With North Carolina's Brunswick Islands' central mid-Atlantic location, plenty of affordable accommodations, more than 45 miles of beautiful beaches, endless outdoor activities, and fairways as far as the eye can see, it is easy to see why hundreds of families host their annual reunion here each year. There is no better place to get the family together than at the beach, and the Brunswick Islands have offerings suited to every member of the family.
We spoke with Cheryl Sumner, an Ohioan who has been visiting North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for more than 35 years. Cheryl originally started visiting the area with a few couples, and it has now morphed into a 20-person, two-house annual reunion with family and friends traveling from all over the country.
Check out Cheryl’s six tips on making the most of a family reunion, from planning to feeding a crowd:
1. Find Accommodations That Can Fit Your Entire Family
The Brunswick Islands has plenty of accommodation options and meeting space that can accommodate families of all sizes! One of the most popular accommodations is a vacation rental home.
Cheryl recommends booking one or more large houses, with spacious well-equipped kitchens, lots of bathrooms, laundry facilities and plenty of areas to gather.
2. Plan Well in Advance
Cheryl suggests that families start preparation for each beach reunion at least one year in advance. “We reserve the same two houses for two weeks every September,” she says. “We have families that stay for various lengths of time, and attendees from the current year get first pick on dates for next year’s reunion.”
3. Organize and Delegate Shopping and Meals
Feeding the entire family three times a day is no small feat! Cheryl suggests assigning each family a night to provide dinner. “They buy and prepare the main course, dessert and beverages,” says Cheryl. Through the years, it’s developed into a friendly competition as each group tries to outdo the other. To save on labor, they use paper plates and cups. “We don’t come on vacation to do dishes,” she laughs.
For the other meals and staples, Cheryl suggests that every person contribute $30 to the “kitty.” At the beginning of the trip, Cheryl and her two organizing friends, Rosie and Debbie, make a grocery store run to purchase breakfast and lunch items, paper towels, zip bags, ice and other kitchen items.
“We designate one house for breakfast and lunch,” says Cheryl, “and the other for dinner.” This provides the dinner crew with a clear kitchen and enough prep time. “But both refrigerators have drinks, snacks and condiments for everyone,” says Cheryl.
But there is no need to cook every meal, there are plenty of restaurants throughout the area serving a variety of cuisines. From fresh local seafood, to pizza and burgers, as well as international fare, there's sure to be a restaurant to appeal to everyone's tastes. For an extra enjoyable dining experience select a restaurant with a waterfront view!
4. Themes and Games Make It More Fun
Perhaps the most fun and memorable part of each reunion is the changing theme. “We have a different theme each year. Once it was Christmas in July, another it was pirates, we vote on the next year’s theme at the end of the reunion” says Cheryl.
Tuesday is designated as party night, with everything revolving around the theme, from costumes, décor, quizzes, music and activities. “The year of the pirate we created a treasure hunt throughout the house and onto the beach,” says Cheryl. “Participants searched the house for clues, and followed a map onto the sand, where we had placed nine different ‘Xs’ to mark potential treasure.” These fun themed activities bring the family together in a fun and exciting way!
5. Choose a Location with Many Activities
Cheryl recommends that families pick a beach that’s not too busy and crowded, such as those in this southernmost corner of North Carolina. Yet the location should have activities for each age group.
While each of the beaches of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island – has its own character and charm, they all offer plenty of activities for every age and interest. On the islands and the mainland are mouthwatering dining, museums and shops, boating, kayaking, fishing and championship golf, and riveting maritime and military history.
6. Book Ahead:
While North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a well-loved, best-kept secret, it’s best to book a vacation beach rental, especially very large or oceanfront homes, a year ahead or at least by January if visiting from May through August, as many families like Cheryl’s come back year after year to build upon what they call their best vacation memories ever.
Start Planning Your Family Reunion at the Beach
Come see why the Brunswick Islands brings families together! To plan your family reunion in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, visit our website and request your free Vacation Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Brunswick Islands beach is best for our family?
The answer depends on what your family prioritizes while on vacation, whether it’s a secluded spot that feels just yours or an island with plenty of activities to fill the day. Take our “Best Beach Fit” quiz to discover which Brunswick Islands beach is the perfect spot for your family.
2. Where can we find a vacation rental large enough for our family?
Visit our Places to Stay page for vacation rental agencies with properties across the Brunswick Islands. On their websites you’ll be able to filter homes by their location, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities to find the best fit for your family.
3. How far ahead do we need to book?
If you’re planning to hold your family reunion in the summer months after Memorial Day and until Labor Day, we suggest booking your vacation rental one year out. Many families return to NC’s Brunswick Islands year after year, often staying in the same home every time. Booking early ensures that your family is guaranteed the perfect property for your vacation.
4. What time of year gives us the best combination of weather, price, and availability?
While the summer months between May and August are the most popular times of year to visit NC’s Brunswick Islands. Shoulder season visits in April, early May, September and early October provide an excellent combination of warm weather, offseason pricing, and availability.
5. What kind of activities can grandparents, parents, teenagers, and little kids all enjoy together?
There’s plenty to do across the Brunswick Islands for family members of all ages. We suggest activities like boat tours, fishing, beach days, attending local concerts, museums, shopping, mini golf, and more for multigenerational excursions. If your group is willing to split up, other activities like kayaking, golf, lighthouse climbs, ziplining, and other activities are sure to provide lots of fun.
For more suggestions on what to do with teenagers visit our “Traveling with Teens in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” blog.
For activities for young children, visit our Things to Do with Kids page.
6. What should we plan in advance versus decide once we’re there?
We suggest booking your accommodation well in advance and preparing a list of restaurants your family would like to visit, at-home meal ideas, and other planned activities that require reservations. Don’t worry about making restaurant reservations and booking weather-depending activities like kayaking and boat tours until about 2 weeks before your visit. Of course, you’re here for vacation, so don't forget the best days unfold when you leave some time and space in your itinerary.
7. Which beach is easiest for grandparents or family members with mobility concerns?
Please visit our Beach Accessibility page for more information about beach parking, handicap beach access, and mobility assistance across each of our Brunswick Islands beaches.