Oak Island (Wilmington, Stanley, Southport: appointed, theatre, school)

[Meladiew]

Hi! We are looking to come down for a well deserved vacation at the end of September. Can anyone tell me what the weather is like and how the water is then. We have always went to "busy" beaches and this is our first time doing the family vacation...any ideas to keep the little ones busy?

[jerseyj]

Mel- I'll put my 2 cents in here. Oak Island is a wonderful vacation spot. September is one of our favourite times to go to Brunswick Co. as the weather is still warm, the water temps are in the high 70's and the beach is not nearly as crowded.
I am guessing your kids are young (not school aged). If this is the case, Oak Island will be a great beach experience for you and your kids.

We found that a day at the beach usually did the kids in. A lot of sun and water, some food and they crashed!
Too much sun/water or a rainy day (rare) we headed for Myrtle Beach (40 or so minutes away) to a wealth of kid related stuff to do. Alligator Adventure, Broadway at The Beach (I-Max theatre), multiple mini golf places etc.

We love Brunswick Co. and hope you have a great time!

[Meladiew]

Thank you so much for that info. Actually there will be school aged and aslo a todler. thanks for the great ideas!
Any suggestions for a good seafood dinner?

[southernlady5464]

Any suggestions for a good seafood dinner?

Depends on what your budget is...

But you are right near the seafood capital of the world Calabash, NC. I was told by a local when I was hunting for a place to eat to go to Beck's Restaurant. Restaurants Calabash | Insiders Guide to NC's Southern Coast

In Wilmington, you have many choices. My favorites along the RiverFront are Pilot House, Elijah's (both owned by the same people), George on the Riverwalk, and there are others. NONE of these are chains. Liz

[Niki]

I've always enjoyed Ship's Chandler (now Cape Fear Restaurant) on the Southport waterfront. I love watching the boats go by and looking at the islands and the Oak Island Lighthouse through the big windows. The food is good, too.

[southernlady5464]

I've always enjoyed Ship's Chandler (now Cape Fear Restaurant) on the Southport waterfront. I love watching the boats go by and looking at the islands and the Oak Island Lighthouse through the big windows. The food is good, too.

We ate there on our day taking pictures a couple of weeks ago and was sorely disappointed in it. The food was good but the service needed some serious help. Liz

[Niki]

Ah, that's a shame. We were there on a very busy night in June and the service was fine. I'm sorry your waiter/waitress wasn't on the ball.

[b.mag]

The Cape Fear Restaurant in Southport is a great place to enjoy seafood. Our service was great, and the food was fantastic.Only minutes from Oak Island.

[NCJill]

Where is Oak Island in regards to Wilmington? How would I get there? What is there to do?

New to the area and I am loving exploring...

[kareybear]

Well you all I like Captain Stanley on Oak Island for my seafood. It is delicious.
Oak Island from Wilmington is south west of wilmington. It is about hour south from Wilmington. You would take 133 hwy straight into southport make a right on Dosher cut off and then a right on 211 hwy which is southport-supply road then make a left on Long Beach Road and go over the bridge on there you are.

Now what to do on Oak Island- ride bike or golf cart,swimming at the beach, play at the park, visit the Nature Center or Turtle Musuem,Skate Park( for skateboarder),tennis, basketball, kayaking,fly a kite or go for a walk. Oh yeah dogs are welcome on the beach if you leave them on leashes and bring a doo doo bag.
Have Fun!!!