Beyond The Beach

Our mainland communities have plenty of shopping, restaurants, and fun activities for everyone.

Myrtle Beach

The southeastern tip of Brunswick County is located at the South Carolina state line, making a trip to the tourist mecca of Myrtle Beach an easy ride. Myrtle Beach offers several major outlet malls, restaurants, shopping, and family attractions. There are also several concert venues making for a great night out before heading back to relaxation in the Brunswick Islands.

Myrtle Beach Weather

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic river town that is located to the north of Brunswick County and offers a large register of historic homes and a downtown riverfront. You will also find lots of restaurants, shopping, and a booming nightlife in this city. Another attraction located in Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina, from World War II, which rests on the banks of the Cape Fear River. If you are in the area, you should also visit the Cape Fear Museum, Thalian Hall, and Screen Gems Studios.

Wilmington Weather

Calabash

Calabash is the southernmost river town in Brunswick County, creating the perfect location for the first Calabash restaurant, an oyster roast that was in a shed and opened in 1935. Today, Calabash is known as “The Seafood Capital of the World.” This river town also offers a variety of specialty stores and art galleries. Calabash was incorporated in 1973. At that time, Calabash was a small fishing village with a handful of seafood restaurants. We have since grown into a small town with a year-round population of 1,868 residents. Currently, there are over 30 restaurants in town serving people from all over the world each year. The Mayor and Board of Commissioners invites you to explore our website and learn everything you would like to know about our beautiful town; from our history, which began as early as 1691, to current events and future plans.
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Calabash Weather

Carolina Shores

Carolina Shores is located just outside of Calabash and is a planned community of mostly retirees. This town features an 18-hole golf course and is beginning to grow with new merchants and restaurants. The Residents of the Carolina Shores Golf Course Community originally made up the town’s population and consisted of an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, and amenity center. The residential area adjoining the golf course consists of single family homes, patio homes, gate homes, and villas. The Acreage Estates section consists of one acre single family lots. The Town of Carolina Shores has seen enormous growth in the past ten years and has graciously welcomed the additional areas into the town limits.

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Carolina Shores Weather

Shallotte

Shallotte is considered the center of commerce for Brunswick County due to its variety of shops and businesses. The town contains major grocery stores, department stores, professional offices, chain and local restaurants, and a 10-screen stadium-seating movie theatre. Shallotte is also the home of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, which is located on Main Street. The town’s population of 3,700 is deceiving as Shallotte is the spot where residents and visitors from miles around come to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. Shallotte is about 10 minutes from Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. Within the town’s 28 square-miles, there are more than 610 businesses.

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Shallotte Weather

Bolivia

Bolivia is approximately in the center of Brunswick County and houses the county seat. Brunswick County contains a centralized county complex that lies in Bolivia.

Bolivia Weather

Boiling Spring Lakes

Boiling Springs Lakes contains more than 50 natural and manmade lakes, offering fresh-water fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing to outdoor enthusiasts. The largest lake, Big Lake, is two-and-a-half miles long with 10 miles of shoreline. Big Lake is fed by five springs and Allen’s Creek. There is the beautiful butterfly, rose and hummingbird garden planted and maintained by the Boiling Spring Lakes, and our nature trail in partnership with The Natural Conservation.

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Boiling Spring Lakes Weather

St. James

St. James is a gated golf community that was incorporated in the late 1990s. This town is located in the eastern portion of the country, close to Southport, which offers shops and businesses. St. James started as a retirement community, but now enjoys no age restriction.

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St. James Weather

Southport

Southport is a historic fishing town located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River on the Atlantic Ocean. Riverboat captains settled and incorporated this city in 1805. Southport features a downtown riverfront that contains numerous antique and specialty shops. Visitors can also browse by the restored Victorian homes, many of which are claimed to be inhabited by spirits, and see great views of Old Baldy Lighthouse and Oak Island Lighthouse by taking a historic walking tour. Southport, situated along the shores of the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway at the river’s mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, is a city rich with history. The ocean, river, and waterway provide a unique abundance of opportunities for outdoor, recreational pursuits.

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Southport Weather

Leland

Much of Brunswick County’s growth has been seen in Leland, the largest of the County’s northern towns. Leland has an active commercial district, including several restaurants, stores, and professional offices. The town has also gained new golf communities recently. If you adventure off into Brunswick County’s countryside, you will find the towns of Belville, Sandy Creek, Northwest, and Navassa along with some of Brunswick County’s small town charm and personality.

Leland Weather