry from Southport is the Fort Fisher Civil War Museum, the last major stronghold of the Confederacy and the largest Civil War earthwork fortification in the south. Fort Fisher saw two major battles before falling to the Union Army in January 1865. The alert visitor may catch a glimpse of the ghost of Confederate General William Whiting who was imprisoned by the Union following his unsuccessful defense of the fort. Remains of the fort and a visitors’ center/museum are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1 to 5pm. Hours shorter in winter. Free admission.
Orton Plantation & Gardens
Winnabow, NC 28479
Visit one of the most beautiful gardens on the Eastern Seaboard. The tour if the site is made on foot and can be made in about an hour, but many visitors take leisurely pace and spend the morning of afternoon. Call for admission fees.
Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site(910) 371-6613
8884 St. Philips Road SE
Winnabow, NC 28479
Founded in 1726, Brunswick Town was burned by the British in 1776. The site has been excavated, revealing much of the life in this colonial town. A museum displays artifacts and explains town life. Guide maps of the town and nature trail are provided in the Visitors Center. The ruins include St. Philip's Church, Russellborough, the home of two royal governors, and the earthen mounds of the confederate Fort Anderson. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (shorter hours and Monday closing in winter). Demonstrations are staged each Saturday through the summer. North of Southport on NC 133. Free admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
(910) 350-1817
Eagles Island
Wilmington, NC 28402
www.battleshipnc.com
Currently moored as a memorial, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA stands as a prime example of the sea power of her time. Today she has been preserved almost exactly as she was on active duty. The NORTH CAROLINA served in every major naval offensive in the Pacific in World War II. She earned 15 battlestars for distinguished service and sailed home a hero. You can tour the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and the attached museum, located at the banks of the Cape Fear River in historic Wilmington, North Carolina, just over the Brunswick County line in New Hanover County. Open every day 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, summer hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Fees: Adults 12 and over $9.00, age 65+/Active Duty or Retired Military $8.00, Children 6 – 11 $4.50 and Children under 5 are free.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
(910) 458-7468
Fort Fisher, NC
Habitats emphasize the region’s aquatic life including alligators, sharks, rays and much more. Touch tank. Educational programs. Admission is charged.
Wilmington’s Historic District
Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Wilmington’s Historic District has been lovingly restored to showcase homes and businesses dating from the 1700s. Start your tour by stopping in the convention & visitors bureau located in the Historic Courthouse beside Thalian Hall, which is the nation’s oldest continuously operating theater company.
Cape Fear Museum
(910) 341-4350
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.nhcgov.com/cfm
The oldest history museum in North Carolina, Cape Fear Museum regional history and exhibits. The Michael Jordan exhibit features the local boy who became a sports legend. Other topics of local interest include “What’s Cookin’ in the Cape Fear” and “Waves & Currents: The Lower Cape Fear Story, featuring a model of the 1863 Wilmington and a diorama of the historic battle at Fort Fisher. Fees: Adults $5, Seniors/Students $4, Children 3-17 years $1 and Members are free.
Wilmington Children’s Museum
(910) 254-3534
1020 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonchildrensmuseum.org
The Children’s Museum features a full-time staff of Art and Science Educators and hands-on art and science activities. Other activities and features include the child-sized Lowes Foods Grocery Store, the Pirate Ship, the Cityworks fire depot, the Sand Room, the Dress Up and Puppet Theatre and Let’s Go LEGO!
Fees: $3.50 per person, Members are free.
The Wilmington Railroad Museum
(910) 763-2634
Red Cross & Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Recapture the essence of railroad days as you climb abourd a steam locomotive, wander through a bright red caboose or explore extensive displays of photographs and artifacts ranging from a 150-ton locomotive to a conductor’s 4 ounce timepiece. Admission for adults is $3, Military and Seniors are $2 and children ages 3-12 are $1.50.
|
|
|
