Nice equipment, helpful staff members, affordable pricing. They sell little waterproof bags (and…read morebig drybags too) so that if you need to you can take electronics or clothing out on the boat with you. Souvenirs are park-specific which is nice. They were building a new restroom facility when we visited (Memorial Day 2017). There's also a picnic area with grills. There are classroom facilities too which can also be rented for meetings. The building has wifi. This building is separate from the other building with the cafe and store inside, which is closer to the beach. We will definitely rent another tandem kayak from here next time we camp at Anastasia State Park. The kayaking takes place over oyster beds so you CANNOT get out of the boat without injuring yourself. Beautiful views and we saw lots of wildlife, especially birds, crabs, and we think we saw a sea turtle quickly surface.

Omg I feel terrible I can't remember their names but wonderful young lady & gentleman who took us…read moreout on a tour on the wee sunrise hours of 05/25/2025. It was an incredible start to my birthday! They were so mannerly and awesome personality for getting there at 5:30am on a Sunday you'd never know it!! We had the perfect weather and tide conditions for kayaking! They were enjoyable and knowledgable. We each took out a single. They also have doubles and other equipment for rentals. Definitely worth it!! Clearly they know what they're doing. We couldn't thank them enough. Hoping we get to go out with them again sometime soon!! We have so many amazing pictures I'll only be able to share a few.

We love homeschool horse camp! All of the animals at the barn as well as the visitors are so well…read morecared for. It's mine and my daughter's favorite place to be.

I took my 6 year old granddaughter, Charlotte, to Southern Pines for their Foundational Horse…read moreLesson a week ago and she is still talking about it. Jen Daly was so good with her, teaching her all the fundamentals from the tact room, to grooming the horse, and riding the horse. Too often parents just take their kids to "ride a horse" without learning to appreciate how much goes into taking care of a horse. Charlotte learned all those things in a couple of hours, she even mucked the stall and enjoyed it. Jen had her riding Lola (a wonderfully gentle horse) within a matter of minutes and steering the horse on her own. I only wish Charlotte lived here year round so I could enroll her in ongoing lessons at Southern Pines. A very clean, well managed facility where it's clear to see how much they love and care for the horses, the property and their clients.

My daughter started gymnastics here a few months ago and she is loving it. When I observed the…read moreclass they have the children divided more by age groups. The teachers are giving instruction and from my daughters response are very motivating. The only down side is there are no seats to watch in one of the areas, so you have to bring your own chair or stand for the duration of the class. However we really enjoy being part of this gym.

My little sister went here: Not a very clean facility, quite dirty there is dust everywhere, we do…read morenot plan on going back

I strongly caution any parent considering Castle Brook Academy. The environment often felt…read morestressful rather than nurturing, and some staff interactions with children were rough or inappropriate. Screens and videos are used everyday with children of all ages, including infants. The facility does not have cameras, making it hard to know what's happening throughout the day. Since transferring my kids to a different daycare, their entire demeanors have changed. My heart aches seeing how much my children are thriving in a healthy environment now. I only wish I had realized sooner how harmful Castle Brook really was.

We love everyone at Castle Brook and are glad we found them. Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Eisha are so…read morewelcoming, friendly and helpful every time we arrive. Ms. Peggy and Ms. Nora are great with the VPK4 kids. Both are great with fostering an amazing learning environment while encouraging the kids to have fun together. I was able to witness Ms. Peggy and Ms. Stephanie handle a behavior issue with my child and both were very firm yet loving while helping my child understand the appropriate and expected behavior in the future. Ms. Pam is always friendly and does a great job with preparing great meals for all of the kids. We would recommend Castle Brook for anyone that is looking any of the childcare services they provide.

Love island prep I've had a great experience they're on top of things and very professional..I feel…read moresafe leaving my son here under their care

I implore you to choose a different school. My experience here has been the literal worst. Office…read morestaff and teachers were just not friendly. MS. J... ALWAYS blatantly displayed favoritism of children. I was utterly sickened. Every day after school my child would tell me how MS. J... was just always yelling at them all day and how they always had to put their heads down. Who in their right mind would employ someone who constantly yells at and punishes preschoolers? And the kicker, before I forget, the same MS. J..., on two separate occasions, was at the counter talking to another teacher about how much she hates her job and wants to leave. Who runs this place?

My 2 year old Jackson attends Brighton Day. It's the first time we put him in childcare and I was…read moreso nervous (as I'm sure he was as well). Tracy, the director is awesome she gave me so much confidence Jackson would adjust well. The facility is new and beautiful. The specific playgrounds for each age group are full of awesome age appropriate outdoor fun! Ms.Gena and Ms.Emily are incredible. They make drop offs on morning that Jackson is in a bit of a mood easy. They care so much and always remember to tell me how he did during the day (if he napped, how he ate, etc). Jackson was not feeling well one day and I came to pick him up early. They had him cuddled up in his blanket comforting him. I cannot imagine a more wonderful place for Jackson to spend his time while I am working! Did I mention how much his vocabulary has improved and how he is eating more foods since starting! By Samantha Wiedemann

My son's teacher is not friendly and is not communicative. He moved to different daycare and the…read moreteacher is so much better.

Best school in town! My son has been going here since vpk and is now in 3rd grade. Love the small…read moreclass sizes, teachers and staff are amazing, and they take special care of your children! You wont be sorry if you choose this school

I happily worked at island prep for three years and i loved every second of it! Now that I have a…read morelittle girl of my own I wouldn't trust anyone else with my wee mermaid! EVERY teacher there loves and cares for your child deeply. I wish that those who write negative reviews could be a fly on the wall and see how hard these ladies work. All the directors at each school I've had the pleasure of working with. Rachel, and Sarah are so incredibly knowledgable and amazing (I worked with them in the toddler room.) I refer to them as my Dumbledore and Gandalf (they are like child development encyclopedias) Kate, and Dani love every single child that walks in the door and to pretend otherwise would be silly and just untrue