When you stay at The Sunset Inn you’ll be close to lots of activities going on in the coastal North Carolina area this time of year. Here are just a few that will be near our Sunset Beach hotel.

The 5th Annual Sunset at Sunset Community Block Party will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Last year’s event was the best ever! They were completely sold out! There will be a variety of food vendors, exhibitors, and non-profit organizations in attendance.

Just north of our Sunset Beach hotel the 32nd Annual Riverfest Celebration 2011 will be held from October 7-9, 2011 in nearby Wilmington, NC. Wilmington’s Riverfest is celebrated in October and runs from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College. Currently drawing nearly a quarter-million people. Riverfest has about 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Run the River 8K Race, various exhibits and a children’s area. Additional Riverfest activities include skateboard competitions, street dance, wakeboard competition and a musical Battle on the River by a number of bands, a film festival, and Art in the Garden tours of gorgeous private and public gardens enhanced by art and music.

On October 8, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. the 7th Annual Shrimp & Jazz Festival 2011 will take place in nearby Little River, NC, a short drive from our Sunset Beach hotel. Come listen to cool jazz under the live oaks on the Little River waterfront - Shrimp and a variety of seafood along with landlovers delights - vendors of all kinds - Activities for the kids - makes for a day not to be missed. The headliners for 2011 are Tim Reynolds and TR3 and Bonerama! This year's line-up also includes Little River favorites Grenoldo Frazier, Kat Daniels, the Arlin Strader Trio and Bernie Kenerson.
 

If you’re coming to Coastal North Carolina for an end-of-summer vacation and are looking for Ocean Isle Beach accommodations for your stay here, please consider our superb accommodations at The Sunset Inn in nearby Sunset Beach. We believe you’ll find our accommodations to exceed your expectations while being pleasingly affordable. Our amenities include beautifully appointed rooms with king-sized beds, private baths, private screened porches, wet bars, large porches, and private storage areas for bikes, golf clubs, beach chairs, etc. Our Inn is a cross between a small Inn and a large B&B. We know you won’t be disappointed.

While here, you’ll be looking for activities to do so we’ve provided a brief list of places worth checking out in the area. All are a close drive to the Ocean Isle Beach accommodations that you choose.

• Ingram Planetarium -- The Village at Sunset Beach, N.C. An 85-seat domed theater and science exhibit hall. Call for hours. 910-575-0033.
• Visit Bald Head Island -- Bald Head hosts 14 miles of beautiful unspoiled beaches, a golf course, and a marina. Ride the ferry out to it.
• Fishing -- Go fishing at The Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle or try a fishing charter in Sunset Beach.
• Horse-drawn Tours of Wilmington -- Narrated tours of Wilmington's historic waterfront and tree lined streets start from Water and Market Street, available April-October.
• Steamboat Ride -- North Water Street, Wilmington, NC. A true sternwheeler, The Henrietta cruises the Cape Fear River, docking by the Hilton.
• Jungle Rapids -- Downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, 5320 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC. Family entertainment-- arcade, water slide, go carts, and miniature golf.
• Children's Museum in Wilmington -- 1020 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. Hands-on museum for children of all ages--grocery store, pirate ship, medical center, dress up, theater, water play, and weather station.
• Fort Fisher and the NC Aquarium -- Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach, NC
• Movie Production Studios of Wilmington -- Wilmington, NC. Hollywood of the East with production companies and sound stages. 800.232.9227 or 910.343.3433. If interested in being an "extra" in a film contact Casting at 910.262.4228.
• Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- Enjoy the amusement and water parks, golf the 110+ golf courses, or see live theatre and concerts.

As you can see there’s plenty to do both here and within driving distance to your Ocean Isle Beach accommodations and yet you’ll have quiet, family-oriented accommodations without all the crowds and traffic.

 

A Sunset Beach vacation in North Carolina should most definitely include golfing at Ocean Ridge Plantation. The warm weather and natural surroundings make Ocean Ridge Plantation the perfect destination for active golfers who don't want to settle for just a few short months of golf at home in the northern states.

Here, your Sunset Beach vacation rental would have you located between the history of Wilmington and the excitement of Myrtle Beach, Ocean Ridge Plantation boasts one of the most diverse golf experiences on the East Coast with its four "Big Cat" courses — Lion's Paw, Panther's Run, Tiger's Eye and the newest, Leopard's Chase.

Lion's Paw is an open, 18-hole course that’s hilly and offers spectacular views of a creek valley and wetlands. It has been described as the finest work ever of designer Willard C. Byrd.

Panther's Run, an 18-hole course carved out of rolling woodlands runs along several untouched natural wildlife habitats, and offers large multiple tee areas, giving golfers of all skill levels a fair shot at making par.

Tiger's Eye, Ocean Ridge's crown jewel, is a rare treat and one of the most highly praised courses along the East Coast. This upscale, daily-fee 18-hole golf course is distinguished by dramatic 60-foot elevation changes and a stunning combination of natural waste areas, native wild flowers, waterfalls, coquina boulders, and coastal marshland. Tiger's eye is a thinking-person's course, requiring precise shot making and a reliable short game.

Leopard's Chase, Ocean Ridge's newest Big Cat course, is a par-71 course measuring more than 7,000 yards and features stunning natural vistas and dramatic elevation changes. Course architect Tim Cate, who also did Tiger's Eye, believes that Leopard's Chase will turn out even better than Tiger's Eye and that golfers will be lining up to sample the next great cat at Ocean Ridge.

Give us a call to reserve your Sunset Beach vacation rental today!

Weekend getaways are one of the best ways to take a couple of days and get away without having to go too far from home. You don't have to spend a lot of money and you can choose to spend just one or two nights away from home, or grab an extra day off work and make it a long weekend instead. Our Sunset Beach NC hotels offer superb accommodations at reasonable rates, perfect for your weekend escape.

There are two parts to planning the perfect weekend away — you need to choose somewhere with lots of things to see and do to keep you occupied, and you also need to find somewhere to stay that will be close by to all the best places to go. This will give you the best of both worlds. We recommend the Brunswick Islands off coastal North Carolina. More specifically Sunset Beach where you'll find these Sunset Beach NC hotels that will provide everything you need plus more.

Make a list of all the places you'd like to visit and all the things you'd like to do while you are in the area, and use this as your starting point for venturing out each day. You can then look at your budget and work out what type of activities you can afford. While it's nice to stay in the best Sunset Beach NC hotels they can mean you have less money to spend on seeing the sights, so be sure to balance the two together.

If you are stuck for ideas on where to go and what to do while here, try speaking to the hotel staff to see what they suggest. Don't forget they deal with tourists all the time and are likely to have a wide knowledge of the local area itself.

One of the most important things to remember is to arrange your weekend getaway well in advance if you can. You can sometimes get cheaper deals on Sunset Beach NC hotels by booking at the last minute, but you also run the risk of missing out altogether. If you are planning your getaway for a special occasion, giving yourself plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements is the best way to ensure your weekend really will be one to remember, for all the right reasons.

Are you online looking for facilities that handle Ocean Isle Beach weddings? Look no further! At The Sunset Inn we're fully prepared to coordinate with you on your ceremony and reception for up to 100 of your nearest and dearest family and friends. With the incredible water views of the Atlantic, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the gulls calling from overhead, it has the potential to be more than you ever dreamed.

We're experienced in working with couples interested in Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach weddings and will work with you to put together a wedding package that you simply love. We have preferred vendor lists for flowers, cakes, DJs, caterers, ministers and photographers that will make selection easier. We have the facility, the grounds, rooms, and/or tents to have both your ceremony and reception in. We will arrange for tables, chairs, tablecloths, globe lights, dance floors and even toilets to be brought in. Just give us a call and we'll be happy to work on the details with you!

If you're considering an Ocean Isle Beach vacation you might just want to check out The Sunset Inn, where you can have the most relaxed, peaceful vacation ever. We're located on Sunset Beach, halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach so if you're looking for activities there's plenty nearby

Your Ocean Isle Beach vacation can be spent in beautiful rooms with king-sized beds, private baths, large screened porches, and a wet bar. You'll be overlooking the beautiful saltwater marsh and Intracoastal Waterway. As the sun rises you can enjoy the pastel colors of morning, stroll along the seashore or just rock away on one of our many porch rockers. Summer abounds with lazy days spent on a sugar sand beach wrapped with complete relaxation for your entire beach vacation. Enjoy it here, we know you will.

Don't miss the Annual Ocean Isle Beach Fourth of July Parade beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 4th. Decorated floats, golf carts and bicycles will be judged and prizes awarded. Make sure you wave as the parade makes its way through Ocean Isle Beach. Have a safe holiday everyone!

All Work & No Play can make Jack & Jill a very dull couple! We have the cure for those of you that work hard and need some play time. The Sunset Inn on the island of Sunset Beach, NC is an ideal getaway for couples or singles that need some peace & relaxation. Our guests consistently tell us how rested & relaxed they are after a visit to this tranquil island we call home and they happily tell us on our Trip Advisor Reviews. The average day spent on a 2 ½ mile island should start with a soothing night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, a satisfying breakfast (you didn’t have to cook), and a casual swing on the front porch planning your day. You could take a leisurely stroll on the softest sandy beach around while the sun shines just for you or use one of our many beach chairs & books while you sit awhile near the waves (We know you are really napping behind those shades). Let the highlight of your day be a stress-reducing massage by Joanne (Sunset Wellness Massage) in your room at the Inn to really take the worries away! Now it’s officially “ME” time, so do what you like because at this point, you’re feeling like a new person again. A bike ride down to Kindred Spirit mailbox on Bird Island is a perfect afternoon trip. Make sure you are back in time for the spectacular sunsets you’ll witness in a rocking chair from any of our 14 private screened porches. The most difficult decision you’ll make all day is which restaurant to devour some fresh seafood in like Twin Lakes Restaurant. One day at Sunset Beach just isn’t enough, so be sure to make your reservation for a few days before you go back to the “real world.” If at this point you are saying, “Yes-this is just what I need!” then check out our SPECIALS page and find the Anniversary/Honeymoon Special. You don’t need an anniversary or honeymoon to celebrate some “ME” time, so make the special all about YOU! We should rename it to “Well-deserved ME time” so you won’t need any specific date, excuse, or season to give yourself the pampering, relaxation & overall wellness you deserve. Go ahead, plan your trip, celebrate you, or just stay there…keep working…and be dull.

The Brunswick Island’s Home and Garden Show displays products and services for the home and garden including landscaping, gardening, pool and spas, windows, outdoor grills, home décor, utilities, real estate and financial services, and resources for home construction or improvement. 

West Brunswick High School is located in Shallotte, NC. approx. 5 miles from Ocean Isle Beach and ten miles from Sunset Beach. 

Fees and Admission:  $5.00 at the door, $3.00 for tickets purchased in advance. 

http://www.brunswickcountychamber.org/HG-home-and-garden-show.cfm

Located at West Brunswick High school on March 26th and 27th, 10:00 am until 3:00 pm - this year's Home and Garden Show will feature an eco-friendly green section, entertainment, a kid's learning area, food, classes and more! 

The new Ocean Isle Beach Park is located at 6483 Old Georgetown Rd. and features 8 tennis courts, an amphitheater, two playgrounds, a restroom facility, and a multipurpose field that is used for football, soccer, and much more.  

 They will also rent the amphitheater to citizens interested in hosting their next event.  The amphitheater is designed to seat 300, but there is plenty of space in and around the theater for lawn chairs and blankets.  If you are interested in renting this space or would like to check the availability please call 910-253-2670.  

We've posted a link to the park below. 

http://www.brunswickcountync.gov/portals/0/parksandrec/ocean%20ilse%20beach%20park.pdf

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There's a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
you'll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown

Happy New Year!

As the sun sets on the year 2010, The Sunset Inn would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank each of our guests for choosing to stay at The Sunset Inn. Many of you have stayed multiple times through the years and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces return in 2011. We are all truly grateful for the compliments you give, the kind reviews you write and the opportunity to enjoy your presence again.

We also welcome all Sunset Beach, NC lovers to stop by to tour our Inn, or just say hello.  For those of you that have never been to the island of Sunset Beach, we especially invite you to come see this land we love and be our guest at The Sunset Inn. 

The Sunset Inn will be closed for the month of January, 2011 to allow time for maintenance & improvements to be made.  During this time, please feel free to continue making online reservations for upcoming dates, as holiday weekends tend to fill up quickly.  We will continue to check emails and phone messages as well.  There are still a few more Historic Sunset Beach Bridge prints (16 x 20) available for only $45, which make excellent gifts.  We are also selling the newly printed Sunset Beach History Books full of island history & exclusive photos for $29.95. If you are interested in these items, just send us an email. 

From our family at The Sunset Inn to each of yours, we wish you a Peaceful & Prosperous New Year in 2011 with plenty of time to be spent on the sands of Sunset Beach!

Are you going to Sunset Beach this year for a vacation, weekend getaway, or just passing through?  If you are doing any of these, you can't beat their first class, coastal accommodations.  The Sunset Inn, a first rate Sunset Beach hotel, offers vacationers and weekend warriors a great place to relax and enjoy breath taking views.  You can enjoy a stress free visit while enjoying the area activities including shopping, fishing, golf, and more!

The Sunset Inn, a premiere Sunset Beach hotel, offers guest a unique experience they won't find anywhere else.  You can stay in one of their spacious rooms that offer great views of salt water life from a serene marsh.  You can enjoy an afternoon rocking on a private screened porch or take a ride to Sunset Beach, one of the most family friendly beaches on the coast.  Some amenities you can enjoy are spacious rooms, great views, first class service, unforgettable memories, and more!

Sunset Beach NC In The News!

The Sunset Beach, NC pontoon swing bridge that is the last remaining one of it's kind along the eastern coast ICW has gotten it's share of attention lately.

In fact, the bridge & island have been mentioned recently in popular magazines like Southern Living, Our State, and National Geographic. But even before the new bridge was being built, the island of Sunset Beach had some notoriety. Back in 1992, Money Magazine ranked Sunset Beach 4th in their top ten Hottest Vacation Home Spots. Newsweek advised island home buyers to invest wisely at Sunset Beach, NC in 1993. There have been a handful of novels written with a Sunset Beach, Bird Island, or Kindred Spirit setting perfectly described. Of course, multiple articles & blogs have been written about the island's controversial new bridge which has been closely watched, photographed, debated and delayed.  The Sunset Inn and our guests believe that the greatest attraction to Sunset Beach is undeniably, the beach. The bridge, floating or high-rise, is only the means of which to travel by to get to our remarkably wide sandy seashore. Come to Sunset Beach only if you love a virtually untouched shoreline with gentle slopes leading into 80+ degree water where shells & crowds are only found if you search for them.  Dive in easy breaking waves without creatures bumping your legs, boat & fish in clear Carolina Blue water, or just sit in awe of it all that Sunset Beach has to offer, but we invite you to see the island for yourself, and of course, come stay at The Sunset Inn.

If you've ever been to Sunset Beach in North Carolina, you know that there's not to many locations that offer a more romantic experience.  You can enjoy walking the beach during a sunset, enjoy a fine dinner, a show at the Opry, or just relax with some champagne and your significant other.  It's a great place to enjoy your honey moon or spend your anniversary here in paradise.  No matter what you choose, you'll never forget your Sunset Beach NC romantic getaway.

A Sunset Beach NC romantic getaway is ideal for couples, newlyweds, and anyone looking for a relaxing time.  You can enjoy several activities in the area including dinner, movie, and shows, but if you're someone who likes to stay low key you may enjoy reading a good book in a rocking chair while the sunsets.  All of these romantic ideas are the perfect match for the area's beauty and tranquility.