What's Happening:
Shopping, movies, restaurants, and amusements are all nearby -- some within walking distance. There are two convenience stores and a BBQ restaurant within one block of the house, and an ice cream parlor four blocks away. The Carolina Beach charter fishing boats are just blocks away, and virtually guarantee some great fishing in the Gulf Stream. Even if you don't go out fishing with them, it is great fun to stroll the docks as they return and check out the 'catch of the day.' Also for the non-fishermen, two of the largest boats in the Town marina specialize in night cruises that have more to do with stargazing and dancing than fishing. Public tennis and volleyball courts are nearby. And organized groups of students from a New York university are frequent spring break renters to play the local golf courses. There are a dozen courses within a 45-minute drive; the closest only 3.5 miles away. The mild temperatures year-around make the spring, fall, and holidays good times to visit.
Drive on the Beach:
Your four-wheel-drive SUV can take you to picnics and surfing on the Island's north and south ends where beach driving is permitted.
Carolina Beach is a town of about 5,000 population. It is a 'real' town with year-around full services and a family feel to it. There are the usual beach vacation things to do; T-shirt and shorts shops, putt-putt golf, and waterslides, but you can also get a haircut, rent a movie, and get the oil changed in your car. TV and Movie fan? Tour the movie and TV studios. Dawson's Creek was filmed in Wilmington. The latest addition is the new hit series One Tree Hill, which is currently being shot on location in Wilmington. There are lots of movies and TV ads made there with visiting Hollywood types; several of the latest ones are Domestic Disturbance and The Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
Need More?:
In need of more amusement? Carolina Beach has more than you’ll have time to experience. You don’t need to leave Pleasure Island to visit the Civil War Fort Fisher historical site and museum, the North Carolina Aquarium, the fishing piers and commercial fishing boats. Historic downtown Wilmington (less than a half hour away) features the Battleship USS North Carolina, fantastic shops and restaurants along the Riverfront, classic home and garden tours and Cape Fear Riverboat excursions. In Carolina Beach and surrounding towns there are free movies and free concerts, and that is just the beginning….
