South of Wilmington you will find Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher, collectively known as Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island was originally a peninsula known as Federal Point and became an island upon the completion of Snows Cut in 1930. Once you cross the Snows Cut Bridge you are in another world of unspoiled sandy beaches. The many single-family homes, condominiums, and duplexes, both oceanfront and in the adjacent communities, radiate the friendliness you find in a small beach town.
Pleasure Island is home to many special events each year. One of the longest-running beach music festivals in the United States, The Pleasure Island Beach Music Festival at Carolina Beach has been going strong since 1985. Each October, nationally recognized jazz and blues musicians gather at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation area for the Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival. Want to try some great chowder? Each year you will find some of the top chefs from Pleasure Island, Monkey Junction, and Wilmington competing in the Chowder Cook-off. Held at the Carolina Beach Lake Park, bring your appetite and sample some of the best chowder around.
