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Take a Break on the Southern Elegance Casino Cruise

If you enjoy gambling but can't make it to Las Vegas, you may enjoy taking a casino cruise on the Southern Elegance. This Southern riverboat is a 175-foot boat that docks on the waterfront of Little River, which is located on U.S. Highway 17 just three miles north of North Myrtle Beach. Table games, video poker and slot machines are located on the three decks of this boat, which also has an observation deck, food and beverage service and an elevator. If needed, free shuttle service to and from the ship is provided. For more information, contact the Southern Elegance Cruise Office at (877) 250-5825.

Browse Through Local Art Galleries

If you enjoy viewing (and possibly purchasing) art, you may enjoy visiting some of the art galleries located in Brunswick County. The galleries showcase a variety of local talent, most of which have art themes specific to the coastal area. In Southport, you will enjoy the ArtShak Studio, Gallery and Sculpture Garden, which features a variety of beautiful sculptures and art and can be reached at (910) 457-1757. Also in Southport, the Franklin Square Gallery at (910) 457-5450 showcases a variety of local works and also offers workshops, classes and competitions. The Ricky Evans Gallery of Southport can be reached at (910) 457-1129 and features lighthouse paintings, a historic Southport series and a coastal waterfront series. Other galleries you may enjoy are The Blue Heron Gallery of Sunset Beach at (910) 575-5088 and the Sunset River Marketplace of Calabash at (910) 575-5999.

Participate in an Area Walking or Jogging Race

If you are an athlete who enjoys taking running to a competitive level, you may enjoy competing in an area Brunswick County race. The Annual Oak Island Lighthouse 10K/5K Run/Walk is a popular race that is sponsored by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. This race takes participants on a scenic tour over the Oak Island Bridge, through the Oak Island village and past the Oak Island Lighthouse. This fun event attracts many participants each year. For more information, contact the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964. Also held in Brunswick County during the annual Oyster Festival is the North Carolina Oyster Festival Road Race. These races consist of a 10K, a 5K, and a 1-mile Fun Run. For more information, contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644. Other races may be held during your stay in Brunswick County, so you may want to check local listings upon your arrival.

Go Boating

The Brunswick County area offers a variety of boating opportunities, whether you want to cruise in a small boat on the Cape Fear River or in a larger boat that can handle the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Before you take your boating adventure, be sure you are familiar with area rules and regulations. The coast of North Carolina is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the numerous shipwrecks that have happened because of shallow water and treacherous shoals, so you will want to be familiar with area waters before taking your trip. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Safe Boating courses throughout the year and can be reached at (910) 458-9598.

Go Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular water sport that is enjoyed in many coastal areas, and Brunswick County is no exception. In the Oak Island area, many windsurfers enjoy their sport in the ocean waters. Some other area waters like the Shallotte Inlet and River and the Intracoastal Waterway are decent options, but not always great options because of their limited space. For more information about windsurfing in the area, or for information about equipment, contact Blowing in the Wind at (888) 691-8034, which is the area's kite and wind shop and is located in Wilmington.

Attend the North Carolina Festival by the Sea

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is held on the last Saturday of October on the streets of Holden Beach. The festival features more than 160 booths of arts and crafts, a sandcastle building contest, a kite flying contest and a horseshoe competition. There are 1K, 5K and 10K races held during the festival, and a street dance with live music takes place on Saturday night. There is no admission fee to get into the festival. For more information, contact the North Carolina Festival by the Sea at (910) 842-3828.

Go Horseback Riding

While you are visiting the Brunswick County area, you and your family may want to give an afternoon of horseback riding a try. Horseback riding can be a fun way to view a portion of the area from a whole new perspective! In Holden Beach, K&K Stables consists of 18 acres with shady trails. They offer Western-style riding lessons and guided trail rides. For more information, contact K&K Stables at (910) 842-8002. In Calabash, Peachtree Equestrian Center is located on 127 acres, with 70 acres of shaded trails. Trail rides, outdoor riding rings and an indoor riding arena give you a variety of options for your riding experience. Lessons are also available in both English and Western riding styles. For more information, contact Peachtree Equestrian Center at (910) 287-4790.

Take a Tour of Shelton Herb Farm

Shelton Herb Farm of Leland is a unique farm that grows a variety of herbs, specialty vegetables and native plants. Group tours are available upon request. A variety of over 800 herbs are grown at Shelton's, and you will be interested to see how an operation of this nature operates. For more information, contact Shelton Herb Farm at (910) 253-5964.

Spend an Afternoon in the Small Town of Shallotte

Shallotte is a small town in Brunswick County that is located conveniently off Highway 17. A variety of restaurants, shops and other businesses are located in Shallotte, which is a central commerce area where visitors can purchase what they need from the various grocery stores, department stores, professional offices and restaurants. For entertainment, Shallotte is home to a 10-screen movie theater with stadium seating and a bowling alley. Whether you need to stock up on the necessities or just need a family night of movies or bowling, Shallotte is just the place for you! For more information, contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644.

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!