As a longtime resident of North Carolina, I have had the opportunity to see and visit many beautiful places from its mountains to the sea. And, while I have long preferred the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway or Grandfather Mountain to the sand and surf, my family and I recently visited a beach location [...]]]>

As a longtime resident of North Carolina, I have had the opportunity to see and visit many beautiful places from its mountains to the sea. And, while I have long preferred the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway or Grandfather Mountain to the sand and surf, my family and I recently visited a beach location that quickly became a favorite. This North Carolina tourism gem is the coastal town of Oak Island.

 Incorporated in the late 1990s and located an hour from Wilmington, family-friendly Oak Island is just the place to spend a relaxing week or weekend. You will find uncrowded beaches that all but beg you to stroll along the shoreline searching for sea shells or merely spread a towel and listen to the waves. Oak Island, like many beach areas, has a variety of local shops offering items that range from quirky memorabilia and beach apparel to sensational seafood restaurants (be sure to check out Jones’s Seafood Restaurant-the food is fantastic!). There are ice cream parlors, surf shops, a miniature golf course which includes a game room, playgrounds and restaurants with live music. In addition, there are a number of family friendly places to visit all within a short driving distance. Our personal favorite was taking the ferry over to the Fort Fisher Aquarium.  The Aquarium is one of the 3 in North Carolina, and is considered by most to be the best. Other activities include visiting the Oak Island Lighthouse, exploring the nearby town of Baldhead Island or Southport where you will find a selection of antique stores, a Christmas Shoppe and other unique shopping locations.

Oak Island is just the place to get away from it all and reconnect to what matters most to you. So, if you are looking for a new vacation location, why not give Oak Island a visit? You’ll be glad you did.

Janet Slagell