Oak Island and our Pink Motel

As seen from Southport, the spit of land across the bay to the right, is Oak Island

From Southport we proceeded south to Oak Island, note of caution – avoid driving to/from Oak Island during rush hours when it tends to back up on the bridge.  Oak Island or OKI lives up to its name with many Oaks along with pine and numerous other tree species providing shade, wind protection and a general sense of substance to the Island. We lucked out on accommodations by identifying the newly renovated Island Inn – our Pink Motel.  For under $70 you get a very clean, very recently renovated and updated room with microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator.  In season there is a pool, otherwise there are few amenities (besides the caretaker’s 2 miniature Dachshunds), but hey you’re a couple of blocks to the beach and there are numerous restaurants, bars and shops in the immediate area.

Upon arrival on the island we first drove southeast (Oak Island has south facing beaches)  and visited Caswell Beach, the beach was nice in appearance but we weren’t thrilled with the numerous fist sized chunks of what looked like granite rip-rap underfoot at the tide line and in the shallow water.  Additionally the water although still warm was somewhat murky with a lot of suspended cinder like particles, not very appealing. These conditions may have been a temporary or may be a result of this beach being so close to the mouth of the river catching debris from both the river and the generally northern currents.  The beach further down Oak Island was better looking with less rock clutter and the water was better. In general the beach and water did not compare well to the east facing beaches on the other side of the river, such as Wrightsville Beach.

We had dinner at the Fish House http://www.southporttimes.com/fishhouserestaurant.html which is adjacent to the Blue Water Motel and Marina, http://www.bluewaterpointmotel.com/  which also looked like it would be a very good choice from what we could see without buzzing the night clerk (we peeked in a few windows).  The Fish House was quite crowded, with mostly locals which is usually a good sign, and was.  The menu had plenty of choices and the food was good and well prepared and quite reasonable. The location is superb: on the inlet with a marina, great and interesting views.

Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, Calabash and Goofy Signs

There’s no easy way to get from one adjacent Island to the next if you’re not in a boat.  We had the choice of going out to Route 17 and heading back in the direction of Oak Island to reach Holden Beach or continuing south and heading to Ocean Isle. We chose south heading to Ocean Isle via business 17.  This is pleasant rural coastal North Carolina with occasional magnificent golf and resort communities.

The Island Inn Motel