When Rube McMullan purchased land along the Shallotte River in Ocean Isle Beach, he had a clear vision to create a business that would coexist with the natural environment.

Incorporating the beauty of the wooded surroundings and swamp waters, McMullan opened The Swamp Park, a nature-oriented eco park, in June 2015. Located at 5550 Watts Road SW, the park features the longest zip line canopy tour on the Eastern Seaboard, an ATV tour through 400 acres, an aerial adventure park and swamp boat tours.

"There is nothing like us around," said general manager George Howard. "We are creating inspired experiences that are second to none."

The park, one of many attractions that offer experiences throughout Brunswick County, draws a 50/50 mix of tourists and locals.

"A lot of our guests own homes in Ocean Isle Beach; others come to the beach year after year, and many Wilmingtonians take the easy drive to get out of the hustle and bustle," Howard said.

Families are at the heart of the adventures. For ages 4 and up, Aerial Adventure Park features 53 challenge obstacles, including three skill levels of rope courses and wobble bridges. Zipline tours, open to guests ages 10 and older who weigh at least 70 pounds, provide a bird's eye view of the swamp and its critters — deer, turkeys, raccoons, owls and wild boar.

"The 50-minute swamp boat eco-tour through 100-year-old cypress trees is for true nature nerds," Howard said. "We have a fantastic tour guide who shares history and points out notable landmarks."

The guided ATV tour is an hour and a half through the forest, the swamp and, of course, the mud.

"It is one heck of a tour on brand new ATVs," Howard said.

At its core, The Swamp Park is guided by values of conservation and diligence.

"Many people see the swamp as a negative. We are changing that mindset," Howard said. "Get out of hustle and bustle with an inspired experience with nature — it's closer than you think."

The Swamp Park operates year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A short drive away, father-and-son Brian and Blake Strong operate Skydive Coastal Carolinas on Long Beach Road in Southport.

"We offer professional skydiving in a dream-come-true location," said Brian Strong, who has made over 1,500 jumps over the past 40 years. He holds a commercial pilot license, a master rigger certificate and an FAA airframe license. He has taught over 5,000 first-time jumpers.

Blake Strong grew up immersed in the airport hangar, packing canopies at age 14 and making his first jump at 18, the minimum age to skydive. He, too, has made over 1,500 jumps.

Supported by a staff of 22 who have a passion for the sport, Skydive Coastal Carolinas is the premier destination for thrill-seekers near Wilmington, Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach.

"We are the only place to skydive around here," Brian Strong said. "You have to go to Charleston, and the drop zone is out in the boondocks. Our jumps are over the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You can't beat the beautiful scenery."

About 70% of the skydivers are first-time tandem jumpers, often accompanied by family and friends.

"Jumpers are very nervous," Brian Strong said. "But when they move forward into the thrill of the unknown, and the airplane door opens, all the stress is sucked out. Jumpers hoot and holler as they come down, and by the time they land, they are shouting about how incredible it was."

While the majority of jumpers are younger, the experience is not limited by age or ability. Brian Strong has jumped with 90- and 95-year-olds. Many come back year after year.

"Everyone can experience the thrill," Brian Strong said. "We've had paraplegics, visually impaired individuals and amputees take the leap. We've hosted marriage proposals where the guy lands first and proposes to his girl as soon as her feet touch the ground."

For Brian Strong, the magic of skydiving never fades.

"It's an incredible perspective on the world," he said. "One that never gets old."

Back on the ground in Southport, husband and wife Kevin Hollister and Briton Campbell Hollister are owners of Throw Baxe, a retro-themed establishment where axe throwing meets classic board games.

"We sell fun," said Kevin Hollister. "Step inside, and you can't help but have a good time. And you leave with a smile."

Every member of the family is invited to the party, whether to enjoy the food, play board games or throw an axe. "Our vigilant instructors have taught 5-year-olds to 95-year-olds to throw. No youth has ever been involved in an injury, ever," Kevin Hollister said.

The venue has earned a loyal following among locals and tourists, as evidenced by an average 5-star rating on Google Maps, Yelp and Facebook.

"We have a great tourism base," said Kevin Hollister. "Many families now make mandatory visits year after year. It only takes one time to realize that we sell fun."