Aidan's Escape

• Home
• Amenities
• Photos
• Guest Book
• Things to Do
• Current Weather
• Rates & Availability
• Book Now

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!

Visit the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson

The Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson in Southport marks the first permanent European settlement located between Charleston and New Bern that was successful. Founded in 1726, Brunswick endured attacks from both Spain and Britain, and Fort Anderson was built in 1862 to help defend Wilmington. Today, visitors can still see Fort Anderson, whose earthworks are completely intact. The site is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the site also has a visitor center, gift shop, research library, and more. For more information, contact the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site/Fort Anderson at (910) 371-6613.

Learn about the Area at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

The Museum of Coastal Carolina, located in Ocean Isle Beach, is home to the largest natural seascape replica in the Southeast. This seascape is home to sharks, dolphins, game fish, octopus, and other sea creatures, as well as a shipwreck from the 1800s. Also in the Museum, you will find artifacts from the Civil War, a Shell Room, shark jaws, wildlife exhibits, and more. A popular exhibit is the 500-gallon Touch Tank that allows you to touch and hold a variety of sea creatures, including hermit crabs, sting rays, sea stars, flounder, and more. A variety of educational events are also offered at the Museum, which is open daily during the summer. For more information, contact the Museum of Coastal Carolina at (910) 579-1016.

Learn about the Agri-Tourism Industry of Brunswick County

There are a number of local farms in Brunswick County that are available for tours. Your family may enjoy an afternoon tour of a produce farm, aquatic farm, cattle or swine farm, or a tobacco or cotton operational farm. Several of the produce farms allow you to pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, and other in-season fruits and vegetables, while the other types of farms will enable you to get a glimpse into the farm operation lifestyle. For an informational guide about the various farms in the area, contact the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610.

Enjoy a Seafood Dinner at the Seafood Peddler

The Seafood Peddler, located in Holden Beach, is a great local seafood restaurant that offers a menu that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Open for lunch and dinner with an affordable lunch buffet, The Seafood Peddler serves a variety of seafood, chicken, appetizers and more. The indoor is decorated with various ceramic sea creatures including sharks, turtles, etc. For more information, contact The Seafood Peddler at (910) 842-5515.

Play Sand Volleyball on the Beach

Beach volleyball is a sport that you always see it on television and think about how much fun it would be to try it. Why not try it while you are on the beaches of Brunswick County? Playing this competitive sport in the sand will give you a great workout while you have fun with your friends and family. Many area parks and beaches offer sand volleyball courts, which are open to the public. If you don't have enough for a full "team" but still want to play, it is usually pretty easy to join in with a group who is already playing a match. Get ready for some fun!

Stroll Through the Waterfront Park of Southport

The Waterfront Park of Southport's unique location at the end of Howe Street will give you a great view of the area's waters and other landmarks. Located where the waters of the Cape Fear River, Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway meet, you can see the Oak Island Lighthouse and the Bald Head Island Lighthouse from this park. Located in the park is a trail that is almost a mile long and takes you through the city's waterfront. While you are in Southport, visiting this park is a great way to get a feel for the area's rich maritime history.

Have Breakfast at Russell's Place

Russell's Place Restaurant, located on Oak Island, is a diner-style restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. A favorite among locals, Russell's serves omelets, biscuits, pancakes and waffles for breakfast; while the lunch menu offers sandwiches and burgers. The atmosphere in Russell's is a friendly one, with many patrons sharing conversations with those seated at nearby tables. Russell's Place is open daily and can be reached at (910) 278-3070.

Take a Trip To Winnabow To Tour the Natural Beauty Garden Spot

The Natural Beauty Garden Spot, located in Winnabow, is a local greenhouse that features a variety of local plant, shrub and tree species. Most of their products are grown in their greenhouse and include hanging baskets, trees, shrubs and bedding plants. If you are interested in learning more about the business, they offer greenhouse tours, though you will want to call ahead to make reservations. They are open from March to June, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Natural Beauty Garden Spot at (910) 253-5777.

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling are fun adventures you can experience while you are in Brunswick County. Scuba diving is popular off the coast of North Carolina because of the large number of shipwreck remains that are found in this area - the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Snorkeling is also popular because of the interesting sea life that can be found in some local areas. If you are interested in trying either of these adventures, you may want to try Scuba South Diving Company of Southport. They offer dive charters to area waters and sites and will travel to any site along the southern coast. They also have a variety of equipment available for rent. For more information, contact Scuba South Diving Company at (910) 457-5201.