Local Holiday Gift Ideas for Pleasure Islanders

Uh oh...did you know there are only 12 shopping days 'til Christmas!? Not to worry! We've got some great holiday gift suggestions for Pleasure Islanders that might help you finish crossing off your list. From baskets of fresh fruit to local restaurant gift cards to unique hand made items only found on Pleasure Island, we're pretty sure you'll find something that will bring a smile to your friend's or family's face!

A Pleasure Island Holiday Getaway

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do on Pleasure Island. Quite the contrary! Pleasure Island is renowned for great entertainment, great food, and great experiences all year long. So whether you’re footloose-and fancy-free empty nesters, or a young family looking for a holiday adventure away from the house, make Pleasure Island your holiday getaway destination where you’ll find no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the season.

Shop Local - It’s Easy to Find Great Holiday Gifts on Pleasure Island!

There’s a special feeling many folks get when they cross the Snow’s Cut Bridge and head towards the quaint island communities of Carolina and Kure beaches. Of course it is directly related to the coastal vibe and instant tranquility that being minutes from the ocean provides. Prior to settling in, plenty of residents and visitors make an extra effort to “have everything they need” with a goal of leaving the island as little possible-and who can blame them?


As the holiday season quickly nears, there’s no need to waste time, energy and gas, endlessly searching for holiday must-haves for your friends, family and home decorating needs because it’s all right here! This year, we encourage you to shop local and discover the amazing variety of unique finds offered by the island’s charming shops and boutiques.

Shop Pleasure Island and Discover Unique Gift Ideas!

If you stop a moment and consider last year’s holiday gifts, both the ones you purchased and received, are there any standouts? Chances are, you’ll be hard pressed to recall just one memorable item! Finding unique presents for friends and family is tough, especially in this age of online shopping. However, sometimes the solution to finding a few “wow factor” gifts is right in your own backyard. This year, please consider buying local and supporting many of our valued chamber members. Not only will you save on time, money and gas, you’ll also find a wonderful selection of unique things to choose from!

Kure Beach Holiday Market

The Town of Kure Beach is proud to present its Holiday Market, where visitors can find one-of-a-kind handmade treasures just in time for the gift-giving season!

Plan a Holiday Getaway on Pleasure Island

Some beach communities roll up the streets after Labor Day, but nothing could be further from the truth on Pleasure Island!

The holiday season is a magical time here, and if you’re planning a late-season visit to Pleasure Island, you’ll find a whole host of activities that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. Use this handy guide to plan the perfect holiday getaway to our cozy beach towns.

Holiday Craft Show

The American Legion Post 129 Auxiliary presents the 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Show! The event will take place November 14, 2015 from 9 am until 4 pm at the Post 129 Events Pavilion, 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, Carolina Beach. Come enjoy snacks, beverages, door prizes and of course plenty of fantastic holiday crafts to get you in the spirit of the season!

Free Day at the Aquarium

Looking for something fun to do with the family on Veteran's Day? Take the kids to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for an entertaining and educational experience - and best of all, it's free!

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is celebrating Veteran's Day by waiving admission fees for everyone on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. 

Easter on Pleasure Island

Pleasure Island is the perfect place to spend Easter weekend. Walk on the beach, eat at one of the many great restaurants, and enjoy a little spring weather!

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4th

Hop on down to Mike Chappell Park with your Easter basket for the Easter Egg Hunt!

The hunt will begin promptly at 11:00 am. Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation invite all children ages 12 and under to attend this free event! Activities include:

• games
• crafts
• pictures with the Easter Bunny!

In the even of inclement weather please visit the Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation Facebook Page for updates.

Please call (910) 458-2977 for more information.

4th of July Weekend on Pleasure Island

The 4th of July is almost upon us. Celebrate our Nation's independence with a fun filled weekend on Pleasure Island! Here is just a taste of what's in store for this holiday:

Thursday, July 3rd

Live Music: Boardwalk Blast featuring Massive Grass and Southern Trouble

6:30 PM

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo

> More Info

Fireworks!

9:00 PM

Set off on the beach in front of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

> More Info

Saturday, July 5th

Carolina Beach Farmers Market

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Carolina Beach Lake

> More Info

Sunday, July 6th

Live Music: Boogie in the Park featuring The Mark Roberts Band

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Oceanfront Park, 105 Atlantic Avenue in Kure Beach

> More Info

Free Outdoor Movie at the Lake: Nut Job

Show starts at 8:45 pm

Carolina Beach Lake

> More Info

There's plenty of fun to be had all summer long!! Have you planned your trip to Pleasure Island yet?

Celebrate Valentine's Day on Pleasure Island

Love is in the air! Bring your special someone to Pleasure Island for a memorable Valentine's Day. It could be a weekend getaway - take advantage of off-season rates on lodging from hotel and motel rooms to condo and beach house rentals, or a night on the town with a delicious meal.

Attention Moms and Dads: Let the kids have some fun of their own while you enjoy a romantic night just the two of you. Here are a couple great kid approved options:

• Island Time Drop-N-Play in Carolina Beach. In honor of Valentine's Day they are staying open until Midnight on 2/14.
• The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher's "Hugs and Kisses Valentine's Lock-In" for kids ages 5 - 12 from 6 pm Friday 2/14 to 9 am Saturday 2/15. Call (910) 458-7488 for more info or to register (pre-registration required.)

Happy Valentine's Day!

4th of July on Pleasure Island

Come celebrate Independence Day with some fun in the sun on some of the most beautiful North Carolina beaches on Pleasure Island! The quaint beach towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have lots to offer at all times of year, but you just can't beat these summer holiday weekends.

Swim, surf, fish, and play in the ocean, walk on the boardwalk, take a bike ride around the island, ride the ferry to or from Ft Fisher, ride the rides at the amusement park, dine on some local seafood at one of the many great restaurants, or just relax and take in the view. There's a little something for everyone!

What's happening on 4th of July in Carolina Beach & Kure Beach?

Here's a list of just a few of the fun events taking place on Pleasure Island over the 4th of July weekend 2013...for more details check out the online event calendar.

Wednesday, July 3rd
6:30 pm - Live Music at the Boardwalk - Machine Gun (playing hard rock)
9:00 pm - Fireworks! Set off on the beach near the Boardwalk

Thursday, July 4th
10 - 11:30 am - Story Time by the Sea at the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park
6:30 pm - Live Music at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk - Funk Orchestra (playing Funkadelic Fun)
(no fireworks tonight)
4:00 pm - Live Music at the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park - Machine Gun (playing hard driving rock 'n roll)

Saturday, July 6th
8 am - 1 pm - Farmer's Market & Art Show at the Carolina Beach Lake

Sunday, July 7th
8:45 pm - Free Outdoor Movie at the Lake - Madagascar 3
4:00 pm - Live Music at the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park - Honeymoon Pajamas

Happy 4th! Hope to see you joining in the fun on Pleasure Island!

Memorial Day 2013 in Carolina Beach & Kure Beach

Have you made your plans to spend Memorial Day Weekend 2013 on Pleasure Island? The classic beach towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are the perfect place to welcome in summer, island style!

Here is just a taste of what's happening on the island May 24th - 27th, 2013:

Friday, May 24th:
Fireworks & Live Music - Listen to the Drew Smith Band starting at 6:30 pm and then watch fireworks light up the night at 9:00.
At the Carolina Beach Boardwalk - great fireworks viewing up from the beach!

Saturday, May 25th
Carolina Beach Farmers Market & Art Show - 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
At the Carolina Beach Lake

Sunday, May 26th
Free Outdoor Movie at the Lake - This week's feature is Wreck-It Ralph, starting at dusk (around 8:45.)
At the Carolina Beach Lake


For information on places to stay, places to eat, and more things to do than you could cram into even the most action packed weekend (you'll have to come back to do it all!) check out http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/

Mothers' Day on Pleasure Island

Show mom you care with a trip to your favorite North Carolina beaches on Pleasure Island! Whether you come for the weekend, an extended vacation, or just a few hours this is a great place for her to relax, unwind, and to make some special family memories.

Skip the cooking and enjoy a delicious meal at one of Pleasure Island's many great restaurants. Check out the special Mother's Day Brunch at the Courtyard Marriott at Carolina Beach or go for the local seafood, Italian, pizza, Thai, burgers, Caribbean, sweet treats, and much more that can be found throughout Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

Looking for that special gift for mom? Check out the unique shopping on Pleasure Island. Find artwork at Artful Living Group, Big World Photo, or Canvas Giclee Printing.com; clothing at CB Surf Shop, Island Colors, or Touche; or a little something sparkly at Jeanne's Jewels or The Shoppe's at Squigley's. These are just a few of the boutiques and shops you'll find in our beach towns - come explore to find them all!

You could also think outside the little wrapped box and give the gift of a fun Pleasure Island experience. Consider a surf lesson, stand up paddleboard excursion, or yoga class.

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms out there!

Easter Egg Hunt at Mike Chappell Park on Saturday March 30th

St Patrick's Day Dance in Kure Beach

Go Green at the Aquarium St. Patrick’s Day

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher ups the green factor for St. Patrick’s Day.

Visitors to the Aquarium on Sunday, March 17 may not discover a pot o’ gold but they will find a
bucket full of fun during It IS Easy Being Green festivities. Activities include a recycled craft
project, games and prizes.

Staff horticulturists will guide garden tours. Adventurers young and old discover environmental
tips and animal facts during scavenger hunts. Also, two Green Behind the Scenes tours, at 11
a.m. and 2 p.m., highlight Aquarium conservation efforts and sustainability. In addition, the
University of North Carolina Wilmington's Irish Stepdancing Club performs at noon and 2 p.m.

It IS Easy Being Green programs are free with regular Aquarium admission.

The Green Behind the Scenes tours require advance registration and a fee. Individuals aged 8
to 13 are $13; ages 13 and older are $15. Aquarium members are $7. For more information
about the Green Behind the Scenes Tour and to register go here.

Visit ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher for more information and to register.

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear 
River, on US 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Admission: $8 adults ages 13-62; $7 
seniors; $6 ages 3-12. Free admission for: children under 2; registered groups of N.C. school children, 
and NC Aquarium Society members. General information: www.ncaquariums.com. 

Valentine's Day 2013 on Pleasure Island

Love is in the air on Pleasure Island...it's the perfect place to bring your sweetheart to celebrate a romantic Valentine's Day. Come for a fun filled evening or long weekend. Here are a few ideas for making the most of this special day...island style!

Valentine's Day Cruise

Sweet Treats

The Fudgeboat will have a limited supply of their delicious chocolate covered strawberries available fresh for Valentine's Day. Order 1/2 dozen or 1 dozen holiday boxes in advance for pickup on Valentine's Day at info@fudgeboat.com or (910) 617-9793.


Big Apple Bakery, opening in March on Pleasure Island, is now taking special orders for special occasions and Valentine's Day. (910) 458-8200

Find the perfect gift for that special someone at one of the many unique shops and boutiques on Pleasure Island. Complete a night out with a wonderful meal at a great restaurant in Carolina Beach or Kure Beach - choose from local seafood, Italian, Thai, Mexican, classic southern comfort food, the perfect burger, and much more.

Island of Lights 2012 Schedule

Celebrate the holidays island style on the "Island of Lights!"

Each year Pleasure Island, NC is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights making it a favorite winter-time destination. Beginning with the Lighting of the Lake on Friday, November 23rd, 2012 and wrapping up with a spectacular New Year's Celebration on Monday, December 31st there is more than a month of merriment and fun to enjoy!

Full 2012 Island of Lights Schedule:

Lighting at the Lake

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

Ceremony begins at 7:00 pm

Location: Carolina Beach Lake

Christmas Parade

Friday, December 1, 2012

Parade begins at 7:30 pm

Starting on Atlanta Ave, traveling down Lake Park Blvd, ending at Federal Point Plaza.

Christmas Flotilla

Saturday, December 2, 2012

Flotilla begins at 6:00 pm

Starting at Snow's Cut, traveling to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.

Tour of Homes

Saturday, December 8, 2012

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Self guided tour of beautiful Pleasure Island homes.

New Years Celebration

Monday, December 31, 2012

Starting at 9:00 pm, Dropping of the giant beachball & fireworks display at midnight to ring in 2013!

Location: Near the Kure Beach Pier

Learn more at: http://www.islandoflights.org/

Attention Pleasure Island Stores & Boutiques!

Join the 3rd Annual Pleasure Island Shopping Spree!

Saturday & Sunday - November 24 - 25th, 2012. There are 15 Business Host spots available.

$89 entry fee for advertising and roundup party. Donate a gift basket with a minimum retail value of $50. Over 130 customers participated last year.

Contact Jeanne at Jeanne's Jewels & Fashions to reserve your spot. 910-707-0316