Southport NC - We're Rockin' and Rollin'

Southport's event calendar is starting to heat up for real, along with the temperatures in what has been a very cool May. I finally said "uncle" Sunday night and turned on the AC for the first time, much to the relief of the family. I held off as long as I could, partly for energy savings, and partly because I know that once you turn it on, that's it. No more cool breezes blowing through the house early in the morning and late at night, no more sound of the rain and the birds, dogs barking, and cars going by. In short, I feel encapsulated. But it is almost June.

There's some fun stuff happening the next couple weeks so before we all get distracted with the upcoming 4th of July calendar, let me hit the high spots. First off, if you missed Brunswick Little Theatre's "Beehive, the 60s Musical" at Franklin Square Park last weekend, you have another chance. It's a musical review featuring a real vocal powerhouse of female singers and a collage of hits from artists like Petula Clark, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and more. This is a free show ya'll ... Fri, Sat, and Sun at 8PM.

Also this weekend, the Cape Fear Yacht Club kicks off its season with its annual Leukemia Cup Regatta. This is North Carolina's featured race in a nationally sponsored event featuring over 35 sailboats and powerboats racing from the Cape Fear River out to sea and back. Saturday night, Gary Jobson, a 6-yr lymphoma survivor, world-class sailor, and ESPN commentator, will speak at the dinner/live and silent auction event. For more info email cfyclcr@aol.com.

On Saturday, if you have been itching to get out on the water, there is no finer paddling companion than Emma at Southport's Adventure Company. She'll be leading a kayak trip on pristine Rice's Creek, a tributary of Town Creek. Cost is $45/person and includes kayak and gear. It's $25/single and $40/double if you bring your own boat and gear. Part of the proceeds go to the NC Coastal Land Trust. Call 910.454.0607 for reservations. Space is limited.

For the kids, both big and little, head over to the Brunswick County Airport Saturday, the 30th, where Communities in Schools is hosting a "BIG Toy Day." See guys who operate bulldozers, drive big rigs, and control fire ladders. The Coast Guard will be there, along with Police and their utility vehicles. Kids 8-17 can join the Young Eagles Program and get a free airplane ride. Free helicopter rides for the family. Admission is only $5 and kids under 5 get in free. Call 457.3434.

Now this looks like a sure-fire winner... Downtown Southport, Inc is hosting "Home Sweet Home Southport Kitchen Tour" on June 7th from 2-6. Lewis Hardee, a local historian and author of "Classic Southport Cooking" provides the dessert recipes for a roving tasting party in the kitchens of seven unique Southport homes. Tickets are $10 and available at the Southport Visitor's Center. 910.457.7927. Proceeds stay in house benefit Downtown Southport, Inc, who does a fantastic job promoting local merchants and sponsoring many of the things we love in Southport like the Waterfront Market, movie night at the Garrison, Summer Sundays concert series, and much more. The success of this grassroots organization should be credited to Director, Randy Jones, a Southport native who shares his love of his hometown so many tangible ways, and to Executive Director and founder Peggy McDonald, who has turned a great idea into and even greater reality.

And just a few more things in brief, tonight Where We Live is hosting its Third Thursdays open mike night at 6:30 at the Pepperoni Grill in BSL. Bald Head Island celebrates the much anticipated grand opening of its new ferry terminal and restaurant at Deep Point Marina on June 2nd at 10AM - public welcome. On Friday, June 5th is the annual fish fry at the Pythagoras Lodge across for the Post Office. This is lunch and not dinner so don't come late like I always do and miss it. Plates/$6. Then on Saturday, June 6, St. Philips Episcopal holds its annual Lobster Sale. The deadline for ordering has passed but there my be a few extras available the day of the sale.

In a surprise visit, the up and coming, Ryan Montbleau Band from Boston, will be performing at the Amuzu in Southport on Wednesday, June 10th at 7PM. Ken Perrin of Circle Entertainment is a local music lover and music promoter who managed to get these guys to add a night to the launch of their acoustic solo tour. I was not familiar with this band but after checking them out on MySpace, I am buying my tickets this week. This is a benefit show to help with further restoration of the Amuzu as a wonderful space for Stage II Productions as well as an intimate live music venue. Tickets are $15 or $25 for couples. Please come out and support this event, even if it is a week night, so that it might be possible to bring more shows to town. Call Ken for tickets: 910.274.3971. Here's more from the Star News.

As I sit here pecking away at my computer, I am enjoying the most beautiful smell in the world, the first gardenias of summer. My Mom brought them to me last night, packed lovingly in a large cool whip container for the ride. They are now sitting in a glass bowl right beside me and filling me with sweet lazy memories of childhood...crickets, frogs, swimming under a full moon, cane pole fishing, sharks tooth hunting, minnow seining, bean snapping and pea shelling, and card playing way past a little girl's bedtime. Thanks Mom.

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Southport NC - Spring Activities Abound

I am behind in my reporting of local events here in Southport NC. Easter Weekend is upon us and with it, the beginning of "tourist season" and the abundance of activities that comes with it. We've had our share of winter this year, and even a couple rare dustings of snow, but nothing compared to the wrath of "Old Man Winter" that was felt in many parts of the country. We are ready...and with the smell of jonquils in the air, it's time to sit back and have a look at all the opportunities for fun and frolic in and around Southport.

Getting on with it, Southport Parks and Rec will hold its annual Easter egg hunt "extraordinare" on Saturday March 28-10AM at the Garrison lawn on the Waterfront. So as not to get a "sneak peek" beforehand, all kids 7-12 will meet at Franklin Square Park. For anyone visiting the area who has not experienced this much-anticipated Southport event, do not be dismayed when you arrive with your kids and see several hundred children. There will be literally thousands of candy eggs (malted chocolate) plus numerous prize eggs. I remember one year my oldest daughter found an egg with a $20 bill in it. It was "a very BIG deal." In addition, on Saturday before Easter, I believe, is the only "adult easter egg hunt." Stewart Hardware has been having one every year as long as I can remember. You can call them at 457-5544 for details. I also hear that their Spring shipment of baby chicks and ducks has arrived!

For the grown-ups, on March 29th at the Southport Community Building is a "Red, White, and Brew" wine tasting, sponsored by the Friends of the NC Maritime Museum at Southport. Time: 2-4. Call 457-0003.
Whenever you're in Southport, you owe it to yourself to check out the the latest collection of local art at Franklin Square Gallery. I am always amazed at the talent in our midst. If you're not familiar with any of our artists, here are a few favorites. (I have a weakness for watercolors.) I love the whimsical works of Susan Dade, the haunting Empty Porch series by Susan Mauney, the unique jug art/pottery of Betsy Sellers, and the nostalgic coastal scenery of Suzanne Ellett. From now until May 1, you can see the budding art work of Brunswick County High School students.


To officially kick off the upcoming season, and welcome the arrival of warmer weather, Southport will host its annual Spring Festival hosted by Downtown Southport, Inc and the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis Club. It will be held on Easter Weekend, April 10 and 11 at Franklin Square Park. There will be over 100 craft booths, lots of food vendors, live music, kid's games, plant sales, and much more. This festival gets bigger every year and honestly the attendance is staring to remind me of the 4th of July. It seems like everyone vacationing on our area beaches makes a point to get to Southport for at least one of the days. And Saturday only, is the not-to-be-missed Robert Ruark Chili Cook-off. Ruark spent much of his beloved childhood under the salty eye of his colorful Grandfather whose home has recently been converted to fabulous bed and breakfast. I was a little skeptical when I saw the white clapboard seaman's home turn to gold, but I have to admit, it is absolutely striking. The new Robert Ruark Inn is on the corner of Lord and Nash St. I wrote about Ruark's Old Man and the Boy in another blog. It's a wonderful book.



Where We Live is a local grassroots organization in Boiling Spring Lakes which gives testimony to the "can do" attitude of its founders of Jen Iapalucci and Eleanor Erickson. They saw a need to build communities and provide outlets for children and families, and boy have they taken the bull by the horns. When there wasn't a good playground for their children to play, they raised the money for one through many a creative endeavor. Now the Grand Opening of Muse Park Playground is April the 18th! When local kids were having to drive to Wilmington for music and art lessons, they started of offering Kord Music and Pint-Sized Picassos. Check out the calendar and other offerings. You'll be amazed. So the BIG thing they have coming up is their 1st Annual Live Green Music and Arts Festival, "a celebration of music, art, and Mother Earth," in Bolivia on April 11th. Click here to view the flyer or print one to put up in your neighborhood.



For the theatre go-ers among you, you know that Spring means the "Spring musical" for local theatre companies. For Stage II Productions, it means Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, which will be performed at the Amuzu April 24-25, and April 30-May 3. Shows at 8:00, Thurs. - Sat and also matinees Sat. and Sun. at 3:00. Founder of Stage II, Briton Campbell was a pirate in Brunswick Little Theatre's 2000 run of Pirates. Now she has a chance to direct and I'm looking forward to seeing it inside the historic walls of the Amuzu. Tickets on sale at their office on 807 Howe St. and Ricky Evans Gallery...or call Briton at 540.2801. You'd better hurry....opening night has already sold out!
In what has become a popular outdoor event every year, Brunswick Little Theatre will present Beehive, the 60's Musical at Franklin Square Park. It is a retrospective of the great female acts of the 60s and 70s including the Shirelles, the Supremes, Petula Clark, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and more. The show has just been cast and word on the street is that the voices in this show are unbelievable! I'm excited just hearing about it. This is a free show folks...donations appreciated of course. It will run two weekends, May 22-24 and May 29-31. Bring your chairs or blanket and a bottle of wine and enjoy an evening under the stars. Co-sponsored by the Southport Department of Tourism.



Now here's something new and different .... on May 12-16, the City of Southport and the Cape Fear Audubon Society are sponsoring Ibis Fest, celebrating the unique ecology of the Lower Cape Fear. Besides classes and presentations on topics such as birding, nature writing, photography, and native plants, you will be transported to various study sights by van, bus, or boat. For those who aren't familiar with Southport, right across the river lies Battery Island, North Carolina’s largest breeding rookery for ibises, egrets, and herons. It is a welcome sight around here each spring when the ibis fleet arrives. Every morning at sunrise you can view thousands of white ibises overhead as they leave the island for a day of inland feeding. Then the last couple hours of sunlight brings them back to roost. I can sit on my porch in the evening and watch them heading home, flock after flock, in well-rehearsed migration.
And finally, something that has really caught my eye.... on April 26th is the Sweet Tea Jamboree from 3-6PM at Orton Plantation Gardens. Everyone knows how much I love Orton...and sweet tea...it's pretty much a done deal. Oh and I forgot, there will be bluegrass music....check.... And speaking of bluegrass, we will miss our annual Spring trek to Wilkesboro and Merlefest this year. This is mostly due to belt-tightening but I can promise you it is the most phenomenal gathering of musical talent you're ever apt to experience in one place spread out over a four-day weekend. Just ask the 80,000 who come back year after year. You may have never heard of it but it is a very big deal. Music is such a blessing.


Well that's about all the damage I can do in one blog. There's plenty more on the calendar. I've just hit the high spots. If you want to know more, I'll be happy and try to steer you in the right direction, just email me or give me a call at 910.540.0551.

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Southport NC - Halloween Happenings for All

With Halloween just a couple days away, I thought I'd do a quick run down of some of the options available to kids as well as adults who still love a costume party or a haunted carriage ride.

I can't resist starting out with Old South Tour and Carriage Company's Haunted Ghost Tour in and around Downtown Southport on Halloween night. Something tells me that the Old Smithville Burial Grounds will be involved. Learn about Southport's history and be scared out of your wits...a perfect combination. Tickets available starting at 7pm on Halloween night at the Whittler's Bench at the foot of Howe St. on the water. Tour starts at 7:30. Advance tickets also available at Stewart Hardware. $12/Adults - $5/under 12.

The City of Southport and Downtown Southport, Inc. is putting on a Fall Festival. Among the many activities planned are Stories Beneath the Silent Stones with Pat Kirkman of Southport Historical Society at the Old Smithville Burying Ground from 5-7. Stage II Productions will host a "Monster Mash" with music and entertainment at the Waterfront Park from 6-8. Also don't miss Southport's last outdoor movie of the season! Bring a chair or blanket to the Garrison lawn and watch Monster House at 7:30. Looks like the weather will be clear ... highs/60s ... lows/mid 40s ...put on your woollies!

Don't miss Brunswick Little Theatre's production of Dracula to be performed Halloween weekend only at Odell Williamson Auditorium. This is not the campy Dracula of the 1931 Bela Lugosi movie. It is rather the story of a man's undying love with his dead wife, who had died almost 500 years earlier. It is a story of obsession and passion. Portion of the proceeds will go to the Cape Fear Red Cross. Tickets $15/adults - $6 students at the door or by calling the Odell Williamson box office. For more information call Ron Lee at 294-2184.

The Brunswick Co. Sheriff's Office is having it's 1st annual Halloween Carnival at the Government Complex in Bolivia. It will be held on Halloween night from 6:30 - 9pm. The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring the carnival and helping with donations, games, and various booths. It sounds like there will be a multitude of activities offered ... hay rides, cake walks, a pumkin decorating contest, fishing, bag tossing, ringing the bottle, and more. Goodie bags for all kids plus hot dogs, popcorn, clowns, and pony rides. Sounds like a winner!

Sponsored by the Benedict Foundation, there is even a Halloween event for dogs to be held Friday, Oct. 31 from 2-4pm at 1013 E. Moore St. Bring your dog and a box of dog biscuits to be donated to local animal rescue. Prizes awarded for best costumes. For a $5 donation, have your pooches picture taken with a scarecrow. Sound like fun? For more info call 200-2244.

Boiling Spring Lakes Parks and Rec. is once again sponsoring a "Trunk or Treat" as a safer alternative to traditional trick or treating. Come out and register your vehicle and give out candy between 5:30 and 7:30. Click here for detailed information and registration form or call 845-3693.

Southport Baptist Church Women's Group's Holly Days, will be at the Southport City gym on Saturday, Nov. 1st. It is their annual arts and crafts fair to get you in the spirit for the upcoming holiday season. For more information, call Kathy Holbrook at 278-3134.

And finally, having nothing to do with Halloween, but one of Brunswick County's best Fall traditions is the Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast in Varnumtown. I'll admit it's been years since we've been but if you don't mind the crowds and enjoy the warm comradery of hovering over a table of of steaming, hissing oysters cooked over a slow wood fire, with your fellow man ... then by all means grab a mitt and an oyster knife and head that way. The ladies of the church provide all the "fixins." You won't be disappointed. Call Carson Varnum at 842.6425.

For me, this is the start of the very best time of year in Southport, no doubt about it. Come out and enjoy! And the sunsets just can't be beat ..... James Taylor says it best "Hey babe the sky's on fire, I'm dyin' ain't I ... I'm gone to Carolina in my mind."

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Southport NC Events - October Starts with a Bang

SOUTHPORT - There is so much happening locally and in the area this weekend that I feel the need to hit the high spots for those deciding what they might like to do. The biggest of the events snuck up on me this year. The 30th Annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament got underway in Southport yesterday. With over $100,000 in prize money given to 55 winners, the tournament easily attracts 400 boats every year. I haven't done it in awhile, but it's well worth it to get up before dawn and head down to the the Waterfront and watch the boats head out to hallowed fishing grounds. Don't forget the fish fry on Saturday night at the Marina. The public is welcome and plates are $7.


As a sidekick on Saturday at 10:00, there's Captain Charlie's Kid's Fishing Tournament for kids 16 years of age & under at the City Pier. A free t-shirt & food goes to the 1st 100 children to register. Bring your own rod & bait. Co-Sponsored by: Southport Parks & Recreation & Southport Lions Club. 910-457-7945




Backing up a day, tonight Downtown Southport hosts its First Friday Gallery Walk from 5-7. Enjoy refreshments and special events at each participating gallery: Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West Street; The Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 N. Howe Street; Lantana's Gallery & Fine Gifts, 110 E. Nash Street & Cape Fear Coppershop, 111-B S. Howe Street. And it's FREE!


Back to Saturday, from 9AM - 2PM is the 16th Annual Street of Shops -Fall Craft Bonanza. It has become quite an event that is held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church every year. It benefits both in and out-reach programs, offering a wide range of locally hand made goods. Bake Sale, raffle and light lunch available.


From there you might want to head over to Stage II Production's first ever Oktoberfest - "Celebration of Beer, Brautwurst, and Ballyhoo" from 3-7:30. It's in Southport behind Smithville Commons at 807 N Howe. (Behind the Adventure Company) The Harbour Town Fest Band will perform. 910-363-4274.


If you're still in the spirit, a benefit concert with Anne Haley and Friends will be at St. Peter's Lutheran Church just north of Long Beach Road on Highway 211. It starts at 7:30 and includes a former resident of Oak Island, Anne Haley, who has an extensive performing history. Friends and fellow musicians, singers, and songwriters John Golden, Catesby Jones, and Mark Teachey will join the show. Two special guests included phenomenal mandolin player, Gerald Hampton, of Franklinville, NC and Wilmington's Kent Knorr and his ukulele talents. Proceeds will benefit the Southport-Oak Island Food Pantry. 910-842-5160.


And finally, last but not least is this weekend only's run of the spectacular Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The Sunday matinee will be the perfect time to see Brunswick Little Theatre's ambitious and infectious rendition of this timeless classic. With shows at Odell Williamson Auditorium, the curtain goes up tonight at 7:30, followed by a matinee on both Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. I am helping out with tech on this show and I can say unabashedly that kid's of ALL ages will LOVE is show. The special effects will have everyone on the edge of their seats. Amazing set and lighting designer from New York, Paul Bertelsen, elevates the show, bringing 25-years of professional work to our local stage. Director Debbie Skillman has once again put together a terrific show with a talented bunch of kids. All tickets/$6 ... don't miss it!
Contact: Thom Clemmons - 910-524-4869
The weather looks to be absolutely perfect all weekend. Let's get out and enjoy!
*** Results are in ...Southport's native son Buck Smith, on Second Time Around, takes the $25,000 top prize with a 40.2 lb.fish. Chris Edens from Wilmington takes second, and Bryan Rowley from Southport reels in third place. Nine Southport boats placed in the top fifty ... 18 total from Brunswick County ... best local showing I remember.


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Southport, NC - A Spring Welcome

Down here in Southport, it's just starting to feel a little different. Even though we've had our share of warm spells and 70 degree days this Winter, last weekend conjured up that unmistakable feeling of anticipation that has less to do with temperature and more to do with the primordial wake-up call that's being played all around us. You wouldn't know it by looking at my yard....all is still asleep including the bud-swelling, free wheeling wisteria that has a conceded stranglehold around my front porch. We have attempted to guide and foster this determined plant which has muscled its way around pickets and rail. It's a lot like the kids we've reared up right along side it....you admire it, you think you've got control over it, you nip it regularly, you give it a much needed cutting back every once in awhile, until the day finally comes when you just have to throw up your hands and say...."Have at it...it's all yours."

With Easter coming early this year, its about time to give the tourists the 'mon back signal, not like we have any control over the matter. It's just a part of life, something that all locals have to learn to deal with, along with the sand gnats that arrive at about the same time. We all understand that tourism is the heart and soul of our service industry-centered economy around here. Besides, our tourists are cool. They wear Provision Co tees instead of Hawaiian shirts!

The Southport Spring Festival is on tap for Easter Weekend under the oaks in Franklin Square Park. Lots of local crafts,food, and music give this gathering a much "cooler," laid-back feel than the Southport 4th of July Festival. It is anchored by the Robert Ruark Chili Cook-Off honoring the author of the part-autographical "Old Man and the Boy," inspired by summers and holidays spent at his grandparents house near the Southport Waterfront. If you've never read it you should...told from the boy's perspective with a keen eye for observation and a pure knack for local vernacular. Set back during the Depression and days of Prohibition, Ruark speaks right to the Southern heart of life spent outdoors; fishin', clammin', oysterin', duck huntin', all embellished with a crusty cast of characters, and warmed with Southern coastal cooking traditions and forbidden corn "licker."

I feel the need to speak out about a recent issue that has to do with our three newly elected Aldermen and one of their first and certainly most highly publicized vote. If you're a local or you've read my earlier blogs, you know that in November, three long-time incumbents were ousted by three candidates running on the platform of change, tighter restrictions on development, and heightened measures to preserve the unique small-town character that we all love about Southport. At issue was the unanimous recommendation from the Planning Board to rezone the undeveloped 106 acre parcel called Southport Crossing from multi-family/ office/ industrial to Residential single-family. Reducing maximum density from 11 to 4 units per acre seems like common sense to me, in this environmentally sensitive area with growing traffic concerns already. So with a "standing room only" crowd there to speak out in support of the Planning Board's decision, the motion was still defeated 4-2. All three of the surviving incumbents voted with the developers as everyone expected. The surprise came when Jwantana Frink, among the newly elected, stuck a fork in the motion with nary a comment. A 3-3 vote would have required a vote from the new Mayor Spencer and I'm reasonably sure the outcome would have been different. I'm disappointed in ALL of our Aldermen who completely ignored the entire Planning Board AND the citizens of Southport. Frink, after winning in November had this to say, "I kept my campaign short and sweet - to the point - (as) the people's voice." Wilmington Star 12-12-07

Politics as usual...........

There are a ton of local events on the calendar for this month. Anyone visiting Southport over Spring Break will find plenty to do. Brunswick Little Theatre’s production of A. R. Gurney’s “SYLVIA,” a poignant comedy about a couple facing mid-life changes and a stray dog named Sylvia, will be performed at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College in Supply at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Ten percent of the proceeds from these performances will be donated to Paws-Ability, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare. Performances will also be held at Brown Coat Pub and Theatre (Guerilla Theatre’s new location), located at 111 Grace Street in downtown Wilmington at 8 PM. Thursday through Sunday, March 13th-16th.

Looking ahead to Memorial Day Weekend in Southport, Brunswick Little Theatre will be bringing a FREE outdoor show to Franklin Square Park. Bring a chair....enjoy a 25 year retrospective of BLT's musical history under the stars. Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 8PM.

Stage II Productions will present “Guys and Dolls,” a broadway classic for sure; a fast-paced, romantic musical comedy set during Prohibition in New York City. If you haven't seen a show in the old Amuzu Theatre in Downtown Southport yet, you'd be hard pressed to find a more authentic theatre experience. The show opens Friday, March 14. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays through March 30. Tickets are available at Ricky Evans Gallery, located at 222 North Howe Street. For ticket information, call 457-1109.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Silver Coast Winery will celebrate everything Irish during the third annual Irish Festival on Saturday, March 15, from 11 am to 5 pm Irish Soda Bread Baking and Irish Jig contests and do some shopping with arts and crafts vendors. Prizes will also be given for best Irish costumes. Arts and crafts vendors are also scheduled. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children age 12 and younger.

Finally for a little something different, boaters unite for the annual Blessing of the Fleet on March 20th at 2 PM at the Waterfront. The event is organized every year by the Cape Fear Yacht Club. If you have a kayak, shrimp boat, cruiser, or sailboat, come on along. It is a day to look forward to a safe and pleasant boating season and to remember those we have lost to the sea. All boaters are invited to bring their craft out to the Southport waterfront where the Fleet Chaplain, will be ready to provide you and your vessel with a blessing for a safe and pleasant boating season. If you do not have a boat, come down to the Southport Waterfront anyway and watch. It's a beautiful sight to behold. I'll save you a seat.

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Southport to Pinehurst - Highway 211 Bookends

A short drive reaps big rewards......NC Getaways

Two small towns, "both alike in dignity," In fair Carolina, "where we lay our scene..."

Highway 211 begins where the Piedmont meets the "Sandhills" as it intersects Highway 220 in Candor. It ends quite abruptly in Southport, NC at the mouth of the Cape Fear River as it greets the Atlantic. As two small North Carolina towns experiencing huge growth and growing pains, both are top retirement destinations for "snow birds." Their size and demographics are remarkably similar. If you take Highway 211 from here in Southport, 130 miles up the road, a quick jaunt on Highway 5 will bring you into the Village of Pinehurst, to a land of golf and its fabled Pinehurst #2, towering pines, top-notch equestrian facilities, fine dining, and legendary Southern Charm.

I had the opportunity on Sunday to get a taste of the best local food offerings in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines region. The Chamber of Commerce held its 1^st annual Culinary Showcase at the Fair Barn. This fundraiser gave 16 local chefs from the areas' finest restaurants show off their talents. One of these chefs just happens to be my future son-in-law, and the new Head Chef at the recently renovated and reopened "One Fifty West" at The Jefferson Inn in Southern Pines. I had a chance to get a quick peek at The Jefferson while I was in town. It was dark and muscular and truly stunning. I'm hoping to return for a Fall getaway while the outdoor bar and courtyard are still open.

Meanwhile, back at the Fair Barn, we dug right in and had more than our fill, sampling the many delectable offerings in three categories, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. My boy Chris, a young talented chef, with a keen sense of culinary adventure, entered two dishes. First, was a rum shrimp flambé over lump crab meat and coconut risotto. His second entry, a dessert, was an eye-popping and groan-inspiring "Roasted Pumpkin Napoleon."

The first annual event, deemed an immediate success, secured its future. Four hundred tickets were sold at $50 a piece and all participants lazily departed with that well-worn feeling of just the right amount of food, wine, and song. I have a feeling we'll be back next year.

Southport has a busy calendar of its own the next several weekends. This weekend is the Silver Coast Winery's Purple Feet Festival. Also, The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf, brought to you by the Stagestruck Players of Brunswick Little Theatre performs this weekend only at Odell Williamson Auditorium. Coming up next weekend is the Fall Gardener's Showcase at Franklin Square Park which is also the location for the 10^th Annual Strut Your Mutt dog show and walk on the 29^th. October starts off with a bang with the 29^th Annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament with prizes topping over $100,000.

One could argue which area, Southport in Brunswick County or Pinehurst in Moore, is the biggest golf mecca, or who has the best restaurants, or which is tops in Community offerings. One thing that can't be challenged, however, is that the waters around Southport offer some of the finest fishing anywhere on the East Coast. And October and November are as good as it gets. So hurry on down while the gettin' is good!

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Dog Days Relief

A cage-rattling line of thunderstorms came through Brunswick County during the night last night, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. I was driving home on Goodman Road fairly late last night after seeing Brunswick Little Theatre's hilarious performance of Nunsense. Debris was flying through the air and there was a constant rumble of the storm a comin'. It held off thankfully but when it finally hit, it hung around ALL night! I expected to wake up this morning to some cooler, fresher air-but nooo-August and its dependable dog days of summer will be with us just a little while longer.

I've read a lot of blogs this week, most of them real estate related, and I'm extremely impressed with the thoughtful insights offered up to the masses with a genuine dose of generosity. I'm not sure if I'll be capable of offering up anything of merit to readers other than to close friends and next of kin. Self-promotion doesn't come naturally to me. My comfort zone lies outside the box for the most part so I will trudge forward with this exercise. Already I am more plugged in to the community, keeping my eyes and ears open for news and happenings. And in this age of text messaging, the act of writing an unabridged piece of anything feels a bit daunting. Next blog I want to write about why I will continue to prioritize my focus as a buyer's agent. For me personally, it makes perfect sense.

Here is an interesting lead story from this week's State Port Pilot about our very own Cape Fear River Pilots, a coveted but perilous occupation that you pretty much have to be born into. And even if you have the right bloodline, the apprenticeship takes years, the hours are long, and the pay?..........I've heard rumor it's WELL into six figures. We see the Pilot boat pass the Southport waterfront on daily basis and rarely stop to think about their responsibility in bringing these huge ships to Port and back. Does everyone already know that the Pilot on duty pulls up beside the incoming ship out at the sea buoy, another Pilot climbs a rope ladder up the side of the mammoth ship, and then takes over the helm from the ship's captain and guides her all the way to the Port of Wilmington. The same thing happens in reverse after the ship unloads and heads back out to sea. Only eight all-local Captains share in the duty of providing safe passage to ALL ship traffic. Salute!

And finally, here is a link to a blog I randomly picked out of the many I read this week. It's analogy-focused and I'm always a sucker for creative analogies. For now I'll keep sending the best of what I'm reading, that is until the market picks up and I'm just too darn busy to do this.


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