- Amusements
- Bike Rentals
- Birding Spots
- Boat Ramps
- Boat Rentals
- Boat Tours
- Campgrounds
- Crafting Activities
- Diving
- Educational Activities
- Entertainment and Shows
- Ferry
- Fishing
- Fishing Charters
- Fishing Piers
- Golf Courses
- Hiking Spots
- History
- Indoor Activities
- Jet Ski Rentals
- Kayak Rentals
- Kayak Tours
- Kid Friendly Activities
- Kitesurfing Lessons
- Marinas
- Miniature Golf
- Nature Spots
- Nightlife
- Paddleboard Rentals
- Paddleboarding Lessons
- Paddleboarding Tours
- Picnicking
- Rainy Day Activities
- Sailing
- Sailing Tours
- Scenic Spots
- Surfboard Rentals
- Surfing
- Surfing Lessons
- Swimming
- Tours
- Water Skiing
- Wine and Beer Tours
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East Coast Got-Em-On King Mackerel Classic
July 12th, 2025 - July 13th, 2025 -
Poplar Grove Open Air Market
July 16th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM -
Market in the Park
July 17th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach. When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation. Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott. For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.” Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly. Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier. A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.” Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni
3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths 1 King | 3 Queens | 2 TwinsLooking for a true beach bungalow for your next visit to Oak Island? A comfortable oceanfront getaway, that evokes those oceanside vacations experienced as a kid? With handsome pine paneling, tons of character and striking décor, this inviting home with both ocean and sound vistas, features a first-floor downstairs bedroom with its own entrance and inside staircase leading up to the second floor. The open concept main floor - living room, dining room and kitchen - accepts for families to appreciate being together inside, and extends outside onto the porch, which features both covered and uncovered sections from which to savor the incomparable activity of both sky (birds, clouds, stars) and ocean (ships, wildlife, surf). Each of the three bedrooms has its own bathroom (showers-only), and the home comes with tons of games, puzzles, and a sizable collection of books. And of course, for those needing it, hi-speed internet is included. Also a plus is our superb location - on the West End, the Lonerider Tap Room a five min. walk away, the pier a 5-min. drive.
- Oak Island
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.
Welcome to your Home Away From Home on Carolina Beach!First and foremost, one of our greatest priorities is that our home is exceptionally clean upon your arrival. Rest assured that we have partnered with an extremely highly regarded cleaning crew who has just as high of standards as we do.We have also graciously supplied the kitchen with a huge variety of cookware, accepting your group of up to 10 to make our home feel like yours during your stay.The beach access can be seen from the front yard, just a short 5 min. walk straight down the road and onto the sand.Our home has 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths. On the first floor there is 1 bedroom with a queen bed and 1 full bathroom with a shower. On the second floor there are 3 bedrooms with a king bed, 1 bedroom with two twin beds (twin trundle bed), and 1 full bathroom with a tub/shower. The bedroom with the twin trundle bed is part of a 3 room suite (the third room being a living room), along with one of the bedrooms with a king bed. These two bedrooms are ideal for a family with kids, or a group of family or friends who do not mind the shared space. There is a living room upstairs which comes in handy when members of the group want to spread out and relax away from the main floor's open concept living space. After all, you are on vacation!Our home has two enormous front porches -- on the first and second floor. We also have a back deck on the first floor off of the kitchen where we do our grilling! This property is set back off the road, canopied by trees, and is our favorite place to savor the outdoors -- in the shade, with a nice sea breeze.So you may feel more prepared and aware of what we provide to you -- please read below:Linens:- Linens for 1 queen bed, 3 king beds and 2 twin beds (1 twin bed will be made up, and a second set of twin sheets will be left in the closet of the twin room for the trundle bed). - Each bed receives 4 pillows (except the twin beds receives 2).- Each bedroom will have an additional blanket in the closet.Towels:- 10 Bath Towels- 10 Wash Cloths- 2 dish towels in the kitchen- 4 total hand towels — 2 per bath- 2 total floor towels/bath mats — 1 per bath. Cleaning Supplies:- 3 laundry detergent pods- 2 rolls of paper towels- 1 new sponge- 6 dishwasher detergent pods (save 1 for the morning of check-out)- 3 garbage bags, plus a new one in the can- 2 rolls of toilet paper per bath (4 total rolls)As we mentioned, we have extremely high standards of cleanliness, and you are on vacation, so we plan to ask very little of you during your stay, but we do have a short list of items we ask for your cooperation on:- If you will be staying with us on Sunday nighttime, please roll our trash and recycling bins to the curb on Sunday Nighttime. We greatly thank you!!- Check out is at 10 am and your keyless entry code will expire then.The housekeepers will be arriving to prepare the home for our next guests.* If you are still at the property after check-out time, you will be charged a minimum $45 fee, or greater, depending on the delay you cause.- The home should be left relatively clean. If excessive cleaning is required to prepare for our next guests, you will be charged an additional cleaning fee.- Please gather all used sheets/pillow cases, kitchen dish towels, bath towels, hand towels and bathmats and place them in the laundry room.* Please do not remove duvet covers, pillow shams or bed pads unless soiled.- Please place all dishes in the dishwasher and start a load when you leave. If any items don’t fit, please hand wash, dry and return to cabinets. If dirty dishes are left, this significantly delays our cleaning crew and you will be charged a $45 fee.- Please remove all personal food items from the refrigerator/freezer and cupboards upon your departure.- Please place all trash and recyclables in the bins outside when you leave.We hope you and your group make memories to last a lifetime!
- Carolina Beach
- 5 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
One of the largest attractions in Wrightsville Beach – both literally and figuratively – is the town’s miles of ocean-facing shoreline. And over the decades, the local beaches are the prime reason why millions of visitors have discovered, (and return to), this cool coastal community. With parking available throughout the town, seasonal lifeguarded beaches, and wide shorelines where splashing around is a breeze, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to enjoy the local shorelines that have made this vacation destination famous throughout the generations.
This handsome Bald Head Island vacation rental home offers a secluded island escape ideal for calming and catching one's breath. The welcoming front porch offers a swing and sitting chairs and once inside the home, the outside world noises fade away. Our Tern is attractively decorated, offers a enormous screened porch with gas grille and sitting for six-plus people. The full-size laundry room and huge washer/dryer make it a snap to return home without laundry to do. The well equipped and organized kitchen makes meal preparation a breeze. The master bedroom is located on the first floor along with a master bath. In addition to the master bedroom on the first floor, a guest bedroom with a queen bed and access to a full bath is also located on the main living floor. The home offers three Roku T.V.s (master bedroom and two guest bedrooms) along with Spectrum cable and a sizable screen t.v. in the living room. As a additional, your four-legged family member is also welcomed! The modest fenced backyard is an handsome companion to the home's pet-friendly status. The home is located mins. away from the grocery store and stores at Maritime Way. Our Tern is a peaceful, comfortable hideaway bungalow. Sleeps 8 (max.). 4 bedrooms (1K-1Q-1Q-2T). 3 full baths. (1) 4-passenger carts and (1) 6-passenger cart. High-speed internet. Minutes to South Beach access. Pet-Friendly. Summer season check-in/out day is Friday/Friday. 4:30 p.m. arrival/9:30 a.m. departure.
- Bald Head Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Enjoy a freshwater environment just a block or so away from the beach with a visit to Carolina Beach Lake Park. This public park is centered on the 11-acre freshwater lake, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the closest freshwater lake to a major body of saltwater. This unusual feat has produced a sunny and surprising environment that’s perfect for off-the-beach relaxation and entertainment.
Considering that Wilmington is home to the renowned University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), it should come as no surprise that the city is packed with educational activities of all varieties. From historic antebellum homes to local museums where the regional history comes to life through a variety of intricate displays, there’s always an engaging activity – as well as a learning opportunity – to be uncovered with every visit to Wilmington, NC.
If you are a surf enthusiast and appreciate to hang ten or just a beach bunny that loves sand between your toes, then “CB Surf Cottage” is the ideal home for you! With thoughtful touches throughout the interior to ensure your comfort – this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex also sports an inviting outdoor area with pristine landscaping and an enclosed outdoor shower, sizable sectional couch, gas grille, beach equipment, surf boards, and an herb garden! The possibilities, and waves, are countless when you stay at “CB Surf Cottage”!As you enter the home you are pleasantly greeted by the charmingly decorated family room. With coastal blue hues and remarkable character, the family room graciously invites you inside just like an old friend. There is a intelligent TV supplied so that you can catch up on your favorite shows after a long day of catching waves and rays on the beach. A supplied tablet accepts you to adjust the intelligent lighting, and there is a PlayStation 4, sound bar, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and board games included to help keep the fun going after the sun goes down. A comfortable dining area is accented by awesome bespoke artwork and unique touches that add to the inviting feel of this space. Appreciate grilling the fresh catch of the day as the sun sets or whipping up your favorite meals in the cavernous chef’s kitchen. With open cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage space the kitchen caters to every culinary need. Down the hallway you will find the first guest bedroom, affectionately known as the Blue Room, which is furnished with a plush queen-sized bed and a intelligent TV for your viewing enjoyment. The Blue Room does not offer a closet, however, there is a dresser available for storing items. Next door is The Kiwi room that features a queen bed, modern barn doors that reveal a huge closet complete with a dresser and T.V., and bespoke surfboard art. Across the hall is the guest bathroom and laundry space. The zero-entry shower is hassle complimentary and includes gorgeous tile work. A floating vanity and vessel sink add to the mid-century modern style of this home and provides a resort like feel. Your primary bedroom is also known as The Boomer and is a real showstopper! The sizeable room provides access to the outdoor patio and includes its own private bathroom with a zero-entry shower, pretty tile work, and wooden vanity. Outfitted with a queen bed and wave wall, The Boomer offers a enormous closet and intelligent TV for added comfort. The fun isn’t limited to inside though – outside you will find a phenomenal patio that is shaded by a sail shade and an outdoor TV. Whether you are grilling or just kicking back, you can appreciate the outdoor area to the fullest. The beach is just an 11-min. walk from the home so you can relish the morning sunrises, go beach combing for shells, and of course catch a wave!Located in a peaceful residential neighborhood, this home offers serenity while keeping you centrally located to all the Pleasure Island attractions! Savor peaceful evenings grilling out with fresh picked herbs and watching your favorite sports team or get out and go discover the close by Island Greenway. With miles of striking trails that guide you through the maritime forest and lead you to the Mike Chappell Park which has tennis and pickle ball courts, a skatepark, basketball courts, playground and sports fields. If you are in town on a Saturday in summer, make sure you take a short walk to Carolina Beach Lake for the local farmer's market or swing by and watch the fireworks from the deck on Thursday nights. Whether you are looking for a private and calming hideaway or to discover all the island has to offer, there is something for everybody!Occupancy: 6. Stay Requirements: Minimum of 2-nighttime stays year-round. Linens Configuration: 3 Queen.Parking: Assigned parking on site for 2 cars. Pet Policy: No family pets allowed. Prohibited: Family Animals, Smoking, RV’s, Boats, Boat Trailers, Charging Golf Carts, Mail and Packages are not able to be sent to the rental. Featured Conveniences: Keyless Entry, Enclosed Outdoor Shower, Beach Equipment, Electric Fireplace, Intelligent TV, Modern Design, Surfboards, Beach Gear, Cruiser Bikes, Giant Private Deck, Grille, Herb Garden.Property Security: For the security of our guests and the safety of our home, we have an exterior security camera located on the front door (doorbell camera) and at the side kitchen door. Cancellation Policy: Full refund within 24 hours of booking, cancellations at 31+ days before check-in will receive a full refund after a $350 cancellation fee is deducted, cancellations at 15-30 days before check-in will receive a 50% refund of monies paid less a $350 cancellation fee and less than 15 days prior to arrival is not subject to a refund. All policies are subject to possible additional refund based on re-rental, excluding non-returnable cancellation costs and travel insurance (if applicable).Bryant Real Estate, established in 1952, is a professionally operated firm that is licensed in North Carolina and hired by the property owner to manage “C324 – CB Surf Cottage” as a vacation rental.
- Carolina Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
From antebellum mansions that steal the scene, to stunning waterfront vistas that can be admired from the downtown streets, Wilmington is a city that is brimming with beauty in every direction. On your next Wilmington vacation, pack along your camera, and be sure and plan an outing to these iconic landmarks, parks, and attractions where the views are breathtaking, and the local landscape is simply unforgettable.
With its collegiate prestige and unique roots that extend from the Antebellum era to modern day Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that the museums that are found in and around Wilmington are as diverse as the vibrant cityscape itself. Expand your knowledge on everything from military history to scaly and scary reptiles by paying a visit to these acclaimed museums that call the Wilmington region home.
EXCLUSIVE, BRAND NEW 2022 MILLION $ PLUS HOME LOCATED ON THE WEST END (5704 W. Dolphin Dr) AND BLUE POINT MARINA!! 4 Bedrooms & 4.5 Bathrooms are complemented with an elevator and additional den with queen sleeper couch. And dog friendly (max two w/ costs)!! The meticulously designed inverted floor plan captures expansive vistas of the Atlantic ocean and back water sound dotted with modest marshy islands leading to the ICW. This is a special part of Oak Island for its beauty, relative privacy and rich history too. Spend family fun time in the great room while cooking up everybody's favorites in the completely equipped gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, gas range, French door refrigerator and quartz countertops! Plenty of space for everybody and huge, private bedrooms. This home even has its own interior decorator to ensure absolute comfort and pleasing surroundings for those who have earned the right to say that this home is really 0ne Sure Thing when it comes to planning the ideal island beach vacation!! Simple beach access too! WIFI, TVs, W/D, D/W, Disposal, front porches, storage room, H/C O/S and covered parking. No Smoking. 3 to 4 nighttime minimum prices available in Value-Spring-Resort Seasons. Please call to inquire. Check-In: 3-5PM, Check-Out:10:00AM.
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 11
Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve is found just south of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and is one of the three original 1985 National Estuarine Research Reserve components dedicated by NOAA and the Division of Coastal Management. Encompassing a wide range of habitats, the lagoon-like reserve is one of the most important feeding regions of the North Carolina shoreline for a wide range of birds, and is a popular destination for nature lovers, mariners, kayakers, and birdwatchers alike.
For many visitors, the waterfront downtown region is where the action is in Wilmington, and an extended visit to this area is the highlight, if not the majority, of a great Wilmington vacation. Downtown Wilmington is steeped in history, filled with attractions, and offers all the enticing restaurants and shops of a major city, while retaining its small-town coastal charm.
Be one of the first to stay in this property, located in beautiful Sunset Beach, North Carolina:Brand new Townhomes, Completed Spring 2024Cavernous (1,900 - 2,200 sq ft)Inside Sea Trail Golf Resort (3 Championship Golf Courses on site)Three-bedroom townhomes with Brand New Queen LinensBrand New High-end kitchen appliances & Big screen TV'sScreened porches for calming evenings< 2 mil to Sunset Beach, 7th best beach in the world (nat geo)Walking distance to Sea Trail Resort Clubhouse / 55 Bistro / Sunset Slice / Sunset Prime. When making a reservation, you must be 25 to rent with us. We do not rent to locals. All cancellations incur a $150 Cancellation Fee, the Security Deposit Waiver, and the Booking FeeCancel 60+ days before arrival: Deposit is returnable minus cancellation costsCancel less than 60 days: No refund unless re-rented; cancellation costs still applyCancel less than 30 days: No refunds
- Sunset Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 12
While Wrightsville Beach has a collection of hotels and motels, the primary type of accommodations in this region are vacation rentals. There are literally hundreds of vacation rentals in the town of Wrightsville Beach, which are scattered throughout the landscape and are found along the oceanfront, soundfront, and in between waterfront regions in the interior section of the island. Because of the sheer geography of this skinny barrier island, guests in vacation rentals will never be far from the town’s top attractions, which include the local beaches, the waterfront boasting, fishing, and paddling scenes, and the variety of shops and restaurants that are found throughout the area.
Wilmington is a city that’s brimming with activity. From a vibrant arts and theater scene to a collection of acclaimed museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in this popular port town. So brighten your vacation by ensuring that the following things to do are a part of your Wilmington agenda. With a world of entertainment, arts, history, and all-around fun waiting, it’s no wonder that Wilmington is a vacation destination that visitors return to again and again.
Our condo is top floor with a fantastic ocean view and only a couple of mins. walk to the beach! The living room and master bedroom are both on the front of the unit facing with a double size deck that looks out over the beach and ocean. The guest bedroom and kitchen both look over the deck,salt water pool, and intracoastal waterway! The neighbors are a combination of locals who live in their units and many are also renters like you so everybody is friendly and happy to be at the beach! Join us!
- Carolina Beach
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
Everything you need to appreciate a calming trip at Oak Island! 3-bed, 2-bath with a sleeper couch in living room. Amazing Ocean Vistas and short walk to beach! Entirely equipped kitchen Linens supplied Bath towels included Hair dryer in bathrooms Boogie board/corn hole/beach chairs are available Cable and wifi Starter supplies supplied: 2 k-cups with sugar and cream Conditioning shampoo and conditioner Makeup wipes
- Oak Island
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 13
Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a stone’s throw from the Cape Fear Riverfront, this pretty public park is the perfect spot for hikers, birdwatchers, kayakers, and anyone who appreciates a natural vista to take a break from the bustling city and simply unwind.
Shell Island may not be a familiar term for new visitors to Wrightsville Beach, but it’s certainly well-known among locals and historians who like to explore the original roots of the area. Referring to the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach which was once the site of a popular resort, “Shell Island” is still an attractive destination for shell-seekers, fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who likes a little peace and quiet in this otherwise bustling beach town.
Centrally located in Wilmington on the photogenic Masonboro Sound. Appreciate a couple of day excursions, just a short 15 min. drive to Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Downtown Wilmington. Play in the sand and surf at Wrightsville Beach next to the Johnnie Mercers pier which offers a full breakfast, lunch and dessert menu. Or travel to Carolina Beach near the boardwalk next to a variety of eateries, surf stores and boardwalk. Try our local favorite Britts donuts, open seasonally. Or head to Historic Downtown Wilmington for a delicious lunch on the waterfront and watch the boats cruise by, then take a walk to all the gift and specialty stores . Come back to relax or entertain at the Sound House. There's plenty of space inside and out for guest to savor peaceful time or playing games. There's multiple calming areas on the wraparound porch, a deck with table and chairs, a firepit with chairs or whip up a meal inside and watch a movie. Features of the Home and land:Meticulously restored to it's original beauty and appeal. Arrogantly Shabby is a low country sound home with a giant wrap around porch. 3 bedrooms open to the porch with split Dutch door to capture the breeze off the sound. The 4th bedroom opens to it's own deck. The home is surrounded by impressive moss covered Live Oak trees and mature Palm trees that were added for a festive coastal feel. Interior walls and ceilings were restored to bring back the luster of the original wood. Each room is decorated with treasures of the sound with bohemian nautical themes. Linens included for convenience and comfort. 2 full Bathrooms off the bedrooms and living space and a huge outdoor shower. Restored antique clawfoot ceramic tub and pedestal sink. 2nd Bath features a new walk in shower with stain glass window and reclaimed tin walls. Outdoor shower is ideal after a day at the beach! The kitchen well equipped with new stainless steel appliances and dishes and a restored vintage Farm sink. The Living Room features a restored fireplace and French doors on both ends for a marvelous breeze. Daybeds and Rocking chairs are on the enormous screened porch to relax with a book or drink and appreciate the spectacular breeze and relaxing private vistas. Enclosed Dining Space in Sunroom. Outdoor space galore! Back deck for gathering around the table for meals or drinks. Firepit with Adirondack chairs. Covered grilling area. Oyster Roast station. 2 Parking areas with railroad ties and an oyster shell bed. Extensive landscaping. Tons of space! Just mins. away from Carolina and Wrightsville beaches as well the public boat landing on Trails End Rd.
- Wilmington
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Visitors to historic Southport who want to make a beach escape, or Carolina Beach travelers who need an easy yet scenic route to head south will find the Southport / Fort Fisher ferry a convenient yet completely unique way to explore the southern North Carolina coastline. Though just a short 35 minute ride from the mainland to Pleasure Island, (the home of Fort Fisher State Park, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach), this ferry trip nonetheless gives its passengers exceptional views of the Cape Fear River, and an incredible story to take back home.
The coastline of North Carolina is unique in that beach-goers have ample opportunities to explore the shoreline from the comfort and convenience of a 4WD vehicle. From the northern Outer Banks along the Virginia state border to the sunny beach towns that border Wilmington, visitors will find that there are plenty of options when it comes to cruising the coast.
IMPORTANT BOOKING NOTE: From Memorial Day weekend through the second week in August our home ONLY rents BY THE WEEK from SUNDAY to SUNDAY. All booking requests for reservations during the last week of May, JUNE, JULY, and the first 2 weeks of AUGUST must be for a SUNDAY TO SUNDAY booking or the reservation request will not be considered for approval. During NON-summer months AFTER the second week of August UNTIL Memorial Day weekend our home MAY be available for minimum 3 day units depending on the month and week and how close to your reservation date you are booking (we normally only approve requests for reservations that are less than one week in duration if they are made less than 30 days prior to arrival since we like to leave our calendar open for and give preference to families who want to book a weekly rental instead of just a 3 nighttime weekend rental. Off season HOLIDAY WEEKEND units normally require a minimum 4 nighttime rental unless booked one month or less prior to the reservation start date). Please send an inquiry if you want to book for less than a week during the non-summer non-peak season and we will let you know if the particular time period you want to book is available since we give priority to weekly units but do accept a request for a “long weekend” rental of just 3 nights during non-summer months for non holiday weekends if the request is made less than 30 days in advance of arrival date on a non holiday weekend or less than 7 days in advance of arrival date if it is a holiday weekend. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, the beauty & serenity of being tucked into the edge of the maritime forest right before the forest transitions into beach topography AND a fast 3 to 4 min. walk to arguably the best beach access on Bald Head Island. This is the last non-private beach access before the developed portion of Bald Head Island transitions from a dozen or so homes north of the beach access into miles and miles of undeveloped beach. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS is also near the Shoals Club. A 4 and a 6 seat golf cart to discover the island are supplied in the rental.I'm Tom and my background is Design-Build and interior design and my "better half" is Lindy and her background is interior design and international furnishings sales. We are SuperHosts on the "other site" and Premier Hosts on this site for the 6 bedroom vacation rental we do on our farm near Chapel Hill NC and have adored hosting Vacation Rental By Owner guests on our farm so much that we bought this home on Bald Head Island to do our "design and construction magic" and open it up to other families to appreciate. Here is what differentiates our Bald Head home from the typical Bald Head home:1. A peaceful and shaded maritime forest setting where the maritime forest is beginning its transition into beach topography yet only a quick 3 to 4 min. walk to arguably the best beach access on Bald Head2. The modern and comfortable design flair of the interior 3. Grand "getaway style" bedrooms that are well-separated (no two bedrooms or bathrooms share a common wall) and give folks a chance to get away from the group and have privacy when they want some autonomy. 4. Two over-sized screen porches as well as an open deck , pergola and patio, all on the sunny south side of the home providing a myriad of options for outdoor living . Finest of Both Worlds is located on a peaceful street in the edge of the maritime forest yet so close to the ocean the sounds of the breaking waves can lull you to sleep at nighttime.Enter the beach access that is only a quick 3 to 4 min. walk from our home and turn to your left and walk past the handful of remaining homes on the island and then you could literally walk for hours and see nothing but nature and the undisturbed beauty of miles and miles of untouched undeveloped Atlantic ocean front. No homes. No roads. No artificial dunes. Just literally miles and miles of nature and the Atlantic Ocean taking its course and sculpting the topography without man's interference.
- Bald Head Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Fort Johnston is a remarkable visitors’ center and museum that has deep historic roots in the early years of Southport’s long and storied history. Located on the edge of the waterfront downtown area along Bay Street, the stoic and regal looking brick structure, complete with four two-story white pillars, is an imposing but impressive site in this historic corner of the Cape Fear coastline.
The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal encounters with local bamboo sharks. This all-encompassing approach to maritime education has made the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher one of Carolina Beaches' most popular local attractions, and is a fun day trip for any Coastal Carolina visitor who wants to get their feet wet in the unique and varied wildlife habitats located just offshore.
Take a trip back in time without ever leaving the heart of Southport for a fascinating and educational visit to the stoic Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Found within a multi-story brick building on the corner of Nash and Rhett Streets, this iconic downtown site is a unique little treasure where patrons can explore a unique component of the Cape Fear’s fascinating local history.
Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and scenic views in every direction with a visit to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Located just south of Kure Beach, and renowned for its 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sunny beach destination is one of the most popular state parks in North Carolina, and offers miles of fun around every corner.
The Oak Island Lighthouse and Coast Guard station have a long history together, and the tall lighthouse tower stands as a welcoming beacon to visitors who head to these picturesque shores. As the newest lighthouse in North Carolina, the distinctive white, gray and black structure is unlike any other on the coastline, prompting both curiosity and amazement from visitors, and making it a "must-see" on any lighthouse lover's road trip list.
Clean and uncluttered beaches and a remarkable local history combine to make the Fort Fisher State Historic Site one of coastal North Carolina's most treasured barrier island attractions. This incredible locale, just miles away from Carolina Beach, is home to gorgeous stretches of shoreline, thickets of nature trails and live oaks, and the original site of Fort Fisher itself, a relic of the 1800s and an instrumental turning point during the Civil War.
It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors believe that the unique structure, the aging exterior, and the long history only adds to the overall charm. A must-see local attraction for day trippers and weeklong vacationers alike, the Old Baldy Lighthouse is easily one of the most interesting and admired sites throughout all of Bald Head Island.
With more than four centuries of history, it’s understandable that some of Wilmington’s rich past lingers on, and visitors with a darker side can get face-to-face with some of these ghoulish legends via an entertaining and spine-tingling Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington. Meandering through the downtown streets of Wilmington after-hours, and touching on some of the often forgotten stories of this rich city’s past, explorers will have an educational and undeniably fun time digging up the Port City’s old ghosts, while learning more about what makes this city by the coast so fascinating.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is the only North Carolina Natural History Museum that’s located on a barrier island, and is a fun destination for visitors of all ages to dive deep into the unique and beautiful coastal region. Located in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, just a couple blocks away from the oceanfront and the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, this rainy day destination will impress patrons with its wealth of natural, interactive, and eye-catching treasures.
With Wilmington's distinguished history as a thriving port community, few folks recognize at first that part of this reputation stemmed from its legacy as a bustling railroad center. In fact, for well over 125 years, railroading was the top industry in this town, surpassing importing and exporting goods along the Cape Fear River, (although the two businesses were certainly intertwined.)
The USS Battleship North Carolina is an unmistakable site in Downtown Wilmington. Taking up a large portion of the waterfront docks, this historic World War II moveable landmark is a must-see for Cape Fear vacationers.
Visitors can celebrate Wilmington's deep-rooted history in trade with a visit to the historic Cotton Exchange. The complex of eight buildings features over 30 shops and restaurants that are worthy of exploration, and will provide an enjoyable morning or afternoon of retail therapy for Wilmington visitors of all tastes and styles.
The small but well-stocked Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is a charming little attraction that may not take very long to explore, but nevertheless presents a complete and fascinating portrait of this surprisingly long-standing beach town.
The Cape Fear Museum, (shorthand for the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science), has been educating and entertaining visitors for well over 100 years. Founded in 1898, the museum is the oldest operating museum in North Carolina, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Distinguished for its modern structure and Market Street location in the middle of Downtown Wilmington, the museum has a wealth of information on the history, wildlife and culture of the 50-square mile Cape Fear region. More than 50 thousand exhibits can be found within its brick and concrete walls, and patrons of all ages will surely find an exhibit or two that is engrossing, educational, and sheds new light on this essential coastal Carolina region.
E-BIKE TOURS — An Experience For All Levels! Our goal is to make you feel like a local as you explore all Wilmington has to offer. If you’re looking to check out some of the best breweries in town, visit unique neighborhoods, and take in the historic and significant sites that Wilmington is known for, then we have a tour for you. Learn more and to book your spot on a tour today!
Bald Head Historic Island Tours works in conjunction with the Old Baldy Foundation to introduce Cape Fear vacationers to the historic Bald Head Island, or “Old Baldy” lighthouse. Located on a 10-acre site on the secluded Bald Head Island, and famous as the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina, these tours take visitors to the heart of the structure, with plenty of stories and history along the way.
Take a trip back in time and embark on an exploration of one of the East Coast’s oldest lighthouses with a visit to “Old Baldy,” or more formally, the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. Located on the western heart of Bald Head Island, and within easy biking or golf-cart distance of the ferry docks, this historic site is one of the Cape Fear region’s most visited attractions, and is a much-photographed landmark, thanks to both its legacy, and its unique and distinctive exterior.
When driving or strolling past the Bellamy Mansion, visitors are often transported back to a different time, when the Antebellum South was in full prestige, and Wilmington was a bustling, pre-Civil War port town. Located on Market Street, just barely on the outskirts of Wilmington's busy downtown center, the Bellamy Mansion is a famed attraction that easily lures in history buffs, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a genuine look into Wilmington's genteel southern past.
The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site in downtown Wilmington. They’re eight colonial structures left in Wilmington, four on are the property. Three ballast stone buildings, circa 1744, once the city jail of Wilmington and the 1770 House.
Fort Anderson, also known as Brunswick Town, is the historic site of the first permanent settlement in the Cape Fear area. Established nearly 300 years ago in 1726, and destroyed just a few decades later by British Soldiers during the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, visitors can still explore the ancient ruins of this long-gone civilization and enjoy a glimpse into the area’s centuries-deep roots.
The eastern tip of Oak Island is figuratively guarded by the long abandoned Fort Caswell, a centuries old but still relatively intact structure that originally encompassed a huge portion of the island. Today, the structure is a landmark within the Fort Caswell Retreat, occupied by the North Carolina Baptists Assembly, and even though the fort hasn't fired off a cannon in decades, it is still an imposing and impressive sight along the edge of Oak Island's eastern beaches.
Military members in need of a beach vacation will find the Air Force Recreation Area in Carolina Beach a welcome home base. A unique mix of cottages, mobile homes, and RV and tent sites, this veritable waterfront resort has a fantastic location and plenty of amenities to make even the weariest military member feel fully refreshed.
Take a step back in time and discover the remnants of one of North Carolina’s most famed Civil War forts with a visit to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. This former Civil War site was instrumental in protecting the port city of Wilmington throughout the war, and fell in the last few months of the conflict in January of 1865. With the fall of Fort Fisher, the fate of the South was sealed, and the war ended just months later. Because of this history, the fort remains one of the most essential relics of North Carolina’s role in the Civil War.
Serving as a regional hub for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center is a unique destination in the heart of Wrightsville Beach that offers a wealth of events and activities to appeal to coastal explorers everywhere.
The Latimer House Museum and Gardens has a key role in Wilmington's historical culture. Built in the early 1850s and still preserved as one of the region's many opulent homes which have been converted to museums, this "residence" has also been the official home to the local Historical Society since 1963. Ornate and inviting, with rich touches throughout, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens is a must-stop for history buffs who are taking a strolling tour through Wilmington's most famous and best-preserved southern palaces.
Visitors can enjoy a peek into Revolutionary War history while embarking on a natural expedition through the picturesque inland regions of the Cape Fear area with a visit to Moores Creek National Battlefield. Famed as the site of the February 27, 1776 battle, where 1,000 North Carolina patriots claimed victory and ended British rule in the colony forever, the site is a lesser-known but remarkable representation of a heroic chapter in local history.
Military history buffs can explore decades of local and national artifacts that range from medals to actual tanks and helicopters with a visit to the North Carolina Military History Museum. Equipped with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, this unique coastal museum showcases the region’s and the country’s role in the last major military conflicts in a fascinating new light.
Visitors to the Fort Fisher Museum and State Recreation Area can further their education about the region’s rich maritime and military history with a visit to the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Center. Located along Fort Fisher Blvd and easy to reach for vacationers exploring this southern section of the Cape Fear area, the Center features a small on-site museum that boasts a wealth of exhibits on current dive sites and local history which dates back to the Civil War and beyond.
History buffs and ghost story fans will love a stroll through Wilmington’s own Oakdale Cemetery. This prestigious cemetery, which dates back to the 1850s, is the final resting place of a number of notable residents, which range from Civil War era soldiers to local celebrities. Open to the public, visitors are free to admire the gravesites which feature lush landscaping, fine crafted monuments, and centuries of local stories.
Outdoor lovers and active visitors of all tastes will have a fine time at the engaging Ogden Park. Located just northeast of the Downtown area, and convenient to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach visitors alike, this vast public park has veritably every form of entertainment under the sun, from league-worthy sporting fields and venues, to quiet nature trails where local wildlife abounds.
Wilmington visitors can enjoy a visit to one of the oldest peanut plantations in the country with an easy drive to the Poplar Grove Plantation. Located just north of the center of Wilmington along US Highway 17, this semi-remote site is a picturesque and perfectly maintained example of antebellum architecture at its most charming.
Though the Port of Wilmington is a comparatively new landmark in this centuries-old city, it is nevertheless a fixture along the downtown waterfront, and an integral aspect of the region’s economic success. An unmistakable sight along the Cape Fear River that can be viewed from miles away, this busy commercial port is often humming with activity, from the large container ships that ease in and out of the 42-foot-deep channel, to the towering warehouses that serve as the launching points for international trade.
Take a step back in time and discover the stories behind North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse with a visit to the Smith Island Museum of History. Located in a replica of an 1850’s lighthouse keeper’s cottage, and featuring a modest-sized but varied wealth of local facts and legends, this small museum paints a vibrant portrait of Bald Head Island, past and present, which enriches any trip to the “Old Baldy” Lighthouse.
The Old Brunswick County Jail is a favorite stop along any historic Downtown Southport walking tour, as the early 1900s structure is chock-full of stories which span from its stately brick architecture to its original sprinklings of graffiti, still legible after more than a century.
The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts not only sets the stage for some of Wilmington's most opulent and engaging performances, but it also reigns as one of Wilmington's most distinguished buildings in its historic Downtown region.
The Wilmington National Cemetery was established in 1867 by the US Government as a final resting place for the Union Troops who had perished during the Civil War in the battlefields surrounding the Wilmington area.
Take a step back in time and dive into an antebellum world of charm and culture with a visit to the exquisite Zebulon Latimer House. Located in the heart of the historic downtown region, and just a couple blocks away from the Cape Fear Riverfront, this distinctive residence is the decades-long home of the local Historical Society, and is an eye-catching landmark during any self-guided or professional tour of the Port City.