Ocean Isle and Goofy Signs

Ocean Isle GIS Aerial

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 going out to 17 and continuing south and heading to Ocean Isle. We chose south heading to Ocean Isle via business 17 and 179.  The drive is pleasant rural coastal North Carolina with occasional golf and resort communities.

It also seems to be goofy sign territory, several notables, from here and further south were:

·         Bad Spellers Untie
·         Worms & Coffee
·         Eat and Get Gas at the Same Time!
·         Damifino Equipment (got to figure they were trying to think up a name and said….)
·         Backache Acres (on a small farm plot)
·         For sale sign on a 15 passenger van – had a picture of the van, think about it.
·         Street sign: “Bogus Lane”

Getting back to our travels, coming over on the high rise bridge (no draw bridge delays), Ocean Isle looks a little like a Jersey shore town, lots of houses, and few trees. Upon closer examination, there are some treed areas in the older areas that have one and two level homes.  The island has an interesting layout; a good portion of the islands housing has direct water/boating access through a series of canals.  A map or satellite view resembles a comb.  Ocean Isle’s beach’s were restored in 2008 and are consistently ranked among the widest, cleanest and best beaches in Brunswick County and North Carolina.

Note the Canals, or /Channels

There are a number of food & drink establishments and lodging venues on the island.  We have been recommended to Sharkey’s as a friendly place with good food and great views – but we arrived pre-lunch, so missed our chance to try it out.  Sharky’s and several lodging opportunities which looked good have links in www.oceanislebeach.com. We hope to stop by on the way back.