Friday, January 29, 2010

Sunset Beach, NC

Sunset Beach, incorporated in 1963, is the smallest and quietest of three barrier islands which together, make up the modestly famed South Brunswick Islands.
An uncommon coastal scene, this small sequestered island is crowned with a naturally wide, gently sloping, white sand beach and a shroud of undisturbed sand dunes. This unadulterated setting is a natural habitat and nesting ground for the abundant coastal wildlife, including the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle and beloved Wood Storks.
The Town of Sunset Beach is actually comprised of much more than the island alone. Several square miles of mainland offer a variety of necessities, amusements, and educational activities. Residents and visitors frequent the many local shopping centers, golf courses and dining spots and find comfort in the security of first-rate local medical facilities. Cultural, spiritual, and educational activities are all nearby, including Ingram Planetarium. Calabash, the Seafood Capital of the World,is just a few miles away. Bird Island, which is a natural area and 1300 acre State Preserve on the barrier island, is connected to Sunset Beach and reachable by boat, walking, or biking along the beach and is home to Loggerhead turtles. The shoreline, dunes, maritime forest, and marshland are also an important hibitat and nesting area for various species of birds that are threatened or endangered. One can walk from the public parking area and gazebo at Sunset Beach, along the Bird Island beachfront, all the way to South Carolina.
The Town of Sunset Beach is dedicated to preserving the small-town character of its community. Our fundamental goal is to preserve the tranquility of our coastal environment--which has become the basis for visiting and living in Sunset Beach while improving the overall quality of life through controlled and orderly growth.

Information thanks to SunsetBeach.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Holden Beach Fishing

Many varieties of fish are abundant in the waters surrounding Brunswick County and each of the local beaches has at least one full service fishing pier. Bluefish and spots can be caught in the fall and Spanish mackerel and spots are available in the spring, as well as shrimp and drum which are caught in the spring and summer. The salt marshes offer winter trout, channel bass and croaker, where oysters and clams are abundant along the Intracoastal Waterway and back bay areas. Ocean access through several inlets led to the Gulf Stream where red snapper, grouper, tuna and more are plentiful.
Recreational fresh-water fishing licenses are required by law and you can obtain a license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 888.248.6834. For more information about fishing in our area, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Information thanks to Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Holden Beach, NC

Coming over the 65-foot high bridge to Holden Beach takes visitors to one of the most serene beaches in the South Brunswick Islands. With 9 miles of oceanfront, Holden Beach is one of the largest of the Brunswick County islands and is home to just under 1,000 year-round residents.
During the summer, the population increases to more than 10,000. Boating, surf fishing, and hiking are very popular activities and the fishing pier is enjoyed by many. The island is a sea turtle habitat as well.
There are limited commercial establishments on the island, but the road leading to Holden Beach is lined with many stores and shops, including a grocery store. The Town of Shallotte is just 10 minutes away, and Myrtle Beach and Wilmington are both a little over 30 minutes away.


The Town of Holden Beach is located midway between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina -- about 40 minutes driving from each. The Town is situated on an Atlantic coastal barrier island, facing south onto the Long Bay region of Brunswick County. I-95 from the north and south, I-40 from the west and US-17 south from Wilmington or north from Myrtle Beach leads to Holden Beach -- approximately 3 hours from Raleigh, or 4 hours from Charlotte or Greensboro, or 7 hours from Asheville. For more map detail of Brunswick County, go to Brunswick Islands, and then click on "Maps".
Nearly 900 fulltime residents call Holden Beach home; however, the island’s population swells to over 10,000 in mid-summer. With over 8 miles of clean, sandy beaches and a year around moderate temperature, the island attracts many visitors who want to experience a unique quiet family-oriented atmosphere.
Holden Beach has a very small commercial area on the island. That point is considered by many to be a key reason to keep them coming back year after year. While there are limited commercial establishments on the island, everything one could desire is located within a short driving distance.
The causeway leading to the island contains numerous specialty stores and shops, and the Town of Shallotte just 10 minutes away has several chain grocery and department stores that provide all the necessities. Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are only 35-45 minutes away and if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, it doesn't exist.
There are over 125 superb golf courses within a one-hour drive from Holden Beach. Courses range from very challenging to user-friendly for golfers who don’t always hit the ball where they want it to go. The Myrtle Beach area is perhaps the best region in the United States to find a course just right. Seasonal rates vary.
Boating, fishing and hiking the island are very popular activities. Shell hunters can find so many that the kids will fill up the car when they return home. The island is a sea turtle habitat and during the hatching season (May to October) those who don’t mind staying up late at night can witness one of nature’s most interesting pleasures – watching hundreds of small sea turtles "boil’ out of the sand and marching to the ocean.
There is no other North Carolina barrier island like Holden Beach. Low commercial impact, hundreds of beautiful rental homes (many with dockage for fishing and pleasure boating) and a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Caswell Beach, NC

Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River with long sandy beaches and mild weather, it’s no wonder so many people visit here each year. Named after the historic Fort Caswell located at the eastern tip of the island, Caswell Beach is home to the brightest lighthouse in the United States and boasts a Coast Guard Station reminiscent of the old coastal life saving stations.
Deep dunes and sprawling beach cottages line the oceanside, and marsh side cottages on pilings overlook the Cape Fear river shipping channel. The only souvenirs available at Caswell Beach are the shells collected on quiet low tide walks along this beautiful shore. Besides the Oak Island Golf & Country Club, there is no commercial development, making it a relaxing place to vacation.
The town takes its name from Fort Caswell which was established on the east end of Oak Island by the Army in 1826. During the Civil War, the fort was used by Confederates to guard one of the inlets of the Cape Fear River. After major additions following the Spanish American War, it served as a training post during World War I and a submarine lookout post during World War II.
The most important architectural feature of Caswell Beach is the Oak Island Lighthouse, which started operating in 1958 to warn ships of the treacherous Frying Pan Shoals and guide mariners safely into the Cape Fear River. Known as the second brightest lighthouse in the world, the beacon atop the towering gray, black and white silo can be seen nearly 30 miles offshore.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Priced to Sell!!


Great new custom home located within walking distance to the ICW and 2 miles from Holden Beach! Don't miss this one!

Oak Island, NC

Come to Oak Island to spend a week and you may spend a lifetime! Windswept live oaks and yaupon trees grace this beach community which offers both a great place to live and vacation.
Oak Island offers approximately a fourteen-mile stretch of south-facing beaches with quiet surf and moderate tides. This family-oriented beach community offers water related activities for all ages. Two piers, a marina, and public launch facilities make all types of fishing possible.
Enjoy the ocean breezes while golfing at an eighteen hole course within walking distance of the beach. Homes are situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Davis Canal plus cottages nestled in maritime wooded lots.
The Town of Oak Island was formed in 1999 when the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach consolidated. This consolidation gave it the distinction of the most populated incorporated town in Brunswick County. Although the largest town in the county, a small town atmosphere is enjoyed by its residents.
Oak Island has over 52 public beach accesses (most with parking), two public boat ramps, several areas to put in canoes and kayaks, an extensive sidewalk system for pedestrians to enjoy, quiet streets for cycling, recreation trails, numerous parks and playgrounds, a full service Parks and Recreation Department, and youth friendly facilities such as the recently completed skateboard park and teen center.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Southport, NC

Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and on the Intracoastal Waterway, Southport has long served as a protective harbor for sea-going craft. From the pirate ships of yesteryear to the fishing and recreational vessels of today, Southport’s easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and backwater bays has made it a popular maritime destination.
Just walking underneath the huge sprawling oak trees that line the avenues of beautiful historic homes takes you back to a gentler, friendlier period of time. Although a laid back lifestyle exists, Southport is still a bustling city. Southport has antique shops, historic sites, a Maritime Museum, wonderfully diverse restaurants, fresh seafood, art galleries, a small boat harbor, marinas and relaxing parks.
The most popular park in Southport is Waterfront Park. From the park you can watch large transoceanic ships from every country pass on their way up the Cape Fear River to the State Ports, creating remarkable photographic opportunities. Southport is so photogenic that a number of motion pictures and TV films have been made here, including Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Crimes of the Heart, Summer Catch, and One Tree Hill.
Although somewhat Victorian in appearance, Southport has a rich history dating well beyond its incorporation in 1792. The Indian Trail Tree in Keziah Memorial Park is estimated to be over 800 years old and was used by Cape Fear area Native Americans as a landmark. Bonnet's Creek was a haven for Stede Bonnet, The Gentleman Pirate, who operated in the area and was captured in the harbor during the 'Battle of the Sand Bar' in 1718. Ft. Johnston, across from Waterfront Park, was completed in 1749 and was the foundation of the town of Smithville, which later became known as Southport.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Real Estate Done Right!

Our experienced team of sales professionals knows every corner of the market and will provide insight and knowledge in every stage of the Real Estate transaction.
Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® is a locally owned, independently managed company with world-wide reach. With three office locations serving all of Brunswick County we set the standard for full-service firms in our area. Recognized as 2009 “Best Real Estate Company” People’s Choice Award winner, we are eager to put our expertise to work for you.
As your future neighbors we’ll introduce you to our warm sand beaches, gentle breezes, historic landmarks, favorite golf courses, and fresh local seafood. After all we have been turning visitors into locals since 1981

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

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