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2025 Gifts and Specialty Items Guide

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Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni

Lovely 3BR condo with pool, 6 min from t...
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Our condo has everything you’ll need for your stay in one of the best beach towns that NC has to offer. With two beaches and a dozen of golf courses within mins. from the condo makes it the ideal place. At our condo you’ll also have access to the community pools (indoor and outdoor), hottub and exercise room. This roomy place is located on the top floor with elevator and stair access as well as a private balcony. You'll be just moments away from the pristine beaches of Sunset and Ocean Isle, both with many good eateries as well as the multiple well-acclaimed eateries of Calabash. Some added amenities include a brand-new full-size washer and dryer, entirely supplied kitchen with dining room, Keurig coffee with traditional coffee pot option, ceiling fans in every room, two full bathrooms, wifi, two cable equipped TVs with Blu-ray players and plenty of games for a rainy day here and there. The Intracoastal is a hop away with launch access and complimentary trailer storage in our enormous parking lot. The linen/towel service is optional and can be removed should you choose to bring your own, for those of you driving in. If you're flying in, you'll be driving only 46 mins. from Myrtle Beach Int'l (MYR) and 62 mins. from Wilmington Int'l (ILM) airports.

  • Sunset Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.

A Beach Music Paradise Too: Pool, Outdoo...
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5 Bedrooms | 4 Full Bathrooms2 Kings | 2 Queens | 1 Double | 1 Twin-over-twin Bunk BedA Beach Music Heaven Too is a comfortable, second-row beach home with a swimming pool where you and your adored ones can spread out with plenty of living space inside and out. The home is entirely equipped for all your vacation needs, so sit back, relax, and experience the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean or lounge by the pool while you reconnect with family and friends. The pool area is outfitted with outdoor pool furnishings, consisting of six chaise loungers with tables, six deep seating chairs with tables, and two dining tables that seat six each. There is also exterior and strand lighting for the under-home dining area, so you can serve up lunch or dinner just outside the pool area without having to change out of wet bathing suits. The enormous, screened porch downstairs and the covered porch upstairs both extend completely across the ocean-view side of the home and have ample outdoor space with plenty of seating to savor the ocean breeze. Other outdoor amenities include a charcoal grille, refreshed outside shower with hot and cold water, an area to charge a golf cart and plenty of covered parking.Inside, the open-plan, first-floor living area features reclining microfiber couches and generous windows that make it possible to appreciate exceptional ocean vistas from practically anywhere in the home. Entertainment options include one TV with extended cable and five TVs with ROKU (two are 65-inch and four are 43-inch), five DVD players, puzzles, books, games and wireless internet access.The well-equipped kitchen features granite counter-tops, a smooth top range, dishwasher, stainless-steel appliances, an under-mount stainless sink and garbage disposal. Two dining tables can seat twelve.The loft area upstairs serves as a second living area and has access to a covered porch. Tastefully decorated, the home has five bedrooms: two master bedrooms with king beds (one upstairs and one down), two queen bedrooms, plus a room with one double bed and a set of bunk beds to complete the sleeping accommodations for up to twelve people. The four full bathrooms are roomy and pleasingly outfitted. Child-friendly amenities include a booster seat and pack-n-play.Returning guests will notice upgrades to the home made over the years, such as luxury vinyl tile throughout, refinished stairs, smooth ceilings and crown molding added. Drapes have also been added in many of the spaces and there is now an on demand hot water heater.This vacation home is convenient to island activities, stores, stores and eateries. It’s a short drive to the G.V. Barbee Bridge that leads to historic Southport with its tourist-friendly stores and historic points of interest. Whether your idea of a vacation is taking long naps in the island breeze, exploring local landmarks or teeing up for 18 holes at one of the area's playable but challenging golf courses, you will find your island home at A Beach Music Paradise Too!

  • Oak Island
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
The 7 Best Beach Chairs 2025

You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.

Solace and Comfort – Sea Trail - Beach...
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Book this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in Sunset Beach today! A total of 6 people can sleep comfortably.-FAMILY PETS - Please send an Inquiry/message via "contact host" before booking to see if your pet is approved. Animals must be approved in advance of booking. Family Pets must be of select breeds, non-shedding, 2+ years old, up-to-date on all shots, treatments and crate trained. Due to allergies cats cannot be accepted. We do not accept aggressive breeds. -We have a Saturday to Saturday seven-nighttime minimum during June and July. A three-nighttime minimum all other times. Savor a peaceful family beach resort located on the North Carolina coast, just mins. from the South Carolina line. Our trademark is our pristine three-mile-long sandy beach; gorgeous sunrises and sunsets (which can be seen from the island because of our unique southern exposure) and spectacular golfing. Other unique features of our community include Bird Island, a 2000+- acre nature preserve that borders the west end of Sunset Beach and can only be accessed by land via the beach. This vacation home is at Sea Trail Resort, which is about as close as you can get to the beach yet have all of the amenities of a resort. Sea Trail features three signature golf courses (Rees Jones, Dan Maples and Willard Byrd) just about a mile from the beach. Sunset Beach's Ingram Planetarium, which provides educational and entertaining programs for both adults and kids, is just down the road.When you're ready for nighttime life, bumper cars, and a bit of history, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC, are just mins. away. And there are dozens of other areas of interest and local attractions close by. Travel to these close by areas and return to the luxury and quit of your own space.

  • Sunset Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Carolina Beach Lake Park

Enjoy a freshwater environment just a block or so away from the beach with a visit to Carolina Beach Lake Park. This public park is centered on the 11-acre freshwater lake, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the closest freshwater lake to a major body of saltwater. This unusual feat has produced a sunny and surprising environment that’s perfect for off-the-beach relaxation and entertainment.

The 8 Best Beach Blankets and Towels for 2025

If you're planning a relaxing day on the beach, a great beach blanket is a must-have piece of gear. We've curated a list of highly-rated beach blankets, each selected for its unique features, quality, and durability. From lightweight, compact options to large, family-sized choices, we've got you covered. Dive in as we explore the various materials, designs, and functionalities that make these beach blankets stand out.

Cozy Mid Century Home 15 min from the be...

Come stay salty in the heart of Wilmington and savor some of Carolina's best southern hospitality! We are the ideal charming hideaway for couples and the ideal getaway for families in this 3 bed 1.5 bath home. You'll adore the location! We're 7.8 miles from Carolina Beach, 10.9 miles from Wrightsville Beach, and 8 miles from Downtown Wilmington!

  • Wilmington
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Calabash Nautical Gifts & St. Nick Nacks

For nearly 40 years, the same corner has been home to a staple in the Calabash community, Callahan’s. Locals and tourists alike are loyal to Callahan’s because of our vast selection of home décor, holiday décor, gifts, and apparel sprawling over 35,000 square feet. Because we are family owned and operated, Callahan’s is not only home to nearly every collectible imaginable but also to our employees, many of whom have been a part of the Callahan’s magic for over a decade and hold our business near and dear to their hearts. We strive to become a part of your family traditions and look forward to bringing you and your loved ones into our enchanting shop for many years to come.

Port City Peddler

Port City Peddler in Wilmington, NC. is the perfect destination for shoppers looking to find interesting and unique gifts, antiques, and vintage merchandise.

Ivy Cottage (The)

Providing an array of quality consignments, The Ivy Cottage has consistently been voted "Best in Wilmington" by Encore and Star News for over 21 years. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this family-owned gem is a ‘must-see’ if you’re just passing through.

E-BIKE TOURS — An Experience For All Levels! Our goal is to make you feel like a local as you explore all Wilmington has to offer. If you’re looking to check out some of the best breweries in town, visit unique neighborhoods, and take in the historic and significant sites that Wilmington is known for, then we have a tour for you.  Learn more and to book your spot on a tour today! 

With over 5000 sq. feet of unique retail therapy Baker Street Curiosity Shop is a must stop place to visit. A diverse group of vendors offer unusual treasures with new items daily. Antiques. Vintage. Mid century. Records. Artwork. And much more! Come take a look! Inventory changing all the time. We now have a new room in our shop; the Uranium Glass Room. It is filled with uranium and Vaseline glass that reacts with black light making it glow green! The glass is older than most of us! Come see!

Boo & Roo’s is a fun and funky little gift shop that brings a little burst of modern appeal to classic southern style. Featuring a wealth of apparel, accessories, artworks, jewelry, and everything in between, this friendly store will allow Southport visitors to dress their best and fit right into the laid-back but fashion-forward Cape Fear scene.

A Magical, Mystical, Shopping Experience You and Your Child Will never Forget! 

From creamy fudge, to nautical-themed gifts, to truly unique holiday ornaments and décor, you can find everything under the sun at Callahan's of Calabash. An expansive gift store that is a landmark and popular destination in its own right, this 35,000 square foot gift shop with a wonderfully ship-shape aesthetic will thrill visitors of all ages, and offers a little something special for shoppers of all tastes.

Cape Fear Games is miles above the standard gaming store, thanks to an impressive collection of board games, cards, sports equipment, and regular special events that attract board game fans and players of all genres. Located along Oleander Drive in the heart of Wilmington, and close to a number of shopping centers, restaurants, and the University of Wilmington Campus, patrons of all ages will find a new game or hobby to explore, or can pursue their favorite card or board games with fellow fans from all across the Cape Fear region.

Celtic Creamery offers award winning Irish ice cream along with hot made to order donuts, sensational sundaes, banana splits, Celtic blend coffee. Also visit our gift shop. We offer gift’s for all occasions. Shop for baby and children’s clothing, gifts, and books. Headed to the Beach? Shop for beach coverups, hats, towels bags and totes. How about personal gifts? We offer designer soaps, lotions, scrubs and more. Home décor, jewelry, accessors and more.

Eagles Beachwear has been the premier beach store serving the Grand Strand for over 30 years and has more than 20 locations across the Myrtle Beach area. Since 1981, Eagles stores have been recognized for great selection, high quality and affordable prices.

The only enclosed mall within a 55-mile radius, Independence Mall is the Wilmington region’s dominant fashion-oriented shopping center. With more than a million square feet of space, the mall houses four anchors and a diverse variety of in-line tenants. We are currently conducting a sweeping redevelopment of this mall, which will transform it from a fully enclosed space into a modern, open-air retail destination. The redesigned space will feature a grocery-anchored power center, a completely updated enclosed mall corridor, a modern lifestyle streetscape of upscale dining and retail options, and a multi-tenant building complex that houses a wide array of specialty service providers.

New River Pottery a home décor superstore that offers everything to make a house a home! From interior décor, to outdoor accessories, furnishings, and much more!

Olde Southport Village Shoppes is a perfectly charming collection of about a half dozen local stores and services that will delight downtown explorers of all interests. Located along Howe Street, on the outskirts of the heart of the downtown area, this small shopping plaza is a charming way to experience a taste of everything this coastal community has to offer.

Looking for the largest available selection of major sandal brands? Look no further than Sandal Factory. Since our original store opening in 1990, Sandal Factory has been the premier destination for casual and outdoor sandals in South Florida and the Florida Keys, and now North Carolina!

Sunset Beach Trading Co is a “mom and pop” style shop that has veritably everything visitors need under the sun to enjoy a stellar vacation on Sunset Beach. Located on the oceanside of the bridge to the beach, and convenient for visitors staying throughout the island, patrons can pick up everything from a snow cone to sun tan lotion to keep the good times going without ever having to venture inland.

Take a load off from exploring the streets of Downtown Wilmington and settle in with a nice cigar at The Cigar Exchange. Known as the ultimate place to purchase and enjoy cigars in the heart of Wilmington, this friendly spot features a big selection of tobacco products, as well as a variety of wine to enjoy a glass and a smoke before moving on to your next Port City adventure.

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