Historic Southport
A Charming Seaside Retreat
Few locales are as captivating as the picturesque downtown of Southport. Age-old oak trees line the quaint city streets and frame stately Victorian homes, coastal cottages and historic buildings. The warm sea breeze touches everything here and, almost like magic, awakens the historic town into a bustling and cheerful coastal village.
Incorporated in 1792, Southport echoes of times past with its historic structures and traditional downtown commercial district. The quaint city streets seem to be taken from an old postcard, with old-fashioned storefronts shaded by the famous old oak trees. Today modern shops, antique stores, boutiques and restaurants make up the downtown and offer a unique shopping experience. Find priceless antiques, unique arts and crafts, clothing, accessories and loads of gifts in every variety.
While the maritime heritage is undeniably strong in Southport, the city’s name reveals even more about its history as a coastal town. When the city was founded in 1792, it was actually called Smithville. For nearly a century, Smithville prospered as a fishing village and military town. It wasn’t until 1887 that the name was changed to Southport. Why? Well, it was anticipated to become a major port city due to its location on the Cape Fear River, Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. The port ended up moving further upstream to Wilmington, but Southport kept the name and continued to grow as a beautiful, yet low-key, seaside town.
Among other things, Southport is known as one of the first areas in North Carolina to celebrate Independence Day. In commemoration, Southport is now home to the official North Carolina Fourth of July Festival every year, a four-day event that attracts visitors from around the region for fireworks, festival food and fun.
Learn more about Southport’s fascinating history on a self-guided walking tour created by the Southport Historical Society. The Historic Southport Trail is a one-mile route through the historic town, with stops at more than 20 landmarks including the Old Brunswick County Jail, Old Smithville Burial Ground and more. Pick up the brochure at the Southport Visitors Center at 113 W. Moore St.
Today, the spirit of Southport’s maritime heritage can be found throughout the city. At Waterfront Park, watch large transoceanic ships from around the world make their way up the Cape Fear River to larger ports. Lighthouses beam in the distance as ferries, freighters, barges and sailboats cruise past. It is easy to waste an entire afternoon swaying gently on the wooden swings in the park just enjoying the view.
From there, take a stroll up Riverwalk, a pathway that weaves around the riverfront through the Old Yacht Basin to the Southport Marina. Along the way, you can take in the sights and sounds of a true waterfront village—fishermen unloading their day’s finds, the horn of a distant ship, the sound of children prancing around the shallow water.
At the end of Riverwalk, you’ll find the immaculate Southport Marina, just steps from downtown. Sailboats, ships and cruisers make up a spectacular sight against the Cape Fear River view and charming town streets.
Get a deep look into Southport’s seafaring heritage at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Take a self-guided tour through the 12 stations, which highlight the nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear area of the state. You’ll see everything from a 2,000-year-old Native American canoe fragment to pirate memorabilia. One wall is covered with pictures of fishermen posing with their catch
of the day.
Of course, bringing home those winning fish is one major reason people come to Southport. Its ideal location with access to so many plentiful waters allows for successful fishing year round. Fishing tournaments, charters and commercial companies abound here. The result is not only a good time to be had by anglers but a good time to be had by diners, as well. Area restaurants serve entrees fresh from the sea. Enjoy a bite of local flavor at one of the many downtown eateries, many of which offer outdoor seating and a comfortable atmosphere. Or pick up some fresh catch to bring home at the several fish houses along the Yacht Basin.
There are many alluring shops in the small downtown area, selling everything from nautical gifts, jewelry, clothing and one-of-a-kind art. Antiques enthusiasts will be happy to find several quality antique stores, filled to the brim with a collectibles, furniture, linens, books, Civil War artifacts and much more.
From shopping to fishing, strolling to just plain relaxing, Historic Southport is a great place to lose track of time. The picturesque seaport may even leave you wanting more, and you’re not alone—the town was rated as one of the Best Places to Retire by Rand McNally, and Money Magazine picked it as one of the Best Vacations.
The town is so alluring that it has even been featured in numerous movies and television shows as well. You may recognize some downtown locales and waterfront views that were featured in the popular CW series Dawson’s Creek. Other movies filmed locally include Weekend at Bernies (1989), I Know What You Did Last Summer (2001) and A Walk to Remember (2002).
So slip on some flip-flops, and enjoy a leisurely day around the treasured jewel that is Southport. Rest assured that you’ll leave with plenty of shopping bags, a stomach full of food, maybe some fresh catch and definitely a clear and relaxed state of mind.
Oak Island
With more than 50 public beaches, loads of stores and family entertainment venues, two marinas and plenty of spots to launch a kayak or canoe, Oak Island has become the favorite for families visiting the Brunswick Islands. The island, just across the water from Southport, includes Caswell Beach and the Town of Oak Island, the largest town in Brunswick County.
Despite its size, Oak Island has been able to retain a small-town atmosphere, even in the summer months when the population swells with sun-seekers and surfers. Named after the beautiful live oaks that line the island’s streets and inlets, Oak Island is as scenic as it is friendly. From the sandy beaches to the Davis Canal, a quiet waterway that winds its way through the island, there are plenty of recreational opportunities for the whole family. Golfing, boating, fishing, mini-golf and a wide variety of sports are complemented by the stunning amount of public beaches, parks and fishing piers. Take a break from kayaking through the scenic canals or fishing off the pier and amble over to the Oak Island Lighthouse. Built in 1858, the 148-foot-tall beacon was turned over to the Town of Caswell Beach and decommissioned as a working lighthouse in 2004. Today, visitors can tour the grounds and climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view.
Most accommodations on Oak Island are rental cottages, although hotels and condos are available as well. Rental companies provide a wide range of beach homes for any size family. Whether you aim to stay for a weekend, a week or even through the summer, you are guaranteed a low-key, seaside escape.
Historic Southport & Oak Island Listings
| Adventure Company, The 807 A Howe Street Southport, NC 910-454-0607 www.TheAdventureCompany.net   Bullfrog Corner 101 East Moore Street Southport, NC 910-454 9300 Cape Fear Jewelers 102 East Moore St. Southport, NC 910-457-5299 www.capefearjewelers.com |
Christmas House 104 West Moore St. Southport, NC 910-457-5166 www.capefearjewelers.com  Lantana's Gallery 113 South Howe St. Historic Southport, NC 910-457-0957 lantanasgallery.com |