Some of our great attractions and activities don’t fall into the adventure or historical category, but are special local venues that we wish to highlight. There is truly something for everyone from sharks to wine to art! K✔ indicates kid-friendly activity.
Southport Waterfront Market
Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461 / 910.279.4616
Hours: May 25-Oct 26, Every Wednesday, 8am-1pm
Partake in a favorite of locals and browse beautiful local produce, delicious baked goods and handcrafted items at the Southport Waterfront Market. K✔
The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC / 910.458.8257, 800.832.3474
Hours: Daily (9am-5pm) except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Cost: $8 (ages 13-61), $6 (ages 3-12)
Take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry to the N.C Aquarium where you’ll encounter amazing exhibits of aquatic life. The 235,000 gallon saltwater tank is not to be missed. Kids of all ages will enjoy close encounters with sharks, alligators, stingrays, sea turtles and venomous reptiles. K✔
Silver Coast Winery
6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach, NC / 910.287.2800
Hours: Mar-Dec, Mon-Sat (11am-2pm), Sun (12pm-5pm); Jan-Feb, Wed-Sun (12-5pm)
Cost: Free Daily Wine Tours
Coastal North Carolina’s premier producer of premium wines is Silver Coast Winery. A lovely setting, it’s the perfect place to learn wines, have a picnic and enjoy art by local artists.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
301 E. West Street, Southport, NC 28461 / 910.457.5450
Hours: Mon-Sat (10am-5pm)
Cost: Free
An association of local artisans who bring the arts alive in many different forms are on display at Franklin Square Art Gallery. The association includes artists, craft persons and potters who show, sell and teach in this beautiful historic building.
Progress Energy Brunswick Nuclear Power Plan Visitors Center
8520 River Road, Southport, NC 28461 / 910.457.6041
Hours: Vary, please call for details
Cost: Free
Come explore the world of energy! Over 30 interactive energy related exhibits covering production of electricity, electrical safety, alternative energy sources and energy conservation. Fun for the entire family! K✔
Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market Street, Sunset Beach, NC / 910.575.0033
Hours / Cost: Seasonal, please call
Eastern North Carolina’s only planetarium offers exciting programs in astronomy, science and space exploration. Take a seat under the 40’ domed theater; find the locations of planets, constellations and distant galaxies that are visible in the coastal Carolina skies. Telescope viewings and special sky events are scheduled throughout the year. K✔
