Shallotte
One of the first areas settled in the county, Shallotte has been the center of activity in the South Brunswick Islands for over a century. The river pilots of the 19th century determined that Shallotte's location, approximately halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, and central to all the islands, made it the ideal site to serve as the commercial hub of the area. This small inland town contains major grocery stores, department stores, professional offices, chain and local restaurants, and a 10-screen stadium-seating movie theatre. Shallotte is home of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, located on Main Street.

Calabash
Farmstead’s address is Calabash, even though it’s actually located two or three miles outside the town limits. That’s still close enough to enjoy the famous Calabash-style seafood any time you like. Begun as a simple oyster roast in a shed in 1935, the town’s seafood restaurant business grew so rapidly it became known as Seafood Capital of the World. Charter boats and local traditional fishermen leave from the Calabash River docks. In the town center, specialty shops include art galleries, Christmas shops, clothing stores and much more.

Carolina Shores
Carolina Shores is located just outside of Calabash and is a planned community of with restaurants, shops and an 18-hole golf course.


Varnamtown
Tied to Lockwood Folly River, Varnamtown is north of Shallotte on state Road 1245. Roland Varnum came to the area from Maine as a cabin boy in the early 1800s. Many of the local residents, both Varnum and Varnam, are his descendants. The fishing village incorporated in 1988, but retains its charm with street names such as Fishermen Road and Old River Road. Its homes and businesses are shaded by giant live oaks; many near the docks were shrimp boats moor

Bolivia
Bolivia is approximately in the center of Brunswick County and houses the county seat as well as the expansive centralized governmental complex. Brunswick Community College, which welcomes national touring theater companies to Odell Williamson Auditorium, is nearby.

Boiling Spring Lakes
Boiling Spring Lakes contains more than 50 natural and manmade lakes, offering fresh-water fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking and canoeing to outdoor enthusiasts. The largest lake, Big Lake, is two-and-a-half miles long with 10 miles of shoreline. Big Lake is fed by five springs and Allen’s Creek.

St. James
St. James is a gated golf community along Highway 211 that was incorporated in the late 1990s. This town is located in the eastern portion of the county, close to Southport. A small marina along the Intracoastal Waterway has several service and retail shops.

Southport
The historic fishing town of Southport is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River on the Atlantic Ocean. Riverboat captains settled and incorporated this city in 1805. The riverfront contains numerous antique and specialty shops. Several of the restored Victorian homes claim to be inhabited by spirits. Old Baldy Lighthouse and Oak Island Lighthouse are visible from downtown. Southport is home to Fort Johnson, a Civil War military post. Several movies and television programs have been shot in this city. The North Carolina Maritime Museum is worth a visit. Nearby, on Highway 133 are Orton Plantation and Brunswick Town.

Leland & Belville
Much of Brunswick County’s growth has been seen in Leland and Belville, the largest of the County’s northern towns whose official lines weave in and around each other. They share an active commercial district, including several national retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, specialty shops and professional offices. The area has three large golf communities. If you venture off into Brunswick County’s northwestern countryside, you will find the towns of Sandy Creek, Northwest and Navassa along with some of Brunswick County’s small town charm and personality.