A vacation to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is all about relaxing and indulging in the sights, sounds, and tastes that embody a coastal Carolina experience. Down here seafood may be the main culinary attraction, but the sweets are not to be missed. From beloved North Carolina staples, like Burney’s Sweets and More glazed croissant, to the homemade goodies found in bakeries across the Brunswick Islands, we invite you to explore the stops along the Brunswick Islands Sweet Treats Trail. Continue reading for a few of our favorite selections.
Calabash
Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop – Begin your way along the Sweet Tooth Trail with this unique experience in Calabash. Embrace your inner kid and have a tea party while you enjoy fresh baked scones and miniature desserts.
Callahan’s of Calabash – This Calabash shopping staple is also home to a delightful fudge shop offering classic favorites and seasonal flavors.
Blondiez Donuts – Located in the bright pink building you can’t miss, this family owned and operated donut shop serves up freshly-fried delicious donuts. You can also find their newest location on the island of Ocean Isle Beach.
Waterfront Seafood Shack – The seafood stands out on the menu at the Waterfront Seafood Shack, but the best kept secret is the grilled pound cake served with ice cream. Give it a try!
Sunset Beach
Mavericks Pointe – Key lime pie lovers should journey to this casual burger joint in Sunset Beach for a bite of homemade goodness.
Sunset Slush – On a warm day head to Sunset Slush. This Brunswick Islands institution serves up smooth and refreshing Italian Ice with fun flavor combinations unlike anywhere else. You can also find Sunset Slush on the islands in Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Oak Island.
Ocean Isle Beach
The Brew House – This quaint coffee spot in Ocean Isle Beach also serves up freshly baked breakfast pastries and other scrumptious desserts. There are also select vegan and gluten free options available.
Ocean Isle Creamery – There's nothing like homemade ice cream served on a waffle cone in the heat of summer, and this spot on Ocean Isle Beach delivers! We recommend a scoop of their strawberry flavor, best enjoyed from the rocking chairs on the front porch.
Spilt Milk – You won’t be able to resist the delicious and beautifully decorated donuts at this shop in Ocean Isle Beach. Try signature flavor combinations like the “Spilt Milk” with its white cream filling and vanilla topping covered in crushed Oreos. Better yet, add a scoop of ice cream!
Shallotte
El Coqui’s Restaurant and Bar – This family-owned restaurant serves up the best Puerto-Rican food in Shallotte, and you won’t want to miss their flan and tres leches cake from the dessert menu.
Smoke’d – You’ll want seconds after trying the homemade apple crumble cobbler, served with Spilt Milk ice cream at Smoke’d in Shallotte. Inquiring minds make sure to ask about the seasonal dessert option too.
The Purple Onion Café – An absolute must-visit for folks who find themselves in town, The Purple Onion Café has a wide variety of homemade cakes, breakfast pastries, cookies, and so much more. We recommend a slice of the Dream Cake, a yellow cake base dotted with mandarin oranges and walnuts with vanilla and pineapple frosting.
Holden Beach
Aunt Irene’s Sweet-N-Treats – The early bird gets the kolaches! This bakery in Holden Beach is beloved for its homemade cinnamon rolls, fudge, miniature cakes, kolaches, and much more. We recommend getting there early to get your hands on some sweet treats.
The Scoop – Waffle lovers rejoice! The Scoop in Holden Beach has a dozen waffle options you are sure to love. Enjoy traditional options like the Classic Waffle, served with butter and syrup, or try other adventurous options like the Red Velvet Waffle, made from red velvet batter and stuffed with white chocolate chips!
Ocean Boulevard Coffee – Then, head over the bridge to Ocean Boulevard Coffee for some fresh baked breakfast pastries, cookies, and so many more rotating surprises made with local ingredients.
Oak Island
Tropical Treats –This colorful shop is the one stop spot for frozen desserts on Oak Island. Take a minute to browse the menu that covers the walls, offering everything from Dole whip and Dippin’ Dots to creations like the Elvis Fans Sundae. With so many options, it is a sweet lover’s paradise.
Swain’s Seafood and Cut Restaurant – This family-owned and operated spot in Oak Island is consistently recognized for its incredible seafood, but their scratch-made desserts using fresh and local ingredients are an absolute must try too. We recommend a slice of coconut cream pie or a slice of any of the cheesecake stuffed cakes. Yes, you read that correctly—cheesecake stuffed cake!
Nancy Jo’s Homemade Bakery – This no-nonsense bakery specializes in cakes, pies, and confections that are sure to make the mouth water. After you’ve visited the store front in Oak Island, make sure to keep an eye out for Nancy Jo’s goods across the state!
Bob’s Dogs – A hot dog shop, you ask? Trust us. The house baked macadamia nut/key lime and chocolate chip/peanut butter cookies are incredible.
Southport
Southport Cookies – Southport’s newest small-batch bakery caters to folks in search of vegan and gluten-free cookie options. This small batch shop rotates their flavors daily, making each visit a unique one. Menu highlights include the carrot cake cookie and basil lime cookie.
Burney’s Sweets & More of Southport – Another Brunswick Islands favorite, Burney’s Sweets & More in Southport serves up a wide variety of freshly baked pastries, sweet treats, and their iconic glazed croissant. The croissants are proofed, fried, and then covered in a sweet glaze. Whether you prefer them plain or filled, you’re sure to get a fresh cronut that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also find Burney's newest location in Shallotte.
Haven – This not so hidden gem in Southport is the place to go for authentic gelato in the Brunswick Islands.
Island Times Cafe – The bakery menu of this café inside the Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal changes daily, all depending on whatever Sara, the café’s owner and baker dreams up. Some recent menu highlights include fresh baked scones, hummingbird cake, and German chocolate cheesecake. Now hop on the ferry that will drop you off steps away from our next Sweet Trail spot.
Bald Head Island
Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream – Located just around the corner from the ferry landing is Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream. Cool down with a cone of ice cream or grab a freshly baked muffin for your adventure across Bald Head Island.
Leland
Mimi’s and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn & Homemade Ice Cream – We couldn’t forget about this community favorite gourmet popcorn shop in Leland. Satisfy your need for crunchy sweets with classic caramel corn or specialty flavors like lemon pound cake. While you’re here, give the homemade ice cream and fudge a try.
That’s it for our selection of Sweet Treat Trail stops throughout North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. We invite you to explore these spots and many more on the interactive map above. If you are ready to plan your visit to North Carolina's Brunswick Islands to grab your own bite of goodness, visit www.ncbrunswick.com. Sweet travels!