September in Southport NC - A Fall Teaser

Every year when September rolls around, it is always a sweet relief. At the same time I find myself feeling a bit melancholy as yet another summer passes. I have always loved September. January may be our official New Year marker, but I’ve never been able to shake the feeling that September is truly the time for reflection and reinvention. It's something palpable that I feel every year at this time and I don't have the words to explain. Outside, the sky and water are bluer, the marshes are still as green as can be, and the light changes are subtle but stunning. Warm days, cool nights and mornings.. can you tell I am ready for this?

Coming up Saturday the 14th, the City of Southport is the sponsoring International Plein Air Worldwide Paint Out, an outdoor event, to support artists in the area and bring public art to our streets. From 8:30 to 2:30, each artist will create an original painting of Southport’s historic landscape and buildings. The event is free for artists and the public. For more information contact Randy Jones, Director of Tourism, City of Southport.

Don't forget Friday night the 20th, the Wilmington Big Band will be performing songs from the Great American Songbook as Save the Cape presents Jazz at the Cape Fear a fundraiser to benefit their project for a new State Park near Southport formerly the 600 acres of waterfront property along the Cape Fear River being considered for an International shipping terminal. Check out the amazing Silent Auction entrees!

Down at the old Yacht Basin, the 4th annual Southport Wooden Boat Show is expected to be bigger and better than ever! The event kicks off at 10am Saturday, September 28th. There will be all shapes and sizes of wooden boats on display plus, nautical arts and crafts, maritime demonstrations, kid's events, and a chowder cook-off, so get your taste buds ready. Contact: Bert Felton – 910.617.9667 Organized by the Southport Wooden Boat Show Committee and sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc. Here is a nice video from the State Port Pilot from last year's boat show.

Peeking over to October, it's that time again! The annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament kicks off again the 5th-7th. It's the largest king mackerel tournament in North Carolina and the second largest on the East coast! With over $100,000 in prizes, there's plenty at stake, plus live music, food, and beverages, on Saturday at the Southport Marina. Come watch in the afternoon as the boats bring in their hopeful catch to the weigh-in. Public welcome.

September - It's a time to enjoy, a time to remember sweet summer days… it's the start of the Fall fishing season, and it's time to clean out the backyard fire pit, cause you know this is an "R" month and that means oysters! Yeah baby, bring it on!



On a final note, for all you Safe Haven fans out there, and believe me there are thousands of you ready to pack your bags and move to Southport, hold onto your dreams. With a population of only 2800, we are seeing a steady stream of folks itching to get their little piece of heaven that is Southport. If you want to keep tabs on current homes on the market and get a heads up on new properties as the are listed, just give me a call or shoot me an email. I'd love to help you find something! southportsoundings@gmail.com 910.540.0551

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4th of July in Southport NC – Celebration of Freedom, Fun, Family, and Food

In spite of record-breaking temperatures, they still come. And they come in droves. They come for the funnel cakes, the bloomin' onions, the crafts, the music, the street dance, the parade, and the fireworks.  But for those living in Southport, porch-sitting, crowd-watching, corn-holing, hotdog-eating, margarita-mixing, and other various modes of chillin' are a welcomed respite.

The town never looks better than it does right now. If you feel that there seems to be a serious lack of patriotism in our country these days, then this is just what the doctor ordered. For the next five days, Southport will transform itself into a virtual sea of red, white, and blue. Under the canopy of ancient live oaks, Franklin Square Park will hold over a hundred artist and craftsman booths, and enough food vendors to keep you satisfied until you can make your way down to the bottom of Howe St. for serious festival food and 'round the clock live music and Cape Fear river backdrop rounding out the scene.





The Fireman’s Competition on Saturday will be a heated one this year… literally. The forecast calls for hot, hot, hot. I really don’t know how they do it in full turn-out gear. The popular Kid’s Games on the Garrison lawn is Tuesday, with registration at 8am and free t-shirts to the early birds.  Also on Tuesday at the Garrison is the quite moving Naturalization Ceremony starting at 4pm. With the 4th falling on a Wednesday this year, the main events are a lot more spread out and I’m guessing crowds will be smaller.  North Carolina's largest and oldest 4th of July parade starts at 11AM and no matter how many times you see it, it is ALWAYS a huge crowd-pleaser. The bands, the belles, the clowns, the Shriners, the dancers, and much more, make for an all around old-fashioned good time.

Southport’s 4th of July Festival, of course, ends with a BANG at 9:00 PM as fireworks over the water put the suitable exclamation point on the entire celebration. I can say for sure the fireworks are still my favorite part...lying on a blanket by the water...watching the bobbing of boats out in the river until the launch barge fires that first missile in the air. Then it's just time to relax and enjoy the show.

So if you fancy a simpler time......if you still like parades and pageantry, music and street dances, the smell of greasy food, kids and parents in their finest red, white, and blue.....well you might just like what the Southport 4th of July festival has to offer. I'm pretty sure there's not a birthday celebration anywhere quite like it. One little insider tip for the visitors. Park on the EAST side of Howe St. facing out of town and you'll find your traffic time cut in half when you leave after the fireworks. Be safe and "let freedom ring."

Happy Birthday America.

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For more pictures and local content, join in the fun over at the Southport NC Group on Facebook. And if you are thinking of relocating to Southport, check this page for additional info.

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Southport NC – Get Ready for Some Red White and Blue!

If you fancy a simpler time… if you still like parades and pageantry, arts and crafts, music and street dances, the smell of greasy food, kids and parents in their finest patriotic colors, well you might just like what the Southport 4th of July festival has to offer. I'm pretty sure there's not a birthday celebration anywhere quite like it.

Come down today and see the crowd favorite Fireman’s Competition… It will be a heated one this year… literally. The forecast calls for a little break in the heat, with a chance of thunderstorms to cool things off. This is good news for the firemen in full turn-out gear. On July 2-4, there will be musical entertainment starting at 1 pm at the Garrison and the Waterfront Stage. The popular Kid’s Games on the Garrison lawn for 5 and under and the Waterfront Park for kids 6-11 is Thursday, with registration at 8am and free t-shirts to the early birds.  Also on Thursday at the Garrison is the always moving Naturalization Ceremony starting at 4pm. This year the 4th falls on a Friday and North Carolina's largest and oldest 4th of July Parade starts at 11AM. No matter how many times you see it, it is ALWAYS a huge crowd-pleaser. The bands, the belles, the clowns, the Shriners, the dancers, and much more, make for an all around old-fashioned good time. And then for my favorite event of all, there is nothing like lying on a blanket by the water, looking out at all the boats anchored in the river, listening to the last band, waiting on darkness to fall, and hearing that first BOOOOM… and the fireworks begin! After 30 years, I never get tired of it. One little insider tip for those driving in, park on the EAST side of Howe St. facing out of town so you'll be making rights headed out. You'll find your traffic time cut in half when you are getting out after the fireworks. Click HERE to see a map of this year's traffic flow patterns. Be safe out there and "let freedom ring." Happy Birthday America.

     

              

        

As always, if you are looking to call Southport home, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Everyone needs a good buyer's agent, right? I'm you girl… southportsoundings@gmail.com  910-540-0551

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Safe Haven – Southport NC - Showing Off Our True Colors

It’s no doubt that folks in Southport NC were chomping at the bit last week, waiting for the local and national premier of the movie Safe Haven on Valentine's Day. The town has never looked so good and many were heard leaving the theatre saying the real star of the movie was indeed Southport. As a long-time resident, I can't disagree. Our little town of Southport fit Nicholas Sparks' Safe Haven script like a glove... as it was the author's first movie that takes place in the same NC town as the book. The local scene was quite a hit with the actors and production crew as well, with many local business benefitting by the filming and patronage at many of our favorite local haunts including, Fishy Fishy, Old American Fish, Moore Street Market, Ports of Call, Taylor's and Loco Jo's. Here is some of what they had to say... Quotes are from Wilmington Star interviews by Cassie Foss

Josh Duhamel

Q: What was filming in Southport like?

A: "It was one of the best movie-making experiences I've ever been a part of. You've got little town, you've got all these great people, you've got these beaches and warm water. Fourth of July was awesome. It's a really hoppin' little place. How often do you get to shoot a movie in the town that the story is written about? It was something I won't forget."

Q: What kind of reception did you get from the locals?

A: "It's a very small-town feel, similar to what I grew up in. It was just a very friendly kind of community that welcomed us and made us feel very at home. I actually loved hanging out …with the people from Southport and Oak Island. How can you not be talkative when everyone's showing love? I've been places that were not as welcoming or easygoing."

Q: Do you think that easygoing charm will come across in the film?

A: I think Southport's personality will come across in the movie. Lasse Hallström does an amazing job of capturing that feel of, there's a simplicity and appreciation for life that you feel. It's a slower pace, which is nice, and there's a pace and a tone to this movie that is really cathartic in a lot of ways. It ramps up as you go, but you can really feel the essence of Southport in the movie.

David Lyons

Q: What was filming in Southport like?

A: "I had a little place just above the marina. I would wake up every morning – it was just me and my dog – I'd go down and grab some breakfast down by the water. It was beautiful and the people there were beautiful. I cannot speak highly enough of the way we were treated in Southport and also just the general beauty of the people and the place. It holds a very special place in my heart now.
If the film goes really well, then I think Southport's gonna get a lot of attention … It's not like when you go to a town and you're like, "It kinda looks the way it did in the film." It totally is the film. It's like a character in it. You see the Yacht Basin, you see Fishy Fishy and all these places along the waterfront and Oak Island. It's just so Southport, which is awesome. I think if it somehow helps the town, then that will be fantastic. Southport helped us so much, so hopefully the film will also help it."

Julianne Hough from juliannehough.com

"It’s not every day that you get to shoot in the location where the story is set. It’s gorgeous in Southport and I just loved it. It’s kind of a hidden gem. Everything about it was amazing. It was honestly one of the best summers of my life so far because it was so calm. I loved the breeze, the nature; the people on the street were so lo-key and chill. Instead of running up to us, like, ‘Oh, my God,’ they were like, ‘Hey, how are you enjoying our town?’ It was really nice. And, oh my Gosh, the Christmas store. On down time, we’d go there – Christmas in the summer! – and buy Christmas ornaments. It was a really cute place. I think something about the South in general, you have more time in the day and you get to enjoy each moment and not rush to the next."

Nicholas Sparks

"I think Southport is one of the most beautiful towns.  Ten years ago, I was here for the filming of A Walk to Remember.  I remember walking down here and I said, “I have to find a book for this place one day."
And he did! Sparks has a lot of nice things to say about Southport in an interview with VisitNC … The box office numbers for it’s Valentine’s Day opening and first weekend, Safe Haven brings in 30 million, more than it cost to produce the entire movie!
And Don’t forget the kids! They did a terrific job. Watch them here.
The local pride was overwhelming for some. "To see my hometown of 60 years on the big screen like that – I can’t describe how that feels," said City Clerk Regina Alexander. "I’m so, so proud."
Bravo Southport... well done!

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Southport NC – Front Porch Time

Summertime in Southport is officially here. The smell of back yard barbeques, the sound of live music spilling from our Downtown eateries, white sails dotting the Cape Fear River mouth, and front porches once again are the place to take it all in. May started with much appreciated cooler that normal temps followed by summer-like teases. It’s ALL good!

I want to give a little heads up on Southport’s June happenings while I have a chance. There is an awful lot of fun stuff going on this month before the big 4th of July Celebration trumps the Summer schedule.

 
First off on June 2nd, come out and enjoy a community Open House at the Robert Ruark Inn on Lord St. This event is in honor of local owner Jeff Ward, who died suddenly earlier this month. Visitors will be able to see the beautiful renovation work Jeff did inside to the historic Adkins-Ruark House, now a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. Hors d'ouvres and light refreshments will be served. Performing outdoors at 7pm in the side garden porch will be Wilmington-based performer Susan Savia, accompanied by P.D. Midget. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 6pm. Bring your chairs!

A great new tradition added to Southport this year is Shop to the Beat. This Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown event will be held on the first and third Thursday until November 17th. The kick off was on the 19th and believe me, it was festive! Live music on various corners, shopping and dining specials, lots of colorful entertainment everywhere you look. Sponsored by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. 457.6964

On June 4th, is the annual St. Philip's Episcopal Church Lobster and Bake Sale. ORDER DEADLINE: May 31st, 4:30pm. Live or Cooked Lobsters. Pick Up June 4th Cooked Lobsters from 10-4pm and Live Lobsters from 10-1pm. Lobster bibs, picks, and lobster crackers for sale. Also featuring homemade slaw, pies and other baked goods. St. Philip's Episcopal Church Parish Office on Dry Street next to City Hall. Call 457-5643 or go to their website. Cost $17.00 live or cooked. Normally if you miss the deadline, they may still have a few extras for sale the day of.

Southport's In Bloom Garden Tour on June 5th to celebrate "National Garden Week."  Downtown Southport, Inc. and the Southport Garden Club are sponsoring the first annual "Southport's in Bloom" Garden Tour. I am really anxious to see what’s hiding in the little hidden back yards of Southport. Contact: Peg McDonald at 279.4616. Admission $10. Sponsored and organized by The Southport Garden Club, Downtown Southport, Inc. Tickets available at the Southport Visitors Center.

June 8 - 11 - 7:30 PM  Amuzu Theatre of Southport Presents "Let's Rock Again!" 2nd annual rock and roll show. Come sing, dance and enjoy the entertainment. The biggest show of local stars performing classic hits 1950-1964. Cathy Furpless and her Band. $15/person… Tickets available at Art @ 211 The Ricky Evans Gallery , and Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. Here's a video from last year.

June 9 - 7 - 9:00 pm, Playhouse 211 presents Behind the Blues with Rick Toby and Chicken Head Blues. Monthly concert series featuring regional and national blues groups with an in depth discussion and performance of blues music. Contact: Richard D'Anjolell – 200.7785. Tickets: $12 and $15.
June 10, 2011 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm Concerts on The Coast - "Like Flint" is a Wilmington cover band performing  a variety of classic rock, pop, beach, shag, oldies, country, jazz, funk and blues on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston.  Contact: Maureen 457.7945. FREE event sponsored by the Brunswick County Parks and Rec and the City of Southport Tourism Department. Bring your chairs and blankets!

June 11 - 8:30am - NC Maritime Museum @ Southport Kayak Tours - Rice Creek Tour. A member of the NC Maritime Museum of Southport will join the kayak tour and give an historical view of what life would have been like on the river from days gone by. The Adventure Kayak Company staff will lead a basic kayak lesson and guided tour. Participants must pre register. Space will be limited. Call 457.0607. Meet: Exxon Station on Highway 17 and Highway 87 in Winnabow. Cost: $45 for kayak, paddle and life jacket and tour. Bring your own equipment, tour only $15. Clink the link above for a beautiful short video of Rice Creek.


June 11 - 12-4pm - Southport Marina Celebrates National Marina Day – Self-guided tours of the  entire marina will allow participants to enjoy numerous exhibits, including Coast Guard tours on a 47' utility boat and 25' SAFE boat, travel lift and forklift demonstrations in the Dry Storage area, onsite presence of the NC Aquarium, and opportunity to meet with Gregory Poole and Valtect representatives. Face painting, free Bruster's Ice Cream and Trolley Stop hot dogs from 12-2 at the Tiki Bar. Dan Guetschow, guitarist, will entertain from 2-5.

June 12 - 7-9pm - Playhouse 211 presents Phoebe Legere from New York City. Phoebe Legere is a dynamic performer on piano, accordion, cello, Native American flute, and synthesizer and has a four and a half octave range. AND I might mention a former Playmate of the Year. Wow I have never heard of her, but she is quite famous! After watching a few of her videos, I’m in shock she is actually coming to Southport. It’s not my kind of thing but I might just have to go anyway! The original Lady Gaga… Contact: Richard D'Anjolell at 200-7785. Tickets are $12 and $15.

June 12 - September 25 – 2-4pm - Summer Sundays in the Park- Concert Series – Every 2nd and 4th Sunday over the Summer and every Sunday in September. Musical Entertainment- schedule of performers TBA for 2011. All Concerts will be at Keziah Park on the corner of Lord and W Moore next to the Visitor's Center.
June 14, 2011 - 7-9pm - St. Philip's Summer Concert Series - The Langley Winds, a woodwind ensemble based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, will perform a free concert for the public. St. Philip's Episcopal Church is on 205 E. Moore Street. Contact Steve Skillman at 457-5653.

June 18, 2011 – 9am - NC Maritime Museum and Southport Bicycle Tours - The Adventure Kayak Company bicycle tour guide will take participants through the live oak canopied streets and along the waterfront, explaining its history as you pedal by Fort Johnston, Brunswick Inn, the Old Brunswick Jail, the Crimes of the Heart Home, The Indian Trail Tree, along the Cape Fear River and more. Bikes are single-speed, pace is slow, and all participants must wear helmets. Space is limited. Two day advanced registration is required. Cost is $20 for bike/helmet rental and tour. Bring your own bike, tour only fee $15. 454-0607

June 25 – 8pm -Annual NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run - 5K Freedom Run/Walk and a 1 mile Freedom Run/Walk. Shirt pickup and registration will be Friday, June 24th from 6-8pm and Saturday, June 25th from 6:15-7:55am on race day. Southport Waterfront Park Bay Street – Registration:$20 - Check out this great video from last year’s run.

Whew, what a busy time and this is just a drop in the bucket for the next few weeks! Are you still with me? I admit to getting sidetracked as this blog started out to be about my personal favorite Southport pastime … porch sittin'. All my fellow Southport front porch sitters, you know exactly what I’m talkin' about. So I'll leave you with a little slideshow of some of my favorite Southport porches. Happy sitting!

Here is a link for those looking for a sneak peek at the upcoming Southport 4th of July Festival schedule of events. It'll be here before you know it! Opening ceremonies on the 25th!

Click HERE for slideshow.

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