Activities Schedule
May 15, 2012 by garypope · Leave a Comment
May 19th & 20th, 2012 The Little River Blue Crab Festival
This festival is and will continue to be, one that supports and showcases the fabulous atmosphere of the local Little River Community, North Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area. This event includes Arts & Crafts, Food, Music, Kids and Family Fun, and Great Seafood!
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May 19, 2012, September 29, 2012 & December 1, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Battleship Alive
Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. Included in Regular Battleship admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: Regular Admission Required
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May 20 & 21, 2012 Laser Shows with Rock music in the Sky Theater
The Ingam Planetarium, The Village at Sunset Beach
For more information: 910-575-0033 info@ingramplanetarium.org
5 PM Laser Magic
6 PM Laser Beatles
Click on Program title above to see song listing
* Not recommended for young children
All shows are subject to change without advance notice
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May 27 & 28, 2012 Laser Shows with Rock music in the Sky Theater
The Ingram Planetarium, The Village at Sunset Beach
For more information: 910-575-0033 info@ingramplanetarium.org
5 PM Laser Magic
6 PM Laser Beatles
Click on Program title above to see song listing
* Not recommended for young children
All shows are subject to change without advance notice
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May 25, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
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June 1, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Too Much Silvia
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June 8, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Fat Jack
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June 15, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
The Imitations
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June 15-17, 2012 - Jolly Mon King Classic Fishing Tournament
Ocean Isle Beach
Email: captbrant@oifc.com
Phone: 910-575-3474
Address: Ocean Isle Fishing Center
The Jolly Mon is king Mackerel tournament Captain’s Choice format-fish 1 out of 2 possible days. 1st Place wins $30,000+!
Visit the website for complete details: oifc.com/tournaments.cfm
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June 22, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Continental Divide
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June 29, 2012- Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Holiday Band
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Ocean Isle Beach 4th of July Parade
10:00am.
Decorated floats, golf carts and bicycles will be judged and prizes awarded. Line up in Museum parking lot at 9:30am
July 2 – 4, 2012 – N.C. 4th of July Festival
Arts, crafts, parade, 5K run, food, entertainment, children’s games, naturalization ceremony and more. Check out the festival’s new website www.nc4thofjuly.com
Downtown Southport.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4841 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910-457-5578
Admission/Fees: Most events are free.July 2 – 4, 2012
July 1st -Beach Day. July 2,4 & 4 events will be in downtown Southport.
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July 6, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Craig Woolard Band (CWB)
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July 13, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Band of Oz
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July 20, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Gold Rush
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July 27, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Blackwater Rhythm & Blues
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August 3, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Carolina Breakers
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August 10, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Davis Messina Band
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3rd Annual Cape Fear Sailfish Classic August 11-14, 2012 This tournament is built for fun, experience the thrill of circle hook rigging, trolling in the nearshore waters for the elusive and beautiful sailfish. The format consist of a Captains meeting and pig picking for Thursday night, circle hook rigging demonstration by experienced captains and their mates. Fishing takes place in boundaries ranging from WR-4 to the Jungle, so boats participating from area home ports include Bald Head, Wrightsville, Holden Beach, and of course, Ocean Isle Beach. Fish Friday and Saturday, wrap up with cookout and prizes on Sunday. Charter boats welcome. Increased prize money this year, daily payouts for release activity, largest dolphin weighed, and overall Champion receives prize money and a beautiful one of a kind trophy for public display during their reign as Champion. www.capefearsailfishclassic.com Proceeds benefit Cy’sWorld Foundation to promote outdoor experiences and learning for young adults. Website is www.cysworld.org
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August 17, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Sea Cruz
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August 24, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Atlantic Groove
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August 31, 2012 – Ocean Isle Beach Concert Series
6:30PM – 8:00PM On the stage in the parking lot at Museum of Coastal Carolinas on Ocean Isle Beach
Legends of Beach
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September 1 – Labor Day Sand Sculpture Contest
11:30am – 1:30pm. Children’s division- up to 13, Family division-4 adults and no limit on children. Rules available at the Museum of Coastal Carolina and wwwoipoa.org starting August 1. Trophies and prizes awarded in all divisions. Event on beach behind Community Center, 44 East 1st Street, OIB.
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6th Annual Sunset at Sunset
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 6 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 6th Annual Sunset at Sunset Festival at Sunset Beach, NC.
Sunset at Sunset begins at 10:00 near the Ingram Planetarium. Last year over 4,000 people attended!
The 2012 Sunset at Sunset event will be fabulous! New vendors, new events, great music and tons of fun for everyone are in the plans.
Again this year is the 5K Beach Run/Fitness Walk for Adults and a Children’s Fun Run.
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October 20-21, 2012 – The 32nd North Carolina Oyster Festival

2012 will mark the 31st anniversary of the festival, which will be hosted by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce.
Awarded North Carolina Event of the Year 2007 by the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events, the 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival will feature: Live entertainment, a road race, a surf contest, kids area, over 120 arts & crafts vendors and 13 food vendors, North Carolina Oyster Shucking Championships and an Oyster Stew Cook-off.
If you’re not a fan of the oyster don’t let that stop you. There are all kinds of food vendors with everything from Greek gyros to cheesesteaks to homemade ice cream (not to mention funnel cakes, cotton candy and burgers and hot dogs).
The Winds tends to book up way ahead for this nationally recognized festival so make plans and reservations as soon as possible!
Click here for more information and the event schedule
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October 21-23, 2012 Fall Brawl King Classic Fishing Tournament
Ocean Isle Beach
Email: captbrant@oifc.com
Phone: 910-575-3474
Address: Ocean Isle Fishing Center
Visit the website for complete details: oifc.com/tournaments.cfm
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Oct 27th & 28th, 2012 – NC Festival by the Sea

This 2 day events is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. This is the only day of the year that you can walk across the Holden Beach bridge and each year several hundred take that high altitude stroll to stake out the perfect spot to view the parade. Arts and Crafts vendors are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sat. and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sun. You’ll want to plan to be onsite for at least a couple of meals and a snack or two, just to sample a tiny portion of the food on hand. For the competitive sort, there is a horseshoe tournament and a sandcastle building contest. Children enjoy face painting, huge kites flying overhead and the children’s rides and amusements. There is live musical entertainment both days at Holden Beach’s new Pavilion. More info: http://www.hbmerchants.com/events.html
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November 24 – Christmas Parade/Super Saturday
1:30pm Christmas Parade line up, 2:00pm Parade, 5:00pm Tree Lighting, 5:30pm Santa visits with children at the OIB Fire Department, hot chocolate and cookies for all.
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Thanksgiving Inshore Classic November 25-26, 2012
Ocean Isle Beach
Email: captbrant@oifc.com
Phone: 910-575-3474
Address: Ocean Isle Fishing Center
Visit the website for complete details: oifc.com/tournaments.cfm
Island Kayak Adventure Package
May 15, 2012 by Kim · Leave a Comment
Island Kayak Adventure Package
Kayaking the serene salt marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway is truly an unforgettable experience. Let us introduce you to a whole new rarely seen world of undisturbed wetlands and native wildlife. This pristine marsh is with out a doubt one of North Carolina’s priceless hidden gems.
Rates:
From $206.00 per person 3/9/12 – 6/8/12
From $265.00 per person 6/9/12 – 8/10/12
From $235.00 per person 8/11/12 – 9/3/12
From $206.00 per person 9/4/12 – 9/30/12
From $167.00 per person 10/1/12 – 10/31/12
Arrival Days: Any day of week.
Length of Stay: 2 night’s min. / 14 night’s max.
This Package Includes:
- Two night’s accommodations in an oceanfront Jasmine Guest Room, Wisteria Mini Suite, Azalea Petite Suite, Hibiscus Single Suite, or an Island View Camellia Guest Room
- Welcome basket for each room
- Three hour kayak tour of the Intracoastal Waterway
- Dinner for two at your choice of: Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant or Roberto’s Ristorante
- Complimentary bikes to explore the island
- Hot Southern Breakfast Buffet for two each morning
- Free Aqua Zumba and Water Aerobic classes
- Discounts to area restaurants and shops
Package is based on double occupancy and is subject to advance reservations and availability. Please call 1.800.334.3581 to schedule your kayak tour and dinner reservations at least 3 days before your arrival
The Winds Resort Beach Club

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“Take A Beach Break” Package!
April 15, 2012 by garypope · 3 Comments
“Take A Beach Break” for Two with Dinner!
Come enjoy our island at a great time of year.
The beach is quiet, the rates are low… it’s a great time to get away!
March 9, 2012 to June 8, 2012 the package rate is from $283.00 for two people
June 9, 2012 to June 28, 2012 the package rate is from $399.00 for two people
- Two night’s accommodations for two in an Island Side Garden View Camelia Guest Room
- A bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
- Dinner for two at your choice of: Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant or Roberto’s Italian Ristorante
- Hot Southern Breakfast Buffet for two each morning
- Free Aqua Zumba and Water Aerobic classes
- Click Here To Book This Package Online!
Package is subject to advance reservation and availability. Please call 800.334.3581 two days prior to your arrival to make your dinner reservation. Roberto’s Italian Ristorante is available Monday through Sunday.
Tiki Bar/Restaurant Open!
March 5, 2012 by garypope · Leave a Comment
We’ve been so busy this spring that we decided to go ahead and open Thirsti Tiki Bar & Restaurant earlier than we have in years past!
Current Hours of Operation are:
Monday through Wednesday – 11 am to 2 pm
Thursday thru Saturday – 11 am to 8 pm
Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Thirsti Tiki will close during inclement weather!
Starting Memorial Day Weekend The Thirsti Tiki will be open every day from 11:00am until?… all Summer long!
With the Thirsti Tiki Bar & Restaurant right on property (open seasonally) there is no need to burn gas driving around to have a nice lunch or dinner at an affordable price!
Our extensive light menu offers everything from fresh cooked pizzas, hot wings, quesadillas, hot dogs and burgers to delicious healthy salads and wraps all at prices below or comparable to the island’s many restaurants.
Our bartenders fix awesome frozen tropical beverages (Daiquiris, Margaritas etc.) as well as traditional cocktails and beer and wine.
Kids of all ages love our fruity frozen Smoothies and ice cream treats.
Click here to download a PDF of our full menu for your inspection!
Click here to go to Discount Coupons that you can print out and use for a 15% to 20% discount at The Winds Resort Beach Club.
Confessions Of A Mad Man
In his 83 years of living, Miller Pope has grown up feisty and adventurous in the South, earned a living and hobnobbed with the upper echelon in the North, and published a book to tell all about it.
The longtime Ocean Isle Beach artist, entrepreneur and writer has commemorated his multi-faceted life in his latest book, “Confessions of a MadMan: From Madison Avenue to Island Sands,” available at local bookstores and online.
Though most of his books are heavy-laden with his art, especially about pirates, this one is a little different.
Pope said he wrote it for his grandchildren.
“I just wanted a book left for my posterity,” he said, dining recently at a Shallote restaurant.
His latest publication still features the wonderful art of Pope, who worked as an illustrator on Madison Avenue in the 1950s and ‘60s. He deems it a Camelot time, and he got to be a part of it.
Pope enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17, shortly after finishing the required 11 grades of school in Greenville, S.C.
“Soon after my birthday, I enlisted in the Corps,” he writes. “The Japanese had just surrendered, but the peace treaty had not been signed, which made me an official veteran of WWII and entitled me to all the benefits of a real veteran.”
He wound up working on the staff and honing his artistic abilities with the Marine Corps’ “Leatherneck” magazine in Washington, D.C., where he once got a glimpse of President Truman out for a morning stroll.
After his stint in the Marines, Pope attended Furman University for a while to make his Grandmother Pope happy. He pledged Phi Kappa Phi fraternity, “but I never became a brother because a C average was required and my grades were abysmal,” he writes.
He did, however, make straight A’s in history, one subject that interested him.
In the next chapter of his life and book, Pope is a freelance illustrator who’s migrated to Manhattan, where he eventually met his wife, Helen, and embarked on many more adventures. They set up house and raised their two children in Westport, Conn., where Pope continued to freelance and commute into New York City.
He recalls the era when advertising was in its heyday—with clever and creative campaigns, martini lunches, train commutes and parties.
Years later, the Popes discovered Ocean Isle Beach, where they started The Winds resort and Pope became involved as a partner in the launch of Sea Trail in Sunset Beach. He also writes about the loss of his wife, Helen, to Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago.
All of these details and more can be found in his latest book.
“A book is a wonderful thing,” Pope says. “It can talk to ages.” He’s hoping his does that, especially to his children and grandchildren.
These days, Pope still draws and writes books for fun. “I don’t play golf; I don’t like watching sports,” he says. But he still loves history, writing and illustrating—especially pirates. He says he’ll also continue working on books, even if they don’t make the best-sellers lists. He’s having too much fun to quit.
By Laura Lewis, staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or email llewis@brunswickbeacon.com.
Buy Confessions Of A Mad Man and all of Miller Pope’s books and artwork at: http://Islands-Art.com
Cornhole at The Winds!
September 26, 2011 by Kim · Leave a Comment
The Winds has got a new game…Cornhole! We’ve got our own cornhole set for our guests to use. It’s a perfect game for the beach or out by the deck on the pool. Tossing a few beanbags out by the Tiki Bar is a great way to unwind after a long day of golf. Stop by the front desk to ask how to get in on the game!
Looking For A Beach Book?
September 1, 2011 by garypope · Leave a Comment
Heading to beach and looking for a great summer read?
Check out Islands-Art.com for some unique books by nationally renowned local authors and artists.
The works of the writers include romance Novels, Mysteries, History and fun. All have ties to this very special place along NC’s Coast. Read more
Add Massage To Your Stay!
August 27, 2011 by garypope · Leave a Comment
Looking for another way to relax and unwind while vacationing at The Winds Resort Beach Club?
How about enjoying a fabulous massage in the privacy of your suite or in our Palmetto Room! You can choose from a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage.
Call 1.800.334.3581 at least 5 days prior to your arrival and speak to one of our associates to schedule your treatment.
The Winds Resort Beach Club

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My Stay At The Winds
June 15, 2011 by Kim · Leave a Comment
An Insider’s Outside View:
I have worked for the Winds for six months now, so when manager Kathy McLaurin offered me a free weekend at the oceanfront hotel I wanted to run over to the front desk and check in right away. A free weekend at the beach sounded great, but a free weekend at an amazing resort was a bonus. She wanted me to get more acquainted with the resort I was promoting. Seemed reasonable to me . . .
I spent a few years growing up in the area—from middle school on—so I was familiar with The Winds and most of Ocean Isle Beach; but it’s been over eight years since I’ve been to the local haunts of Ocean Isle. And I have never experienced the area as a tourist, which is precisely what I wanted to do.
I wanted to go to Sharky’s, to take pictures of myself in front of a palm tree, to sit at the Tiki Bar, to take a mini-vacation, and to forget for two-days that I worked for the company and see it as a guest would. I wanted to do everything I thought would appeal to a tourist, I wanted to eat at restaurants that typically have a waiting list because I knew that’s where someone staying at The Winds would probably want to go—also because the food is said to be amazing, I knew there would be a line to get in, but this is not New York, so it wouldn’t be a long one.
When I made the drive from Wilmington, I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled up in front of The Winds, there were people my age walking around. I expected to see families with children or older couples taking a vacation. I went to the front desk to check in, I must have looked confused when the girl working the desk told me my room number and its location, because she immediately pulled out a map and drew directions to my designated parking area which was right next to my room.
I stayed in Carolina Breeze on the first floor. After dropping off my bags, one containing only shoes—six pairs for two days— I have a packing problem, I walked out on to my private balcony. I had a great view of the cottage-side pool, where there were some kids splashing around playing volleyball. I sat in the lounge chair and let the stress of my week wash away. I could hear the ocean waves crashing on the shore from across the street amid the sounds of the kids playing their game.
I had a few moments to myself before I had to meet some friends and family who live nearby and were coming to join me at the Tiki Bar. At 6:30 the weather was beginning to show some relief from the abrasive heat of the day. I sat at the Tiki Bar with the cool ocean breeze hitting my back while the warm glow of the sun shone on my face.
There were a few kids in the pool that were pleading for ten more minutes before they had to retreat back to their hotel rooms to get cleaned up for dinner. George, a charming bartender with a raspy voice, kept us entertained at the bar and invited us back to the pool in the morning when he would be on shift again. He told me there would be hula-hoop contests and that if there were lots of kids in the pool, he uses the frozen drink machine to make snowballs that he throws at them. I told him that sounded fun, and he even offered to save me a lounge chair.
In true tourist fashion, we decided to go to Sharky’s for dinner. I had loved that place when I was growing up but I always knew that in summer we would never go because it meant we would have to wait for a table. But this time I was a tourist, so we went prepared to wait. They estimated a wait of about 45 minutes, but we were pleasantly surprised when it only took about 15. Everything on the menu looked amazing, chock full of fresh seafood and even some new dishes. I decided on the Shark’s Teeth, essentially jalepeno poppers stuffed with crab meat rather than cheese, and the Bull Shark Burger. Our table also ordered a Cajun pasta dish, jerk Buffalo wings, calamari and a basket of hush puppies. We devoured everything. They were setting up for live music but it was getting late and I was exhausted and quite full.
We woke up early the next morning and went to check out the complimentary breakfast. Eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, cereal, waffles, cinnamon rolls and assorted breads were sprawled out on the buffet; this was a true Southern breakfast. I loaded up my plate and poured a big cup of coffee. After breakfast we walked out to the pool and discovered that we were the first ones there. It was still early morning and the beach was just starting to see some activity. We grabbed our lounge chairs and loaded up on sunscreen—I am translucently pale. It wasn’t long before the early morning pool goers starting filing in.
The sun was hot and the pool was refreshing, a little chilly when you first stuck your feet in, but nice as the hot sun started really beating down. There were kids playing with the community chest of pool toys and playing games while the adults lounged around trying to get some color so they could brag to their co-workers about their vacations.
George set up the bar and as promised he tossed a couple of snowballs at the kids in the pool and gave the rest out as snow cones. We ordered some mango smoothies and iced tea from the Tiki Bar and after a morning out in the sun we ordered lunch— a chef salad and a chicken Caesar salad wrap—both were excellent.
After a few more hours in the sun, I went back to my room and showered for the massage appointment at Right Touch Therapy I treated myself to. I was looking forward to this massage all weekend. After many hours working in front of a computer, my neck and shoulders were in desperate need of attention. The massage was heavenly.
Some friends of mine wanted to meet at the Tiki Bar for a drink before I headed off to dinner. This time Kim, a glowing, bronzed blonde who asked, “Where are ya’ll from?” was bartending. We ordered some of The Winds signature drinks, the “Hula, Hula,” the “Spunky Monkey,” and the “Coco Cream.” I felt I was in a tropical paradise as I sipped on a cool frozen drink and watched the sun setting behind the silhouette of the palm trees.
For dinner, I knew I wanted to try another local favorite—Sugar Shack. They are known for their Jamaican style food. I met up with one of my friends from the area and we decided to give it a try. They started off our dinner with Johnny Bread, a spicy sweet cake that I could have eaten a lot more of. With a menu that features a wide variety of tempting foods, I decided on the Island-Grilled Shrimp with rice and beans, Jamaican slaw and sweet potato. My dinner mate chose Crab Fritters in a Sweet Lime Sauce. Needless to say, we were not disappointed in our choice of restaurants. After dinner, we took a drive into Shallotte and caught a late movie.
The next morning, I managed to catch an hour’s worth of sun before heading back to my room to shower and pack up. I found myself wishing I had another day to spend at The Winds… I had just started to get the hang of this vacation life.
Although The Winds is a more of a quaint resort than I am used to, I was overwhelmed by the amazingly friendly staff, the charming coziness of the hotel, and the unique touches that make it unlike any other resort I have ever been to. Although my vacation lasted only two brief days, I am already dreaming of my next trip to the beach and another invitation to The Winds Beach Club Resort.
Written by Kim O’Dwyer
The Winds Resort Beach Club
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Private Surf Lessons
February 28, 2011 by garypope · Leave a Comment
Once again this year, Surf Lessons By Jeff, will be offering Private Surf Lessons in front of the Winds Beach Resort.















