For those of us that live at the beach, we know that as soon as summer rolls around, so do the tourists and the visitors. I know for my family, as the season sets in, not only does our small town start to hustle and bustle, but so does our home as friends and family start to mosey on over for good company and a great time at the beach.

You just gotta love our coastal living!

Whether or not you are planning on company at St. James Plantation this summer, there are so many exciting upcoming things to do in and around the St. James area over the next few months that I wanted to share some of those events and happenings with you. Here are the best places to visit for some summer fun in southeastern NC that you (and your visitors) may want to check out…

Endless Summer Sailing Cruise
The Endless Summer Cruise is a great way to experience Southport, NC and surrounding areas from an exciting and unique point of view. Hop aboard the Endless Summer, a 38-foot sloop, with your party (up to six patrons) and Jim and Barb Carey, both Coast Guard licensed captains, for an evening of leisurely sailing. You’ll coast the same seas as Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet and Civil War blockade runners. Learn a little history, take the helm, or sit back and feel the wind and salt air on your cheeks!

Downtown Sundown Concert Series at Riverfront Park
Did you say family-friendly free show on the river every Friday night? Don’t mind if I do! The Downtown Sundown concerts in nearby Wilmington, NC host original and cover bands, both local and regional, in a range of genres. Pack a picnic or something to sip, bring a chair or blanket, and settle in for an evening of great entertainment and even better music! If you want to know who’s playing, when you can check out the line up here. Concerts are every Friday (except July 4^th) at 6pm.

Oak Island’s Farmer’s Market at Middleton Park
A great place to meet locals, have a friendly conversation and pick up some of the best and freshest locally grown produce in the area! The market is open on Saturdays all summer from 7am – 1pm. Stop in to grab local honey, fresh fruits and veggies, homemade and homegrown items, or just to browse away a leisurely morning. For more information call The Town of Oak Island at 910-278-5518

Birding at Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is a great place to go birding – for enthusiasts and first time viewers. During the summer the island hosts a large nesting population of the painted bunting. And the island is also home to hundreds of herons, egrets and ibis as well as many other species. The BHI Conservatory offers birding outings throughout the summer. Each are about two hours long and guides suggest you bring your own binoculars if you have them, though the conservatory also has some to share. The Conservatory offers many other great programs as well including summer camps, turtle walks and nature island tours to name a few!

Sounds like fun, eh? Try a few of these best places to visit this summer – you’ll be glad you did! If you’d like more information on southeastern NC’s best-selling community, St. James Plantation, and our wonderful real estate opportunities, please call (800)245-3871 or email us today.