It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oak Island Pier gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oak Island, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Middleton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Island Way or visit Battery Madison, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oak Island, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oak Island, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oak Island, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
OAK ISLAND — The Town of Oak Island is planning to dump 1.6 million cubic yards on its beaches to keep them healthy after a major rebuild in 2021.Beth Sciaudone, a project manager with civil engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol, updated the town council on nourishment projects during its Sept. 9 meeting. Between November and April, a town-funded project will dredge up and place 941,000 cubic yards of sand on Oak Island’s shoreline. The Army Corps of Engineers will contribute 700,000 cubic yards — with some financial i...
OAK ISLAND — The Town of Oak Island is planning to dump 1.6 million cubic yards on its beaches to keep them healthy after a major rebuild in 2021.
Beth Sciaudone, a project manager with civil engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol, updated the town council on nourishment projects during its Sept. 9 meeting. Between November and April, a town-funded project will dredge up and place 941,000 cubic yards of sand on Oak Island’s shoreline. The Army Corps of Engineers will contribute 700,000 cubic yards — with some financial investment from the town — and already moved 100,000 cubic yards in March.
The new project has a $40 million price tag. The town will contribute $6.6 million to the Army Corps for its work and $33.4 million to Weeks Marine for the rest. Weeks was awarded the contract in June after a bidding process led by Moffatt and Nichol. Dredging is expected to begin in December and the project should wrap by April 2026.
After Hurricane Isaias in 2020, the dunes that provide a barrier between residential areas and the ocean had eroded away. The town built new dunes between 2020 and 2022. It also filled sand in on the beachfront, the end result pushing the water line 90 feet back. The project re-established “10-year protection,” disaster management-speak for the ability to withstand rapid erosion caused by a major storm the town would expect at least every decade.
The newest project will fill in the beach front more, maintaining the protection level the town built in 2022 and establishing a “beach berm” that should be more durable in the long run. Sciadudone noted the town should then be on a six-year nourishment cycle. The firm performed a statistical analysis and landed on 1.3 million cubic yards of sand as the town’s regular renourishment amount going forward.
Sciaudone noted the town’s beaches reached a low point prior to the 2020 projects. A succession of major storms like Florence and Isaias quickly ate away at the coastline. The dunes provide a one-time buffer against a major storm.
The town takes an annual survey of the shoreline to keep tabs on its protection level. In the 2024 survey, beaches were slightly in the green except for the east end of the island, where it was below the baseline for a 10-year storm.
Council member Mark Martin asked if the Army Corps is collecting data on the East beach, where it already placed 100,000 cubic yards of sand. He commented he hopes the town’s estimated need for sand can be adjusted downward in the future
“I’ve been skeptical of that number because it’s a very big number, and it’s a very scary budget number,” Martin said.
The town has an annual budget of about $26.4 million. It put about $2.8 million in its beach nourishment fund this year. Martin said he is not sure anyone on the council has figured out how the town will manage to pay for another nourishment project in six years.
Mayor Pro-Tem John Bach said the engineering firm optimized where the town is placing sand to make it more efficient, and it expects to make the full six-year cycle, but if the town does not the consequences would be “fiscally enormous.”
Sciaudone said the amount of sand the town loses could be below what is projected. In that case, the recommendation would be to wait longer before its next nourishment project.
“That’s what the annual mentoring does tell you,” She added. “What the state is and when you need to start making those decisions.”
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A Brunswick County beach town has been listed as one of the most overlooked travel destinations in North Carolina.WorldAtlas recently released its list of the "12 Most Overlooked Towns in North Carolina Worth Visiting," and a small — but growing — Brunswick town made the cut.The list, which is in no particular order, includes small towns ranging from the mountains to the sea. According to WorldAtlas, "While each destination comes with a unique charm, warmth, and beauty, they all capture the true spiri...
A Brunswick County beach town has been listed as one of the most overlooked travel destinations in North Carolina.
WorldAtlas recently released its list of the "12 Most Overlooked Towns in North Carolina Worth Visiting," and a small — but growing — Brunswick town made the cut.
The list, which is in no particular order, includes small towns ranging from the mountains to the sea. According to WorldAtlas, "While each destination comes with a unique charm, warmth, and beauty, they all capture the true spirit of the state."
WorldAtlas described the list's Brunswick County addition as having "some of the most stupendous vistas of the Atlantic Ocean."
Oak Island was among the 12 towns listed by WorldAtlas, and the only town in the Cape Fear region. Its also the only true oceanfront town on the list. Washington and Edenton, the other coastal towns that were included, are both on sounds.
The label of "overlooked" might come as a surprise to Oak Island residents. Though the population is only around 10,000, the town is growing at 4.43% annually and it's population has increased by 13.9% between 2020 and 2023, according to the Oak Island website.
Oak Island offers nearly 10 miles of beach front, according to the town website.
Oak Island's "uncrowded beaches and serene atmosphere present the sweet spot for anyone seeking a proper escape from the crowds," WorldAtlas said.
Oak Island also has a public, par-3 golf course, skate park, nature center and a pier.
The Oak Island Lighthouse is also a popular spot for visitors.
Oak Island was formed on July 1, 1999, as a result of the merger of Yaupon Beach & Long Beach. Now, Oak Island holds a celebration each year on this date, dubbed "Beach Day."
WorldAtlas' "12 Most Overlooked Towns in North Carolina Worth Visting" came in no particular order. They are:
Charlie Kingree is a reporting intern for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].
Located between the busier destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are beloved for their uncrowded beaches and classic, family-vacation vibe. Five barrier islands make up the Brunswick Islands, which stretch 45 miles across the southern tip of North Carolina. Though no roads connect the islands (each is reached from the mainland by road or ferry), there's a lot to explore between 10 communities, six sandy beaches, and multiple creeks and salt marshes. And because of the east-west orientation of these i...
Located between the busier destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are beloved for their uncrowded beaches and classic, family-vacation vibe. Five barrier islands make up the Brunswick Islands, which stretch 45 miles across the southern tip of North Carolina. Though no roads connect the islands (each is reached from the mainland by road or ferry), there's a lot to explore between 10 communities, six sandy beaches, and multiple creeks and salt marshes. And because of the east-west orientation of these islands, you can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean for much of the year.
Read on for the best things to do on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands—you can't go wrong visiting any of them for your next beach vacation.
Those who really want an escape will appreciate Bald Head Island, which is accessible only by ferry or boat. Get around the island by golf cart, bicycle, or your own two feet. Most of the island is an unspoiled preserve, but you'll find a couple of restaurants and shops and lots of outdoor activities. Stay at a vacation rental, the Marsh Harbour Inn, or The Inn at Bald Head Island, which includes club privileges.
Explore Bald Head Island
www.themarshharbourinn.com; 21 Keelson Row, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
www.theinnatbaldheadisland.com; 2 Keelson Row, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Caswell Beach is another quiet retreat, but also an easy drive from Wilmington or Southport. Nearby Oak Island offers more nostalgic beach activities like a fishing pier, lighthouse, mini golf, and nature center. Holden Beach is another favorite for a quiet family vacation; the pier and beach are the main attractions. Most families stay in vacation rentals on these islands and spend their time basking on the sand or exploring nature.
If you're looking for a laidback vacation that also offers plenty to do, Ocean Isle Beach is your destination. Between the adventure park, museum, water sports, and restaurants, you'll have lots of activities to choose from.
Last but not least, Sunset Beach lies on the westernmost island, less than an hour's drive from Myrtle Beach. Those who vacation here can explore the preserve at Bird Island and visit the planetarium. Stay in one of the Sea Trail Golf Resort Villas or a cozy room at The Sunset Inn bed and breakfast.
www.seatrailvillas.com; 200 Royal Poste Road, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
www.thesunsetinn.net; 9 North Shore Drive E, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Every one of these islands offers pristine, uncrowded beaches for hours of family fun, strolls on the sand, and shelling. Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches are favorites for families, while Caswell and Bald Head Island are more secluded and rich with wildlife. Caswell and Oak Island beaches are the most dog-friendly if you want to bring your favorite companion.
Nearly all of Bald Head Island is a nature preserve, with 10,000 of its 12,000 acres protected by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. The northernmost subtropical island in the U.S. features salt marshes, palm-filled maritime forests, turtle nesting sites, and a section of the NC Birding Trail. You can bike around the island's trails or explore by kayak.
Bird Island is another gem located on the westernmost end of the Brunswick Islands. This protected, undeveloped preserve includes 1,200 acres of salt marshes, tidal creeks, dunes, and beaches where turtles nest. You can walk here from Sunset Beach or reach it by boat, depending on the tide. Look for the Kindred Spirit mailbox, where beachgoers can leave a thoughtful note.
Loggerhead sea turtles crawl onto Brunswick Island beaches to lay eggs between May and August. Hatchlings begin to emerge in July and sometimes appear as late as October. Though you should keep a respectful distance from turtles and their nests, you can learn all about these remarkable reptiles at educational events on Bald Head Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach.
bhic.org/tours/totally-turtles; Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
oibseaturtles.org/turtle-talk; 417 W 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
hbturtlewatch.org/events.php; Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild St., Holden Beach, NC 28462
www.sunsetbeachturtles.org/programs.html; Sunset Properties, 419 Sunset Blvd. S, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Cast a line from the surf or fish from one of five public piers on the Brunswick Islands. You'll find tackle and bait shops (and often snacks and drinks) at Oak Island Pier, Ocean Crest Pier, Ocean Isle Beach Pier, and Sunset Beach Pier. The OIB Pier also offers fishing classes for first-timers. For deep-sea fishing, charter a boat from any island and try your luck at catching mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, grouper, king mackerel, and more.
www.oakislandnc.gov/residents-visitors/parks-facilities/oak-island-pier; 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.oceancrestfishingpier.com; 1409 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
oibpier.com; 1 W. 1st St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.sunsetbeachpier.com; 101 W Main St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Creeks, rivers, and salt marshes around these islands provide endless opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Visit your local outfitter for rentals or to schedule a more adventurous guided excursion. Long Beach Paddle Co. leads trips to Sheep Island, Adventure Kayak Tours takes paddlers to the South Carolina side of Bird Island, and Riverside Outdoor Recreation explores the interior of Bald Head Island. The latter also rents surfboards to those who want to ride the waves.
www.longbeachpaddlecompany.com; 4908 E. Yacht Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
theadventurecompany.net; 807 N. Howe St., Southport, NC 28461
www.riversiderecbhi.com; 10 Marina Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Find fun for everyone at The Swamp Park on Ocean Isle's Shallotte River. More adventurous souls can zipline up in the treetops or try the Aerial Adventure Park rope course (there's a kiddie course, too.) Guided ATV tours zoom along the river, while the gentler Swamp Boat Eco-Tours will tell you all about this area's history and wildlife.
shallotteriverswamppark.com; 5550 Watts Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
With more than 30 championship golf courses to choose from on the Brunswick Islands, this vacation destination will keep you busy with tee times. Admire the sparkling water and salt marshes on courses designed by top architects for everyone from beginners to avid enthusiasts.
www.ncbrunswick.com/golf
Two lighthouses reside in the Brunswick Islands: Old Baldy on Bald Head Island and the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach. Old Baldy has guided sailors since 1817 and is now a tourist site that includes a keeper's cottage with museum exhibits. You can climb Old Baldy's wood, spiraling staircase at your own pace (hours vary by season). Take the ferry from Southport if you aren't staying on the island.
The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 and requires climbing up a series of ship ladders that reach more than 120 feet up to the top. If you're up for the challenge, book your climb at least six weeks in advance for the busy summer season. Those without reservations can climb a few steps to the second level and talk with a docent.
www.oldbaldy.org; 101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
www.oakislandlighthouse.org; 300 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465
The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach and Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach are sister organizations you can visit to learn more about the seas and skies. Kids will love the touch tank, animals, fossil collections, and Sky Theater Shows.
museumplanetarium.org; 21 East 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 and 7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Travel to nearby Southport if you're looking for a day trip filled with shopping. Their downtown features art galleries, gift shops, and clothing boutiques.
You'll also find beachwear stores and gift shops up and down the islands. Popular stops for local art and crafts include Islands Art and Books and Crossroads Gathering Place (grab coffee or a bottle of wine while you're there). If you're dreaming of transforming your home into a beach paradise, visit Coastal House Home Decor.
islandsartstore.com; 6885 Beach Drive SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.facebook.com; 128 Country Club Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.coastalhousehomedecor.com; 6934 Beach Drive SW Suite 1, Ocean Isle, NC 28469
There are plenty of waterfront dining spots around the islands where you can drink in views of the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Some highlights include Koko Cabana for well-crafted seafood, burgers, and nachos; Island Way for steaks and fresh seafood; and Le Volte Oceanfront Dining for a high-end, white tablecloth experience.
kokocabana.com; 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
islandwayres.com; 1407 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.facebook.com/levoltediningandvenue; 417 W. 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
If you don't have your own fresh catch to cook, pick up a steam pot from either the Outerbanks Boil Company or Cape Fear Boil Company on Oak Island. Both offer an array of seafood along with traditional seafood boil ingredients like andouille sausage, red-skin potatoes, and corn on the cob.
www.oakisland.outerbanksboilcompany.com; 5003 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.capefearboilcompany.com; 6402 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
Stop at Lil & John's Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor on Oak Island or Beaches-N-Cream near Holden Beach for homemade ice cream in unique seasonal flavors. OKI Scoop Shop and Donuts also sells donuts in fun flavors like Triple Tropical Threat—and you can combine both treats with a donut sundae. Another favorite, Blondiez Donuts, lets you custom pick your glaze and toppings.
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) - Like many other communities in Southeastern North Carolina, leaders in Oak Island have addressed issues with proposed new development. Council members are now considering increasing the height limits for existing businesses.Development on Oak Island has always been a contentious topic, but with only so much space available, those looking to build typically have to go up.But Councilman Bob Ciullo says otherwise.“I think there’s a misunderstanding that in the commercial district, we do...
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) - Like many other communities in Southeastern North Carolina, leaders in Oak Island have addressed issues with proposed new development. Council members are now considering increasing the height limits for existing businesses.
Development on Oak Island has always been a contentious topic, but with only so much space available, those looking to build typically have to go up.
But Councilman Bob Ciullo says otherwise.
“I think there’s a misunderstanding that in the commercial district, we don’t have the ability to build out, so we have to build up. And I think we have plenty of ability to build out by combining some of the businesses,” said Ciullo.
Currently, buildings in a flood zone have a height limit of 41ft while buildings not in a flood zone have a height restriction of 35ft.
At the last town council meeting in early August, council members discussed raising the height restrictions for buildings in the commercial district. But the topic ended up being tabled for further review, but not without having split opinions.
“It would be that misconception, a concern that all of a sudden a building is going to rise up from the ground and be this massive, tall structure,” said Councilman Mark Martin.
Martin says that approving a business to increase its height would require a benefit to the community in doing so.
“From my point of view, encroachment would only be granted if in fact, the improvements to the building returned value back to the community in the form of more parking, safer pedestrian accessibility,” said Martin.
But Ciullo isn’t convinced.
“The quaint community that we have is really the building height...could it potentially add some more parking spaces? Maybe. What makes much more sense though, is having centralized parking lots, though which we don’t currently have,” said Ciullo.
Ciullo said he spoke to over 50 neighbors, who all agreed they did not approve of the building height increase.
“I went knocking on doors, probably knocked on 50 doors, probably even more. But I spoke to about 50 people who are right behind a commercial building on Oak Island Drive, and 50 for 50 said, please don’t do this. That will make what’s already a bad situation significantly worse, so please vote against this,” said Ciullo.
Council members discussed at their meeting on Sept. 9 to allow four-story buildings in the town’s commercial district and voted unanimously to put off any vote on the plan until October.
Members also directed staff to take public and council comment into account when presenting the amendment on structure heights.
Development on Oak Island has always been a contentious topic, but with only so much space available, those looking to build typically have to go up.
Council also approved a site plan for a development near the intersection of US 906 and US 211.
The proposal calls for 180 townhomes to be built on about 40 acres of property.
The 39 buildings would consist of one, two and three-bedroom homes.
Council previously approved a special use permit for the project in May.
A pilot in North Carolina almost lost his life when the plane he was flying suddenly crashed into the ocean.At around 7:30 p.m. local time on Aug. 2, Mark Finkelstein was flying a single-engine aircraft when he experienced engine failure. He was forced to make an emergency landing in the ocean near the Oak Island Pier as he was unable to return to the Cape Fear Regional Jetport and saw that the beach area was too crowded, the Oak Island Fire Department (OIFD) stated in a news release.After crashing in the ocean, fire department...
A pilot in North Carolina almost lost his life when the plane he was flying suddenly crashed into the ocean.
At around 7:30 p.m. local time on Aug. 2, Mark Finkelstein was flying a single-engine aircraft when he experienced engine failure. He was forced to make an emergency landing in the ocean near the Oak Island Pier as he was unable to return to the Cape Fear Regional Jetport and saw that the beach area was too crowded, the Oak Island Fire Department (OIFD) stated in a news release.
After crashing in the ocean, fire department members swam to the sunken plane and promptly rescued Finkelstein from the aircraft.
“Members of the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit, Southport Fire Department and Oak Island Water Rescue were already in the area … Within minutes of his landing in the water, units from multiple agencies were at the plane, and able to swiftly recover Mr. Finkelstein,” said OIFD, per the news release.
Footage of the incident shared on YouTube shows the plane crashing into the sea and flipping over on impact. Two rescue team members are then seen pulling Finkelstein out from the submerged plane feet first from the cockpit window.
Finkelstein, who appears awake and alert, is then put onto a stretcher attached to the back of a rescue boat and transported to shore.
Finkelstein crashed his plane just 13 minutes into his flight after taking off from Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Oak Island, WECT News 6 reported.
“It was literally going to be about a 20-minute flight just down the length of Oak Island, turn around and come back in,” he told the outlet. “I was so fortunate that the impact didn’t injure me and doubly fortunate that the Oak Island Water Rescue got to me so quickly.”
Finkelstein only received a cut on his leg in the crash. He was sent to the hospital after his rescue before swiftly returning home, per WECT News 6.
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“Expressing my deepest gratitude to all those who participated in rescuing and caring for me after my water landing in Air Finky this past Saturday evening. You were literally life savers,” Finkelstein wrote in a Facebook post on Aug. 6.
He went on to thank the Oak Island Fire Department’s Chris Dunham, Southport Fire Department’s Austin Lancaster and Chad Butchello for their heroic rescue, along with multiple other agencies involved in the operation, while sharing a photo of the moment he was helped to shore by a group of people after his rescue.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will remember forever with deepest thanks your courage and devotion,” concluded Finkelstein.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for comment.
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