Need suggestion for a two day trip to Brunswick County (Wilmington: for sale, rentals)

[Rapture]

It's my b'day in a couple weeks and we are planning a two day get-a-away. I have never been to Brunswick County but was thinking of visiting Wilmington, Southport and Bald Head Island. Can I do that in two days? Are all three of those worth visiting? What would be to do there? If we take the ferry to the island, how would we get around? Are there other towns in that area that are better to see? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.

[gonetocarolina]

Originally Posted by Rapture

It's my b'day in a couple weeks and we are planning a two day get-a-away. I have never been to Brunswick County but was thinking of visiting Wilmington, Southport and Bald Head Island. Can I do that in two days? Are all three of those worth visiting? What would be to do there? If we take the ferry to the island, how would we get around? Are there other towns in that area that are better to see? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.

If you just want a brief, sight-seeing tour, yes, you can do all three in 2 days. Personally, I wouldn't think that would be much fun. There are alot of quaint shops, beautiful landscapes, etc. I would try to narrow it down a little. You might also consider Orton Plantation Gardens - not too far from Southport. Here's a link: Wilmington NC, Brunswick County, South Port, Myrtle Beach Tourism - Orton Plantation Gardens

In Wilmington, but on the border of Brunswick County, you have The Battleship North Carolina - interesting, if you're into that kind of thing. Driving through historic downtown Wilmington is worth the time, I think. Lots of quaint shops, etc, too.

Southport has the "quaint shop" thing going on, too. Personally, if I only had 2 days, I think I would do Southport and Orton Plantation Gardens - maybe Bald Head, if you can squeeze it in. Not that Bald Head isn't nice -it's wonderful, but you might not get too much out of a few hour visit. Unless you just want an expensive ferry ride for a few hours to say you've "been there".

You get around on Bald Head Island via golf carts - there are no cars, nor paved roads. It is really beautiful there.

[Rapture]

Thank you. After doing a little more research, you may be right that it's a little too much for two days. Can someone tell me, if we go to Bald Head Island is there a nice beach to hang out close by when you get off the ferry? I was thinking maybe we can go there, hit the beach, have lunch and then do a little sight seeing? Are the golf carts right there when you get off the ferry?

[gonetocarolina]

Originally Posted by Rapture

Thank you. After doing a little more research, you may be right that it's a little too much for two days. Can someone tell me, if we go to Bald Head Island is there a nice beach to hang out close by when you get off the ferry? I was thinking maybe we can go there, hit the beach, have lunch and then do a little sight seeing? Are the golf carts right there when you get off the ferry?

I was there once close to 10 years ago - went to visit a friend who was staying in a beachhouse there. I'm sure it's changed alot since I was there. As I recall, though, even then, the golf carts were there waiting. If I'm remembering right, it's really not a very big island at all. Golf carts do just fine for getting around. We went to the beach when I was there, and it was very nice. It's really a different experience being there. I think you'll have a splendid 2 days!

Here's a link, should give you about anything you want to know:

Bald Head Island, NC | Beach Vacations, Rentals, Property For Sale

Enjoy your birthday and your vacation!

[rubber_factory]

Southport is nice, but I've had a tough time making a full day of it, myself. Seems like a nice, quaint place to live, but rather average as a tourist destination.

I haven't made it out to Bald Head or Orton Plantation yet.

Whether 2 days is enough, or not, depends on whether you are limiting yourself to Brunswick County, or if you want to include New Hanover County.

[LLN]

It used to cost a small fortune to ride the ferry to BHI. I suppose to keep the riff-raff away. In my case it worked. I think BHI is more of a residence destination than a day trip, but since I could not afford the ferry, I do not know for sure.

Southport, Oak Island, the Light House, Lockwood Folly Inlet, and then you go home. A good day.