Located in a picturesque coastal setting, Fishful Thinking offers an unforgettable beach vacation experience. With its spacious open-concept living area, fully stocked kitchen, and beautiful canal views from the lower deck or upper deck adorned with lounge chairs and rocking chairs. Enjoy water activities with paddle boards and kayaks available for canal use.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
5 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 182600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Fishful Thinking by Brunswick Vacation Rentals: Canalfront w/ Dock, Kayak & More
Summary:
Located on one of the first canals after you cross the bridge, this 5 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half bathroom home is the perfect location! Just 2 blocks from the public beach access, Fishful Thinking also offers a boat dock, ocean views, canal access, paddle board and kayaks, a fully stocked kitchen, wet bar, and much more. This beautiful home is within short walking distance to restaurants, bars, shops, pier, putt putt, arcade, playground, the town museum, and more!
The Space:
*** New under-house bar now completed as well as newly designed landscaping with twice as much fenced yard area! ***
Located on one of the first canals after you cross the bridge, this 5 bedroom, 6 full and 2 half bathroom home is the perfect location! Just 2 blocks from the public beach access, Fishful Thinking also offers a boat dock, ocean views, canal access, paddle board and kayaks, a fully stocked kitchen with wet bar, new outdoor bar, fenced yard, and much more. This beautiful home is within short walking distance to restaurants, bars, shops, pier, putt putt, arcade, playground, the town museum, and more! Avoid paying for parking by renting the closest home to the beach while being on the canal! The Ocean Isle community center, which has a public beach access with showers and restrooms, is just a 3 minute walk away. During the summer months, this community center also offers a variety of children's programs.
With 5 bedrooms, Fishful Thinking sleeps up to 18 people and each bedroom has its own private full bathroom! The first floor has a master bedroom suite with a king size bed and private bath, as well as a second bedroom which features two 2 queen beds and a private bath. There’s an additional master suite located on the second floor, also with a king size bed and private bath. The two other bedrooms, located on the second floor, have a queen and a full bed with private bath, as well as a bunk room with 2 sets of twin over full bunks with a private bath – perfect for kids! Each bedroom has its own TV with cable, Roku, Netflix, Hulu and other TV apps to enjoy. For families with infants, we also provide a pack n’ play and highchair. This home is perfect for a multi-family vacation, with plenty of space for everyone!
The first floor open concept allows renters to enjoy beautiful canal views from the spacious living room, kitchen, and dining room. Enjoy meals outside on the lower deck, at the under-house bar, or inside in the dining area which boasts a large table with seating for 10, as well as 4 additional seats at the bar. The TV in the living room is equipped with cable, Roku, Netflix, Hulu and other TV apps. Also located on the first floor is a pantry, coffee bar, wet bar and half bath.
Newly constructed in 2026, there is now a beautiful spacious bar area under the house deck! Beautiful and modern, you will have plenty of room with seating at the bar, a sitting area, a picnic table, and even more seats in the backyard. Complete with a TV, refrigerator, sink and new Blaze grill - you have all the perfect ingredients for families and friends to spread out and enjoy themselves! And even better - there is a full bathroom adjoining it too, offering convenience while relaxing as well as being able to easily rinse off from the beach.
Enjoy both canal and ocean views from the upper deck, adorned with lounge chairs and rocking chairs! The upper deck can also be accessed through the upstairs master suite. The second floor has an additional half bath, as well as a laundry room.
Feel free to bring your own boat and dock it right outside! This dock can probably accommodate up to a 25 foot boat. Please be aware that at low tide the canal is typically only about 4 feet deep. If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry, there are 2 kayaks, a paddle board, and floats available for canal use. Fishful Thinking is everything you would want for the ultimate beach vacation, book today!
Have fur babies? They are welcome! We allow dogs, up to 2 dogs under 65 lbs each for an additional fee. And new for 2026 - the backyard has been redesigned to allow for twice as much space for them to run around within the safely enclosed fenced area! Indoors, we kindly ask that guests use the baby gate to keep dogs in the downstairs area where the living room, kitchen and 2 bedrooms are located. We also ask that you keep the dogs crated or closed in a bedroom when they are left alone (we do provide one small dog crate). Thank you for your cooperation! $200 pet fee per dog.
The kitchen is fully stocked with pots/pans, dishes, glassware and even spices. Additional amenities include a drip and Keurig coffee maker, toaster, toaster oven, blender, crockpot, and mixer.
Newly installed UV light filters in air handlers that kill airborne pathogens and bacteria.
PLEASE READ RULES / NOTES PRIOR TO BOOKING:
- If your check in date is on or between Memorial Day and Labor Day, your cleaning fee does include whole house linen and towel rental fee. Linen and towel service includes top and fitted sheets and fitted sheets per bed, pillow cases, and 1 set of towels will be provided per person (1 set includes: 1 body towel, 1 hand towel, and 1 washcloth), and a kitchen towel.
- If your check in date is before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, linens and towels are NOT included in the cleaning fee. We do offer them for an additional fee, or you can choose to bring your own linens and towels, or rent through a third party.
- We highly recommend trip insurance and will not give any refunds for weather related trip interruptions or cancellations as well as any other situations that may cause you not be able to travel or use the property.
- **(Last minute bookings: We need at least 24-hour notice in order to provide linens).
- If you cancel at least 60 days prior to your check in date, you will be refunded in full minus a non-refundable fee of 5% of the total reservation (cancellation fee). Cancellations within 60 days prior to check in will not be refunded.
- Due to homeowner severe allergies, some homes may not allow service or support animals. You must disclose and get permission for any service and or support animals PRIOR to booking.
- The dock/boat slip and canal are meant to be enjoyed responsibly. Please note there are inherent dangers associated with water including drowning. Please be safe and wear a personal flotation device around the water and monitor children and those are not strong swimmers.
- While you paid a cleaning fee, if you leave the home excessively dirty and don’t follow check out procedures, an additional cleaning charge may apply that you will be responsible for paying.
- Included in your reservation is a security deposit insurance policy that can cover you for accidental damages to the home or contents, however all damages may not be covered and if denied, you will be liable / responsible for paying any damages in their entirety.
- You must be at least 26 years old to book and if your group is not related, the average age of all adults (not including children) must be 26 years old or older. We do not allow people to book for other people, the person who makes and pays for the reservation must also stay in the home.
- Sorry, NO house parties, prom events, weddings, rehearsal dinners, or any other events of any kind.
- NO Smoking inside or on/around the premise (you will be charged a $500 fee if this rule is broken).
- NO charcoal grills, fire pits, or deep fryers are permitted on premise.
- Please be aware that there are exterior security cameras located on the premises directed towards the parking area, entrances and dock area for added security and peace of mind.
- Please note if there is a fireplace, it is decorative only and not to be used.
- We provide a basic starter pack of essentials for your first day including a roll of toilet paper in each bathroom, hand soap, a roll of paper towels in the kitchen, and a trash can liner per bin.
While we do provide some items to get you started, here is a list of a few other things we want to remind you to bring:
Bath Soaps/Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothpaste
Condiments/Seasoning
Toilet paper
Paper Towels
Suntan Lotion/Sunblock
Clothes Hangers
Garbage Bags
Laundry Detergent
Dish Washer Detergent
Beach Towels
Guest Access:
Whole house
Getting Around:
ocean isle to left on second street, left on Fairmont, home is first on your left
Interaction with Guests:
Limited, keyless entry
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bathroom
6 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Shower/bathtub combination
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On the waterfront
Things to do
Boat
Kayak
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Frequently asked questions
Is Fishful Thinking by Brunswick Vacation Rentals: Canalfront w/ Dock, Kayak & More pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
What time is check-in at Fishful Thinking by Brunswick Vacation Rentals: Canalfront w/ Dock, Kayak & More?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fishful Thinking by Brunswick Vacation Rentals: Canalfront w/ Dock, Kayak & More?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Fishful Thinking by Brunswick Vacation Rentals: Canalfront w/ Dock, Kayak & More located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ocean Isle Beach. Ingram Planetarium and Rees Jones Golf Course are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Property owner very responsive with any questions we had prior to our trip. Layout was perfect for our needs and we appreciated the items on hand for our dog. Very nice stay.
Perfect place to gather family and enjoy the beach! Just a short walk to beach and town center for kid activities ! Having a bathroom for each bedroom was perfect!
Fishful Thinking was perfect for our family! The house is beautiful - even larger than we thought - with a well stocked kitchen, a full bath in each bedroom, beautiful deck views and only a short walk to the beach or town center. We thoroughly enjoyed using the kayaks, paddle board and floats in the sound, and the fenced in yard was great for our dog. We had a wonderful experience!
This was a great property. One of the best features is that they allow pets. They have a great fenced in grass back yard that was perfect for my dog. I've rented other properties that are pet friendly but often don't have a fenced in yard, or if they do, it is not grass.
Everyone had a great time! The canal was great for kayaking and paddle boarding which were provided with the house and the dock was nice to keep our boat in the entire time. Having a full bathroom in every bedroom was a definite plus! The house was equipped with everything we needed and plenty of room for everyone. Our favorites were the short walk to the beach, to coffee or ice cream/slushies and the playground. We would definitely recommend staying at Fishful Thinking!
Stayed here with husband, son, daughter in law and a 3 year old and 18 month old. Easy walk to the beach with bathrooms! Also easy walk to museum and playground and mini golf with stroller. Museum fun for the kids! Playground is awesome! 3 year old learned to fish from the back yard! House was clean, well stocked and perfect for our needs. Restaurants were very kid friendly and Doug’s seafood was great for getting fresh fish to cook. Highly recommend this house and lovation
Nice house, very open, only 1 block from the beach. Well appointed, with lots of "toys" (kayaks, stand-up paddle board, life jackets, etc.). Every bedroom had its own full bath which is great. I assume it is pet friendly since there was a lot of dog hair on the couches and floor. We should have called the management company right away and they would have sent the cleaning crew back, but the inspectors should have caught this before we arrived. Also, a number of dirty dishes that should have been caught by the cleaning crew. Finally, a big drawback was poor wifi service. We had to use our own hotspots all week.
We had a great stay at Fishful Thinking! We were traveling with 8 adults and 8 young children and the house was the perfect size and layout for everyone. We appreciated the added items for infants and the surprise treat provided by the property manager. Rob was extremely responsive. We enjoyed being on the canal and using the water toys. The house had everything we needed. The location of this house is the best part. You can easily walk to the beach or downtown. We will definitely be back!
Only two short blocks to the beach, with access by the community center so it has bathrooms and showers to rinse off.
Having the dock with kayaks and paddle board available was very convenient. We caught fish right off the dock at high tide.
We could sit 10 at the table for dinner and 4 at the breakfast bar. Everyone had their own bedrooms and bathrooms so getting ready was never an issue. There is a very large family sitting room with plenty of space and comfortable sitting.
We will return.
We spent the weekend (Friday-Sunday) at this beautiful home to celebrate a birthday. Our family would definitely stay again. It's on the canal with was great for some backyard fishing. Only 1 block from beach access. I liked that the backyard was fenced in, so my little one could run and play. The home is beautifully decorated with ample space for our large group. Close to restaurants and the pier! Unfortunately, since it trip was a short, we didn't get to use the kayaks or paddleboard which is a reason for us to stay again. Overall 10/10.
My family and I rented this beautiful home for Thanksgiving to be near my uncle and for the whole family to be together for the holiday. We prepared our Thanksgiving meal in the large kitchen and we were all able to sit around the dinner table and share stories and laugh.
The home was well furnished and equipped with plenty of dishes and cooking utensils to be able to prepare the meal. There was plenty of space for everyone to sit and relax and enjoy each other’s company.
The property management team was very responsive and helpful with any requests/questions we had.
I highly recommend this place for any vacation. Fits the whole family or a group of friends.
Perfect spot close to the pier, restaurants and a community park.
Best house we've ever rented. I am always so skeptical and reluctant to rent a place based on pictures... because cleanliness is a top priority. However, the pictures on the listing don't do justice to how immaculate everything was!In fact, i didn't take pics in the house really bc the listing pics are 100% accurate. This trip included 10 people ages 23 to 74... couples, singles and 2 small pups.We have friends who live 2 streets over and we always loved sitting on their deck overlooking the canal esp at the golden hour. So i was looking for these specific things:CleanCanal view but close to beachSpaciousFenced yard for pupClose to town centerThis house was perfect... met all my criteria and more!Loved having a full sized extra fridge inside the door as you come in... we could put all our drinks for the week in there... great bonus. If you've never been to OIB, it's so family- friendly, quaint and great food on the island, but just short rides to Calabash to eat at (these are musts for food lovers) Boundary House, Oyster Rock...or go to nearby Shallotte for breakfast at the Purple Onion and definitely dinner at Lucca (i have food pics!)But you can also rent a golf cart and find everything you need right there on the island!For some reason, I'm not able to leave a description for all the pics so I'm not sure what will make it to the review... but trust me on this one!
Fishful Thinking was a great place for our annual Family vacation. Our family has grown a bit and having the extra space really helped. We were comfortable with 7 adults and 3 kids. I think we had a bed or two to spare! The property is right off the main road in OIB and can be a little loud at night especially with the local construction going on in the off-season. Sound machines for the kids helped. We didn't notice the road at all during the day. The walk to the beach was perfect and easy with sidewalks the whole way. The floating dock was fantastic for fishing and kayaking.
The property managers were very responsive and quick to check in on any issues we found. Overall we had a wonderful experience and would be happy to visit Fishful Thinking for vacation again in the future. Thanks for a great stay!
Great property, located close to beach access. Kitchen and open living room were great for hanging out after a day at the beach! House layout was great and allowed for privacy for each guest. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to vacation at OIB.
House seemed much bigger than it was because great layout. Lots of deck space and very well maintained property. Extremely convenient walk wherever you want to go. Host was very accommodating.
We were less then five but the fourteen of us were very comfortable
The house was close to all we were interested in
Kitchen is well equipped ! Bathrooms off every bedroom was very nice
This house was perfect for our group! Super close to the beach, well stocked inside and out, & very clean! Each bedroom having its own bathroom was very nice, you don’t find that too often! The host communication was excellent! We will definitely be back to this property!
Only thing to note about ocean isle is that they do not allow sunshades/canopies, only umbrellas.. so come prepared with shade!