Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
The fall season brings plenty of big waves to the Brunswick Islands, and visitors and locals alike can test their skills on the ocean waters at this annual tournament that’s open to youth and adult boarders alike. Oak Island Labor Day Surf Off is a surfing, body board, and SUP contest that’s open to participants of all ages, and which is sure to be a competition that both spectators and participants won’t want to miss.
Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
Both spectators and mariners will have a ball at this colorful celebration that celebrates life on the water in Carolina Beach. The Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival is a fun-filled weekened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.
Wilmington is known as the “Port City” for a reason, and lifelong local mariners and visitors alike can celebrate this heritage with a stop at the Wilmington Boat Show. Featuring multiple events throughout town over the course of several days, this sprawling event features plenty of ways to discover the past, present, and future of Wilmington’s life along the water.
The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.
The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.
Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.
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.
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
Every room has been refreshed for 2025 with the help of a professional interior designer. Fresh paint and new carpet throughout, new furnishings, a second bunk room and a new separate living area. Now with a heated pool!“We adore Making Memories. This was our third year staying here and we have already reserved it for next year” -GuestAppreciate “Making Memories” in your oceanfront home away from home located in the exclusive gated community of Holden West where the homes are spaced further apart for privacy and peaceful.Features and Conveniences:Featuring 6 bedrooms with private bathrooms (see floor plan)One of the biggest pools on the island, now heatedElevator for accessibility and suitcases transportAccommodating up to 30 guests (see bedroom planner)DiningDining table and bar accommodates seating for up to 19 guestsAdditional 4-person table for eating, puzzling, gaming, etc.Separate toddler table for the kidsScreened porch includes a dining table with seating for 10 and a separate 4-person teak table.KitchenFull-sized refrigerator + 2 additional refrigerator drawersDouble wall ovensBoth an electric cooktop and gas rangeSeparate ice maker creating plenty of crystal clear iceCoffee bar with multiple coffee machines (Keurig and Ninja)Wet bar includes a separate wine cooler and sinkGrilling deck with propane gas grille*Hi-speed fiber internet with Wi-Fi extenders throughout the living areasEvery TV has a Roku - Roku is intelligent TV made painlessPrivate boardwalk provides simple access to the beach with only 9 stair steps total and hot and cold water to rinse off the sandPoolside bathroom with hot and cold sinkOutdoor changing area and shower with hot and cold waterYard sizable enough to play cornhole (supplied), Bocce, etc.Covered sandbox for the kids to play inBeach chairs, body boards, beach wagon and beach coolerPet friendlyFish cleaning area with hot and cold running waterLaundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryersEach bedroom has a private bathroom and Roku TV or Roku-equipped flat-screen TV and is professionally decorated with your comfort in mind.Bedroom #1 - Shark - 2nd floor master suite with ocean view, king bed, walk-in shower, jetted tub, and double vanity sink.Bedroom #2 - Starfish - NEW FOR 2025 - 2nd floor with ocean view, queen / queen bunk bed, walk in shower.Bedroom #3 - Atlantis - 2nd floor (sleeps 6), 1 queen murphy bed, 2 twin / twin bunk murphy beds, tub / shower combo.Bedroom #4 - Seagull - 2nd floor, queen bed, twin bed with trundle, tub / shower combo.Bedroom #5 - Jellyfish - 1st floor bunk room (sleeps 8 - all Twin XL!), 3 Twin XL / Twin XL bunk beds + 2 Twin XL trundle beds, balcony access, tub / shower combo.Bedroom #6 - Octopus - 1st floor, 1 king bed, 1 twin / twin bunk bed, balcony access, tub/shower combo.For added fun, the "Atlantis" bedroom (#3) can be used as a secondary living area with a flat-screen TV with a comfortable couch, and chairs. Making this into a gaming area or the ideal hangout spot!This property provides a linen service which includes bath towels and bed linens.This property is located at 1215 Ocean Blvd WestEarly Check-in is Not Available for this Property. Pet Friendly: $250 Non-returnable pet fee is required and is limited to a single dog up to 50 pounds. An additional dog(s) may be allowed included that they are pre-approved by PROACTIVE Vacations. Additional Fees will apply for more than one dog. Guests must crate family pets when they are left in the home unattended. Click Here to View PROACTIVE Vacations Pet Policy & Resources*Any grille supplied at the home is not cleaned nor maintained. Grille cleaning and propane tank refills operate on an honor system. Owners/Managers are NOT responsible for cleaning the grille or refilling propane gas tanks.Pool heater may be available from Labor Day to Memorial Day upon advance request only, with pool heating fee of $500 plus tax, paid in advance. Pools are cleaned prior to arrival, and also cleaned mid-stay for 7 nighttime units. Outdoor hot and cold running water is generally available each year from April through October. Weather permitting, outdoor water can be turned on outside these dates by request.Know Before You BookDiscounts may be available for this property. To view your total vacation price, including any available discounts, please input your stay dates with number of guests and click Book Now. (Don't worry, your vacation will not be booked until you have confirmed the terms)
- Holden Beach
- 6 Bedrooms
- 6 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 30
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.
Swimming, boating, sunbathing, and countless coastal adventures await upon booking this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rental! Located just a short walk away from the beach along the breathtaking waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, this bright and airy home is the ideal place to host your upcoming trip to Holden Beach. Spend your days calming on the close by white-sand beaches, appreciating the sunrise vistas of the marsh across the street, or teeing off on one of the surrounding golf courses.-- THE PROPERTY --Recently Renovated | Pet Friendly w/ Fee (1 Max) | Walk to the Beach | On-Site Dock Access (32 Feet Long)Bedroom 1: Queen Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Bedroom 3: 2 Twin Beds | Living Room: Twin Sleeper CouchOUTDOOR LIVING: Front deck w/ seating area, back deck, charcoal grille, Intracoastal Waterway access, dock access, wildlife vistasKITCHEN: Fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, quartz-stone countertops, cooking basics, blender, coffee maker, island w/ seating, dishware/flatware, stainless steel appliancesINDOOR LIVING: Intelligent TV, dining table, books, enormous windows, open floor planGENERAL: Free WiFi (5G), linens, towels, washer & dryer, central air conditioning & heating, ceiling fans, hair dryer, iron/board, keyless entryACCESSIBILITY: Exterior stairs required to access, single-story homeFAQ: Pet fee (paid pre-trip, 1 max)PARKING: Driveway (4 cars)-- THE LOCATION --SUN + SAND: Intracoastal Waterway (on-site), Holden Beach Access (0.4 miles), Sailfish Park (0.8 miles), Big Beach (0.9 miles), Holden Beach Fishing Pier (2 miles), Holden Beach Park (4 miles), HIT THE LINKS: Holden Beach Driving Range (7 miles), Lockwood Folly Country Club (8 miles), Rivers Edge Golf Club (15 miles), Carolina National Golf Club (16 miles)FAMILY FRIENDLY: Holden Beach NC Pavilion (4 miles), Treasure Island Miniature Golf (4 miles), Magic Mountain Fun Park (4 miles), Fantasy Isle Ice Cream & Mini Golf (4 miles), East End Holden Golden Mailbox (5 miles), Mary's Gone Wild (7 miles)AIRPORTS: Wilmington International Airport (43 miles), Myrtle Beach International Airport (60 miles)-- REST EASY WITH US --Evolve makes it painless to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.-- POLICIES --- No smoking - Pet friendly w/ $150 fee (+ costs & taxes, 1 max)- No events, events, or sizable gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book- Additional costs and taxes may apply- Photo ID may be required upon check-in- NOTE: This single-story property requires stairs to access
- Holden Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
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.
Painless Peasy Ocean Breezy - 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Condo, Oceanfront, Sleeps 6Standard Features:- Bed linens and towel sets (shower towel, hand towel and washcloth) included per the capacity of the home- Entirely equipped kitchen- Free WIFI- Drip Coffee Maker- Washer/Dryer- Iron/ironing board- Departure housekeeping- Non-smokingNotable & Unique Features:- Beach just steps away- Within walking distance to great stores, eateries, Oak Island Fishing Pier, ice cream shop, trails, and fishing - Convenient to Oak Island Golf Course, Oak Island Lighthouse, sky diving, helicopter rides, putt-putt, and other fun activities- Short 10-15 min. drive to historic Southport and ferry rides to NC Aquarium and Civil War Museum in Kure Beach and to Bald Head Island- Beds: 2Q, 1 BB T/T- Entertainment: Flat screen TVs. Cable. DVD player with DVDs. TVs in all bedrooms. Games, puzzles, books.- Kitchen: Fridge. Electric range with cooktop. Constructed-in microwave. Keurig coffee maker. - Ceiling fans- LVP and tile floor- Keyless entry- Sun deck with view of ocean- Stairway entrance- Outdoor shower- Dog friendlySimple Peasey Ocean Breezey - This comfortable and cozy oceanfront condo is all about the painless life. With the ocean right at your doorstep, the comfort inside and being located in the heart of Oak Island, you will not want for anything. You will be within walking distance to many great stores, eateries and the pier, and everything else from necessities to fun is only a few min. drive away. As long as you are here, time will melt away and you will find yourself slowing down to island time. Whether you are just looking for some tranquility and peaceful or want to have a fishing trip with your best buds or a modest family hideaway, Easy Peasey Ocean Breezey will make make your vacation just that! Come on over and appreciate the good life! Make your reservation today because this little treasure won't last long.
- Oak Island
- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
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.
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.
Blue Yonder - 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath House, Oceanfront, Sleeps 8Standard Features: - Bed linens and towel sets (shower towel, hand towel and washcloth) supplied per the capacity of the home- Entirely equipped kitchen- Free WIFI- Drip Coffee Maker- Washer/Dryer- Departure housekeeping- Non-smokingNotable & Unique Features: - Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the ocean- Centrally located in the heart of Oak Island- Direct beach access just steps away - Within walking distance to local park with basketball hoops and splash pad water park, Pepperoni Grille Restaurant- Convenient to many great stores, eateries, grocery stores, Ocean Crest Pier, Oak Island Golf Course, putt-putt and arcade, sky diving, helicopter rides, Oak Island Lighthouse, and other fun activities- Short 10-15 min. drive to historic Southport and ferry rides to NC Aquarium and Civil War Museum in Kure Beach and to Bald Head Island- Beds: 2K, 2Q- Entertainment: Flat screen TVs. Basic cable. Games. Books.- Kitchen: Substantial island breakfast bar. Stainless-steel appliances. Fridge with ice maker. Range with flat surface cooktop. Dishwasher. Constructed-in microwave. Toaster.- 2 roomy master bedrooms - Hair dryers- Custom tile walk-in showers- Double vanity in some bathrooms- 2nd sitting area on 1st floor (great hangout for the kiddos)- LVP and tile floor throughout- Vaulted ceilings- Reverse floor plan to maximize ocean vistas- Open floor plan- Ceiling fans throughout - Granite countertops in kitchen and baths- 2 oceanfront covered porches- 1 additional covered porch street side- Keyless entry- Enclosed hot/cold outdoor shower- Park-style charcoal grille- Private/covered parking- Electric car charging station - Boat parking- Dogs friendly Blue Yonder - This impressive nearly new home has it all! Constructed in 2019 this handsome masterpiece is full of space, style, appeal, convenience, and its oceanfront! This spectacular 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features two upsized owner suites, ideal for two families. The reverse floor plan maximizes the beautiful ocean vistas, and the open concept accepts everybody to be together having a great time catching up on old times and making new memories. You can take full advantage of the cavernous rooms that many beach homes do not have, accepting you to experience the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The kitchen is ideal for any chef, featuring modern stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, a huge island breakfast bar, and shiplap for added style. This home also features luxury vinyl floor throughout and there is even a second sitting area on the 1st floor that makes a ideal hang out for the kiddos. With ocean vistas from many of the bedrooms, everybody is sure to be pleased to sleep with the calming and gentle sound of the waves rolling onto the shore. Outside you can appreciate the enclosed hot/cold outdoor shower as you come in off the beach, keep your electric car charged at the car charging station, and have the convenience of private/covered parking. Savor any one of three covered porches, two of which are oceanfront overlooking nothing but the white sand beach and Atlantic Ocean and those spectacular Oak Island sunrises and sunsets. Tastefully and soothingly decorated, this home is ready for your family to come and let your worries drift away. Centrally located on Oak Island, you are close to everything you need and want from necessities to fun. Make your reservation today and experience what it’s like to spend some downtime overlooking the spectacular ocean vistas of the Blue Yonder.
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for family-oriented or even late-night fun after a sunny day on the beach. Noted as one of the top 10 boardwalks in America by Food & Wine magazine, this classic oceanside boardwalk features a full host of shops, amusements, restaurants, and nightlife for visitors of all ages to explore.
New visitors to Wrightsville Beach may hear the phrase “The Loop” tossed around by locals and long-time visitors in-the-know. This initially unfamiliar term actually refers to one of the town’s literally largest attractions – a roughly 2.5 mile long path that circles through the very heart of town. Popular with walkers, runners, and even four-legged visitors, this unique little trail offers a great opportunity to explore the center of this popular beach vacation destination.
NEW to PROACTIVE Vacations! "Susie's Sand Dollar" this relaxing woodland home offers a enchanting getaway with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Located on the wooded side of Oak Island, it's just a walk away from the nearest public beach access, local stores, and glistening Intracoastal Waterway. The best part? Your furry family member is welcome too! Allowing them to experience the coastal lifestyle with you! Step inside and find vibrant coastal colors that flow throughout creating an inviting ambiance. The open concept kitchen offers ample counter space to make delightful treats, while the comfortable living room provides the ideal space to relax and catch up on your favorite shows after a day of adventures. Outdoors, you can savor sipping on your favorite morning drink listening to the early morning coastal birds chirp. This coastal gem features 3 cozy bedrooms featuring a queen bed, queen / queen bunk bed, and queen bed. The private semi-entirely fenced in back yard provides the ideal space for playing a fun game of fetch with your furry friend. On the uncovered porch gather around to savor tasty burgers from the grille, sharing your favorite adventures of the day. For a peaceful evening, getaway to the porch with your favorite book. Unwind from your day gathered around the firepit indulging in yummy smores and sharing your favorite family memories. "Susie's Sand Dollar" is destined to become your go-to vacation destination for years to come! This Property is located at 224 NE 76th St Hot tub is no longer available at this property.Pet Friendly: $250 Non-returnable pet fee is required and is limited to a single dog up to 50 pounds. An additional dog(s) may be allowed supplied that they are pre-approved by PROACTIVE Vacations. Additional Fees will apply for more than one dog. Guests must crate family pets when they are left in the home unattended. Click Here to View PROACTIVE Vacations Pet Policy & Resources.Know Before You Book
- Oak Island
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Whether a visitor lands in the inland regions of Wilmington and mainland New Hanover County, or the coastal vacation hotspots of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, fishing is always readily available – and celebrated – in the Cape Fear area. A favorite activity for locals and visitors alike, the sheer variety of waters and terrain ensures that anglers of all tastes will never be too far away from a local fishing hole or a full-fledged fishing adventure.
Rain or shine, there’s always plenty of fun to be found in Wilmington. Home to a wealth of museums, cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and so much more, visitors of all interests and ages will have no problem at all finding something to do, regardless of the weather.
-3 Queen Beds, 1 modest sleeper couch-1.5 Bathrooms-55" TV in Living Room, 42” TV in modest movie room off master bedroom. Both have Roku with Hulu, Disney+ and Netflix-Roomy screened in porch-High speed Wi-Fi-Free on-site parking-12min to Wrightsville Beach-12min to Historic Downtown-10min to Mayfair Town Center shopping-3min to Wilmington Municipal Golf Course
- Wilmington
- 3 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The history of Wilmington is one of the biggest lures for vacationers, as this popular Port City has an undeniably fascinating background that can be effortlessly explored and uncovered today. From its early roots at the dawn of the Colonial era, to its tumultuous role in the Civil War, the story of Wilmington is always engaging and as distinctive as the cityscape itself.
Wilmington originated as a port city, and its reputation as a haven for vessels of all sizes has lasted throughout the generations, making it one of the most popular boating destinations in southeastern North Carolina. From unique cruises of the downtown area to extended treks along the Intracoastal Waterway, the sheer range of boating adventures will entice any mariner to drop anchor in this distinctive town. Spend a day exploring the local waterways, or sign up for an area cruise, and discover why Wilmington life is at its finest on the water.