Sunset Beach: North Carolina's smallest Brunswick Island offers plenty of low key charm
Located on the southernmost coast of North Carolina, between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, Sunset Beach is the smallest of five barrier islands known as North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. With its captivating sunsets, waterfront dining, and understated coastal charm, you’ll find all the simple pleasures at this low-key getaway.
The Sunset Inn
As many do, Dave Nelson, owner of the Sunset Inn, fell in love with the area.
“I was 10 years old and visiting the area with my family,” Nelson says. “The minute I came over the old floating bridge, I had an epiphany that this is where I was supposed to be.”
In 1990, Nelson relocated to Sunset Beach with a vision of owning an inn. Pulling inspiration from stays at similar places during his travels, he sketched out the Sunset Inn concept.
“I wanted to create a throwback experience – much like the wooden structure style of inns that you would find in the 30s and 40s,” Nelson says.
More: TALK Greenville: Step back in time and experience an island getaway rich in history
In 2000, Nelson opened the Sunset Inn, and since it’s become a tradition for visitors worldwide.
The three-story inn is just a short walk from the white sandy beach, where you can catch both sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. There are 14 spacious guest rooms, some with large screened-in porches overlooking the saltwater marsh. My home base for a few days was in Hatteras Grand Room on the top floor. Like all guest rooms, it has everything you need, including a wet bar with a mini fridge, a comfortable seating area, and a king-sized bed. The screened-in porch includes a bench swing and lounge chairs.
“You can build a building, you can build a business, but it’s the people that make the business,” Nelson says. “We’re just united as one big family here and hope every guest feels at home.”
Innkeeper and manager Andrea Ward has been with the Inn since it opened 22 years ago and has coordinated more than 50 on-site weddings and a wide range of special events.
Every morning, you’ll find a delicious spread of grab-and-go breakfast items served in the lobby, including a signature dish like sausage and grits casserole.
“Sunset Beach is still a sleepy little community – but that’s also what makes it so special,” Nelson says. “I hope people just enjoy the area and respect all of the natural beauty found here.”
For more info, visit www.thesunsetinn.net
Also: Hilton Head Health: Nurture your mind, body and spirit at this all-inclusive resort
Kindred Spirits and Nature Trails
Kindred Spirit Mailbox. For over 40 years, locals and visitors worldwide have made a trek to this famous fencepost mailbox to add a thought or wish.
Bird Island Trail. While at the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, check out Bird Island. Follow the trail, which loops around part of Bird Island and leads into the nature reserve.
Fresh Catches and Cocktails Paired with Waterfront Views
On Sunset Beach, if you buy or catch it, Bill’s Seafood Market is happy to clean it, then fry it or steam it. Here you’ll find a mix of salads, burgers, seafood-focused po’boys, and desserts like Sara’s world-famous key lime pie. For a casual dinner close by, try family-owned Boat Landing Restaurant.
Oyster Rock is known for its oysters and a menu highlighting fresh local seafood. Enjoy a smoky bourbon or craft cocktail at their back bar on the Calabash River. Other great spots include nearby Boundary House, Oyster Rock’s sister restaurant, which features a mix of seafood, steaks, and more. Waterfront Seafood Shack serves up made-to-order dishes highlighting fresh seafood. Don’t miss Serena’s fried pound cake.
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, popular Sharky's Waterfront Restaurant is a local favorite. Grab a spot on the back deck and enjoy great sandwiches, tacos, seafood baskets, and cold beer. Next door, try Ocean Isle Fish Company for a casual bite with fish fresh off the boat.
Silver Coast Winery, Tasting and Tour. With 50 years of experience, winemaker Dana Keeler is behind the traditional European style of wines at this inland winery. Enjoy a wine tasting, including a new release of Seyval Blanc – perfect for summer sipping.
Even beyond the outdoor adventure, coastal fare, and natural beauty, there's much more to explore in Sunset Beach and NC’s Brunswick Islands. For more info, visit www.ncbrunswick.com
YOU CAN GO
Coastal Writing Weekend Retreat The Sunset Inn Nov. 11-13 & 18-20, 2022
Led by author Maureen Ryan Griffins, this popular writing retreat offers a weekend full of inspiration for experienced and new writers. Space is limited. For more details, visit www.thesunsetinn.net
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: North Carolina's smallest Brunswick Island offers low key charm
