What to Do at Holden Beach | Favorite Things

What to Do at Holden Beach | Favorite Things

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I just photographed two sweet families at Holden Beach (one in this blog post!) and with our first ever Coastal Minis coming up, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about Holden Beach for those coming to visit. First of all, the colors this Mama chose for her session – love, love, love. The boys coordinated perfectly with their sister. We did end up having some no see em’s (I think that’s what they are called) the night of their session, but these kids still played and laughed in the ocean, no problem. It was a complicated week trying to figure out when to have our session because of the tropical storm. Everytime we thought it was going to rain per the forecast, it was a gorgeous day. It actually rained right before I photographed this family. (I was in middle of a downpour on the beach photographing the other family! Can’t wait to share their images soon! ) A lot going on in one evening!

A few of my favorites at Holden Beach..

1.My favorite place to eat is the Yacht Basin Provision Company. (They also have a location at Southport, so when googling, make sure you pick Holden Beach) It is on the mainland right under the bridge. It’s a super cute dock with great shrimp, crabcakes and burgers. (I usually get “thee special”)

2.If you love coffee, we absolutely love Ocean Boulevard Coffee. It’s right when you turn on the island, and it’s in the same building as Beach Fun Rentals. They also have wi-fi, which is awesome.

3.Speaking of Beach Fun Rentals, we have loved renting bikes from them – especially since we can get a tagalong bike for Owen and baby bike seat for Harrison.

4.For pizza, you can get dominoes delivered, but I’m definitely going to recommend Patronie’s Pizza. 

5.Produce. Since you know I love some produce with my whole30 eating and all, and who can resist having watermelon around in the summer, we have loved Lulum’s Produce which is on the way to Shallotte. They also sell an amazing key lime pie.

6.If you want to go out for breakfast, have a burger or lunch, or especially if you need a birthday cake or dessert, you will want to go to The Purple Onion. They have so many baked goodies, but call ahead and order if you need a birthday cake. They are open until 2pm most days.

7.Ice Cream. Beaches -n- Cream all the way. My favorite of theirs has been the Krispy Kreme, but you just never know when they will have it. (You can check their social media for their daily flavors)

8. Sunset Slush is a fun place to take the kids. It’s right under the bridge and the kids can play cornhole while they eat their slushie.

9.The walkway/pier under the bridge. It’s fun to walk out there and watch the boats. You can also see what the fishermen have caught.

We’ve also eaten at The Seafood Barn (get there right at 5 to beat the rush, Castaways, and Archibalds – great for a sandwich or chess pie!) Inlet view is a little bit of a drive but is also a fun place with cornhole + gorgeous view.

9. If you want to drive a little bit, Calabash isn’t super bar and we love eating at The Boundary House and then perusing through the Christmas shop there.

10. Miss Minnie’s Antiques – a fun shop to stop in if you are in Shallotte.

11. Tide Dye Tuesday under the bridge. So much fun, and this year they had 5.00 Holden Beach 2016 shirts – so much fun and a great memory. Tuesdays 2-3:30 on the island right under the bridge at the Pavillion. (right next to Sunset Slush) We got there early, and there was already a line.

What to Do If It Rains

It is inevitable that it will rain at some point if you stay at the beach long enough, right? Especially if you are staying for a week. Shallotte is not too far and has a few great options

1.Planet Fun is just that – fun. It is such a great place for kids – so many fun things for them to do.

2.Go See a Movie. If there are some fun kids movies out, this is a great spot.

We love Holden Beach. It’s so quiet and such a great family beach..Most of all our favorite part of Holden, the beach.

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Rebecca Keller is a Holden Beach Family Photographer featured in People Magazine and on several blogs including Let the Kids Dress Themselves. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information and family photography and travel sessions.