Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty

Home » Local

What to Know About Brunswick County Schools

by Leave a Comment

Moving to a new area is both exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time, especially when moving with school-aged students. As parents and/or guardians, ensuring that our children receive an exceptional education plays a huge role in many home purchases, as you always want to ensure that the district is highly rated and will provide a well-rounded education.

The schools within Brunswick county have received many different awards, and four of the schools have even been listed as Blue-Ribbon Schools, a huge honor among the schooling community. The county as a whole provides higher than average testing scores, especially within Biology which is currently ranked as the highest testing category across the district.

Related: Why Was my Offer Rejected?

Sporting and extracurriculars as well as academic clubs are offered at nearly all of the campuses within Brunswick County. Additionally, three of the high schools, South, West, and North Brunswick High Schools are all classified as 3A schools which allows for larger sporting teams and events. The Brunswick Country Early College High School is a great alternative that helps prepare students for college courses and is rated the best High school within the area for both college prep as well as providing the highest SAT scores among students.

The schools within the county will have a superintendent to help oversee the daily needs of the district as well as a 5 member board of education. With these members and the superintendent, the county follows a council-manager government which allows for the schools to remain accountable for both day to day activities as well as school, district and county-related decisions.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Your Real Estate Offer AcceptedWhat to Know About Brunswick County Schools

The Schools within Brunswick County include:

Elementary Schools:

Belville Elementary School

Bolivia Elementary School

Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School

Lincoln Elementary School

Southport Elementary School

Supply Elementary School

Town Creek Elementary School

Union Elementary School

Virginia Williamson Elementary School

 

Middle Schools:

Cedar Grove Middle School

Leland Middle School

Shallotte Middle School

South Brunswick Middle School

Waccamaw School

 

High Schools:

Brunswick County Early College High School

North Brunswick High School

South Brunswick High School

The COAST

West Brunswick High School

To learn more about the Brunswick County School District, you can visit their homepage where you can explore their community directory that features all of their extra-curricular activities including athletics in addition to information regarding recourses for distant learning and health and safety updates.

If you’re currently searching for a new home within the Brunswick area, are in need of a qualified agent to assist you with listing and selling your property, or have any questions regarding Carolina real estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Related: The Tidepools of the Carolina Coast

Related: Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

Sweet Tooth? No Problem! 3 Holden Beach Desserts

by 1 Comment

Sadly, as many areas across the country continue to see rising COVID numbers, stores are forced to follow very specific health and safety guidelines in order to keep their doors open which in some instances has caused a decline in customers. Now is a better time than ever to take some time and grab some take out to support the businesses that rely on locals to stay open.

While dine in options may not be available, you can still support local while enjoying a nice sweet treat to go. In a world filled with social distancing and masks, sometimes all you need to brighten your day is a good piece of candy or a scoop of ice cream. Holden Beach is home to three very popular dessert locations that are sure to leave your sweet tooth satisfied.

Related: Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

#1 Sandcastles: Sweets & TreatsSweet Tooth? No Problem! 3 Holden Beach Desserts

Sandcastles Sweets & Treats will transport you back to your childhood. With homemade fudge, more than 50 flavors of saltwater taffy, vintage soda’s, and more candy than you can carry, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Located near the water, you can easily grab a sweet treat after a day of playing in the water and sand.

#2 The Scoop

The Scoop has been voted by many locals as the best ice cream within all of Holden Beach. From classic flavors and waffle cones, to sundaes loaded with chocolate chip cookies, cherries and whip, the options at The Scoop are endless. For those who prefer some substance before their sweets, The Scoop also offers homemade bagels.

#3 Beaches N Cream

Hand scooped ice cream isn’t the only thing you’ll find at Beaches N Cream, malted milkshakes and sundaes with all the fixings are two favorites among the menu. If you’re feeling like you want an extra special treat, try making your own sundae with all of your favorite toppings! 

Related: The Tidepools of the Carolina Coast

With so many delicious and decadent desserts to choose from, the only thing that is left for you to do is find your new favorite treat. Whether you have a favorite shop you frequent, or you want to try them all, when searching for a treat in Holden Beach you can easily find something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

If you’re currently searching for a new home in the Holden Beach or surrounding area, are in need of a qualified seller’s agent, or have any questions regarding the current real estate market, please feel free to contact our office at any time. 

The Tidepools of the Carolina Coast

by Leave a Comment

The Tidepools of the Carolina Coast

The Carolina Coast is beaming with wildlife. Often you will only hear of the aquatic activities that attract the locals and tourists such as boating, jet skiing, wake surfing, swimming and more, however, there is a whole world of aquatic fun that is just waiting to be explored. Tide pools are most commonly thought of to be a children’s playground, and while there is some truth to that, exploring tide pools can provide different levels of fun, exploration and education for all ages.

Even a beach that may seem filled with only recreational activities or sunbathing can surprise you with the amount of wildlife and tide pools that form during low tide. Tides change daily, so prior to planning a trip to explore the tide pools you should always be sure to look up the current high and low tide times for the beach of your choice. Generally speaking, you can find the best tide pools in areas that provide large rock piles, embankments, marshlands etc.

Related: Why Beach Homes Are so DesirableThe Tidepools of the Carolina Coast

When the tide goes out, these rocks and embankments will trap some of the water, thus creating a tide pool. Even manmade tide pools can be explored on occasion as large “pools” are often dug for sandcastle building. These pools can often hold form and turn into a tide pool a few hours later, it all depends on the tides. A few of the beaches that are most commonly visited for tide pool exploration include, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Onslow Beach and Hammocks Beach State Park.

Tidepools house many different species of aquatic animals. Most commonly you can find sea creatures such as barnacles and anemones scattered throughout the tidepools, however, with a good eye and some extra exploration you can also find sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and even squid and octopus calling the tide pools home. Many species of small fish can be found swimming through tide pools as well as a few crabs who tend to hide within the rocks and under sea grass.

Related: Best Features to Look for When Buying a Coastal Home

When exploring tide pools, it is always important to remember that you are entering into the home of sea life and to be respectful of not only the animals within the tidepools, but the places they call home. Try to avoid moving around rocks, greenery, and of course animals.

For more information on the Carolina Coast, the real estate within, or for general area and real estate questions, please feel free to contact our office at any time and we would be more than happy to assist you.

More Local Info:

Life on the Rocks in North Carolina

Hidden Gems in Mrytle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach Coastal Museum

Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC

Best Restaurants in Sunset Beach

 

Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

by Leave a Comment

It is no secret that Myrtle Beach is a paradise. From its jaw-dropping coastline to the abundance of tourist activities, it is easy to see why locals and vacationers are so in love. Oftentimes it is easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of a beautiful town and be sucked into the dozens of different activities that are offered. While you will still be enjoying your time,  you may actually be missing out on some of the best experiences and activities this coastal town has to offer.

Every town has its own local charm and Myrtle Beach is no exception. Whether you call Myrtle beach home, or you plan to vacation, check out some of the town’s hidden gems.

Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

Grab a Drink!

Grab a cold one at New South Brewing, offering a variety of microbrews, you can also enjoy an ice-cold lager or an ale. If you’re in the market for a relaxing afternoon, take a trip to La Belle Amie Vineyards. It truly is as magical as it sounds! Grab your sun hat and take a seat on their oversized porch with a glass of your favorite wine and take in the views of Little River.

Mrytle Beach

 

Feeling Outdoorsy?

There are countless different places you can explore in and surrounding Myrtle Beach, which allows you to try something new every day. Take some time out of your day to visit the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, this is a ½ mile boardwalk that features things such as live music, fine dining, and fishing. This boardwalk transports you into a romance Novel with its picturesque views of the water. If you time it right you can even catch a breathtaking sunset. Nearby, you can find Atalaya Castle, an architect’s dream! Spend some time snapping photos and exploring the castle and grounds! Next on the list is exploring the 115 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. Not only does the Garden boast botanical gardens of all origins, but it has an abundance of hiking trails and even a boardwalk where you can take in views of the water. With so much space to explore, it is a must-see for those of you who want a less crowded adventure filled with scenery.

Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

Sense of Adventure!

If you have adventure coursing through your blood, then this one’s for you. Take a trip to Inlet Point Plantation, you won’t regret adding this trip to your list of “must do’s.” At the plantation, you are able to mount up onto one of the plantation’s horses and ride them along the beach while the waves crash at your feet. If that doesn’t scream “adventure of a lifetime,” I don’t know what will!

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens

Another popular yet hidden gem is Brookgreen Gardens. This beautiful location features sculptures, botanical gardens, a low country zoo and thousands of acres of wildlife preserve rich with native plants and animals of the South Carolina low country as well as the rice plantations of the 1800s. The botanical gardens is the crowning jewel of this coastal community. It’s eight 9100 acre property preserving the natural and cultivated landscape of the historical site. Come see what’s in bloom as things change throughout the seasons. Whether it’s the Live Oak Allee, a collection of 250 year old live oak trees planted in the early 1700s when the area was a thriving rice plantation. You’ll find butterfly gardens and sculpture gardens, the peace garden for children and the Palmetto garden, named for the use of Sable Palmetto, South Carolina state tree. This whimsical fountain offers unique sculptures and bold garden designs.

The American sculpture garden features the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. This unique and stunning display of garden sculptures offers three galleries, a visible storage, and research facility.

Whether it be a weekend adventure or a planned vacation, take a break from the tourist activities and try one of these hidden gems. Fall in love with one of these new activities and add it to your list of favorite adventures to enjoy for years to come.

We LOVE this area and think you might too! Check out all the latest listings in the Myrtle Beach real estate market and give us a call for more information on this area anytime. 

Image by Forsaken Fotos

 

Ocean Isle Beach Museum of Coastal Carolina Programs

by Leave a Comment

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history Museum in Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina. There’s a planetarium, animal exhibits, and an aquarium and there’s always new programs and exhibits going on each month. Here are the latest upcoming events for the Museum of Coastal Carolina.

November 16 – learn about shells with Museum volunteer Roy Revis at 11 AM. He’ll discuss composition, colors, and sea creatures the build their own shells.Ocean Isle Beach Museum of Coastal Carolina Programs

November 21 is the (soft) opening of the Festival of Trees. Beautifully decorated trees donated by local nonprofit organizations will be displayed throughout the Museum up until December 14. There will be a silent auction where the winner will get to take his or her tree home fully decorated including tree topper, skirt, and lights. Museum visitors will also be able to vote for their favorite tree.

November 23 is the fun with stomp rockets. Education outreach coordinator Keith Eades will show kids how rockets work and measure the distance they travel darting at 11:00 AM.

November 29 is the Holiday Night at the Museum from 5 PM until 8 PM. This is a fundraiser that will include the grand opening of the Festival of Trees with holiday elves, Santa, trees to decorate, food, beer and wine, and music provided by Opportunity Rocks. Advance tickets are encouraged to the tune of $15 up to $35.

November 30th at 11 AM is the Budding Scientists Super Saturday. This is a hands-on lab for kids introducing them to science and experimentation.

December 5 from 7 PM until 8 PM is the Longest At night, a Winter’s Tale. This story of courage and generosity will explore the concept that winter is a time for the earth to rest. This is held at the planetarium.

December 5 from 8 PM until 9 PM is the laser trans-Siberian Orchestra. Enjoy the music of the season by this phenomenal progressive rock band that pushes the limits in tune with a beautiful laser show.

Browse the Museum’s website for a calendar of all events and daily events that are going on. There’s always something new to see, exciting to explore and learn about at the Museum of Coastal Carolina.

Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC

by 3 Comments

We live in a beautiful part of the country and what better way to learn more about it than to explore some of the hidden gems and secrets around Brunswick County and Sunset Beach.

Here are some of our favorite Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC.

Swamp Park

Located just a few minutes outside of Sunset Beach in Ocean Isle Beach is the Swamp Park. This outdoor adventure center lets you explore the ecological benefits of our beautiful environment. There are guided ATV tours, zip lines, Swamp boat eco-tours and dozens of hiking and walking trails. It’s a great way to explore our area and learn a little bit more about our nature preserves. Did you know they have the longest, fastest, and tallest the line on the East Coast? Swamp Park is located at 5550 Watts Rd. in Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina.

Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC

Carolina Backwoods ATV Tours

Located a few minutes south in North Myrtle Beach South Carolina is the Carolina Backwoods ATV Tours. Get down and dirty with this family run business for the last six years. They provide guided tours and no experience is required. This is a fun adventure for the entire family. You can get here by going to 1461 Ash Little River Rd., Northwest in Ash North Carolina.

Barefoot Landing

While this isn’t too much of a secret, it is one of the best things to do and see around Sunset Beach. This is a huge shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in North Myrtle Beach. There are hundreds of things to do, large live music calls, restaurants, the Alabama theater, outdoor concerts and variety shows throughout the summer. It’s home to a variety of specialty stores and gift shops and there’s something for everyone.

Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC

Brunswick town

Located in Winnabow North Carolina is a major pre-revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop an old village site and served as part of the Cape fear River defenses below Wilmington. There are several colonial foundations and a two or trail which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate for. You’ll find archaeological ruins of the foundations of colonial kitchens, homesites, and various outbuildings. If you are a history buff this is something not to miss. It’s located at 8884 Saint Phillips Rd. SE. in Winnabow

Ingram planetarium

Located right in our own as Sunset Beach is the Ingram planetarium. This is a great place to see the universe up close and personal with a state-of-the-art facility and a 40-foot dome ceiling with a high definition digital system and surround sound. You can also visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina, the planetarium’s sister facility in Ocean Isle Beach. If you present your planetarium receipt at the museum you get $1 off admission. The planetarium is located at 7625 High Market St. and Sunset Beach and the Museum of Coastal Carolina is located at 21 E. 2nd St.

Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC

Silver Coast winery

Located in Ocean Isle Beach, this little hole in the wall spot is a great place to enjoy a lovely glass of wine from grapes grown in Northern Virginia and Georgia. Discover the hidden treasures of the Silver Coast. You can shop in the unique little gift store and find a wide range of wine-related items and gifts. The barrel room features an enchanting waterfall and offers the perfect setting for special events, weddings, or simply enjoying a glass of rose.

How to get here: located at 6680 Barbecue Rd., Ocean Isle Beach

Sunset River Marketplace

Located in Calabash, the Sunset River Marketplace has been offering unique jewelry, pottery, art, and more since 2002. If you’re looking for something unique, a one-of-a-kind gift, or something nobody else has, check out this amazing little marketplace.

How to get here: 10283 Beach Dr. SW. in Calabash

We hope you start to explore some of these amazing Hidden Gems Near Sunset Beach NC – let us know below what you thought of them!

Contact Us

Connect With Us

Recent Posts