Where to Find Your Beach Vacation Essentials

With Memorial Day behind us, summer is officially here! If your thoughts have turned to how you are going to make the most of those beach days - fishing excursions, barbecues and more - we can help. Although this list certainly does not represent all of our members, here are a few suggestions aimed at guiding you where to find just what you’ll need for those lazy, crazy days ahead! We encourage you to visit our member page in order to view individual websites.

Gather up your gear…

Pleasure Island Rentals is a great spot to get key items for your coastal adventure. Beach chairs-check/umbrellas-check/beach cruisers-check/boogie boards, surfboards and SUPS-check! They even provide a convenient delivery and set-up service! Find them at 2 N. Lake Park Blvd. or call 910-458-4747.

Wheel Fun Rentals is another Chamber member that can help you maximize your free time. We encourage you to check out their impressive fleet of bikes, low-slung sports models and the unique surrey bikes, which can accommodate up to six folks - it's a beach party on wheels! They also coordinate bicycle tours and rent beach toys as well. Find them at 107 Carolina Beach Avenue N. or call 910-458-4545.

Sun Fun Rentals offers a variety of popular vehicles, from jeeps to scooters and a few others in between. They also feature Bazen rods and can set you up for a day of fun and fishing at Freeman Park or anywhere else the sea breezes take you. Located along N. Lake Park Blvd., call to reserve your top choices today: 910-707-0926.

Bame Ace Hardware has the things that will help you make the most of your island time. Invest in a few key items that will last forever, such as grills, Yeti products and Leatherman tools that will ensure you are truly prepared for whatever you catch. Pay them a visit at 1201 N. Lake Park Blvd. or call ahead: 910-458-8266.

Plan your adventure…

Wilmington Fit Body Boot Camp may possibly be the best place around to get in shape for all of your upcoming escapades! They believe in the group motivation experience rather than the one-on-one personal trainer option. Not only is this method of getting in shape more affordable, it’s also way more fun! Give them a call to find out more: 910-471-0234.

Island Hopper Tours takes care of the planning for you. Their private charters get you out on the water for both full and half-day trips. There are several different excursions to choose from, so see what’s scheduled by calling 202-330-8382.

Hot Ticket Fishing Charters is not just for avid anglers and sport fisherman. Along with their half-day Spanish, Blues and Shark-fishing trips they also offer Dolphin-Spotting cruises for the nature lovers in the crowd. Get the details when you dial this number: 910-619-1729.

Tony Silvagni Surf School is a Pleasure Island institution. From private to group lessons and special events, Tony and his crew have got your covered. Let this be the summer to discover why, "only a surfer knows the feeling."

Pack your picnic…

From the time you cross the Snow’s Cut bridge until you breeze into charming Kure Beach, you’ll be tempted by edible delights every step of the way. Be sure to check out the icons like Britts Donuts and A&G Barbeque as well as a few more.

Don’t miss one of the area’s newest and most popular stops: Wake N Bake Donuts. Located at 1401 N. Lake Park Blvd. their offerings include classic glazed donuts, plus fritters, vegan donuts and donut waffles! Come early because they often sell out. Their hours are: 6:30 am – 10 pm Mon.-Sat. and 6:30 am until 5 pm on Sundays. They also accept preorders, so just call 910-707-0166.

For some of the best subs this side of the Cape Fear River, we suggest provisioning at Sea Bee Subs, which is right on the boardwalk at # 11 Boardwalk Ave. They offer hot and cold subs, plus Paninis.

Island Beverage not only has your favorites ready to ice down, they also have a cute wine bar and great atmosphere. Stop by 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. Unit C, and check them out.

You know what they say, "YOLO!" - so don’t miss The Fudgeboat! With 30 different types of fudge, 16 flavors of ice cream, chocolate-dipped strawberries plus freshly roasted nuts, they certainly cover all of the bases. Find the 38-foot “yacht of fun” on the boardwalk at 107 Carolina Beach Ave.

To give your picnic or barbecue that “wow” factor, a visit to Go Sauce Yourself is a must. Featuring plenty of made in the Carolinas BBQ sauces, hot sauces, rubs and seasonings, they also have Marie Sharp’s Belizean Heat that takes your grilled creations straight to the Caribbean!

Fido is on vacation too…

Of course our four-legged friends love the beach too, however, they can not always participate in all of the fun. That’s where The Dog House comes in. Bella and Buddy will have a blast at their playtime sessions or be in excellent hands for an afternoon of doggie daycare or even a sleep-over. Located at 115 Cathay Rd. call to learn more: 910-547-1568.