Escape to Romance: A Couple’s Getaway in the NC Brunswick Islands

Are you and your partner in dire need of a couple’s romantic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life or parenting?

Just a stone’s throw away from Raleigh are the tranquil shores of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands, where Craig and I recently visited on a couple’s getaway in partnership with The Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

Here we discovered tranquility and deeper connection by kayaking around salt marshes, beach biking to a secret spot, wine tasting, and eating delicious seafood while watching the sun set. I love how the Brunswick Islands are quieter than other North Carolina beach destinations. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in the tranquility and enjoyment of a life centered around natural beauty.

Below is a three-day itinerary to the NC Brunswick islands for a dreamy couple’s getaway so you can follow in our footsteps. It promises to rekindle the flames of romance.

Where are the North Carolina Brunswick Islands?

The Brunswick Islands are located in the southernmost corner of North Carolina, in between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. It’s just under a three-hour drive from Raleigh. With 45-miles of expansive, wide-open barrier island beaches (there are five barrier islands and six beaches), the Brunswick Islands offers unspoiled beauty for travelers.

For this trip, we spent most of our time in the Sunset Beach area which is the southern section right near the South Carolina border. We wanted to make the most of our time, so we left Raleigh early in the morning to arrive at lunch time. Note, there are not many places to eat in Sunset Beach, so plan to stop somewhere on your way in if you are in need of a meal.

Day 1: Beach Biking, Wine Tasting, and a Romantic Dinner

11am Brunch: Milk & Honey in Calabash

Milk & Honey Breakfast and Bar is a more upscale and modern version of a diner with a vast range of items on the menu, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Not only will you get high quality, healthy meals, service is friendly and efficient. My chicken avocado with brie cheese omelet was delicious, and Craig liked his low country style omelet with bacon and pimento cheese.

1pm: Ride from Sunset Beach to Bird Island

Time to work off those calories with a bike ride along Sunset Beach to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, one of the most fun things to do on the NC beaches. After picking up your bike rentals from Julie’s Rentals inside Coastal Grounds Coffee (or bringing your own), head over to the 40th St Beach Access, which features a convenient bike ramp.

Your bikes will take you from Sunset Beach to the protected Bird Island, which is where you’ll find the Kindred Spirit mailbox. Time it right with low tide (else you’ll have a creek crossing) and pedal along the wide, flat and pristine shoreline for 1.4 miles.

You’ll see the mailbox poking out of the sand dunes near the end of the island. We were ever so glad to see it as we were battling strong headwinds on the way there!

It was great to do the hard part first as it meant we could virtually get home without even pedaling. We had a blast. With their pure white sandy beaches and fewer crowds, Sunset Beach and Bird Island would have to be some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina.

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Nicholas Sparks helped to make this beloved coastal landmark famous in his novel, Every Breath. It’s simply a mailbox nestled into the sand dunes that invites visitors to leave handwritten notes, letters, and messages inside the notebooks. It has attracted more than 100,000 hopeless romantics and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world since its inception in the seventies.

Over the years, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox has become a symbol of connection and introspection, drawing people from all over who wish to contribute to the collective diary it holds. Allow time to sit on one of the benches and read the heartfelt messages sharing personal thoughts, dreams, and reflections. They’ll make you laugh or cry and remind you that we’re all kindred spirits on this thing called life.

Why not leave a message of your own? Read more about the Kindred Spirit Mailbox hike. Watch the below video of our visit to Kindred Spirit Mailbox with our kids on a previous trip. And watch this video for our couple’s visit (with the bike ride).

Hike the Bird Island Coastal Reserve

Right next to the mailbox is a short half mile loop trail winding through sand dunes, scrub thicket, salt marshes and tidal creek of the Bird Island Coastal Reserve. This protected natural area is one of ten sites that make up the North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve. 

You’ll probably have the trail and those exquisite 360-degree views all to yourself. Pause at the benches overlooking the sound for a rest and enjoy views of the salt marshes, boats sailing along the creek, and the North Myrtle Beach skyline in the distance. Or just keep it natural and watch the birds.

As you can imagine from the name, Bird Island is a haven for many bird species like the Reddish Egret and Wood stork. The endangered loggerhead sea turtles can safely nest here.

Check In: Sunset Inn is a Perfect Couple’s Accommodation

The Sunset Inn is a cozy, boutique hotel located on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll enjoy sipping on your morning coffee in your screened porch watching the ibis fly from one marshy island to another. Breakfast comes with your stay, which you can eat in the lobby dining area or in your room. They had the most delicious homemade frittatas every morning, plus a range of cereals, toast and spreads, fruit, yoghurt, and more.

Rooms are comfortable and hospitality warm, making this a charming accommodation choice for a romantic getaway from Raleigh.

3:30pm: Indulge in Wine Tasting at Silver Coast Winery

After returning your rental bikes, take a leisurely drive to Ocean Isle Beach for a delightful wine-tasting experience at Silver Coast Winery. I know, you’re probably surprised to hear that there are wineries on the North Carolina coast.

North Carolina hasn’t always had the best reputation for wine. But it’s not like how it used to be with only one variety – sweet muscadine. Wineries are evolving, and with the help of grapes grown in other areas, they can produce palatable wines from dry to sweet European styles.

This is the kind of wine you’ll find at Silver Coast Winery, which has been making wine since 2002 from premium grapes carefully selected from vineyards in the mountain regions of NC, GA, and VA. We enjoyed our time wine tasting here with the owner, Maryann; chief winemaker, Dana; and sommelier, Jen. It was interesting to learn more about this family-owned business, how they make the wines, and their own travel experiences.

All wines are dry to semi-dry and aged in traditional oak barrels or stainless tanks. Since 2004, Dana’s expertise has won the winery over 400 national and international medals for their European style wines, including their Calabash White and Reserve Merlot.

We paired our wine tasting with a charcuterie board and then finished with a glass of light and refreshing Stainless Chardonnay and Calabash White while basking in the sun in their pretty wine garden. It’s not just wine that is celebrated here, but art as well which adorns the walls and wine bottle labels. Silver Coast hosts a wine label competition for a local artist to design a unique label for each bottle.

We came home with a bottle of white merlot. Perfect for those summer evenings when you really want red wine, but it’s too hot and heavy for it. We opted to sit in Silver Coast’s tranquil wine garden basking in the sun for a little longer instead.

6:30pm: Dinner at The Oyster Rock, Calabash

The quaint waterfront town of Calabash is synonymous with fresh seafood by the water. There is no better place to enjoy that than at the family owned and popular The Oyster Rock, aa waterfront seafood restaurant. It’s upscale dining, but with a comfortable casual atmosphere to match its riverside setting.

What you’ll love most about dining at Oyster Rock is the fresh seafood, sourced daily from the Atlantic Ocean by boats moored right in front of the restaurant. That’s why I recommend you choose the fish of the day. Mine was a golden tilefish, and I chose the olive tapenade to go on top. At Oyster Rock you can choose the kind of sauce you want on your fish.

If you’re an oyster lover, start your seafood culinary journey with a plate of rock oysters. I left that for Craig, choosing instead the delicious crab salad.

For his main, Craig had cast iron-seared, large diver scallops with lemongrass risotto cake and lime beurre blanc. This is how we do our scallops in Australia – big, thick seared, and sweet! All kinds of yum!

Oyster Rock has craft cocktails, local brews, and wine to pair with your meal. We took our pre-dinner drinks down to the jetty bar to enjoy the Calabash River views. Dinner came with sunset views. And then our dessert cocktails were enjoyed around a firepit while listening to live acoustic music.

With its waterfront location, impeccable service, outstanding seafood, casual ambiance, and live music, Oyster Rock promises a romantic dining experience to remember.

Day Two – A Sunset Beach Sunrise to Southport Sunset

6:30am: Sunrise

Wake up, sleepy head. Rub your eyes and get out of bed. There’s one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see happening just a short walk from your hotel to the beach. Keep an eye on the weather as you don’t want to miss it. This was our clear sky morning, so we walked down to the beach to enjoy the quiet splendor of the rising sun.

Sunset Beach is purely magnificent, and since it’s a south facing beach, the viewpoint is different to other North Carolina Beaches.

You might even be able to see the sun both rise and set over the ocean from late fall until early spring. This is because of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes and the beaches’ unique placement running east-west.

9:30am: Kayaking Expedition in Sunset Beach

After a relaxing breakfast at Sunset Inn, head down to the boat launch over the bridge to meet your rented kayaks from Julie’s Rentals and paddle out to the marshlands.

This was one of our favorite activities on our couple’s getaway. Skies were clear, the sun was warm, and conditions were still and quiet. It was fun exploring the winding channels through the salt marshes on our own, soaking in the panoramic views of the landscape and the many birds flying around.

And we loved paddling past the stilted houses on the edge of the sound, and then paddling home under the bridge to the Sunset Beach water tower.

11:30amm.: Coffee at 59 Causeway Grill, Ocean Isle

If you need a caffeine fix on the way to Southport, head to 59 Causeway Grill on Ocean Isle for a cup of coffee with water views!

They have great coffees here with views over the water. Pull up an Adirondack chair in the sun and relax after your kayak trip and before the rest of the day’s activities. They also have donuts if you want a treat!

12:30pm: Lunch at Inlet View Bar & Grill

What a fantastic discovery this restaurant and tiki bar tucked away on the Shallotte River turned out to be. Not only do you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from their rooftop, but also their signature Amy’s favorite salad, featuring blueberries, mandarins, feta cheese, and your choice of salmon or shrimp, was a delicious delight.

With locally sourced, wild-caught seafood, we couldn’t resist indulging in more, opting for the succulent sea scallops wrapped in bacon this time. The Inlet View does not take reservations, but there is ample seating on two levels.

2:15pm: Discover the Charms of Southport

The afternoon is yours to spend freely in the small town of Southport located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The picturesque harbor town has been a favorite location for Hollywood film and TV, most famous including Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, Weekend at Bernie’s, and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Start at the Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center which is where Southport began in 1745 as the first commissioned British fort in NC. The visitor’s center is in the renovated Garrison House built for officers. After perusing the small museum inside, pick up a self-guided walking tour map. They also have a map showing some of the most famous film locations.

The map will take you along live oak tree-lined streets, ornate Victorian homes, historic buildings (like City Hall and the Old Brunswick Jail), Ols Smithville Burying Ground as well as early 1700 churches and homes. There are plenty of boutique stores along the main street of Southport you can browse while walking around as well.

You may also enjoy touring the town in an oversized golf cart with Dan from Southport Fun Tours. We did this on a previous trip the Brunswick Islands and loved hearing the entertaining tales about Southport, its history and people.

Walk around Yacht Basin Drive towards the marina. There is a short boardwalk over the marsh, which has splendid views looking back over the row of colorful restaurants (previous fish houses) of the Yacht Basin.

4pm: Afternoon drink at American Fish Company

Previously a fish shack, the American Fish Company is now a favorite local’s hangout. It’s located at the end of Yacht Basin Drive in the corner, so you get unobstructed Cape Fear River and Oak Island views from all directions. If you’re lucky you’ll grab a front row seat next to friendly locals, and there may be live music when you visit!

5:00pm: Sightseeing Cruise with Southport Water Tours

Navigating the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway on a scenic sightseeing cruise with Southport Water Tours is a wonderful afternoon (or sunset) activity in Southport (especially if it’s a hot day). During this hour-long tour, you’ll delve into the rich history of the region, exploring topics such as shipping and the role of a shipping pilot, the influence of Hollywood on the area, and the origins of Southport itself.

You’ll enjoy seeing the town from the water, but also the wide mouth of the Cape Fear as it enters the Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby islands such as Bald Head Island, and the bird-filled Battery Island. It hosts the largest colony of wading birds in North Carolina (last count around 30,000 egrets, herons, and ibis)) and is off-limits to visitors during spring and summer.

A highlight of our cruise, especially for the kids on board, were the pods of dolphins swimming over to say hello. And I mean pods!

The captain and his sidekick were personable, likable, and very knowledgeable on the area having grown up in Southport with a fisherman for a father. Their boat, the Sally Ann, was comfortable with cushioned seating, shade, and even a restroom. If you want to bring your own drinks on board, you’re allowed, and they have cup holders waiting for you.

This sightseeing cruise is one of the best things you can do in Southport. Add it to your Brunswick Islands romantic getaway itinerary!

6:30pm: Dinner at Edgewater 122

Conclude your day with a romantic waterfront dinner at Edgewater 122, indulging in locally sourced delicacies and savor the enchanting ambiance of Southport’s Yacht Basin. It’s worth going here just for the fried Brussel sprouts with harissa aioli and pecorino cheese starter.

Follow that up with blackened salmon with prosciutto cream sauce and root vegetables or Catch of the Day. For me, it was pistachio crusted mahi mahi, served with grilled zucchini, Spanish wild rice, and topped with a citrus crema.

Leave a little space in your belly for a delicious flourless chocolate torte!

This is a prime waterfront position, especially for the spectacular view of the sun setting over the marshes. As you can imagine, this Southport restaurant is popular, so reserve in advance!

Day Three: Sunset Beach to Home

What you choose to do on your final day in the NC Brunswick Islands will depend on what time you want to get back to Raleigh. Don’t forget you have breakfast included at the Sunset Inn. We recommend enjoying it on your screened in porch. There’s no rush to be anywhere today.

Sunset Beach time

We were thankful we got out of bed for that sunrise yesterday, as we had an overcast morning on this day of our trip.  However, that did not stop us from getting down to the beach for a walk and salty spray therapy. If the weather is ideal, then stay awhile, enjoy a swim, and read your favorite book. It truly is one of North Carolina’s best beaches.

You may want to spend time on the 900-foot Sunset Beach pier, especially if you are a keen fisherman. Bait is for sale at the pier, and rod rentals and fishing passes are available. There is a $2 cash fee to walk out on the pier.

Lunch at Drift Kitchen, Ocean Isle

We fueled up at Drift in Ocean Isle before driving home. It’s one of our favorite coffee shops in the Brunswick Islands. (Good news – they’re opening a location soon in Raleigh). At Drift Kitchen you’ll find a range of acai bowls, avocado toast, grain bowls, breakfast burritos, and a delicious gluten free banana bread topped with ricotta cheese, walnuts, honey, and fruit!

And did I mention the coffee was good? Why not grab another for the long drive ahead? Well, not really, it is less than three hours. An easy weekend getaway from Raleigh.

Final Thoughts on a Romantic Getaway to NC Brunswick Islands

Visiting the North Carolina Brunswick Islands reminds us yet again of what an incredibly beautiful state we live in. Uncrowded, magnificent coastline, fun outdoor activities to do in a land of pristine and diverse natural beauty. For a romantic getaway you also have access to delicious food and beverage experiences in idyllic settings.

Whether you’re exploring coastal trails, savoring local cuisine, or basking in the beauty of the sunrise, this enchanting destination promises to reignite the flames of passion and create lasting memories for you and your loved one.