June 2022 Southport Magazine

is upon us! In order to capture the cover photo on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, I had to park at the Oak Island library and hoof it down to the pier. Parking down that way was just too crazy for me to want to get involved. But that’s ok. Let them come. Let our visitors enjoy all this community has to offer and be able to live for a while on their vacations the way locals get to live all year. We certainly have plenty to keep all of us busy, locals and visitors alike. The Oak Island and South port Farmers Markets are back, weekly concerts have returned to both Southport and Oak Island, new restaurants are popping up all over the place, the Solstice By The Sea Arts Festival has expanded, and the NC 4th of July Festival is coming up soon and is going to be the biggest ever. It’s such a joy after a few years of very limited events to be in a position to have to choose which bit of fun we are going to get into each day. And while it may be a challenge to find a parking spot or a table at a restaurant on a Friday night, I just love to see all these people falling in love with our community.

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By Land Or By Sea

A Visit to the Oak Island Ocean Education Center or the Oak Island Nature Center is

Worth the Trip!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATTY LANGER

Looking for something fun to do with the kids on a rainy day?

Need an escape from the oppressive summer heat? Head on over to one of Oak Island’s coolest spots, the Ocean Education Center (OEC) at 4700 Oak Island Drive or the Nature Center at 5202 East Yacht Drive. I recently toured both facilities and I can tell you it’s a great way to spend a few hours with little ones who may need a break from the sand, surf, and sun. Kids will enjoy lots of hands-on displays and fun activities while learning about coast al conservation, aquatic creatures and shoreline wildlife. And it’s all free!

The OEC has been a resident of Oak Is land for a long time, but after heavy dam age to the facility from Hurricane Florence in 2018, it was relocated to its current home in the Dosher Medical Plaza, across from the Oak Island Town Hall. It was closed through the pandemic in 2020, but Town employees and a group of dedicated volunteers utilized the downtime to reno vate the space and update the exhibits.

Their efforts have definitely paid off! The OEC is full of eye-catching exhibits on sea turtles, crabs, fish and dolphins. And did I mention sharks? The highlight of this fun space is undoubtedly the GIANT SHARK in the back corner!

Ryan Gordon is a Program Supervisor for the Town’s Recreation Department. He said kids love to have their picture taken with “YP Jaws,” a life-sized replica of the largest tiger shark ever caught in North

Carolina – right here at the Yaupon Pier! (Wish I didn’t know that!)

Not to be outdone, another shark hanging out with YP holds a chart so kids can see how they “measure up” to an 8-foot Great White!

The OEC will throw a shark party on July 11th to kick off “Shark Week” and will have all sorts of special sharkthemed activities throughout that week. Kids can even hunt for shark teeth in the sand!

Personally, I would rather hunt for shells in the sand, so I was drawn to the OEC’s impressive display of shells native to our shore. The exhibit is sure to in spire young shell seekers hoping to build their own collection.

Young turtle lovers will be thrilled to see a real loggerhead turtle shell hang ing on the back wall – it’s humongous - and can pick up tips for spotting turtle nests along the Oak Island beaches.

For some quiet time, the OEC has a cozy reading nook with lots of books about marine life and oceanography. There’s also a media room where edu cational videos are shown. And new this summer is a virtual reality system called “Occulus: Oceans 360” that lets users swim with the fish in a simulated deep-sea adventure. The equipment

was paid for with funds from the Oak Is land Friends of Parks Foundation, as well as donations and fundraising efforts.

When you visit, be sure to ask about the patch program where kids can earn souve nir patches for learning about beach con servation, sea turtles, and dolphins.

While most people come to Oak Island for the beach, there is another side to our beautiful island that should not be over looked. The Nature Center, situated on a heavily wooded lot on Yacht Drive, pres

ents a much different vibe. It is a peace ful respite on a hot day. Here you’ll see exhibits about the trees, plants, birds and woodland creatures that are native to our forest areas, marshes and the intracoast al waterway. You’ll also see displays on snakes and spiders, which I tried hard to avoid. I see too many of those in my own backyard!

The Nature Center has binoculars for bird watching, magnifying lenses and microscopes for inspecting specimens, and weekly craft projects that tie into learning activities. Out side there’s a tree walking trail for kids to explore, and a dock where they can hunt for crabs, oysters, and other aquatic crea tures in the briny Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

Oak Island’s Nature Center, built in 2005-2006, sits 11 feet off the ground with the look of a treehouse. Handicapped ramps and viewing platforms make it accessible to everyone. It was conscientiously designed to blend in with the natural sur roundings and, remarkably, con structed without removing any of the existing trees. It’s locat ed within Waterway Memorial Park, so visitors can also enjoy the park’s picnic pavilion, fishing pier, herb garden and the Dot Kelly Butterfly Garden main tained by the OKI Beautification Club.

The Ocean Education Center

and the Nature Center are operated by the Oak Island Recreation Department with a group of dedicated volunteers who help maintain the facilities and man both cen ters throughout the summer.

Oak Island resident Wayne Brookover, a retired elementary principal and one of those dedicated volunteers, has been the volunteer coordinator for the last few years. He and his wife, Teresa, organize the craft activities and maintain a weekly schedule for about 15 volunteers, whose role is to explain the various exhibits and help children with crafts and activities.

Wayne and Teresa have been instrumen tal in recruiting a strong team of volunteers and have done a tremendous amount of work, in conjunction with the Rec Center, to make the spaces more appealing and to increase awareness amongst visitors and locals. Their efforts are paying off; atten dance at the centers has risen from about 10 kids per day to an average of 40 per day at the Nature Center and 60 per day at the Ocean Education Center. The Town re corded approximately 3,000 visitors at the two centers in 2021, and that momentum

has been instrumental in developing new plans for this summer.

The Oak Island Rec Department will bring summer camps to the Ocean Educa tion Center and Nature Center throughout the summer, and Wednesdays will have special program offerings for home school children. Volunteers are working to create scavenger hunts at the Nature Center and hope to obtain new identification labels

for the various tree species on the tree trail. They are also devel oping more hands-on displays at the Ocean Education Center and interactive exhibits at the Nature Center.

Wayne told me there are sev eral ideas in the works to utilize the space during the off season, including special programs for home-schooled children and field trips for elementary schools. But all great ideas require funding. The Oak Island Friends of Parks Foundation helps supports both centers, but contributions from the public are instrumental. Do nation boxes are located at each location.

Expanding programs at the two centers also requires more manpower.

“We are always looking for new volun teers” Wayne told me, “And it’s a minimal commitment for just three months a year.”

Both centers are open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Ocean Education Center operates Mon

days through Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and the Nature Center on Wednes days through Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm. (This year the OEC will open one week late, on June 6, to allow for some final renovations.) A typical volunteer shift is either 10 am to noon or noon to 2pm, one or two days per week.

“Anyone interested in helping preserve our coastal habitats or looking to share a love of the outdoors with children would make a terrific volunteer,” Wayne said. He also encourages middle schoolers and high schoolers who are looking for service hours to consider volunteering this summer.

For a schedule of events at the Ocean Education Center and Nature Center, check out the Oak Island Rec Center’s Facebook page or visit the Town’s web site: www.oakislandnc.gov/government/ recreation-department.

Interested volunteers should email Wayne Brookover at cwbrookover@ gmail.com or fill in a volunteer form found on the Town’s website or at the Rec Center.

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Horsing Around

Wild Bill Arena at the Turn and Burn Farm Hosts Family-Friendly Competitions

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Whenher daughter fell in love with riding horses at age three, Natalie Sasser said she knew the family needed to move to the country to live on a farm. Now the family has built that farm into a family business, boarding horses and running the Wild Bill Arena at Turn and Burn Farm, 5085 Columbine Trail NE in Leland, hosting all sorts of western style horse competitions. Children’s parties can be booked year round, and there are still a few spots for summer camps too.

“I love being able to give her that opportunity and have this in her back yard,” Natalie said. “I want her to be able to chase her dreams. She tells me all the time she wants to train horses and go to Texas to barrel race horses.”

Turning vacant land into a farm and arena was a bit of a challenge with the sandy soil. “We live at the beach. Our ground is very sandy, which is great because it doesn’t hold water, but it is deep,” Natalie said. They hauled in lots of dirt, because Natalie said it’s import ant for people to have fun and also for

the horses not to get hurt.

“It was all done by us, my family, our friends. We have cleared 12 acres, we have the arena, and we board three horses,” Natalie said. The family has seven horses too, and future plans include adding more space for more horses.

They bought the land in 2016, after having horses bordered in Honalee Stables in Bolivia. Finely made many friends there, even older girls. The positive experiences Finley had also af fected Natalie, and it’s something she’s

trying to pay forward in all she does with her business.

“I want people to support each oth er. I want my daughter to cheer for ev erybody,” Natalie said. “My daughter had that, and I want that for others.”

And that’s exactly the atmosphere at Wild Bill Arena. Spectators — even those without horses or children riding in competition — are welcome. It’s a family-friendly event with a nominal charge at the gate and food service on site.

So how did this Leland family get out into the country and into farms and horse racing? Natalie said that they

had tried gymnastics, dance and t-ball for Finely.

“Someone gave us a gift certificate for a trail ride and that was it, “ Natalie said. “She took off with it.” They bought their first horse when Finley was five years old.

“Her name is Emma and she is still out here. That horse is worth her weight in gold. She is the queen out here,” Natalie said. There are also mini horses that help out with birthday parties and children’s camps, and Na talie’s mom even has a trail horse.

Natalie is also a math teacher at Southport Chris tian School, and says she has a great support system with her husband and fam ily in keeping the farm going. The Arena plays host to game shows and competitions. Natalie explained that the game shows draw more of a lo cal crowd, with belts and buckles as awards, but people will travel for the competitions and the money prizes. People came from 300 miles away to a competition earlier this year. The family started horse camps three years ago, but just started hosting shows in January. The shows will go through the beginning of June, take a break to al low for some grass to be planted, and start up again sometime in the end of August. They’ll probably host 18-20 shows this year.

Natalie said she loves how sup portive the horse community is and that the sport is great for chil dren. “They learn self control, disci pline, taking care of the horses, re sponsibility,” she said. “They learn everything. They form that bond with the horses.”

She also hopes that farms and stables like hers

others in the area make Bruns wick County even more attractive. “Everyone wants to come to the

but they don’t know the other side of (U.S.) 17, the country side of the County,” Natalie said. “I’m hoping

that when we get to expand, people will be able to come to the beach and ride their horse.”

And what does 10-year-old Finley like best about horses and riding? “Going fast,” she said.

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Southport Concerts

Series Returns To Franklin Square Park

The Southport Summer Concert Series returns to Franklin Square Park on Thursday nights beginning June 2 through September 1 from 6-8 pm. These popular free shows bring hun dreds to the park to enjoy everything from big band to classic rock to bluegrass and jazz. Bring your family and friends, and a picnic, and relax in under the shady oaks while enjoying some of the regions most popular musicians.

The weekly concerts are sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc., with the support of local businesses, the City of Southport Department of Parks & Rec reation, Brunswick County Parks and Recreation, and the City of Southport De partment of Tourism.

Downtown Southport, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the heritage and charm of the city. The organization is a 501(C)(3) that encourages and supports preser vations projects, cultural activities, educational programs and tourism.

For more information on the Concert Series, please visit the City of South port’s website at www.CityofSouthport.com or DSI’s website at www.Down townSouthport.com.

June

August

Bands By The Beach

Oak Island’s Summer Concert Series

CONTRIBUTED BY TOWN OF OAK ISLAND

The sun is out, the fun is back, and the “Bands by the Beach” are once again ready to rock, groove, swing and swoon their way through the soundtrack of your perfect summer! For 15 weeks, from May to September, the Town of Oak Island will turn the amps up to 11 and come together for the annual Town of Oak Island Summer Concert Series. The scheduled time for most concert events will be each Friday, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, unless otherwise noted.

Solstice By The Sea

Expanded Event Brings Three Days of Arts

STORY AND PHOTO BY JEFFREY STITES

Solstice By The Sea Festival is back this year, and expand ed to three days of events. The fun begins Friday, June 17 with a band and shag demonstration at Oak Island’s Middleton Park, continues in Middleton Park on Saturday with more music and dance as well as arts and craft vendors, storytelling, food trucks, kids’ entertainment and a corn hole tournament, and ends on Sunday at Southport’s Amuzu Theatre with a film festival. This weekend of local Brunswick arts and activities is brought to you by the Brunswick Arts Council, the Oak Island Friends of Parks Foundation, & the Amuzu Theatre.

The Tim Clark Band will take to the Middleton Band Shell stage Friday eve ning from 5:30 - 7:30 pm playing fa vorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. At intermission, the Society of Brunswick Shaggers will performer a demonstra tion and talk a little about the history of Shag Dancing.

On Saturday the festivities kick off at 10 am and run through 7 pm with music and more on the stage all day. See our schedule at the end of this article.

Community organizations will have booths set up in Middleton Park from

10 am - 5 pm offering information, activ ities and raffles and they will be joined by a wide variety of arts and crafts ven dors featuring pottery, sculpture, jewel ry, clothing, painting, furniture and all kinds of fun works for gifts, home and garden. Angie’s Produce will be on hand as well to save you a trip to the grocery store.

There will be lots of fun activities for children to enjoy as well. The Pirates Playground and the Splashpad will be operating and there will be live Pirates (Black Sails Adventure Company), a

Reptile Trailer (Fresh Start Rescue), and motion & movements with Turning the Wheel.

A variety of food trucks will be on hand including Tacos Costa Grande, Tasty Tee’s, Snack Shak NC, Sea Dogs and Fusion Blue Zone Cuisine. Makai Brewing and the Noni Bacca winery will be offering adult beverages for sale. Food and beverage will be available

from 10 am - 8 pm.

Compete for prizes in the Oak Island Friend of Parks Foundation Cornhole Tournament with play beginning at 11 am and ending at 5 pm. Compete in Doubles, Mixed Doubles, or Youth (13 and under) categories with all pro ceeds going to improving Oak Island’s parks. Suggested donation is $10 per individual or $20 per team. Register in advance at the Oak Island Recreation

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Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, or by emailing OKI180@aol.com. Same day registration will be available at the Parks Foundation tent on the day of the event beginning at 10 am if there are any slots remaining. The Parks Foundation will also be holding raffles for cash and priz es including two E-Bikes.

On Sunday it’s off to Souhtport’s his toric Amuzu Theatre, 111 N. Howe Street, for the first ever Solstice By The Sea Film Festival. This event showcases short films made in and around Bruns wick County featuring new works by local filmmakers and topics within our communities, including Gullah Geechee. The $20 ticket includes popcorn, candy, bottle of water and a souvenir bracelet. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://brunswick-arts-council.tick etleap.com/1st-solstice-film-festival/. Doors open at 2:30 pm, bring your re ceipt and show it at the door for en trance.

As part of the Film Fest, the Arts Council will present a short video featur ing all 42 entries in a recent Substance Abuse Prevention poster contest. Six posters will be selected and turned into

billboards to help combat substance abuse in our community, said Mary Beth Livers, executive director of the Bruns wick Arts Council.

About the Brunswick Arts Council The mission of Brunswick Arts Coun cil (BAC) is to support, sustain, enhance, and cultivate the arts in Brunswick Coun ty making cultural events, arts education, and appreciation of the arts available to the diverse range of county residents. Formed in 1981, BAC is the designated

community part ner with NC Arts Council, helping to subgrant more than $1,300,000 in grants (Grass roots & NC Cares) into Brunswick arts organization, and programs across the coun ty. Additionally, we partner with other agencies, including Bruns wick County to provide oth er programs, events, awards, grants, project development and additional support to organizations and artists living and working in the county. BAC support acts as an economic catalyst, aiding the nonprofit creative sector as they generate direct economic activity in arts, recreation & tourism support to our Brunswick County. www.brunswick artscouncil.org

About the Oak Island Friends of Parks Foundation

We are a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity whose motto is, Better Parks = Better Lives. We ask companies, organiza tions, and individuals to be part of that equation through money-raising events and donations through which we pur chase accessories to gift to the Town of Oak Island to improve and enhance the parks and recreation experience for all residents and visitors. www.okifriend sofparks.org. More information: info@ okifriendsofparks.org.

Saturday Band Schedule

10 am Casey Townsend

10:50 am Two Bucks Duo

11:40 am R & R Acoustic

12:25 pm J & B Bluzz

1:10 pm Carolina Sound & Ian Davis

2 pm Blues DeVille

3:15 pm Parlay

4:30 pm DHIM

5:45 pm Tina Smith

6:30 pm The Hatch Brothers

5-9 pm at the American Fish Company, 150 Yacht Basin Drive. The event, originally scheduled for last November, will include raffles, a 50/50 drawing,

and

donated by the Frying Pan. Tickets purchased November date will be honored for the June 21 event, and additional tickets are available by contacting Steve Moore at 919-601-2765 or Susan Crabtree at 267-235-6132.

Established in 2019, Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH) is the nonprofit organization in Brunswick County addressing the need for transitional housing for homeless families and advocating for affordable housing. BPH seeks to provide a stable living environ ment for those seeking a perma nent housing solution.

For more details and information about BPH, the Board of Directors and to make a tax-deductible con tribution, visit the BPH website at brunswickpartnership.org.

Dosher Birthday

Celebrate 92 Years With Two Events

Dosher Memorial Hospital opened its doors on June 2, 1930 and will celebrate its 92nd anniversary with a pair of commu nity events. On June 2, Dosher will sponsor the Southport Summer Concert Series in Franklin Square Park featuring The Back Porch Rockers. The concert is from 6-8 pm, and Dosher will provide a shaved ice for each concert attendee as a birthday treat from 6-7 pm. The shaved ice will be available from a concessions truck parked at N. Howe and E. West Street.

Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley looks forward to combining this special date for the hospital with a highly anticipated community event. “We are grateful for the ongoing sup port from local residents and look for ward to thanking our community in person on the second of June,” said Stanley. “We appreciate the cooper ation of Downtown Southport, Inc. in allowing us to have a presence at the concert on this most significant day.

What better way to celebrate a birth day than listening to great music from the Back Porch Rockers and being among friends.”

On Saturday, June 11, Dosher Me morial Hospital will hold a communi ty cookout and 92nd birthday party at the back entrance of the hospital (where E. 9th Street meets N. Atlan tic Avenue) from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. All are welcome to join Dosher staff,

members of the Dosher Trustees, Dosher Volunteers, and hospital lead ers for the celebration, which will in clude a cookout lunch, birthday treat, and DJ.

Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley said, “The history of Dosher Memorial Hospital is deeply inter twined with the history of Brunswick County. We can’t celebrate the birth day of the hospital without celebrating

our community and acknowledging how much we appreciate everyone’s support. I look forward to sharing this very happy occasion with our lo cal residents.”

There is no charge to attend this event. Pre-registration is not re quired but is appreciated. Go to Dosher.org/birthday, or call 910457-3900 for more information or to RSVP.

Cindy Sellers

Director

Laura White

Accompanist

F R A N K L I N S Q U A R E P A R K

Throw Baxe Opening

Axe Throwing And Board Game Lounge

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

This month’s Biz Q&A features a business that isn’t quite open at press time, but it’s such a fun idea that we thought we just had to find out out about Throw Baxe, an axe throwing and board gaming spot coming to the old location of Barn & Beach Designs at 806 North Howe Street in Southport. Throw Baxe is the brain child of Briton Campbell Hollister and Kevin Hollister, and we spoke with Briton about what this will be and how it all will work.

First, please explain your vision for Throw Baxe. What will the business look like at first and how will it evolve over time, ideally?

Our vision for Throw Baxe is a ret ro-themed, family-friendly entertainment destination that people of all ages can participate in and learn about the sport of axe throwing. For our board game en thusiasts, we will have a separate board game room with many games for play or you may bring your own. We are hoping to host game nights in the “board room” as well as group axe throwers for business team building.  Ideally, Throw Baxe will evolve into a local favorite and an annual destination for our tourist population

You’ll have a beer/wine license, how much of a “bar” do you see this becoming. How will it be different, if it is?

We will have wine and beer as well as sodas at Throw Baxe.  We would rather not be thrown into the “bar” category.  We consider ourselves an axe house and game lounge with beer and wine.  We don’t actually have a bar you can sit at, just a place to order and some tables to observe.

We should speak to the safety aspect. How will you work to ensure everyone stays safe while axe throwing?

Safety of patrons is of utmost impor tance to us. Each visitor will be given in struction by our axe coaches on how to properly handle, throw, and retrieve axes prior to throwing. All of our “axeperts” have received proper safety training and can offer tutorials. Throughout the reser vation, our team will monitor all throwers for safety, ensuring that all patrons are us ing safe and correct techniques, enhanc ing their experience. Our manager, Sarah Woody, has been throwing since 2018, and takes safety very seriously . Along with her training, she has both coaching and judge’s certifications. Sarah also throws in every discipline offered by the World Axe Throwing League.

Can you tell me a little about ax throwing, both as it’s done recreationally during a night out at a place like yours and, I guess, competitively?

Axe Throwing has become a very pop ular sport across the country, especially competitively . For the future, we are tak ing the steps to become sanctioned by a

national organi zation.  Throw Baxe league throwers will be able to earn weekly points and hopefully bids to higher re gional, national, and world level events. This or ganization was founded in 2017, and has created a large following in the axe throwing community. Kevin began throwing regularly in 2018, and competi tively through leagues in 2019, finishing with in the top three every term.  For our recreation al throwers, we would love to have them come in and learn the game and be come regulars. We feel once people become relaxed around

the venue and comfortable with throw ing, they will truly enjoy it.

Will you have league play at Throw Baxe?

Throw Baxe plans to hold leagues once we can announce our affiliation with the national organization. Due to the nation al cycle dates of the four leagues, each lasting eight weeks, we will very likely begin hosting leagues for the Fall 2022.

What gave you the idea for this business?  What moved you to “pull the trigger” and invest in the idea?

The business started out as a crazy conversation coming home from leagues in Wilmington between Kevin and my self. We talked about how fun it would be to have our own place where we could work together all the time and still do something we enjoyed. At the time we were planning a wedding and we re ally didn’t have the capital so it wasn’t feasible.  After we were married we were able to sell some property so the hunt

L-R: Sarah Woody, Briton Campbell Hollister, Kevin Hollister

for a space began.  We decided that we would always wonder what if, if we didn’t just go for it.  With the help of our friend and realtor David Thorpe, who was in the right place at the right time, Throw Baxe got a home.

Our biggest  challenge so far has been meeting our “target” date. Kevin and I are both still working and trying to juggle getting Throw Baxe ready with our day jobs.  Sarah has been an invaluable asset, making all the phone calls, receiving de liveries and setting up all the administra tive details that we aren’t able to take care of.  Also our families and friends have chipped in to help including some of Kevin’s family all the way from Ne braska. There were quite a few details, permits and training that we just didn’t have any idea how long things would take. We have to give props to the city of Southport. Every question I had and ev ery time I needed someone to come look at something, they were there.  Thanks to all the help we have received our new target date is the end of June.

LET’S

What do you envision your customer base to look like? Who goes to an axe throwing place, typically?

Our customer base is anyone who wants to learn to throw an axe, or anyone who likes to gather with friends and play board

games.  There really isn’t an age limit for axe throwing, anyone can be taught. There also isn’t a level of fitness involved,  If someone thinks an axe would be too heavy for them to try, we will have some lighter weight ones available . Our “axep erts” are on hand to help anyone enjoy their experience as much as we do.

I LOVE the name, puns are a weakness of mine. Who came up with that? Is there something you were hoping to communicate with this name?

Kevin and I came up with the name Throw Baxe to incorporate my love for all things retro and his love of axe throwing.  Initially I wanted a 50’s 60’s theme, then Kevin reminded me that the 1980’s was retro now.  So our model for Throw Baxe became the Rubik’s cube mixed in with some 60’s/70’s pop art. That’s what you will see when you come into Throw Baxe, bright colors, a little neon, and a lot of fun.

What role can games, both the axe throwing and board games, play in a great night out with friends, or

even meeting new ones? I guess I’m wanting your opinion on the importance of cooperative and competitive game play to our social life.

The best part of throwing axes at or playing in the “board room” with friends, either on a league or just for fun the is the camaraderie.  The intimate nature of playing a game or the trust you gain by throwing axes with a partner can instill lifelong friendships.

You’re a Southport local, can you talk a little about what growing up here was like and what it means to bring something new to your community?

Growing up here in Southport, I guess I would say that opening an axe throw ing establishment might seem a little progressive. I too love our little neigh borhood like town and enjoy the quiet laid back atmosphere. I have seen many new and exciting things introduced to Southport bringing with them new fam ilies, new jobs, new places to hang out with our friends, places to bring our

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

families when they visit. After visiting a few axe throwing venues, I began to see the potential a place like this could have in Southport.  Axe throwing venues ar en’t exactly a new concept even though we are the first in Brunswick County.  I am hoping that Throw Baxe will be a positive source of entertainment, that families will gather in our “board room” on rainy days or when it is too hot to go to the beach, that first dates, young couples and seniors, will come and learn something new, that friends have a place to gather and play cards or have a friendly competitive game of axe throwing, maybe even host a bridge club.  We would like Throw Baxe to be all inclusive where anyone can come and find something to enjoy.

Please feel free to add anything else you’d like to share.

We are working on getting our online reservations in place, with all the enthu siasm from our locals , a reservation may be a safe bet, but you can always come in to observe. We will also accommo date walk-ins when available. One more thing, considering the local footwear is flip flops, you must wear closed toe shoes to participate in axe throwing, oth erwise come as you are.

Cheers Unique Whiskey

When Southport ABC Store and Bar Managers Join Forces, Whiskey Fans Win

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

It’s never been a better time to be a whiskey fan in Southport, especially if you’re open to exploring new and unique versions of whiskey, rye and bourbon. Thanks to the Southport ABC Store and some of Southport’s favorite bars and restaurants, it’s easy to find something you’ve never experienced before. I sat down with Southport ABC Store General Manager Todd Dunn and Loco Jo’s owner Chuck Archer to learn about barrel picks and a system that is helping restaurant and bar owners, the ABC Store and consumers alike.

A Single (or Private) Barrel Pick is the purchase of a specific barrel of product from a distillery. The whiskey you normally find on store shelves is a blend from many barrels. Even “small batch” whiskey is made from 50-60 different barrels, Chuck

said. The whiskey from one single barrel is different in some important ways.

“The first thing is it’s going to be cask strength,” explained Chuck. “A lot of com panies are going to bring it down to 80 or

90 proof. We prefer to do everything at cask strength so that if people want to bring it down with a little bit of water or add a mixer they can. When we do a tasting we look at it in multiple ways. So we’ll look at it as a finished product you can drink straight out of the bottle, we look at it as a product you can put over ice, and we look at it as how is this prod uct going to react if someone puts it in a cocktail.”

Cask strength refers to the proof of the whiskey straight out of the barrel, which ranges from 110 to 140 proof. Chuck said the benefit of this higher proof is that it allows the con sumer to decide how to drink it. You can drink it as is, add ice or water, or make a cocktail.

“There’s no wrong way to drink whiskey. Ever.” Chuck said “I’ve had people say ‘Oh, you’re not supposed to drink it that way.’ The way to drink it is the way you prefer it.”

Chuck and Todd told me about the ex

perience of picking a barrel at North Car olina distillery Southern Star in Statesville.

“Usually they’ll start you with a tour, so

we took the tour. If you’ve been to one distillery…..it’s kind like brewery tour. Technically, whiskey is beer before they distill it,” Chuck said. “After the tour, they sat us down at a table with the mas ter distiller, the sales manager and, at one point, the owner joined us. What they did was the distillery will take samples out of barrels they feel are ready to be sold. So of course you’re trusting in the Mas ter Distiller, because that’s his job. They sit you down, and it’s not a blind tasting per se, you know this is this barrel at this proof, you know how long it’s been aged, you have all that information in front of you. Once you taste everything through, you’re looking for what the notes of that whiskey are, what the flavor profile of that whiskey is, what the finish of that whiskey is, does that whiskey have a good oil content. Because from the wood is ex tracted tannins that are essentially oil. So you want to make sure you’re not getting something that’s too watered down or that the wood didn’t do what it was sup posed to do. Then you make your pick. Then they bottle it out and ship it to you. It’s basically moonshine going into the barrel. It’s amazing what wood will do to things.”

And each barrel’s whiskey is unique be cause of the individual properties of that barrel. “The wood is the complete differ ence,” Chuck said. “The same identical product goes into every barrel. Where that barrel is on a stack -- they actually age their barrels standing upright. A lot of dis tilleries will age the barrels lying on their side. It does matter. Humidity at a certain height, heat at a certain height, that af fects the expanding a contracting of the wood of the barrel. So the barrel imparts the flavor.”

Chuck said it’s a big help working with Todd and the Southport ABC store so he doesn’t need to buy the entire barrel he’s picked himself.

“It’s not always just me or just Todd,” Chuck said. “He went to Craig from Fry ing Pan and American Fish, and the peo ple from Moore Street and did some with out me, so everyone has a hand in doing something different and that lets you gain a different flavor profile, because my pal ette isn’t going to be the same as what this person’s palette is or this person’s palette is. So that kind of makes it even more ex

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citing to bring these products in.”

Todd says it’s a priority to involve the local restaurants. “Over the last two years, I’ve been trying to get restaurants involved. Anytime I get a new barrel, I try to get restaurants involved. I’ve gone through eight plus barrels over the last four years.”

This cooperation helps restaurants and the individual whiskey fan as well. “I think it benefits both of us, and I’ve told Chuck, I’ve told everybody, I appreciate them working with me this because it gives me a place, where if someone’s like ‘I don’t know if I want to spend $70 on a bottle’ and they don’t mind spending it, but don’t what to spend it if they’re not going to like it. I can point them to a restaurant or restaurants that have it and they can try it and get some good food, too.” Todd said.

And that cooperation has spread be tween the bars as well. “There’s bottles sitting in Moore Street that I do not have,” said Chuck. “There’s a bottle I have here that maybe Pat doesn’t have at The Pub. It’s good because if someone walks in here and has a drink and wants something

I don’t have I can send them to The Pub or maybe Moore Street. It’s good because we can pass people around, and that’s kind of the whole working network of it. And that

really makes sense.

“It’s really a good thing for the ABC Store and the community, because let’s

be honest, no one walks in and buys just one bottle. If you’re here on vacation, you’re going to buy what you normally drink and then something special. So it’s good in driving sales in both directions,” he said.

And now those unique bottles can have a little more local touch, Todd said. “Now the state’s passed a law where I can put something unique, Southport or a restaurant name, on the bottle. That’s just in the last four months,” he said. “We can put Whittlers bench or some lo cal landmark on the bottle.”

Chuck has some advice for what he and Todd jokingly refer to as The Bour bon Hunters, people who come in look ing or one or two specific, hard to come by, brands. “Expand your horizons. There are so many great products on the mar ket. That single barrel gives an ABC store an edge, because if someone comes in and can’t get what they came in for, they can still get something special, some thing unique to Southport.”

To Better Serve Retail and Restaurants

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Southport’s ABC Store is expanding to accommodate growth and to offer better service to both retail and commercial cus tomers, according to General Manager Todd Dunn. The new building is connected to the old one, giving the ABC Store much more room to operate.

“The old side’s going to be warehouse and the first few rows are going to be bev erage store for restaurants, where we can process their orders,” said Dunn.

The store’s sales have been steadily in creasing for years, but even more so re cently. “I’m averaging close to $100,000 a month, just to the restaurants. In summer time its 150, closer to 200,000. I average at least $300,000 a month retail. And it’s still growing, for sure. Restaurants have seen big growth,” Dunn said.

But what’s this mean for you, the ABC Store customer?

“Having the warehouse will allow me to have the advantage of getting pallets of items,’ Dunn explained. “You can never tell with supply chains right now, but hopefully we’ll be able to keep from running out of products. And I get case savings, so with the warehouse, I’ll be able to take advan tage of that. The big thing is being able to stock up, be able to keep a better invento ry. With the growing area, on the retail side we’ll be able to have more products and a nicer shopping area, a nicer experience.”

4th of July Festival A Look At A Huge Schedule of Events

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

This year’s 4th of July Festival is marching back in full force after two years of reduced activities due to the pandemic. Not only are favorites like the parade and Southport waterfront fireworks on the schedule again, but many of last year’s new events such as the Red, White & Blue Car Show and the arts and crafts booths in Oak Island’s Middleton Park are returning as well. Add to that brand new events like the Paddle Parade out of Blue Water Point Marina, and we are looking at the biggest Festival ever. There is so much going on that we thought it would be helpful to new Fes tival goers and Festival veterans alike to share a preview of what you can expect. Here is a look at the Festival Schedule as it stands at press time.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30

OAK ISLAND

9 am Welcoming Ceremony, Blue Water Point Marina, 5710 57th Place West

9:30 am Paddle Parade on Davis Canal, Blue Water Point Marina

SOUTHPORT

6:30 pm Welcoming Ceremony, Garrison House Lawn, 203 East Bay Street

6:45 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportu nity, Garrison Lawn

7 pm 440th Army Band Concert, Garrison Lawn

FRIDAY, JULY 1

OAK ISLAND Beach Day

8 am Horseshoe Tournament, Middleton Park

10 am Registration for all beach athletic events, on the beach in front of the Cabana, SE 46th Street

11 am - 2 pm Youth activities including inflatables, rides, games and food, Middleton Park

11 am Corn Hole, Bocce Ball and Beach Volleyball Tournaments, on the beach in front of the Cabana, SE 46th Street

1 pm Sand Sculpture Contest, on the beach in front of the Cabana, SE 46th Street

6-9 pm Beach Day Concert featuring the Cat 5 Band, Middleton Park Pavilion

6-6:45 pm Shag Contest Registration, Middleton Park

7 pm Shag Contest, during intermission of the Cat 5 concert

9 pm (or dusk) Oak Island Anniversary Fireworks, Oak Island Pier, 705 Ocean Drive

4th of July

to St. James Marina

5 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportunity, Garrison Lawn

6 pm Salute To Veterans, Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. 7-10 pm Steel County Express, Waterfront Stage

SUNDAY, JULY 3

OAK ISLAND

12 - 5 pm Arts and Crafts Show, Middleton Park

12 - 7:30 pm Food Concessions in Middleton Park

12 - 7:30 pm Community Entertainment, Middleton Park Pavilion

SOUTHPORT

10 am - 4 pm Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Presents: 9/11 Never Forget Memorial Mobile Exhibit, 115 E. Nash St.

12-2 pm Children’s Entertainment, Garrison Lawn

SOUTHPORT

9 am - 2 pm American Red Cross Blood Drive, Fire Station Annex, 115 E. Nash St.

2:30 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportu nity, Garrison Lawn

SATURDAY, JULY 2

OAK ISLAND

10-11 am Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportu nity, Middleton Park Pavilion

10 am - 5:30 pm Beach Stage entertainment featuring music and dancing, Middleton Park Pavilion

10 am - 5 pm Arts and Crafts Show, Middleton Park

10 am - 3 pm Red, White & Blue Car Show featuring live music and food from Wallace Catering, Bill Smith Park, 4410 Fish Factory Road

12-7:30 pm Food Concessions in Middleton Park

5:30-7:30 pm Dave’s Not Home Band, Middleton Park Pavilion

SOUTHPORT

8 am Registration for Children’s Games, Waterfront Park

9 am Children’s Games, Ages 5 and under, Waterfront Park, Ages 6-11, Gar rison Lawn

10 am - 2 pm 36th Annual Firefighters Competition and Apparatus Expo, 115 E Nash Street

10 am - 4 pm Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Presents: 9/11 Nev er Forget Memorial Mobile Exhibit, 115 E. Nash Street

10 am - 5 pm Arts and Crafts, Franklin Square Park, 130 E. West St.

10 am - 5 pm Voter Registration, Franklin Square Park

10 am - 5 pm Food Concessions, Franklin Square Park

12-10 pm Food Concessions, Waterfront Park Area

12:30-5 pm Community Entertainment, Waterfront Stage, 146 E. Bay St.

1-4 pm Community-wide Entertainment, various bands playing at American Fish Company, Moore Street Market, Southport Tap & Cellar and The Tiki Tav ern

4 pm Red, white and Blue Freedom Flotilla, ICW from Southport Waterfront

12-2:15 pm Community Entertainment, Waterfront Stage

12-5 pm Arts and Crafts, Franklin Square Park, 130 E. West St.

12-5 pm Voter Registration, Franklin Square Park

12-5 pm Food Concessions, Franklin Square Park

12-10 pm Food Concessions, Waterfront Park Area

12-5 pm Military Exhibits, Waterfront Park

1-4 pm Community-wide Entertainment, various bands playing at American Fish Company, Moore Street Market,Southport Tap & Cellar and The Tiki Tav ern

3 pm Flag Retirement Ceremony, Waterfront Park Stage

3:30 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportu nity, Garrison Lawn

4 pm 440th Army Band Concert, Garrison Lawn

7-10 pm Street Dance featuring The Tim Clark Band, Waterfront Stage

MONDAY, JULY 4

7-10 am Pancake Breakfast, Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St.

10 am - 5 pm Arts and Crafts, Franklin Square Park, 130 E. West St.

10 am - 5 pm Voter Registration, Franklin Square Park

10 am - 5 pm Food Concessions, Franklin Square Park

Southport Magazine 2016-2017 SOI Chamber Small Business of the Year Winner

4th of July

12-10 pm Food Concessions, Waterfront Park Area

10 am - 4 pm Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Presents: 9/11 Never Forget Memorial Mobile Exhibit, 115

E. Nash St.

10:30 am Flag Raising Ceremony, Intersection of Moore and Howe Streets

11 am 4th of July Festival Parade, Moore and Howe Streets

12-3:15 pm Community entertainment, waterfront Stage

1 pm Reading of the Declaration of Independence and signing opportunity, Garrison Lawn

2 pm Celebration of the Pledge of Allegiance, Garrison Lawn

1-4 pm Community-wide Entertainment, various bands playing at Moore Street Market,Southport Tap & Cellar and The Tiki Tavern

1-3 pm Military Exhibits and First Responder Vehicle Display, Waterfront Park

6-10 pm Liquid Pleasure Band, Waterfront Stage

9 pm Lions Club Boat Raffle Drawing, waterfront Stage

9 pm Fireworks, Southport Waterfront

Patricia Elliott Designs

Authentic Sea Glass

Earrings - Bracelets - Pendants Handcrafted in Sterling Silver

Stop by Ricky Evans Gallery 211 N Howe Street • Southport, NC

Contact Artist at: patelliott.seaglass@gmail.com

Mother Nature’s GEM STONE

4th of July Festival

Shine and Show

Sign Up To Enter 4th of July Car Show

Wantto show off your fancy wheels at one of our area’s larg est car shows? The Cape Fear Cruisers Car Club will host a car show bigger and better than ever during the NC 4th of July Festival this year. The Rockin’ & Rollin’ to the Red, White & Blue Car Show will be held in Oak Island’s Bill Smith Park, 4446 Fish Factory Road SE, on July 2. The preregistration deadline is June 25.

“The Cape Fear Cruisers Shine and Show Classic Car Show has been a sta ple on the 4th of July Festival calendar for many years,” said Peggy Lilly of the Cape Fear Cruisers. This year’s show will continue the success of the 2021 Festival and once again feature food vendors and live music.

Cape Fear Cruisers anticipate an esti mated 200 vintage and special late model automobiles to be on display during the car show. Food vendors will be onsite from 11 am to 3 pm and the popular Back Porch Rockers will return to entertain the crowd

with live music. More than 65 trophies will be awarded, including a trophy for the most patriotically decorated vehicle. Cars and trucks of all years, makes and mod els are encouraged to participate. Reg istration is required for all show vehicles. Public viewing is free and there is plenty of parking.

Learn more and download the regis tration form at nc4thofjuly.com/car-andtruck-show.

The Cape Fear Cruisers Car Club is a non-profit organization located in coast

al Southport on the Cape Fear River. The Club’s purpose is to develop and maintain good relationships within the community by offering assistance to local charitable organizations and individuals in need while

enjoying the fellowship of other car en thusiasts. Club members share a common interest of collecting, restoring, modify ing and owning automobiles.

Apply To Join The 4th of July Fest Parade

The N.C. 4th of July Festival Committee is accepting entries for the annual parade held on July 4 in downtown Southport. All applications are due by June 10.

“We are excited to bring the parade back after a two-year hiatus,” said Trisha Howarth, publicity chair for the festival committee. “The parade is one of the most popular events of the festival and we expect this year’s to be bigger and better than ever.”

Businesses, non-profit organizations, military and public safety organizations, and individuals are invited to participate and encouraged to display their patri otism during the parade. Entry fees are determined by unit/business type. Par ticipants can choose to enter a personal vehicle, rent a professionally decorated float, or register a horse unit.

Visit nc4thofjuly.com/parade to review parade rules, unit types and fees, and to submit the registration form and payment.

The current N.C. 4th of July Festival Parade began in 1964 but has roots dat ing back to 1700’s, when the ladies of Smithville dressed in white and marched through the town in observance of Independence Day. Today’s parade is much longer and has a bigger variety, with more than 120 units filling the streets as children’s eyes widen in delight when patriotic units pass by. View the entire fes tival schedule and daily waterfront entertainment schedule at www.nc4thofjuly. com..

Kids Catch A Wave

Take A Kid Surfing Day And Surf Camps

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

The South Brunswick Surf Dreams Club, with the help of the Surf Dreams Foundation and local surfers, introduced 37 chil dren to the joy of riding waves last month at the annual Take A Kid Surfing Day on Oak Island. But they aren’t finished yet! Later this summer, they are joining with the Town of Oak Island to offer two week-long surf camps. Camps will be the week of June 20 and the week of August 1. Cost is $200 for 4 days, 8 - 11am. Go to the Surf Dreams Foundation website at surfdreamsfoundation. org to register.

Also at Take A Kid Surfing Day, the Surf Dreams Club presented $1500 raised by the club over the past year to the Surf Dreams Foundation. They also also awarded some of the club’s members with new surf boards.

Mason Howlett received one board. “As a graduating senior from South Brunswick high school who will be putting himself through college and attend ing ECU in the fall, he’s been learning to surf but doesn’t have his own board,” explained Surf Dreams Club advisor Jen Ordonez. “We want to encourage his passion for learning to surf and give him the equipment he needs.”

The other recipient was Isaac Soles. “We had a board donated and I wanted to recognize his efforts in keeping the surf dreams club going at South Bruns wick high school after our club founder graduated,” said Ordonez. “He has been dedicated, responsible, and reliable as our new club president this year and this board will help him continue growing as a surfer.”

War Round Table closed out its season celebrating its unprecedented growth over the past year at the 12th anniversary meeting in May, confident that major new

vative plans and programs made the difference. It was a festive occasion as the Round Table had another outstanding audience turnout, acknowledged its dedicated volunteers, and ended the season with 1,090 members, 190 more than the start of the season back in September 2021 when live meetings resumed at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach.

ng a Civil War Ladies’ Forum on Oct. 23, a series of dramatic changes were implemented to track the organization’s progress, encourage greater Round Ta ble awareness, increase meeting atten dance, and encourage new members, all designed to strengthen its reputation as the largest Civil War round table in the country.

As meeting attendance grew each month, an online registration system was implemented to help reduce long lines at the registration desk. Members can now simply click on the link at home, enter their email address to register, and print out a ticket to be turned in at a special online registration desk.

A hybrid Zoom format was imple mented, allowing members who were not able to attend meetings in person to view meetings live from home in real time simply by accessing a link to the broadcast. This was especially important

to many long distance and out-of-state members who wish to attend meetings but can not because of the dis tance. This innovation allows us to find an important way to meet many members’ needs and lifestyles.

From time-to-time mem bers simply can’t make a meeting. No problem. A Brunswick Civil War Round Table Channel is now in place on YouTube. Every program is videotaped and posted on YouTube within 10 days of the presentation. Fourteen vid eos are currently available, providing another way for members to stay up-to-date and enjoy missed programs.

Volunteers are critical to the Round Table’s success. Another innovation was to begin an online volunteer track ing system. This proprietary database system allows us to track and maintain contact information on all volunteers

and their responsibilities — registration, financial records, tours, the 50/50 Raf fle, the Sutler’s Table, the website, the newsletter, the Facebook page, etc. This allows personnel changes and turnovers to take place smoothly and efficiently.

Maintaining periodic communications with members is crucial. The newsletter, Call to Arms, is sent to all members and is considered to be one of most creative and thorough of any Civil War newslet ter in the country. For non-members and the public, a comprehensive publicity program has been in place since the Round Table began in 2010, announcing news, upcoming speakers and topics. Its success is measured, in part, by attract ing new members each month. Since last September, 219 folks have joined.

The Round Table’s Facebook page also strongly impacts overall awareness and interest by posting a daily Civil War his torical fact, making it a “go to” place for Civil War information in general, and the Round Table’s events and informa tion, specifically. Also, over the years the Round Table’s website has been avail able for anyone seeking more updates

and information. The site is currently un der construction, and will soon feature a new look, updated technology, and an other opportunity to keep up-to-date on Round Table events, historic facts, and upcoming activities and programs.

Many of the Round Table’s innova tions are the result of keeping a pulse on members’ opinions and preferences. To respond, the Round Table began an an nual membership survey this past year. And based on the high response rate, it provided valuable input regarding its operations, assessing Civil War presen tation topics, ranking guest speakers,

and suggesting future tour options. The survey’s value to date has been an inspiration to continue the survey as an important annual assessment of mem bers’ opinions and degree of satisfac tion.

Based on the success of this past sea son, plans are already being finalized for the start of the new season begin ning on Sept. 6. For more information, to become a member, or to volunteer, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com or (404) 229-9425.

Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled ride through Southport’s historic waterfront district aboard our state-of-the-art tram!

1 Hour Tour Covering:

• History and Culture

• Movie Locations

• Spectacular Coastal Views

• Shopping and Dining

Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373 www.southportfuntours.com

Jewelry Smithing

CJ’s Sea Shop Offers Unique Pieces

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Wilmingtonresident and jewelry artist Cameron Johnson uses traditional metalsmithing techniques to create beau tiful jewelry using a variety of metals and focal point stones.

By using semi-precious stones, genuine sea glass, sea pottery, enamel, and slag glass, Cameron’s jewelry is both unique and beautiful. You can see her designs under her business banner CJ’s Sea Shop at many art festivals and markets. “My work is influenced by living on the coast, my love of color, and my love of plants. All of these elements are pretty heavy in my work.”

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from UNCW, Cameron worked in retail for 10 years. “After I got laid off, I started beading, opened an Etsy shop, and started doing festivals and markets. I wanted to learn how to work with enamel and silver, so I took Metals classes at Cape Fear Com munity College. A few years later, I took a Casting class at Brunswick Communi ty College. I do love taking classes and learning new techniques!”

After losing her retail job, Cameron de cided to go into jewelry making full force. “While I have always made jewelry, I re

ally got into it ten years ago. I was laid off from my job in retail and worked two part-time jobs. While I was trying to fig ure out what I wanted to do next, I found these cultured sea glass beads online and fell in love with them. I ordered about $100 in supplies and opened an Etsy shop. A friend suggested doing a festival, and that was the point that I realized that I could make it as a full-time artist,” she said. “I wanted to learn how to work with enamel and silver, so I took a couple of Metals classes at Cape Fear Community College. From that point, I have contin ued to challenge myself by trying new techniques to add more complexity to my work. Every time I have a new ‘this is my favorite’ piece, it is always one that has challenged me & pushed me to try something new,” she said. “My favorite piece is actual ly one I recently made for myself. I rarely make pieces for myself, despite having many stones that are ‘mine.’ It is a ring with a Sev en Dwarfs stone, and is trimmed with an octopus tentacle casting, bead trim, and a tube set cubic zirconia. The stone I used was only mined for a short period of time, so it is pretty rare. I wanted to do something special with it, which only took about 4 years for me to settle on the design.”

With her creative process com ing from many different places, Cameron likes to focus on com plementary colors while creating her enamel pieces. “For example, I have a series I call Horizons. All of the pieces focus on the meet

ing of colors between the ocean and sky at different times of the day - ocean and sky, ocean and sky at dusk, oceanCJ’s Sea Shop Features Unique and sky at night, sand and sky, and sea glass and sky,” she said. “For my sea glass pieces, I usually like to keep the settings pretty simple, because I like to focus on the beauty of each piece. My stone settings can be pretty simple, or I make a more complex setting by adding trim, cast silver ele ments, tube set faceted stones, or com plementary stones.”

By consistently learning new tech niques and using new materials, Cameron finds fresh new inspiration in her designs. “Right now I am really loving waterslide decals with my enamel piec es,” said Cameron. “They bring a fun design element to the enamel. I feel like I will always work with sea glass, semi-precious stones, and enamel, but I love find ing new elements to add in. I love adding cast silver elements to my sea glass & stone pieces, and I love find ing new stones to work with. Often times I hoard them for a while before I use them in a piece. Sometimes I lay out all my stones, cast silver pieces, and sea glass, and I will arrange pieces that ‘feel’ right together. Sometimes the ideas swirl around in my

head for a while be fore they come to life.”

Many artists had difficulty making ends meet during the sudden pan demic situation in 2020 and businesses closed. Cameron is thankful that she had some steady online sales that helped her get through that time. “The pandemic was tough. It all hap pened so quickly. All of the markets and festivals I had sched uled for MarchMay of 2020 were cancelled within a week. It was really scary, but you move forward in the best way you can,” she said. “At the end of May, we were finally able to open the smaller markets again. It was slower, but I was happy to be able to be out in person again. I really had to pay attention to exactly what people were (and weren’t) buying, and I had to focus on how to maximize the materials I use, since silver prices had gone up sig nificantly in such a short period of time.”

You can find Cameron’s gorgeous jew elry in markets around the area and on her website, cjsseashop.com. “I had my pieces in a few stores until last summer when I decided to pull all of my pieces and focus on my inventory for my shows.

Find Butterfly and Bee Friendly Plants

Just in time for the Monarchs, numerous butterflies, and pollinators, the Brunswick County Extension Master GardenerSM  Volunteers Asso ciation is offering a Pollinator Online Plant Sale featuring Native Milk weeds, Coneflowers and other critical pollinator-beneficial plants. This plant sale is in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, celebrating the importance of pollinators in the food chain. These plants are en dorsed by Monarch Watch, the North Carolina Butterfly Highway, and the North Carolina Native Plant Society as critical to sustaining local butterfly and pollinator habitat. Quantities will be limited due to Master Gardener volunteer propagation and plant nursery availability.

Visit the website www.bcmgva.org from Saturday, June 18, through Saturday, June 25, to place and pay for your order. Pick up your plants in person on Wednesday, June 29, from 9 am until 12 noon at the Bruns wick County Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, greenhouse area behind Building N, Government Complex, Bolivia. Visit the website for more information on the plants offered. Payment for online orders is through PayPal, Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover. For more information, email bcmgvat@gmail.com

CALENDAR

JuneWe’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remem ber that all events, dates and times are subject to change.

JUNE 4

Historical Bike Tour

Tour historic Southport on bike with the Southport Historical Society. The cost is $35 for the tour and bike/helmet rental. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www. theadventurecompany.net.

JUNE 5

WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. fundraiser at The Barn at Rock Creek

A night of dinner and dancing will benefit the WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. organiza tion, a group that helps provide for chil dren in foster care in Brunswick County. The event starts at 4 pm, and The Cata linas band will take the stage at 5 pm. There will also be a live auction, 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction. Tickets are $75; visit www.waves4kids.org.

JUNE 9

Learn with the NC Aquarium

The NC Aquarium presents “Those Living Seashells,” a free family pro gram, 2 pm at the Oak Island Recre ation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Dr. The program is sponsored by the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society.

JUNE 9-12 AND 16-19

“Plaza Suite” — Brunswick Little The atre

Rasa Love directs this Neil Simon classic about three couples successively occupying a suite at the Plaza. Perfor mances are at the theatre, 8068 River Rd. SE in Southport, 7:30 pm June 9-11 and 16-18, with 3 pm matinees June 12 and 19. Visit brunswicklittletheatre.com for tickets.

JUNE 11

A Night of Standup Comedy

Enjoy a night of laughter at the his toric Amuzu Theatre, 111 N. Howe Street in Southport. Tickets are $20 and are available at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport and at Color Me Carolina, Long Beach Road, Oak Island.

JUNE 11

Oak Island Beach Sweep

Join the Oak Island Beach Preser vation Society for a pre-season Beach

Sweep, starting at 8 am at the Oak Island Cabana (Beach Drive at SE 46th Street). Register in advance at OKIbeachcleanup@gmail.com for a 1/2 mile beachfront assignment.

JUNE 14

The USS North Carolina —Southport Historical Society

The Society presents a program on the USS North Carolina, a battle ship moored in the Cape Fear river. Cindy Horrell Ramsey and Kim Rob inson Sincox will share memories of the crew and the amazing story of the battleship, America’s most decorat ed WWII Battleship which participat ed in every major battle in the Pacific and earned 15 battle stars. Many local Southport schoolchildren saved their pennies to help relocate the USS North Carolina to Wilmington. The event is at 1 pm at Harper Library, 109 W.Moore St. No registration is required, and the event is free.

JUNE 18

Lone Palm Regatta

The 10-mile regatta takes sail at noon at the Yacht Basin in Southport. The regatta is open to all sailors, and spectators are invited to watch along the waterfront. An after-race party and awards ceremony will be held at the American Fish Co.

JUNE 20

Meet the Authors — “10 Little Rules” books

Carol Pearson, Amy Hege

Atwell and Micki Beach, all with their own versions of “10 Little Rules,” will speak and share readings from their books. The event is at 2 pm at Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St. in Southport.

JUNE 23

Youth Fishing Derby

Children 15 years old and younger can compete in this free fishing derby, 5:30-7 pm at the Oak Island Fishing Pier. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, including scariest fish and ugliest fish. Call 910-278-4747 to reg ister.

JUNE 25-26

Sea Notes Concert — Sweet Land of Liberty

Get into the patriotic spirit with this annual concert event from the Sea Notes Choral Society. Performances are at 3 pm both days at Odell William son Auditorium at Brunswick Commu nity College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia.

JUNE 25

Brunswick Community College Foun dation’s signature fundraising event, Bella Italia, is an evening of sipping fine wines and enjoying delicious Italian fare. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarship support at Brunswick Community College. Spon sorship opportunities are still avail able. To learn more, contact Kristy at 910-755-7473 or  faulknerk@brunswickcc.edu

JUNE 30 - JULY 4

4th of July Festival

See the schedule of events for this year’s festival pages 28-31 in this month’s issue.

Ongoing Events

Southport Summer Market

Shop for produce and baked goods, flowers, arts, crafts and more. The Mar ket is open for business Wednesdays during the season from 9 am to 2 pm and has up to 75 vendors each week, all in beautiful Franklin Square Park (corner of Howe and E. West Streets).

Oak Island Farmers Market

Enjoy ocean breezes and find fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. The market runs from 8 am to1 pm on Mondays through the season at the Middleton Park Fields, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive.

Barbee and Harper Libraries (Oak Island and Southport)

The Libraries are open Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm. The Bar bee branch is also open 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Check www.folsoi.org for details on family game Fridays, lifelong learners and the Socrates Cafe Dis cussion Group sessions. The Friends Bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 1-3 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon.

NC Maritime MuseumsSouthport, 204 E. Moore Street

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the muse um) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. The third Thursday program is June 21 and features Jay Barnes, who will speak about histor ic hurricanes, 7 pm at the Southport Community Building; registration is re quired. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum. com to register., and to find out about summer camps at the museum and Lit tle Mariners programs.

Autors

Farmers Markets are back, Mondays on Oak Island and Wednesdays in Southport

Riverwalk Farmers Market

Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Bel ville

Thursdays 2-5 pm, Fridays 11 am - 5 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm and Sundays from 10am to 4 pm. Fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River.

Brunswick Town/Fort An derson State Historic Site

8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see out side, with historic ruins, great infor mation on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront prop erty in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Concert Series — Oak Island

Middleton Park fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive

June 3 — The Cruise Brothers Band

June 10 — The Sand Band

June 17 — The Tim Clark Band

June 24 — The Entertainers

July 1 (Beach Day) — Cat 5

July 8 — Too Much Sylvia

July 16--The Main Event Band

Summer Concert Series — Southport

Franklin Square Park, 6-8 pm

June 2 — Back Porch Rockers

June 9 — June NowCat

June 16 — Brunswick Big Band

June 23 — Zilches

July 7 — Christina Martinez Band

Second Wind

8620 E. Oak Island Dr.

April 29 — free line dance lessons, 7 pm

American Fish Co.

150 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport

June 3 — Shelby Rae Moore

June 4 — Shelby Rae Moore

June 5 — Tri-Fecta

June 10 — The Fustics

June 11 — 100 Grand Band

June 12 — The Dorrsmen

June 17 — Spellbound

June 18 — Band on Fire

June 19 — Hoover & Martinez

June 24 — Steel Country Express

June 25 — Painted Man

June 26 — Carolina Line Bluegrass Band

July 1 — Kenny Reeves & Trainwreck

July 2 — Band on Fire

July 3 — The Feebs

July 8 — Conspiracy

July 9 — Killing Time

July 10 — R&R

Ocean Crest Pier

1409 E. Beach Drive

June 3 — Greg Rowles, 6 pm

June 10 —Chris & Sandy, 6 pm

June 17 —Chris & Sandy, 6 pm

WINE, BEER AND COFFEE

MOORE STREET MARKET

130 E. Moore Street, Southport

Coffee, beer and good food, and an outside courtyard and live music too.

AMERICAN FISH CO

150 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport

Boat watching and amazing views on the Southport waterfront; open mic night on Thursdays, and live music Fri da and Saturday night and Sunday af ternoons.

SILVER COAST WINERY TASTING ROOM

105 N. Howe St., Southport

Brunswick County’s first and only win ery and original Craft Beer Bar. Check Facebook for specials, tasting events, and snack tray offerings.

SOUTHPORT TAP & CELLAR

827 N. Howe St., Southport

Offering craft beers brought in from across the State. Check Facebook for food truck appearances; music bingo on Sundays.

THE MULLET BAR

112 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport

Cold beers, boat watching and gor geous views of the Yacht Basin.

THE WINE RACK

102 W. Brown St., Southport.

The shop offers wines, cigars, coffees and accessories and a cozy patio area to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy live music.

THE PUB OF SOUTHPORT

1513 N. Howe St., Unit 10, Southport

Check the Pub’s Facebook page to see the menu and drink specials. Sports programming on eight TVs and live music too!

TIKI TAVERN

104 E. 8th St., Southport

Seating available outdoors, with games, trivia, music and open mic nights; check Facebook for details.

UNCORKED BY THE SEA WINE SHOP & GALLERY

602 N. Howe St. Southport

Shop for a wide variety of wines and craft beers, call 910-454-0633, or shop online at www.uncorkedbythesea.com. Collector wines, crystal stemware and other great gift items also available.

GRAPE & ALE

8521 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Stocked with your old favorites and new wines to try. Check www.thegra peandale.com, or find them on Face book for specials.

The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille

601 Ocean Drive, Oak Island

Good food, a great ocean view and Sunday Sunsets. Check Face book for music and specials; Music Bingo Mondays and Hump Day Triv ia.

Second Wind Sports Bar

8620 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island

Live music, dancing and great drinks.

The Office Coffee and Wine Bar

3280 George II Highway (NC 87), Boiling Spring Lakes

Sit a spell with friends and enjoy a fancy coffee drink, good food, a plain cup of joe or a glass of wine, and grab a bottle for later.

The Oasis Bar & Grill

8039 River Road SE

TVs for watching the game, full bar and tasty bar food.

49th STREET BAR AND GRILL 4901 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Indoor and outside seating will a full menu.

Don’t see your event listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to

Learn all about the arrival of the USS North Carolina June 14 with the Souhtport HIstorical Society

2651 MAIDEN LANE, SUPPLY $279,000 | 3 bed | 2 bath. Water Access Community! Newly Renovated Home sitting on 1.10 Acres of land and it is NOT in a flood zone. This home is only 3 1/2 miles from the Holden Beach bridge and the NC Wildlife boat ramp. Recent upgrades include: new metal roof, new LVP floors, new vinyl win dows, new sliding doors, new gas logs with a mar ble tile hearth, and a new front porch deck. The kitchen has some bead-board cabinets and lots of space for cooking and eating. The double oven, the microwave, the refrigerator and the washer/ dryer were all purchased in 2021 and they all convey with the sale of the home. The owner will consider leaving the home furnished. The HVAC was installed approx in 2019. There is a carport and a wired storage shed. An extra large gravel drive beside the carport can accommodate your RV or boats & trailers. The year-around Carolina Room on the back of the house has all new vinyl windows and leads out to a large outdoor deck for your grilling and family get-togethers. There is brand-new insulation under the sunroom so you can enjoy this Carolina Room even in the winter. A new irrigation pump was installed for the sprin kler system. For more information, call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 620-8962!

MARKETPLACE

Folly and Shallotte River Inlet. This Lot has been found by the Davey Resource Group to perk for a 4-bedroom home. A Perfect location and homesite for boaters and water enthusi asts! Only 3 miles from the NC Public Wildlife Boat Ramp under the Holden Beach Bridge. The Holden Beach Public Beach Accesses are only 3-4 miles away with plenty of local fresh seafood, restaurants, gift shops and ice cream shops. New Owner would have to opt into the HOA if they wanted to use the Sea View com munity pool and the dock and pier on the Intracoastal Waterway. This is a PRIME water front residential lot measuring 100 x 350. Listed at $449,000.  Call Sarah Smith, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 443-8000.

approaching the home you’re greeted with a welcoming covered porch perfect for rocking chairs and a swing. Once inside you’ll love the open concept living area with vaulted ceilings and Luxury Vinyl Plank floors. The kitchen is impressive with a counter-height island with seating for two, granite counter tops and a full stainless steel appliance suite. The spacious master has a tray ceiling in the bedroom, and a walk-in shower in the master bath. Do not let this fantastic new construction home get away from you!

3220 ISLAND DRIVE SE, RIVER RUN PLANTATION. Premier new construction in the gated waterfront amenity rich community of River Run Plantation. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, this 1,558 SF open-concept home is a single story with 2 car garage. Completion 08/2022. Listed at $369,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS® Call Ceilidh Creech at 910-553-4073 for details.

101 S. 7TH STREET, WILMINGTON NC |

- SOUTHPORT Lovely 1/2 acre wooded homesite in the water front community of Winding Creek, a small tran quil community along Nancy’s Creek. Property owners can enjoy deep water access via a private boat launch, 200 ft. dock and 260 foot floating dock. This beautiful community also offers walk ing trails, a stocked fishing pond, picnic area and various wildlife. An approved 4 bedroom permit is on file. This is a unique opportunity for those want ing the space to build their dream home in a pri vate deep water access community in Southport! Listed at $89,900. Call Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 457-7676.

6484

2808 SEA VISTA DRIVE, SEA VIEW, SUPPLY. This gorgeous residential lot is located on the Intracoastal Waterway between the Lockwood

$699,000 | 4 bed | 2.5 bath. Full Renovation Project in Progress Now! This beautiful home is coming together quickly. Old homes have a mystery, history and character that newer homes just can’t match. This home dates back to 1928 and is constructed of old solid brick, it has plenty of natural light through the numer ous windows. This is an outstanding example of excellence in craftsmanship and detailing. The Elegant Staircase has a lovely curve to the rail ing and leads upstairs to four large bedrooms and two full baths. The floors are the original inlaid hardwood floors and they will be refin ished and shined back to their beauty. There is a partial basement where you will see the origi nal ‘coal shoot’ that used to feed into the boiler that heated the home. This Roaring Twenties home sits on the very desirable historic corner ing room, a large

and shops. The community pool with club house and tennis courts is just steps away. Each of the bedrooms has a private bath. One bedroom is on the main level off the open liv ing-dining-kitchen areas. The kitchen has been recently renovated with quartz countertops, the installation of a coffee bar area and a new refrig erator. Kitchen cabinets have custom features including large drawers for storing cookware and pull out drawers in pantry. Wood flooring in living-dining area and downstairs bedroom. There’s plenty of storage room with walk-out attic and room off porch. Indigo Plantation is a wonderful community on the ICW with a Marina. You want to see this one! Listed at $349,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®. Call Kay Jolif at 910-530-2866 for details

3100 MARSH GROVE LANE UNIT 3319, CONDO ON THE ICW. This 3rd Floor, end unit is move in ready! Owners Bedroom has its own amazing bathroom and walk in closet! Covered parking, elevator, pool, clubhouse and walking trails. Listed at $340,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS® Call Karen Wirzulis at 910-319-8592 for details.

1516 ROUND RIDGE DRIVE, NEW SOUTH BRIDGE. Available now! Single level home features 3bed/2bath plus a bonus area. Interior showcases an open floorplan, new floor in liv ing areas, and updated kitchen. Backyard has tiered patio overlooking wooded area. Listed at $288,300 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️ Call Amy Lynn Boltz at 910-8802696 for details.

1000 CASWELL BEACH RD, UNIT 405, OAK ISLAND BEACH VILLAS. Recently renovated, ocean front 2BR/2BA condo offering the most stunning ocean views, sunrises, and sunsets you have ever seen! Spend your morning coffee time out on the balcony listening to the waves splashing. Listed at $515,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS® Call Danielle Colantuno at 443-699-4031 for details.

WALDEN POND LANE

dining room, kitchen and half er approx. 2019-2020. The home has a 1-car garage on the Dock St side of the home and a personal courtyard on the 7th St side of the home to enjoy the beauty of our local Azaleas and Camellias. Anticipated Completion date: Call Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 457-7676. For more information, call Katherine Wooten, Southport

2740 BELLAMY DRIVE – OAK ISLAND. Under construction with an anticipated completion date of 8.15.22. - New Construction home in Sea View. ‘’The Ivey Cottage’’ is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1, 300 SF piling home. This prop erty is located on a large private lot. When

782 INDIGO VILLAGE CT, SOUTHPORT. This well maintained three bedroom Southport townhome is in a desirable location. just a few minutes away from the waterfront, restaurants

DINING GUIDE

Find Something Sure To Please Everyone

Check out the Dining Guide and what delicious food the local area has to offer!

MOORE STREET OYSTER BAR

110 E. Moore Street, Southport (910) 363-5115

Moore Street Oyster Bar is an oyster pub rooted in the traditions of coastal Southern cooking, epitomized by the seaside town of Southport.

M PROVISION COMPANY 130 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport 910-457-0654

www.provisioncompany.com

Offering a la carte seafood sandwiches, conch fritters, steamed shrimp and more.

RUSTY HOOKS DOCKSIDE GRILL

4907 Fish Factory Rd Southport, (910) 477-6616 www.rustyhooksdockside.com

OLIVER’S ON THE CAPE FEAR

101 West Bay Street, Southport 910-477-9299 oliversonthecapefear.com

Fine dining on the Cape Fear—where ex quisite southern cuisine meets the salubrious dishes. We also offer great burgers, steaks, and other southern favorites.

M MR. P’S BISTRO

309 N. Howe St., Southport 910-457-0801 www.mrpsbistro.com

Fine low-country cuisine, from crab-stuffed fish du jour to crab cakes and prime rib.

SHAGGER JACKS

8004 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 910-933-4103 www.shaggerjacksoki.com

and accessories, this quaint shop is perfect for a night out. Great service and over 600 wines to choose from.

UNCORKED BY THE SEA

602 N. Howe St. Southport, 910-454-0633

Offering a wide variety of fine wines and craft beers for in-store shopping, curbside pick-up and shopping on-line. Delivering locally. En joy sipping wine in the shop while admiring lo cal art or in the courtyard. Wines are available to taste every day. Special orders welcome

BARBECUE

M SOUTHPORT SMOKE HOUSE

SEAFOOD SPECIALTY

M FISHY FISHY CAFE

106 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport 910-457-1881 www.fishyfishycafe.com

A sophisticated take on the dockside sea food café, Fishy Fishy serves up plates like Buf falo shrimp, Cajun grouper bites, and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp.

M FRYING PAN

319 West Bay St., Southport 910-363-4382 -

Featuring homemade sweet potato biscuits and fried seafood, as well as other delicacies such as pan seared grouper.

M ISLAND WAY RESTAURANT

1407 E. Beach Dr., Oak Island 910-278-7770 www.islandwayres.com

Offering fine steaks, from filet mignon to flat iron, and fresh seafood, from lobster to crab cakes, with attentive service.

KOKO CABANA

705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island (910) 933-6222

Open Tues - Sun. Seafood Specialties, Steaks, Sandwiches, Salads

MOJO’S ON THE HARBOR

16 Marina Way, Bald Head Island 910-457-7217 www.mojoontheharbor.com

Featuring Southern classics :fried pickles, shell fish steam pots to global dishes like Italian meat antipasto and Mediterraneans shrimp and grits.

Fun dining featuring fresh local seafood and generational recipes, guaranteed to leave a lasting smile on your face. Come join our small piece of paradise along the coast of Carolina; our team looks forward to greeting you. We welcome boaters to pull up to our docks or contact the Marina Dockmaster on Channel 16, and all others to come down Fish Factory Road and join us for a relaxing meal with a gorgeous view!

SWAIN SEAFOOD SHACK 5119 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, Phone: (910) 448-5056

Good food for good people. Locally caught seafood, homemade soups and salad bar.

THE PIRATES DECK 5827 E. Oak Island Dr, Oak Island 910-933-4615

A great local hangout . Everything from Na chos to burgers, to seafood to steaks. Great Bar. RE-OPENING SOON!

MODERN AMERICAN

BACK TO SHUCKERS

6220 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 910-278-4944

Casual dining in a tropical setting, with Ca ribbean inspired seafood as well as steaks, chicken, pork and salads. (Opening in May)

EDGEWATER 122

122 Yacht Basin Dr. Southport, (910) 677-6130

Locally Sourced, Hand Crafted Food and Drink served waterfront at the Old Yacht Basin.

THE LIVE OAK ON HOWE

614 N. Howe St. Southport, 910-620-4541

Full Service Catering and Event Venue. Pair ing with The Confectionary for off-site and onsite specials occasions. They will work with you to tailor make your event, one to remember. Whether it is at your house or ours..

With over 50 beer selections, Shagger Jacks offers an assortment of dishes from steamers to ribs and sweet curry chicken to tacos.

SWAIN’S CUT SEAFOOD

8317 E. Oak Island Dr, (910) 933-6300 Serving fresh, local seafood and delicious and creative baked treats.

TRANQUIL HARBOR 5908 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island Call (910) 250-12944

Casual family restaurant with a variety of dishes, seafood and daily specials.

WINE & BEER

GRAPE AND ALE 8521 E. Oak Island Dr. Oak Island, 910-933-4384

Quaint and eclectic store offering a large se lection of wines, beers, and spirits. Perfect for either relaxation or for on the go! Tastings on Fridays 5-8pm, SILVER COAST WINERY 105 S. Howe St. Southport, 910-777-5151

Brunswick County’s first and only winery and original Craft Beer Bar. Craft Beer and Wine tastings all day, every day! Check out our Face book page for updated events, specialty beer tastings, and live music.

SOUTHPORT TAP & CELLAR

827 N. Howe St., Southport

Huge variety of draught beers, wine, adult slushies and more! Inside and outside seating. Watch our Facebook page for Foodt Truck dates!

THE WINE RACK

102 W. Brown St. Southport, 910-457-5147

Offering a selection of wine, cigars, coffees,

1102 N. Howe St., Southport 910-363-5035 www.southportsmokehouse.com

Real wood smoked BBQ and brisket, great side items, and a great family environment.

M BAR-B-QUE HOUSE

5002 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 910-201-1001 www.bestbbqonthebeach.com

Hormel ribs are slow d in house and meats are offered with a variety of sauces, from East ern NC vinegar to Lexington-style red.

CAFES, DELIS & GRILLS

49th STREET BAR AND GRILL 4901 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Indoor and outside seating will a full menu.

LONG BEACH DINER 106 SE 58th St., Oak Island 910-250-1758

Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 2 pm, Delicious, home-cooked breakfast and lunch.

BLUE COW GRILLE

108 Moore Street, Southport 910-363-4402

Serving specialty Burgers,.sanwiches and seafood. Lunch and Dinner

BOB’S DOGS

8903 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 910-278-3456 • www.bobsdogsoki.com

With custom hot dogs featuring an array of ingredients to homestyle sandwiches like chicken salad and burgers.

THE BREAK 5700 E. Oak Island Drive (910) 933-4734

Breakfast and lunch with an island flair

Bahn Mi sandwich a Loco Jo’s

CHASER’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL

8520 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 910-278-1500

Enjoy BBQ sandwiches, wings, fish ‘n’ chips and more at this sports grill.

DRIFTERS FOOD TRUCK

4602 E. Beach Dr, Oak Island

Delicious sandwiches and more right across from Middleton Park

ERIC’S GRILLE

1671 N. Howe St., Southport 910-457-9024

Offers old fashioned, hand patted hamburg ers, plus bbq, hot dogs, chili cheese fries and breakfast sandwiches and platters.

FAT ANDY’S BURGERS

4655 Southport-Supply Rd SE,, Southport 910-269-7008

Handmade burgers using 100% ground chuck, plus freshly cut French fries.

JERSEY MIKES

5130 Long Beach Rd. SE, Southport 910-477-6261

Subs and sandwiches, fresh salads.

CAFE KOA

302 N Howe St, Southport, 910-363-4206

Gourmet Sandwich Shop & Market With Yummy Goods & Gifts! Soups, Salads & Sand wiches Served Daily!

KOPP’S KWIK STOP II

3196 George II Hwy., Southport, 910-845-7700

Kopp’s grill serves up a full breakfast (avail able for school kids before class starts, too), plus homemade lunches throughout the day.

LITTLE BIT’S GRILL

5902 E. Oak Island Dr. , Oak Island 910-278-6430

A classic burger joint, onion rings and other sides. Breakfast is served, pancakes and bacon.

LAZY TURTLE BAR & GRILL

601 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, 910-278-7725

Oceanfront dining and entertainment that is easy on the wallet and hard to forget. Tiki bar, arcade with two pool tables and plenty of seat ing to host your work, friend or family fun!

LOCAL’S FAMILY DINER

832 N. Howe St., Southport 910-457-0444 www.localsfamilydiner.com

With a warm and friendly atmosphere, Local’s Family Diner serves breakfast all day long and a seafood and entrée menu for lunch and dinner.

LOCO JO’S

602 N. Howe St., #E

Fresh, creative asian and American special ties with wine, beer and a now a fully stocked bar

LONERIDER AT OAK ISLAND

57th Place west, Oak Island

Lonerider Brew-Stillery outlaws bring award winning brews/bourbons and atmosphere to Oak Island. Enjoy a beer or bourbon with the outlaws, listen to live music, play outdoor games, and raise a toast to craft beer and spirits community. Enjoy delicious food with amazing views of the intercoastal. Limited release, and

cool specialty beers/spirits will be available at the Hideout

MOORE DOGS AND MORE 4346 Long Beach Rd, Southport Hot Dogs, BBQ, and MORE!

M MOORE STREET MARKET

130 E. Moore St., Southport, 910-363-4203

Open for breakfast and lunch, specializing in organic and fairtrade coffee as well as gourmet sandwiches crafted with Boar’s Head deli meats.

OAK ISLAND DELI AND PUB 5422 E. Oak Island Dr., 910-278-4005

Offering hamburgers, sub sandwiches, sal ads, wraps, seafood and daily drink specials.

OAK ISLAND SUBS AND SALADS 5705 E. Oak Island Dr. 910-278-9040

From BLT’s with avocado to Cajun and Reu ben sandwiches, & other quality sandwiches.

OASIS BAR AND GRILL 8039 River Rd. SE, Southport 910-454-4004

Shrimp in every style, plus sandwiches; try entrées such as scampi and filet mignon.

THE OFFICE COFFEE & WINE BAR 3280 George II HWY (BSL) Southport NC 910-351-8093 www.theofficecoffeeandwine bar.com

We serve Roast Magazine’s 2016 Roaster of the year, Espresso, Coffee Drinks(Hot, Frozen, Iced) Smoothies, Variety of Red/White Wines & Craft Beer. Also Pastries, Trays, Breakfast and Lunch Wraps.

OLD BRIDGE DINER 132 Country Club Dr., Oak Island 910-250-1184

A casual diner featuring breakfast & lunch, from fluffy omelets to burgers and fried chicken sandwiches. Open 6am - 2pm.

OLDE BRUNSWICK GENERAL STORE 1450 50 Lakes Dr., Boiling Spring Lakes 910-845-2707

Made-to-order breakfast and lunch grill.

THE SAUCY SOUTHERNER

501 N Howe Street, Southport (910) 477-6065 Offering breakfast & lunch with a southern twist. Real Good Feel Good, Food.

TROLLY STOP 111 S. Howe St., Southport 910-457-7017 www.trollystophotdogs.com

A staple in NC, Trolly Stop is renowned across the nation for its one of a kind hot dogs.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ

1671 N. Howe St. #1A, Southport 910-363-4908

www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal. Our items are made to order with fresh, simple, superior ingredients.

WILDLIFE RESTAURANT & GRILL 4381 Fish Factory Rd., Southport 910-457-9953 www.wildlifegrill.webs.com Serving a full range of items on our menu

from breakfast to home cooked meals.

CHINESE

ASIAN TASTE

1671 N. Howe St., Ste. 3, 910-457-0988 asiantastesouthportnc.com

Takeout traditional Chinese food, with sta ples such as lo mein, sesame chicken, and General Tso’s.

SOUTHPORT GOURMET AND SUSHI BAR

1643 N. Howe St, Southport (910) 477-9045

Serving a varietry of home-cokked Asian spe cialties and featuring a full sushi bar.

TASTE OF CHINA 4956 Long Beach Rd., Southport, 457-1838

Serving Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan style Chinese food.

INTERNATIONAL

M PORTS OF CALL

116 N. Howe St., Southport, 457-4544 www.portsofcallbistro.com

Offering choices that are largely influ enced by dishes from across the globe. Menu items and specials can whisk your pal ette from Casablanca to Barcelona, Santorini to Mumbai, and from Marseilles to Munich or Charleston. Finish with a fresh baked des sert in the romantic atmosphere.

ITALIAN

M BELLA CUCINA

5177 SouthportSupply Rd., Southport 910-454-4540 www.belladiningnc.com

Focusing on family Italian recipes, Bella Cucina serves up everything from fine and fresh local seafood to hand tossed, New York style pizzas. Aside from a decadent wine list, Bella Cucina also offers specialty martinis.

CASTUCCI’S AN ITALIAN JOINT

4332 Long Beach Rd, Southport 910-477-6755

Family Italian restaurant

D’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

2831 Midway Rd Ste 106 (910) 253-8151

Serving Itaiian entrees, pizza and sandwich es.

FALCONE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 5013 Southport Crossing Way, Southport 910) 363-8000

Serving home cooked Itailan specialties in a friendly atmosphere.

M JOSEPH’S ITALIAN BISTRO

5003 O’Quinn Blvd., Southport, 454-4440 www.josephsitalianbistro.com

Armed with decades of experience and “secret” family recipes, Joseph’s Italian Bistro appeals with candlelit dining and fresh Italian continental cuisine.

JAPANESE

TENGU JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE

4956 Long Beach Rd. SE, 457-9398

Sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura and udon noodles all available.

MEXICAN

DELPHINA CANTINA

10 Marina Wynd, Bald Head Island 910-457-1222 delphinacantina.webs.com

Mexican cuisine with Spanish and Cuban flare, such as Churrasco Cubano and Pescado Especial—both with plantains.

KAI JOE’S

4722 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island Phone: (910) 622-1509

Traditional Mexican dishes and specialties.

communitycenter@stjames.town

SAN FELIPE

1671 N. Howe St., Ste. 1, Southport & 4961 Long Beach Rd. SE 910-454-0950

Serving authentic dishes, such as fajitas, en chiladas and chalupas, fresh salsa and margari tas; serves traditional Mexican dishes.

SIDE STREAT TAKE OUT

524 N Howe St., Southport 910-363-4113

Tex-Mex style cuisines at a local take-out joint. Serving a variety of fish, beef, and veggie bowls. Also offering quesadillas, tacos and hot, homemade soup. Take out or relish your meal under the shaded, outside dinning area.

TACO & BURITTO SHACK

3261 Hwy 87, BSL 910-351-0179

PIZZERIAS

BAMBINI’S PIZZERIA

1513 N Howe St, Southport 477-9352

A New York Style Pizzeria featuring home made pizza, pasta, desserts, etc. Also serving a selection of beer and wine.

BEACH ROAD PIZZA AND WINGS

4688 Long Beach Rd, Southport

Pizzas, wings, fries, desserts

DRY STREET PUB AND PIZZA

101 E. Brown St., Southport 457-5994 www.drystreetpubandpizza.com

Known for handmade, original pizzas—includ ing Margherita, “very veggie,” and Greek. Also offers salads, soups and gourmet sandwiches.

FAMOUS SUBS AND PIZZA

1541 N. Howe St., Southport • 457-5143

Recognized regionally for outstanding gy ros, calzones and pizzas.

MO’S WOOD FIRED KITCHEN 4956 Old Long Beach Road SE ,Southport

Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Salads & Wings PIZZA SHACK 6212 E. Oak Island Dr., • 278-6781

Offering a variety of pies from classic favor ites to Greek white and Hawaiian.

THE PEPPERONI GRILL

3156 George II Hwy, Boiling Spring Lakes 845-5151 • www.pepperonigrillnc.com

Offering eat in, take out and delivery. As well, offering oven toasted subs and calzones.

PEPPERONI GRILL AT THE BEACH

4320 East Beach Drive • 250-1190 www.pepperonigrillnc.com

Open 7 days a week year round. Offering eat in, take out as well as delivery.

PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA

4961 Old Long Beach Rd SE, Southport (910) 454-0757

Take-out/delivery chain offering classic & spe cialty pizzas, wings & breadsticks, plus desserts.

DOMINO’S (SOUTHPORT)

1671 N Howe St #1b, Southport (910) 457-0083

DOMINO’S (OAK ISLAND) 8610 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island

(910) 278-9111

Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizza, plus chicken & other sides.

THAI

INDOCHINE EXPRESS

1131 N. Atlantic Ave, Southport (910) 363-5072

Asian delicasies for dine-in or take-out

NOODLES AND ICE CREAM 8610 E. Oak Island Drive (910) 933-4011

Noodle bowls and other Asian slecialties with Thai ice cream.

BAKERIES/ COFFEE

AHOY DOUGHNUTS

5821 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island 250-1005 • www.ahoydoughnuts.com

Fresh yeast raised, filled and cake donuts, ap ple fritters, cinnamon rolls, monkey muffins, twists and more. Handmade daily, family owned.

BURNEY’S BAKERY

808 N. Howe St., Southport 454-4222

Known for their light and flaky filled crois sants with a sweet sugar glaze, plus more.

ISLAND JO COFFEE ‘N CAFE 7916 E. Oak Island Drive (910) 250-1677

Homemade bagels, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, specialty coffees and sandwiches.

JUMPIN’ JAVA OAK ISLAND 4022 Old Bridge Rd., Southport • 363-4841

We carry a large variety of gluten free/veg an baked goods, as well as homemade coffee cakes and muffins. Delicious and decadent specialty drinks: lattes, mochas, frapps, hot chocolate, Chai teas and more.

PORT CITY JAVA 113 N. Howe Street, Southport 454-0321 www.portcityjava.com

We serve coffees, espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, milkshakes, fresh juices, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and wraps all day. Open year round. Complimentary WiFi. Comfortable inside and outside seating. Coffee catering available.

RUBY’S COFFEEHOUSE AND EATERY

At the Oak Island Pier, 705 Ocean Dr. Oak Island

Serving bagels, croissants, sandwiches, hot dogs and coffee right at the pier.

SEASIDE MERMAID 6102 e OAk Island Drive

Enjoy sweet treats, ice cream and coffee right next to Mermaid Cove. Outside seating available.

SIDE STREET BAKERY 417-A N. Howe Street, Southport 363-4629

Locals suggest the cupcakes, lemon bars, key lime pie, and carrot cake.

STAARR CAKES BAKERY

200 Country Club Dr., Suite E, Oak Island 512-8881 www.staarrcakes.com

Made from scratch cupcakes, biscuits, and pies using the finest ingredients available. Cof fee supplied by an NC roaster.

ICE CREAM

CHUCK’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

5021 Southport Crossing Way, Southport (910) 363-0208

Featuring delicious home made ice cream.

M DAIRY QUEEN 5701 E. Oak Island Dr.,• 278-5371

Featuring the iconic Blizzards, waffle-bowl sundaes, and more frozen treats. *Call for other nearby locations.

FLAVA’S COFFEE AND ICE CREAM 310 W. Bay St., Southport • 457-5150

Flava’s allows guests the choice between many flavors, including death by chocolate, birthday cake, cookies and cream, and more.

LIL & JOHN’S SWEETREAT HOME MADE ICE CREAM 6324 East Oak Island Drive.

Family-owned and operated. Featuring 16 flavors of ultra-premium, homemade ice cream. We use only dairy from grass-fed North Caroli na cows and never add artificial flavors or col ors.

SEASIDE MERMAID

6102 E. Oak Island Drive

Enjoy sweet treats, ice cream and coffee right next to Mermaid Cove. Outside seating available.

SPIKE’S DAIRY BAR

201 N. Howe St., Southport, 457-7611

More than just ice cream, Spike’s offers great hot dogs as well. Closed for the Season.

THE SCOOP SHOP

4922 East Oak Island Dr, OKI 910-250-1321

The best ice cream on the beach! Plus made to order cake donuts and fresh hot donuts!

TIKI PINEAPPLE WHIPS

4602 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island (910) 632-0598

Dole Whip pineapple frozen treats right at the beach!