Horseback
Horseback riding is available at Holden Beach. The Cox Landing Riding Club offers several trails to choose from, an on-site snack area and a covered practice ring. K & K Stables sits on 18 acres, and it also has several trails to choose from and a training area. Both offer riding lessons in Western-style and guided rides that last from 45 minutes to an hour or more.
K&K Stables
Holden Beach, NC 28462
(910) 842-8002
Cox's Landing Riding Club
2877 Cox's Landing Road SE
Holden Beach, NC 28462
(910) 842-9090
The Beach
The beach itself is one of the main destinations. You can lie in the sun, take a walk or swim in the ocean. Kids can build sand castles or fly a kite while parents take a much-needed rest. Depending on the time of year--and the conditions--you can watch sea turtles in the area. On some late nights, if you're willing to wait, you can see them work their way onto the beach to lay their eggs and then make their way back to the ocean. Boats can also be chartered so that you can go out and do a little fishing. If that's too expensive, surf fishing is another option.
Festivals
If you time your trip right, you might be able to ask a local festival in the area. There are several to choose from, such as the Oyster Festival, Days at the Docks and Festival By the Sea.
Days at the Docks is a two-day weekend festival in April down near the water. It includes arts and crafts, food and even a 5k run.
Festival By the Sea is a two-day festival that is held in October. It includes crafts, food, a horseshoe tournament, sand castle building contest, kiddie rides and kite flying.
The Oyster Festival is held in nearby Ocean Isle Beach also in the month of October. There are music performances, food, shucking contests and carnival-style games; everyone has something to do. The festival is also a weekend event lasting two days.
Orton Plantation Gardens
In Winnabow, North Carolina, you will find Orton Plantation Gardens. The plantation on this estate was built in 1725, and the gardens were started in 1904. Within the gardens, you will find statues, trees, ponds and flowers. The gardens are open March through November with varying hours depending on the season. The flowers are mainly in bloom during the spring months; this is the optimum time to visit.
Orton Plantation Gardens
9149 Orton Road SE
Winnabow, NC 28479
(910) 371.6851
