North Carolina Island offers beach, boardwalks and history

The Fort Fisher Ferry runs daily from Fort Fisher to Southport, for just $5 each way. Families can drive their cars on board and enjoy the views from two decks. Bring along some old bread or crackers, and feed the seagulls that follow the boat back and forth during the 35-minute ride as Ashley Rivenbark did while traveling with her family from Charlotte, N.C. The ferry runs many times a day. For schedule and rate information, visit www.ncdot.org/transit/ferry/.

By: Rebecca J. Ducker | SCNow
Published: July 01, 2009

Located less than three hours from the Pee Dee, Pleasure Island, N.C., offers something for everyone. Home of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and historic Fort Fisher and just south of Wilmington, N.C., the island boasts miles of beaches, great dining, and one of the oldest boardwalks on the East Coast.

For families visiting Pleasure Island, there are dozens of things to do. The Fort Fisher Aquarium offers many exhibits currently featuring an albino alligator.
Historic Fort Fisher, the last remaining supply route available to Gen. Robert E. Lee during the Civil War, offers a glimpse into history through guided tours of the ocean front fort.

People visiting Carolina Beach can spend their day soaking up the sun, visiting the newly opened carnivals located on the boardwalk, and enjoying one of Britt’s glazed donuts. Carolina Beach also offers the Carolina Beach State Park, bike and fishing pole rentals, as well as dozens of restaurants to enjoy some local seafood.

Freeman Park, located at the north end of the island, is one of the few remaining beaches where people can drive their 4-x-4s right out on the sand.