Wrightsville Beach, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2011 -- Visitors to Wrightsville Beach (http://www.visitwrightsville.com) might be surprised at just how much there is to discover without needing to cross back over the bridge and leave.

Whether beachgoers want to dine out, swim, surf or shop as summer begins to wind down, it can all be done at Wrightsville Beach. The area offers vacation rentals, motels and three full-service hotels with onsite parking, making it easy to get to Wrightsville Beach, and even easier to stay.

Dining
Wrightsville Beach boasts almost 20 restaurants, with menu offerings ranging from steak and seafood to ice cream, hot dogs and more (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/dining/beach.html).

Popular destinations include the Oceanic Restaurant, East at Blockade Runner Resort, Verandah Café at Holiday Inn Resort and North End Bistro at Shell Island Resort. These restaurants offer breathtaking ocean views in addition to decadent menu selections. Other restaurants offer diners a chance to enjoy a meal while looking out over the Intracoastal Waterway.

Island History
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History strives to show visitors why the beach is a part of so many people’s memories (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/museums.html).

Festivals
Lumina Daze 2011, set for Sunday, Aug. 28, includes food and drinks, live music, auctions and exhibits for the whole family (http://bit.ly/rtrQJ2). The event benefits the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.

Fishing
Professional anglers and casual fishermen and women can find everything they need to cast out at Wrightsville Beach. In addition to several world-class fishing tournaments and prime surf fishing near beach jetties, Wrightsville Beach offers scenic tours and more than ten fishing charters (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/fishing.html) that make fishing fun for the whole family. Johnnie Mercer’s Pier offers prime fishing, and visitors can either bring their own equipment or rent a rod and reel for the day.

Fitness
Beachgoers who do not want to be beach bums need not leave, either – active visitors can check out several Wrightsville Beach outdoor outfitters, hobby shops and rental locations that offer a variety of paddling, kayak fishing, and paddleboard accessories for the active vacationer (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/fitness.html). Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, jog or bike on The Loop, a fitness trail that circles the inner island. Many visitors and area residents alike plan to participate in the 33rd Annual YMCA Triathlon on Saturday, Sept. 17 (http://bit.ly/nAA0zI).

Music
Live music is easy to find around town. Vacationers can bring a picnic and enjoy an installment of the popular Sounds of Summer concert at Wrightsville Beach Park (http://bit.ly/ohhJ1u) or other public concerts and festivals. Others might catch some tunes at local eateries such as The Bluewater Waterfront Grill, which features live music from local bands at 4:00 p.m. every Sunday through October. Several Wrightsville Beach nightlife venues also feature live music (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/nightlife.html).

Nature
Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through September, Audubon North Carolina helps visitors enjoy close-up looks at natural marvels through free guided tours of the Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area (http://bit.ly/q0sQqM). Vacationers can also catch a glimpse of local wildlife by participating in one of the nature tours or cruises offered by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours (http://bit.ly/mOELnI).

Nightlife
Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of fun activities even after the sun goes down. A variety of destinations offer entertainment from nightly music to DJs and dancing (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/nightlife.html).

Shopping
Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of shops specializing in beachwear, surfing equipment, gifts and antiques, and groceries, of course. The Wrightsville Beach Supply Company, open year-round, rents beach equipment and sells sunglasses, sandals, t-shirts and more. Visitors looking for the best fresh produce, locally caught seafood and baked goods should try the Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market, featuring fresh, locally grown produce, seafood and baked goods. The Farmers’ Market is open each Monday during the summer months from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (http://bit.ly/r9xRvc).

Water Sports
Surfers of all ages and experience levels can catch a wave with one of the local surf schools or camps (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/activities/beach/surfing.html). Younger enthusiasts with a competitive spirit might consider attending the 15th Annual East Coast Wahine Surfing Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 (http://bit.ly/oraRMh).

Other visitors may wish to rent stand-up paddleboard gear and take a lesson in one of Wrightsville Beach’s fastest-growing sports, or try their hand at any number of water-based activities the area has to offer.

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:
Podcast with Tony Butler of Sweetwater Surf Shop in Wrightsville Beach
http://bit.ly/q6uibW

Wrightsville Beach on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/WrightsvilleBeachNC

Wrightsville Beach on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/GoWrightsville

About Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
Wrightsville Beach, part of North Carolina’s coast, is one of the state’s most accessible and enjoyable beaches. First-time and returning visitors alike can find year-round activities for children and adults of all ages. For more information, go to http://www.visitwrightsville.com or call the Wrightsville Beach Visitors Center at (800) 650-9106.

Jake Potter
MMI Public Relations
(919) 233-6600
jake@mmipublicrelations.com
http://twitter.com/mmipublicrelations
http://www.mmipublicrelations.com