In North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, life moves as slowly as the tides. Embrace the beauty of mindful travel by reconnecting with yourself, the local community, and the environment around you. Whether you call it “living like a local,” “traveling with intention,” or simply “mindful travel,” experiencing the Brunswick Islands in this way makes for a fulfilling and memorable vacation. From dining at restaurants that source local ingredients to shopping at family-owned businesses, there are countless ways to embrace the culture and natural surroundings of our coastal paradise. Read on for tips on how to live like a local and practice mindful travel in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.

Eat Local: Savor the Seafood Culture of the Brunswick Islands

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is known for its rich seafood history. From the banks of the Calabash River all the way out to the Atlantic Ocean, local fishing culture is a particular point of pride here. By dining at family-owned restaurants serving fish caught right off our shores and supporting local seafood markets, you’re not only enjoying delicious food but also contributing to generations of fishing culture in the area.

Calabash Waterfront, shrimp hut

To explore more about seafood heritage in the Brunswick Islands and to see a map of local seafood markets, be sure to check out our blog here. For a taste of fresh locally caught seafood, make sure to visit these popular spots:

In addition to seafood restaurants, there are also local dining options that are just as important to the cuisine culture of the Brunswick Islands.

Enjoy the beloved Old Bridge Diner on Oak Island, named “The Best Diner in North Carolina” by Yelp in 2023. Its all-day breakfast and lunch menus feature everything from pancakes and omelets to clam chowder and sandwiches. Or stop by Little Bit’s Grill for huge hamburgers and hotdogs that locals have loved since 1987.

Want a taste of island flavors? Try Sugar Shack Jamaican Restaurant in Ocean Isle Beach, where the owners Dave and Linda have been serving Jamaican jerk chicken and ribs for over 28 years.  Looking for even more local favorites? Don’t hesitate to ask around! Friendly residents are happy to offer recommendations.

couple pushing two strollers down a downtown sidewalk

Shop Small and Support Local Businesses

Mindful travel isn’t just about what you eat— it’s about where you shop too. By supporting local businesses, you are helping to preserve the culture of the Brunswick Islands while shopping for unique souvenirs, coastal fashions, and more.

For some beach day essentials, be sure to check out Sunset Beach Trading Co. on Sunset Beach. Operating since 1991, this quaint shop is sure to meet all your beach day needs. Or, further up the coast in Holden Beach is Beach Mart. Family-owned and operated since 1974, Beach Mart has everything from beach chairs and sunscreen to branded apparel and souvenirs.

You’ll also find the perfect dinner outfit at the many local clothing boutiques across the Brunswick Islands. Stop by Coastal Charm in Oak Island or Blue Moon Salon and Boutique in nearby Southport for the latest in coastal fashions. For more details on shopping opportunities in the Brunswick Islands, please visit our shopping blog here. 

Explore even more boutiques, art galleries, and seasonal outdoor markets throughout the Brunswick Islands to take home some handcrafted keepsakes that reflect our area’s culture and craftmanship.

a baby sea turtle crawling on sand

Learn About Local Wildlife and Conservation

NC’s Brunswick Islands boasts a diverse ecosystem with incredible wildlife, from the sea turtles nesting on our beaches to the endangered Venus flytrap growing in the Green Swamp Preserve. Here are some ways to engage in educational opportunities and conservation efforts during your visit.

  • Attend a Turtle Talk program hosted by local sea turtle protection organizations where you can learn about sea turtle nesting and protection.
  • Visit the Oak Island Nature Center to learn about local wildlife, conservation, archaeology, and more. Hands-on programming, perfect for younger visitors, is offered seasonally.
  • Explore Bird Island and take a guided walk with the Bird Island Preservation Society Stewards to learn about local bird species.
  • Visit the Green Swamp Preserve for the chance to observe the protected Venus flytrap and over 14 species of insectivorous plants in their natural habitat.

view of a canon sitting in a clearing with brick ruins in the foreground

Explore the History of NC’s Brunswick Islands

The storied history of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is preserved by many attractions and museums, all worth a visit during your trip.

  • The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson North Carolina historical site features excavated ruins of Brunswick, one of the state’s earliest pre-Revolutionary towns. The visitors’ center also displays educational exhibits about the ground’s second life, the Civil War fort, Fort Anderson.
  • In Southport, visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum with exhibits on the Lower Cape Fear region’s natural and cultural history. Seasonal programs designed especially for young visitors are also offered throughout the year.
  • Pay a visit to the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center, once the oldest active-duty fort in the United States. Today its garrison building houses exhibits on Southport’s history and handy pamphlets with information on notable sites throughout town.
  • Visit Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, and Oak Island Lighthouse, the youngest. Both offer a unique glimpse into our area’s unique maritime heritage.

For more historical sites, check out our “History Uncovered” blog here.

a group of kayaks heading towards marshland

Engage with Locals and Experience Unique Activities

Mindful travel is all about immersing yourself in the local culture, and there’s no better way to do that than by interacting with locals. Consider booking an excursion with a local business or participating in an activity led by a skilled community member.

  • Book a fishing charter with an experienced local captain or enjoy a friendly family dolphin tour.
  • Take a surfing lesson or head out on a guided kayaking trip for a peaceful, mindful way to experience the beauty of the Brunswick Islands.
  • Visit seasonal outdoor markets and year-round festivals where you can meet artisans, purchase local crafts, and engage with the community.
  • Speak with locals out on the beach. Look out for the impressive sand sculptures built by the Sunset Beach Sand Artists and navigate the challenge of one of the famous Sunset Beach Maze Man’s larger-than-life mazes.

Embrace Mindful Travel in the Brunswick Islands

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers countless opportunities for mindful travel, where you can slow down, connect with the local community, and immerse yourself in nature and culture. By dining at local restaurants, supporting small businesses, engaging in educational activities, and interacting with friendly locals, you can create lasting memories while embracing a mindful, intentional way of travel.

When you’re ready to start planning your trip to the Brunswick Islands, visit www.ncbrunswick.com for information on local activities, dining, places to stay, and more.