Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Sunset Beach, NC

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox can be found on Bird Island in Sunset Beach, NC. Some go in search of it while others discover it by accident. To those who live on the island it’s a treasure and a landmark for our quaint and picturesque beach town.

The mailbox is hidden back by the dunes about two miles from the pier on the west end. I like to search for the American flag because I know to look for it there after passing a small sign welcoming you to Bird Island. Be warned that once you find it, it will be hard to leave without peeking inside and getting caught up reading through the journals left in the tiny metal frame. In the journals and old composition books you will discover notes, poems, love letters, farewells to loved ones, and even something as simple as I was here. Hours can be lost in such a remote little spot but I promise it will be something that you will never forget.


So when you come and stay at The Sunset Inn here in Sunset Beach, NC be sure to visit the treasure of the island known as the Kindred Spirit Mailbox.

Not your typical getaway, but so much more

The Sunset Inn has hosted a great number of guests in its 13 year existance. We have seen guests from as far as Dubai, Japan, & Switzerland and we have had an abundance from North Carolina and all over the Unites States. We have been a part of business trips, family reunions, and friend getaways. But we have also been a place for Romance!


The Sunset Inn has been lucky to be a part of countless engagements, and honeymoons, secret birthday and anniversary trips and last but not least Weddings! The Sunset Inn may just look like a beautiful 14 room coastal cottage on the outside, but once you enter through its doors you become part of the history of the building. A place where JoAnna & Scott said I Do. A place where Cindy celebrated her 50th birthday. A place where Dennis & Kathy got engaged. It is a place where smiles, laughter, and great memories exist. A place where guests have become family members.


We would love for you to become part of The Sunset Inn family. We would love for you to be our guests and start making memories of your own right here in beautiful Sunset Beach. Visit www.thesunsetinn.net and start creating happy memories and dreams of your own, and don't forget to add a little romance while you are at it!

Calling All Car Show Enthusiasts!

Calling all car enthusiasts!!! If you love seeing cars like a 67 Camaro, 70 Dodge Dart, or a Ford Model T then cruise on down to our area and check out these classic car shows being held in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area all Summer! Come on down and stay at The Sunset Inn here in Sunset Beach, NC and visit these exciting events and then relax on one of the prettiest beaches on the entire East Coast! Visit us at www.thesunsetinn.net

Car Shows/Cruise-ins


Hot Rod Promotions June 22nd at Poppy's Burgers & Subs 3290 U.S. 17 Business Murrells Inlet. FREE Admission.

Call 843-503-8245 for details


Myrtle Beach Car Club
Cruise-ins are 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.and it is FREE! Call 843-742-9802 for info


June 15th at Midas Auto Repair 3354 Waccamaw Blvd off of US 501, near Bob Evans


June 29th at Four Seasons Car Wash, 600 US 17S, Surfside Beach


July 20th at Eggs Up Grill, on US17 Business in Garden City Beach, south of Garden City Furniture.


September 7th at Chick-Fil-A, 4400 US Bypass, Murrells Inlet


September 14th at Maggi D's Fine Italian Cuisine, 407 Seaboard St. Myrtle Beach across from Coastal Grand Mall


September 21 at Creek Ratz, 4065 US 17 Business, Murrelss Inlet.


"Mustang Week" Car Show


July 16th Meet & Greet Noon until 4 at Palace theatre at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC


July 17th Myrtle Beach Autocross and Circle Tracj Fun Runs 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a Burn Out Contest at 5:30 p.m. and Wheels Of Destruction Thrill show at 7:15 at Myrtle Beach Speedway off of US 501 near Carolina Forest. visit www.myrtlebeachspeedway.com


July 18th 5.0 Magazine Dyno Challenge at Myrtle Beach Mall at US 17 and S.C. 22 near Briarcliffe Acres


July 19th Eifht annual Car Show at Myrtle Beach Mall. Registration 9-11 a.m. and judging at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.


July 20th Mustang and SVT Cruise-In, noon-6p.m. at Myrtle Beach Mall, Car show awards at 3 p.m.
Visit www.mustangweek.com for more information

Summer Events & Festivals

Come stay at The Sunset Inn and enjoy some fun in the sun and then check out these great upcoming events and festivals that include everything from wine tastings, book signings, cooking classes, area tours including programs at our beloved Swing Bridge, and more! There is always plenty to do here in Brunswick County, NC and you can do as little or as much as you want. We would love to see you!
June 5th Opening of Les Miserables at Thalian Hall in Downtown Wilmington, NC. Showtime is 3:00p.m. All other shows at 8:00 p.m. Production runs through the month of June.


Jazz At The Mansion


Date: Thu, June 6th 2013
Additional Time Info: 6:30pm
External Link: Event Website
Location: Bellamy Mansion
Bring your blankets or chairs and relax on the lawn to the sounds of America's classic songs played by the outstanding Wilmington artists. Beer and wine sold. $12 General admission / $10 Members $5 Students (with ID) $40 Season Passes* / $50 for non members *current members or The Bellamy Mansion or the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Market Street in Wilmington, NC


American Pie Music & Wine Fest Saturday, June 8, 2013 Noon - 5 pm Little River, SC

Take a walk down memory lane. Enjoy an afternoon of live music from two talented bands. Plus, sample the many wine varieties of La Belle Amie, try our flavorful wine slushies, and enjoy the beauty of the vineyard. The owner will give a vineyard tour (2:30). Or, browse our great gift shop. It doesn’t get any nicer than this. Its an afternoon of remembering the good ol’ days.MUSIC (12:00 – 5:00pm) BY: The Party Favor Band, and The Lanny Prewitt BandADMISSION: $8/person. (under 18 or over 80 admitted free) Bring two canned/dry good items for area food banks and receive $3 off admission. Club Members Free.Food Available From: Smokin’ Pitt BBQ, and The Vineyard Grill. BEVERAGES (Water, Soda, Beer, & Wine) Available From: La Belle Amie Vineyard. SORRY, ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD, BEVERAGES OR PETS ALLOWED INTO THIS EVENT. Remember, bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard. 843/399-WINE

June 22 – First Blush of Summer Fest
July 6 - Independence Music Blast
July 20 – Summer Parrot Head Festival
Aug 3 – Blues & Jazz Fest
Aug 17 – Whole Lotta Shakin’ Oldies Music Fest
Aug 31 – Summer Breeze Music Fest
Sept 14 - Dog Days Blues & Jazz FestE (9463)

Details coming soon on www.labelleamie.com

SUMMERFEST STROLLING BOARDWALK PARADE

June 5th & every Wednesday through August

What Barefoot Landing's SummerFest schedule includes a strolling boardwalk parade every Wednesday this Summer. Watch as a live marching band, mascots and live animals stroll along the streets of the complex.

When The Strolling Boardwalk Parade will be held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday from June 1-August 31 at Barefoot Landing.

Where BAREFOOT LANDING

Silver Coast Winery OIB

Book Signing Come Meet Dorothea Benton Frank in the Barrel Room June 10, 2013 6-9pm

Dorothea's Newest Book The Last Original Wife"

Also at Silver Coast Winery: Hooked on Dancin' with Wanda & Jim York

Line & Partner Dance Instruction In the Barrel Room Wednesday's 2:30-5pm & Selected Sunday's www.CountryLineDancing.com

Top Chef Farmers Market Food Tour & Cooking Class June 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th Wilmington, NC

Stop dreaming about following a top chef through the farmers market. Get behind one. Join culinary tour guide Liz Biro for a coffee tasting and morning treats at Hot Pink Cake Stand or Port City Java. Then, stroll to downtown Wilmington's abundant Riverfront Farmers Market to see and sample at some of Liz's favorite vendors. Pickled N.C. peanuts, authentic Italian pastries, ginger wine made with local grapes. The array is always delicious and interesting. Along the way, the tour meets up with local foods devotee chef Tyson Amick of Aubriana's, among the Port City's best restaurants. Chef Tyson's creative American dishes with European flair are inspired by the Cape Fear region's bounty. Learn how a professional chef shops the market and draws inspiration from it. Afterward, it's back to Aubriana's for a hands-on cooking lesson featuring ingredients purchased at the market. You'll never consider frozen vegetables again.

June 29,2013
9am
N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day
In conjunction with the NC 4th of July festival, Oak Island Parks and Recreation invites you and your family to the annual Beach Day on June 29th, 2013. Beginning at 9am with the horseshoe tournament, there will be live entertainment, dozens of family contest and inflatable rides at Middleton Park. There will also be a corn hole, bocce’, sand castle, and volleyball contest on the beach in front of the cabana. A skate boarding contest continues the fun at the skate park at 3pm. The fun continues at 8pm with a live beach band and shag contest at Middleton Park and ends at dusk with the annual Beach Day fireworks from Oak Island Pier.
Middleton Park Extension (46th Street, SE and Beachfront Cabana Area.
Contact: Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department
910-278-5518
Admission/Fees: Free
Organized and Sponsored by Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department. Beach Concert & Shag Contest Sponsored by N.C. 4th of July Festival.

Now Through Labor Day, 2013 Old Bridge Preservation Society
The Old Bridge Preservation Society launched its second annual Summer at the Old Bridge. There will be a presence at the Old Bridge from 10AM – 1PM Mondays and Wednesdays. Volunteers will be there to offer the history of the Old Bridge and information about the role it played in the development of Sunset Beach. Evening programs are planned throughout the entire summer from 5-8 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays in addition to educational and historical talks by retired bridge tenders and long-time local residents.

Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2013 Ingram Planetarium
Ingram Planetarium is presenting a new show in the SciDome Sky Theater called Dynamic Earth. 1:00PM and 3PM every Tuesday through Saturday this summer. They are located at 7625 High Market St. in Sunset Beach. Free family shows are featured every weekday at noon as well. For more information call 575-0033 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org

Arts & Crafts Festival Myrtle Beach

August 2nd- August 4th ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL MYRTLE BEACH

Arts & Crafts Festival Myrtle Beach features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. It is a winner of The Sunshine Artist award. The event stands out in the international list of priority craft shows as it offers unmatched selling and buying opportunities to the art and craft enthusiasts and collectors. The show also brings together craftsmen and artisans from all across the globe on a common platform to leverage mutual trade and business.
Arts & Crafts Festival Myrtle Beach will be exploring with ceramics, jewelery, woodcrafts art, glassworks, pottery and many more different crafts can be found at this particular crafts shows. A thousand visitors can be expected in this craft event that will be eagerly coming from across the country to collect and learn different handcrafts and artistic items as well.

August 31st OAK ISLAND ART GUILD'S 24RD ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Oak Island Art Guild's 24rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Middleton Park Extension Soccer Field 46th SE Street & Dolphin Drive
Oak Island, NC 28465

Annual Labor Day weekend festival celebrating local and regional artists and craftspeople who display and sell their handmade goods within sight of the ocean.

Old Pastime Comes Back to Life

 Sounds like a perfect date night to us! Come stay at The Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach, NC and take in an old pastime every Wednesday night during the summer in Myrtle Beach, SC.

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
JUN. 5, 2013 & every Wednesday through August 2013

What
Make Wednesdays nights in June, July and August Date Nights with Movies Under the Stars at The Market Common. A free movie will be played in Valor Park with nachos, beer and wine being sold by Nacho Hippo. Canipes Chocolate and Candies will sell popcorn and other concessions. See below for the movie schedule.

When
Movies Under the Stars will be held every Wednesday in August and September beginning at 9pm.
June 5 Jaws
June 12 Ghostbusters
June 19 Sister Act
June 26 Father of the Bride

July 3 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
July 10 Despicable Me
July 17 Goonies
July 24 The Lion King
July 31 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

August 7 Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
August 14 Three Men & a Baby
August 21 City Slickers
August 28 Jurassic Park
Show all dates for this event

Where
THE MARKET COMMON

The Market Common in Myrtle Beach offers a unique lifestyle experience for all visitors with a true urban village community. Their mix of restaurants, specialty shops, salons and trendy boutiques, all set outdoors, make it a great place to get just about any errand done. Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, P.F. Chang’s, Anthropologie, White House Black Market, Williams-Sonoma are just a handful of the places you’ll find at The Market Common.

Day Trip Three - Battleship North Carolina

Daytrip Three: North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, NC

Whether you are a lover of history, ships, firepower, or rare tours The USS Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, NC is a must see! An easy drive up Highway 17 to 421, the grand ship is a breathtaking sight that holds so many memories of those who were aboard. The guided tours help bring those memories to life

The Battleship was launched June 14th 1940 and commissioned April 19th 1941. It was not long before she was put to the test and she and her crew saw battle in WWII. Surviving a torpedo attack during World War II this Battleship participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. “In the Battle of the Eastern Solomon’s in August of 1942, the Battleship’s anti aircraft barrage helped save the carrier Enterprise, thereby establishing the primary role of the fast battleship as protector of aircraft carriers”. On your visit you will hear more tales like this and that of the SOS campaign to save the ship from becoming scrap metal in NJ and returning to its rightful place here in North Carolina.

This tour is a definite “thing to do” while visiting us here at The Sunset Inn and once you step board the magnificent vessel it will be a day you will not forget. For more information about tours you can visit www.battleshipnc.com. Below is a list of events coming up in the next few weeks & months:

Design & Damage Control
May 18, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
$55 per person. $50 for Friends members or active military.


As the first of the 10 fast battleships which served in WWII, NORTH CAROLINA paved the way for those battleships that followed. In this four-hour program, participants will explore the ship and engage with experts on ship design. Topics include surviving a torpedo strike, fires, and loss of power; thwarting magnetism and unwanted waters from flooding; from shoring and shifting fuel oil to triage of casualties and effective communication. An interesting and insightful afternoon awaits inquiring minds.


The tour is limited to ages 16 and older and limited to 48 participants. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Water and light snack provided. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, May 16. Program is $50/$45 for Friends of the Battleship or active military. Call 910-251-5797 for reservations.

8th Annual Memorial Day Observance
May 27, 2013
Time: 5:45 pm
FREE


On Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, at 5:45 pm, people of all generations from across the State will gather together on the deck of the Battleship to pay their respects. An emotional ceremony, preceding and concluding with military musical arrangements provided by an Armed Forces Band, and a 21-gun salute, the Executive Director of the Battleship, Captain Terry A. Bragg and members of the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Commission invite the public to this free event.

17th Annual Battleship Blast


July 4, 2013
Time: 9:05 pm
Noted as Coastal Living's 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society's award of Top 20 things to due in July, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA will present the 2013 17th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks.
The celebration will not disappoint and at 9:05pm the Battleship fireworks spectacular will begin. You don’t want to miss this year as the fireworks display will light up the skies of Wilmington.
Best view of amazing pyro technics is from downtown Wilmington as the entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6:00pm and all vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30pm. Therefore, come early and visit the equally impressive Battleship North Carolina before the activities in the evening.


Battleship Alive!
September 28, 2013
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free with Battleship admission


Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. Free with regular Battleship admission. Please call 910-251-5797 for more information.

Day Trip Two - Bald Head Island

Once on Bald Head Island you can head to the beach, visit the unique stores & art galleries, kayak through the inlets, and/or take in a round of golf at The Club. However, don’t miss the must see landmark, the Old Baldy Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy is a grand stone work of art that can be toured for only $5.00 along with the small museum beside it. If you are not afraid of heights then climbing the spiral staircase to the very top is a must. The view is like no other.

So while staying with us here at The Sunset Inn make sure to set aside some time to visit Bald Head Island. Here are some upcoming events on Bald Head Island to entice you even more:

Saturday, May 11, 2013 Wine & Cheese Gala

Wine and Cheese Gala will take place on May 11th aboard "Patriot". The boat will depart at 5PM from the Bald Head Ferry Terminal. The entertainment will be provided by the New Century Saxophone Quartet and the tickets are $50.00 per person. If you wish to purchase by mail, send you Name, address and check to Friends of Music Society PO BOX 569 Fulton, MD 20759 and the tickets will be promptly mailed to you.

Friday, May 24, 2013 Middle Island Ibis Sanctuary

BHI Conservancy 9am-10:30am Middle Island/Ibis Sanctuary Hike Meet at the Barrier Island Study Center. visiting the Ibis Lake Sanctuary, a protected area of land that is private and only accessible with Conservancy staff. Reservations required. To register, please visit www.bhic.org or call (910) 457-0089 Personal golf cart transportation is required. $15 per person for BHI Conservancy Members $20 per person for non-members.

Saturday, May 25, 2013 Island Wide Open Houses

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Island-Wide Open Houses Bald Head Island Limited Real Estate Sales presents a variety of homes to introduce you to the many real estate opportunities on the island. Pick up a flyer at the sales office located at 4 Marina Wynd near the ferry landing. 910-457-7400.

Monday, May 27, 2013 Birding BHI

BHI Conservancy 8:30am – 10:30am Birding BHI Barrier Island Study Center. During the summer we are home to a large nesting population of the beautiful painted bunting. The island is also home to hundreds of egrets, herons and ibis as well as dozens of other species. To register, please visit www.bhic.org or call (910) 457-0089. Cost: $15 per person for BHI Conservancy Members, Free for BHI Conservancy Lifetime Level Members, $20 per person for non-members.

Sunday, June 16, 2013 Father’s Day Cookout

Sunday, June 16: 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Father’s Day Cookout The Bald Head Island Club Grille Terrace & Palms Terrace $18.95 plus tax and service charge for adults $11.95 plus tax and service charge for children 12 years and under. Please call 910.457.7300 to make a reservation

Friday, August 02, 2013 Pirate Weekend

Treasure Hunt Starts @ 3 pm Island Wide Game 24 hours to play –only $25 per golf cart! Pirate Booty Auction @ 4:30 pm Tent Pavilion Silent Auction Begins An 1817 coin? Cocktails in Old Baldy? Hawaiian Quilt (handmade by Old Baldy Quilters) & more treasures! Pirate Block Party NO ADMISSION CHARGE! Beer & Wine Truck opens at 4:30pm BBQ, Cash Bar, Live Music with Rusty Cutlass. Party with the Pirates at Tent Pavilion! Pirate Invasion @ 5:30 pm FREE on the Marina Captain Horatio Sinbad Arrives on the Meka II BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

Pirate Weekend

Saturday, August 03, 2013

Kids Schools Sign up for Scalawag or Pirate Artist $20 child Pirate & Pancakes Bald Head Island Club 10:30 am Feasting and songs with Rusty Cutlass! Buy tickets today—it fills fast! Duck Race 2 pm $500 First Prize Adopt a duck for $10 each or 11 ducks for $100 Pirate Ghost Walk @ 7:30 & 8:30 pm By Old Baldy $25 adult/$15 child BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

Pirate Weekend

Sunday, August 04, 2013

Pirate Parade 11:30 am Over the Bridge! Don’t forget to decorate the golf cart & wear a pirate costume! Pirate Costume Contest @ Tent Pavilion Immediately after parade..must be in parade to enter. Pirate Festival NO ADMISSION CHARGE! Noon to 5 pm Pirate Encampment, Sword Fights and Black Powder Guns, Rusty Cutlass Music, Magic Shows, Crafts, Games & more! Yum...Beer & Burgers & Brats @ Grub Ship! Creativity Challenge @ Bald Head Association Friday thru Sunday Cool works of art created by friends and neighbors! Silent auction bids end on Sunday at 4 pm. A great way to pick up one of a kind gifts! All proceeds from Pirates Are Coming support Old Baldy! BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

So if you enjoyed your first day trip to Southport, NC then why not venture just a little farther and explore Bald Head Island. You can catch the ferry from Southport and 20 minutes later you will be transported to an island paradise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, marsh inlets and lush greenery shading the pathways.
This island is special in that you can only explore it by renting bikes, a golf cart, or by walking. Leaving your cars behind when boarding the ferry, Bald Head Island reminds you to slow down, relax, and unwind while enjoying all the island has to offer.