Ocean Isle Beach Then & Now...
We used to hunt ducks and geese on the waters around Ocean Isle Beach and the Shallotte River in the late fall and winter. The sky seemed to be full of birds, so many that they would block out the light or so it seemed. We wondered how long it would be before others discovered our small spot in paradise. Oysters and clams were plentiful as well as large shrimp that filled the shallow waters in the bay almost year round, making it a pleasure to return time after time to see what nature had provided.
The barrier islands were practically deserted in those days, just a few fishing shacks sitting high in the tall sand dunes that furnished some shelter for lone fishermen during the storms.
Today, the serenity is still the same but the changes are many. Mr. Odell Williamson, an army pilot in WWII, had a dream. He wanted to develop a barren island into a ‘Tourist Mecca’ where others from near and far away could enjoy what we took for granted. Dreams became reality when Ocean Isle Beach was incorporated in 1959.
Being a Brunswick County native, he wanted to build an establishment that would rival anything on the east coast. He wanted others to experience the pleasures we had growing up on the islands. His dream was to provide a place that would bring his guests back year after year. Today, the island has new luxury hotels, homes, condominiums, and resorts that provide shelter and a good time for those that wish to escape the fast life for a few days or weeks.
Ocean Isle Beach area has thirty or so championship golf courses with access to more than one hundred and fifty courses within a day’s drive. Guests of this beautiful beach have are also just a short drive from the many area attractions in Myrtle Beach. The restaurants provide excellent gourmet cuisine at reasonable family prices and provide the finest in decor, excellent views and service with a smile. Southern hospitality comes naturally to the folks on Ocean Isle Beach. Come and enjoy this little piece of paradise and partake of real southern accommodations, food and hospitality that have become a standard on Ocean Isle Beach.
One dish that stands out is the seafood platter—filled with luscious shrimp, flaky flounder, delicious crab cakes, tender scallops and clam strips— perfectly prepared as a meal fit for a king. Of course, the Carolina crabmeat and shrimp stuffed flounder rates with the pecan encrusted salmon, or perhaps a thick, juicy steak is what you had in mind. Seafood, Italian, Jamaican, Fancy, Plain, home delivery or dining out, whatever your taste, let the world renowned chefs here at Ocean Isle Beach make your meal special.
Not only did Odell provide a showplace where the cuisine, hospitality and services are superior to anything available in the area, he also became the area’s largest philanthropist, giving millions to the local hospitals and colleges. Today, his children continue the family tradition. What began as one man’s dream has taken a short lifetime to bring to fruition a tourist’s paradise in the days since we used to hunt birds in the marshes around Ocean Isle Beach.
So come and visit Ocean Isle Beach and enjoy the dream!
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