IN THIS ISSUE
TheSeason, and all it entails, is upon us! We love summer. We love going to the beach, shopping the farmers markets, listening to live music outdoors, and diving into all the fun that comes with the 4th of July Festival. We understand the challenges, the traffic, the restaurant wait times, and visitors clogging up the grocery store aisles asking what kind of cereal everyone wants, but these are very small prices to pay for living in a place that so many people choose for their summer vacation. We live in a Vacationland, and it is so much fun. This time of year we are also reminded of what it takes to bring us all the fun events we enjoy so much. We are especially thankful in the summertime for the local government employees who organize the markets and summer concerts, who keep the beach in great shape, and who keep us and all our visitors safe. We encourage you to thank these valuable neighbors when you see them. Summer keeps them very busy and we are sure they’d enjoy hearing that they are appreciated.
STAFF
EDITOR
Jeffrey Stites editor@southportmag.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Lisa P. Stites
lisa@southportmag.com
LEAD DESIGNER
Liz Brinker
lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS
Chuck and Sue Cothran
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carla Edstrom
Patty Langer
Ashley Park
Lisa P. Stites
Jeffrey Stites
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeffrey Stites
PUBLISHER & SALES
Jeffrey Stites
jeff@southportmag.com
910-471-7741
CONSULTANT
Kris Beasley
PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461
Southport Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media with an extra publication in July for the Southport Fourth of July Festival. The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.
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Currents Low Country Boils
Great Options For Feeding A Big Crew
STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Summeris here and that means lots of visitors and vacationers in our beautiful beach towns! And THAT means a lot of mouths to feed! We all know it can be tough to get restaurant reservations for a big group during the summer, but cooking for a crowd can be stressful. Who wants to spend all day shopping, prepping and cooking a big meal in a hot kitchen, or sweating over a sizzling grill, while everyone else has all the fun? Perhaps this explains the growing popularity of the “Low Country Boil,” a simple meal cooked all in one pot that turns dinner into an event to remember!
Some say a low country boil is the Carolina’s version of a New England Clambake or a Louisiana Seafood Boil. It’s a whole meal where all the ingredients are cooked in the same pot, delivering tons of flavor as the juices from shrimp and sausage saturate the corn and potatoes. It requires minimal effort and the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! Tradition has it that when your boil is ready, you simply – yet with great fanfare - dump all the ingredients out on a table, covered with old newspapers, and let people just dig in! No need for fancy place settings or centerpieces. This is one meal you serve on paper plates, with plenty of napkins handy. Set down a few cups of melted butter, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges and you are good to go!
Where it All Began:
The low country boil, sometimes called Frogmore Stew, seems to have originated in South Carolina. According to the website www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com, the term was coined by a National Guardsman named Richard Gay who was stationed in Beaufort during the 1960s. Gay had to cook dinner for more than 100 soldiers, so he decided to use an old family recipe. It was such a big hit that Gay, who happened to be one of the owners of Gay Fish Company on St. Helena’s Island, eventually coined it “Frogmore Stew” after the namesake village he was from. It grew to be so popular over the years that in the 1980s, Frogmore Stew was featured in Gourmet Magazine and in 2005, the Travel Channel ran an episode that featured Richard’s brother Charles cooking Frogmore Stew.
Many historians, however, say that the true origins of the LCB go much back further, to the Gullah Geechee people that have lived in
the coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina for centuries. When they were brought to this country, the Gullah Geechee brought a distinct style of cooking with them that had French and Spanish influences, with the distinct Creole flavors that we have all come to love. Because they frequently had to feed large groups in a short amount of time, shrimp boils were a convenient fare that allowed them to dine at communal tables.
Ingredients for a Traditional Low Country Boil
There is nothing complicated about a low country boil and you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to pull one off. There are just a few things you need to know. Most importantly, use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible and make sure you keep track of the time! You’ll need a very large pot and a burner, some old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth, and a reliable timer. Lots of people have their own versions, and famous southern chefs like Trisha Yearwood and Paula Dean post recipes and tips on their websites. According to the www.thedailymeal.com, the basic ingredients in a low country boil are simple:
Broth: The broth is made from water, seasonings, and lemon. There is much debate about whether to add beer or wine, onions or apples, Old Bay Seasoning or Zataran’s. Most people agree on the lemons. The beauty of a boil is you can throw just about anything in there and it (almost) always comes out great!
Potatoes: Red bliss potatoes are generally preferred, since they have a firmer flesh, meaning they’re less likely to break down and get all mushy. They are also less starchy than other varieties and absorb more of the flavors from the broth.
Sausage: Andouille is the top choice, but other smokey sausages like chorizo or kielbasa also work well.
Corn on the cob: As fresh and local as you can get it! Cobs are cut in half or thirds.
Shrimp: The star of the show — try to get large, local shrimp. Fresh is best but frozen will work. Just be sure to leave the shells on. This is the last ingredient to go in the pot and only needs a few minutes to cook, until they turn pink and “C” shaped. If you get to an “O” shape, you have overcooked your shrimp.
From there, you can take it up a notch or two by adding clams, crawfish, or the always popular crab leg clusters.
As for the timing of the cooking, there are a lot of different approaches, but basically you add the potatoes to the broth first and bring your pot to a boil. After about 10 minutes, you throw in the corn and sausage and continue boiling for another 10 minutes. Lastly, you add the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes longer. Or something like that! The whole thing should be done in about 30 minutes.
There’s really no need to serve anything else with a low country boil, but if you are like me, you need a few sides. Coleslaw, rice and beans, mac and cheese, or fried okra all go well, or warm bread for soaking up the yummy broth.
Alternative Options
Given the relative ease of preparing a low country boil, it’s a great choice when you’re hosting a big crowd and you don’t want to fuss. But sometimes, the absolute BEST way to throw a low country boil is to hire someone to do it for you! Then you can relax and truly enjoy the time with your family and friends. This summer, visitors and locals will be able to choose from three companies on Oak Island that offer fully catered low country boils. Two of them also offer “grab & go” pots that come with all the ingredients you need (except the beer!) to make cooking a boil super simple. The catered services provide not only the food, but also the equipment, paper goods and utensils, setup, and clean up. These companies guarantee plenty of entertainment too, from the fun presentation of the meal to the enthusiasm of their boil crews. The only trouble you may have is deciding which company to call!
Cape Fear Boil Company
6402
E. Oak Island Drive
Rated the #1 restaurant in Carolina Beach on Trip Advisor, Cape Fear Boil Co. has been serving low country boils from Emerald Isle to Ocean Isle Beach since 2016. The new location in Oak Island, which opened in April next to Hippie Chick Granola, eases the company’s travel time for boils in southern Brunswick County.
“We’ve been servicing Oak Island and Brunswick County for years, but having a footprint here makes it more accessible, and eases the logistics of our operations in this area,” owner Ty Graham explained.
Ty operates the business with the help of
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 4
Low Country Boil from Quicksand Concierge
his girlfriend Rachel Puigdollers.
“This is a family-run business, and it wouldn’t be a business without her,” Ty said emphatically.
Rachel holds several titles in the company, including in-house graphic artist; she paints all of the eye-catching boards and signage. Her Uncle Marcus makes the amazing key lime pie CFBC offers for dessert, along with rum cake sourced from Cape Fear Rum Cake on Front Street in Wilmington.
A team of 15 employees, most of whom have been with CFBC for many years, enables them to do up to ten boils a day in peak season. The company hosted approximately 600-700 catered events in 2022, with an equal amount of business generated from the take-out pots.
Ty, who majored in marine biology at UNCW (and has found more than one Megaladon tooth while diving along the coast) knows a thing or two about fish and attributes the success of a good boil to the quality of the ingredients.
“Good, fresh, local ingredients are key. We
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believe in supporting our local guys,” said Ty, who has strong, longstanding relationships with seafood suppliers in the Wilmington area, and will now be able to add local vendors like Haag & Sons, Pelican Seafood and Potters Seafood in Southport.
Cape Fear Boil makes their own blend of spices to achieve that Cajun flavor, and yes, they use beer in their broth.
Asked why this business is so successful, Ty said it’s simple.
“It’s a tradition for a lot of vacationers. People here tend to rent the same place from year to year, and they like to have the tradition of a low country boil on their vacation too. It’s easy and fun – our staff can be very entertaining!”
For more info go to: www.capefearboilcompany.com or call 910-250-1069
Outer Banks Boil Company
5003 E. Oak Island Drive
Outer Banks Boil Company, also a top-rated restaurant on Trip Advisor in several OBX locations, is the newest tenant in the Publix plaza and expects to open for boils by June. Owner Matt Khouri has been operating his business since 2012 – he actually began catering boils from his apartment! OBBC now has shops in Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Cape Hatteras, and Ocean City, Maryland. The OKI store stretches the company’s reach in NC to the southern border and comes at an opportune time as the population in Brunswick County continues to grow. Two other new stores will open this year in Emerald Isle and St. Augustine, Florida. The business also has five franchised locations along the east coast.
The Oak Island business will be managed by Josh Olvey, who has been with OBBC since 2020 when he was introduced to Khouri by a mutual friend. Josh spent a year working alongside Matt at the Kitty Hawk location, which convinced him that this job was not really work, it was fun! The idea of hosting low country boils at people’s beach homes appealed to his gregarious personality and with the support of his wife, Ashley, a registered labor and delivery nurse, he embarked on the adventure.
Despite the growth of the business, Josh says OBBC maintains a tight-knit, dedicated staff.
“I love the culture that Matt has cultivated. It’s all about family, community, and service. (Check out the company’s non-profit called EPIC, an acronym for Emitting Positive Impact Collectively.) It’s a special system and the feeling trickles down from the owners to the managers to the staff.”
Owner Khouri explained further, “We have a system called Boil University which is an amalgamation of an informal training program and a philosophy. It allows us to share the way
we do business with all of our store managers and employees, to ensure that everyone shares the same high level of enthusiasm for what we do. We truly believe in our motto: “We don’t make meals, we make memories.””
As Josh and Ashely’s family began to expand, with daughter Boston, aged 11, and son Bowen, aged 2, the young couple began to think about making a lifestyle change that would address their needs. The move to Oak Island presented a better fit for the Olvey family, as well as an opportunity for OBBC to expand its business in a rapidly growing market.
“We love the family environment on Oak Island,” Josh said, “And this town is poppin’!”
For more info go to: www.oakisland.outerbanksboilcompany.com or call 910-466-6888
Quicksand Concierge
8800a E. Oak Island Drive
Owners Chasey and Matt Bynum started their beach concierge service in 2021 and have been bursting at the seams since day one. While the company’s primary business is the delivery, set-up, and removal of beach chairs, umbrellas, and canopies, they also provide beach bonfire packages and added a catered meal service to their lineup last year.
“We were brainstorming ways to fill the gap during turtle nesting season when beach bonfires are not allowed,” Chasey said.
During the months of May through October, the couple started offering “driveway bonfires” utilizing gas fire pits. Customers loved it and many expressed their desire to stay in, rather than try to find a place to eat out. The decision to start catering dinner parties evolved from there. Chasey’s parents ran a seafood restaurant for 30 years, and while
she says she never wanted to be in that business, catering meals in people’s homes is a lot of fun!
“Considering how difficult it can be for large groups vacationing together to get restaurant reservations in the summer, the idea to cater simple dinners was a natural fit. We offer things like burgers and surf & turf, but the low country boil is by far the most popular choice,” Chasey noted. “People tend to want seafood at the beach, and they love the novelty of dumping all the food on the table.”
Quicksand Concierge employs trained chef Trevor Dye, a graduate of the culinary program at Johnson & Wales. Chef Dye is able to customize his boils to meet customers’ tastes and dietary preferences, and he definitely brings a certain flair to the event.
For more info go to: www.quicksandbeachconcierge.com or call 910-800-9396
So, whether you decide to do it all yourself, purchase a “grab and go” steam pot, or hire a company to cater your low country boil, you really can’t go wrong. Its cost effective, easy, and requires very little prep or clean up. And it is always fun!
As Oak Island resident Marcie Quealy said, “We make it a point to do one whenever we can with friends, or family, or both and it’s al-
ways a hit!”
A low country boil isn’t so much about the food as it is about the time spent enjoying a communal meal and the memories you create!
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 7 Currents
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Chef Dye and crew with Quicksand Concierge
Community
Summer Market Time
Oak Island and Southport Farmers Markets
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
I’lladmit it. Before the pandemic I thought farmers markets were just places hipsters went to virtue signal to each other by spending too much money on produce and handicrafts. Then the world went nuts, being indoors with other humans was seen as dangerous, supply chains broke, and we all sheltered in place for “two weeks” that kept stretching further and further out.
By early summer, it had become clear that gathering outdoors was much less of a problem than indoors, and the Town of Oak Island decided to open its weekly Monday farmers market. It was something to do and someplace that might have the fruits and veggies that may or not be in grocery stores each week, so I went to one. The town staff had painted arrows on the ground to facilitate one-way traffic. Do you remember the one-way aisles everywhere? The most random and weird “health precaution” ever. The people at the farmers market sort of kind of tried to pay a little lip service to the arrows, but mostly just wandered from booth to booth trying to not breathe on anyone else. It was
perfectly logical and I started to second-guess my idea of farmers market shoppers. Maybe these were my people?
And then there were the vendors. Oak Island, though it’s grown, is still a small town, and when you’ve lived in a small town for several decades, you know a lot of your neighbors. So many of these vendors were friends and neighbors that I began to feel bad for the years I’d not shopped the market. The vendors who came from out of town were also super friendly and now I have gotten to know many of them as well. It was a mini community, and though I’m not a joiner by nature, it was a feeling
of community that I desperately needed at that time.
I’ve kept up the habit of my Monday morning market run. It’s a terrific way to start the week and I haven’t missed many. In time, Southport’s market returned as well, and I stroll through there on Wednesdays when I go to check my post office box. It’s different from Oak Island’s, but shares enough of the same
vendors that the community feeling sticks. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the market is set up in the shade of Franklin Square Park. When you think about, how lucky are we that our two local markets give you a choice between sea breezes right off the ocean and the shady live oak trails? For contrast, my first farmers market experience was with my cousin in Baltimore and it was situated under an expressway on-ramp. We are blessed.
As I write this, today was the first Oak Island Farmers market of the season and of course I went. I caught up with friends, had a photographer show me the latest photo of his pug that we’d featured in our Pet Issue back in January, browsed produce, and asked our
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local pirate (yes, the Oak Island farmers market features our local pirate and his Black Sails Adventure Company) about getting in touch with someone for a feature story. It was a great hour out in the sun and sea breezes.
Johnny Robertson had his Coastal Art and Photography tent set up and
had a huge smile while he chatted with shoppers. I asked him to describe what it was like to be a vendor at the market. “The best thing about the Oak Island market is the camaraderie among the vendors and the responsiveness of the shoppers,” he said. “They really have it organized, there’s a good traffic flow.” Even without arrows painted on the ground anymore! Steve and Pam Lewis of Bald Head Coffee are regulars of both the Oak Island and Southport markets. Steve said the Southport market has al-
ready been good for business. “It’s been amazing,” he said. “The city trimmed up and now there’s more room for shoppers to walk.”
“We love it because it’s local and we’re local,” he said. Me too Steve.
Oak Island Farmers Market
Mondays 8 am - 1 pm
Middleton Park, SE 46th Street
Southport Farmers Market
Wednesdays 9 am - 2 pm
Franklin Square Park
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 11 Currents
Be Nice To Tourists
A
Call For A Patient And Kind Summer
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
There’s an episode of “The Simpsons” in which the town of Springfield is celebrating its annual “Snake Whackin’ Day,” during which, as you might imagine, residents whack any snakes they find with sticks. Lisa Simpson tries to put an end to the celebration, eventually enlisting the help of soul legend Barry White, who throws a benefit concert and sings in his low, sultry voice, “Please don’t whack the snakes.” As we head into tourist season, we, along with the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, are asking you, dear readers who live here year round, please don’t whack the tourists.
We know you wouldn’t ever actually hit our visitors with sticks, but we’re asking for extra kindness and patience where our tourists are concerned. The Chamber’s Tourism Counts campaign is trying to engender a more welcoming attitude amongst locals this year, and they have some very convincing arguments as to why we should welcome visitors to our towns with open arms, and even encourage more.
The most cut and dried
benefit of tourism is the funds raised by the accommodations tax paid on every shortterm rental in the county. Brunswick County keeps a portion for tourism development, and a portion is kept by each town in which the rental is located. These funds go to pay for “tourism-related” expenses, but many of the things that make this a great place to vacation also make this a great place to live.
For example, the Town of Oak Island raised more than $4.6 million from accommodations taxes in 2022. A portion of this, $1,863,906, was used for dune maintenance and beach nourishment and the rest, $2,795,861, was used on those “tourist-related items” such as funding the Citizen Beach Patrol, repairing and maintaining beach accesses, repairs to bulkheads on the Intracoastal Waterway, and installation and upkeep of port-a-johns at numerous beach accesses.
Without tourism, town taxpayers would be footing these bills out of property taxes, or simply going without these amenities.
What would a Brunswick County with far fewer tourists be like? Chamber Executive Vice President Karen Sphar set out to find out, and found Harnett County, which has approximately the same 140,000 population and a similar median income to Brunswick County, but much less tourist activity. According to state statistics, Brunswick County enjoyed $957 million in visitor spending in 2021 compared to Harnett County’s $104 million. The taxes collected on this spending, including sales and accommodations, saved each Brunswick County resident $556.73 in local taxes compared to $194.52 for each Harnett resident.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 12 Community
What was more striking to me personally, and more important, was the difference in business activity. Harnett County’s residents and tourists support 1,774 “employer establishments,” or put simply, businesses in which folks can work. Brunswick County, by contrast, has 2,639 employers.
Yes, that means jobs, but it also means quality of life. The difference between our two counties is tourism. That tourism supports nearly a thousand addition businesses. Those are the shops we enjoy and the restaurants in which we dine. Those are grocery stores that wouldn’t be here without the influx of summer tourists. It is simply easier and more enjoyable to live here because this is a destination that is designed to be enjoyable. That’s why people come here, and if you are like us, it’s why we live here.
My time on the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the past year serving as president, has driven home the importance of making our communities welcoming and attractive to current residents, visitors, and those looking for the perfect place to live. That attraction,
and the people it brings to our community, are the life-blood of our economy.
So when it’s hard to get a table at your favorite restaurant, remember that restaurant would probably have a difficult time surviving without the tourists. When you’re stuck behind a family staring vacantly at the cereal in the grocery store, remember that we have a variety of grocery shopping options because of the tourists. When it takes extra time to get anywhere during “the season,” remember that the tourists you’re behind are helping pay for the roads. When you’re looking extra long for a spot to park at the beach, remember that keeping that beach in great shape, and the access to it we all enjoy, is dependent in large part on the tourists sunning themselves on the strand.
Please have some patience and keep things in perspective this summer. Be part of what makes this a great place for a family to visit on what may be its only big trip of the year.
And please, please don’t whack the tourists.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 13
Community
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Honoring A Friend
Mad River Makes Donation To St. Jude
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
Dealing with grief is difficult, even when the loved one lost isn’t blood family. When Maureen Panko, one of the employees at Mad River Studio and Store in Southport, lost her life to cancer, owner Gwen Tanner found a way to turn the loss she and her co-workers felt into help for some of the most vulnerable.
Tanner reached out to one of her long-time jewelry suppliers, J. Mills Studio, and commissioned a necklace designed to celebrate the life of Maureen. The piece features five freshwater pearls representing the things that were important to Maureen: Love, Faith, Kindness, Friendship, and Dancing. A miniature pearl placed above the others represents Maureen looking down and remaining with her friends and loved ones. The necklace has a name special to its honoree. “It’s called Starshine because one Maureen’s favorite greetings was ‘Good morning starshine,’” Tanner said.
All proceeds from the sales of the Starshine necklace are being donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Maureen’s memory. Necklace sales began in January, and in May the first donation was made in the amount of $11,578 from the sale of 170 necklaces.
Tanner said she chose St. Jude as the recipient of the necklace proceeds because it was Maureen’s favorite charity. “She had been a preschool teacher for years, so I think she just had a soft spot for children,” she said.
Tanner said the Maureen had worked at the store for six years after stopping in and asking for a job. “She came in one day and told me she had lots of ex-
perience in retail and really wanted to work at Mad River. I couldn’t resist her charm and straightforwardness.”
That charm made her a favorite among the store’s customers, and when the Starshine necklace sales began, Tanner said the response was overwhelming. “Each person who came in to see or purchase the Starshine necklace had a story to tell about Maureen. Reliving all those memories with really helped work through our grief,” Tanner said, adding “We plan to continue to sell the the Starshine necklace as long as Mad River is open. And we’ll continue to give the proceeds to St Jude’s.”
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Donations Needed Maritime Museum Creating Fishing Exhibit
TheNorth Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is designing a new exhibit that showcases the rich history of commercial fishing in the Cape Fear region, and to help tell the full story, museum staff is seeking the community’s help. “We’re looking for anything related to the commercial fishing business,” N.C. Maritime Museums’ Design Curator Rebecca Edwards said. “Specifically, we’d like items related to any of the shrimp or fish houses that were down on the water.”
Edwards said she’s seeking objects like commercial fishing gear, cannery tins and tokens, boating equipment and other historical items related to commercial fishing in Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender and lower Onslow counties. She added they’re also interested in items like pictures, letters and other documents that add historical context.
“We would love the opportunity to dis-
play a wide variety of artifacts that give the visitors insight and appreciation for the Cape Fear fishing communities,” Edwards said.
Edwards cautions that items should not be brought directly to the museum since the staff there is not set up to accept artifacts. Instead, the acquisition process is a structured one that goes through the collections staff, who are based out of the mu-
seum’s sister site in Beaufort.
To donate an object or documents, contact Collections Manager Tessa Johnstone at tessa.johnstone@ ncdcr.gov with an image of the object and/or a brief description. Johnstone will work with Edwards to determine which items would work best in the exhibit based on when it was used, what each item illustrates, if there is already a similar item in the collection and other criteria. They’ll then schedule an appointment to see the item in person.
Edwards said they’re looking for objects used during the 18th, 19th, and late 20th centuries in shad, mullet, menhaden, shrimp, clam and oyster fisheries, both farm-raised and locally harvested. She is hoping to also see something related to one specific fishery.
“We don’t have anything for the sturgeon fishery, not even pictures, only a couple of news articles,” Edwards said, noting that’s partially attributable to the fishery’s brief
period in operation.
Edwards said the goal is to create a comprehensive display that honors the commercial fishing community, which played a vital role in the region’s history.
“That was Southport’s main economy back then,” she said, “and I want to pay homage to them.”
For more information, contact Edwards at rebecca.edwards@ncdcr.gov or 252504-7745.
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4th of July Events
2023 Festival Brings Back Old Favorites
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
The 2023 Fourth Of July Festival begins the end of this month, and it is never too early to begin making plans to enjoy all the fun. This year’s festival features a few new events and many returning favorites such as Beach Day, the Fireman’s Competition, a parade and two fireworks displays. We’ll have a full schedule in the July issue, but here’s a review of what’s in store at this year’s festival.
Friday, June 30
The Festival kicks off with a Welcoming Ceremony at 6 pm on the Fort Johnson Lawn, 203 E. Bay Street, to be followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a concert by the Sea Notes Coastal Harmonizers.
Saturday, July 1
Oak Island celebrates its birthday with Beach Day events all day and into the night. The horseshoe tournament kicks things off at 8 am in Middleton Park, SE 46th Street. Sign ups for corn hole, bocce ball and volley ball tournaments begin at 10 am at the 46th Street beach access with the tournaments getting started at 11 am on the beach. At 1 pm gather your team and enter the sand castle building contest!
Middleton Park hosts youth activities, inflatable rides, contests and food vendors from 11 am - 2 pm. At 5:45 pm Oak Island will hold its own Welcoming Ceremony followed by a concert and shag contest featuring the Carl Newton Review.
The first fireworks show of the festi-
val takes place at the Oak Island Pier, 705 Ocean drive at 9 pm. Great fireworks viewing is available all up and down Oak Island’s beach strand.
Over in Southport, the 38th Annual Fireman’s Competition and Apparatus Expo begins at 4 pm on Nash Street near the post
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Street offers great viewing space for the flotilla.
In the evening, the 440th Army Band plays on the Fort Johnson Lawn at 5 pm. At 5:45 there will be a reading of the Dec-
Music
laration followed by a Salute To Veterans at the Souhtport Community Building. At 7 pm dance the night away at waterfront Park with a concert by Highway Miles.
Monday, July 3
Children’s activities begin at Waterfront Park at 8 am for the early rising young folks and moves to the Fort Johnson Lawn from 12 - 2 pm. Local acts will take to the stage at Waterfront Park from 12 - 3 pm, followed by a flag retirement ceremony on the Waterfront Stage.
The Naturalization Ceremony is back this year on the Fort Johnson Lawn at 4:30 pm followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Monday night is the Street Dance featuring music by ReSoul beginning at 7 pm on the Waterfront Stage.
Tuesday, July 4
The Fourth of July Parade begins with a flag raising ceremony at the corner of
Moore Street and Howe Street. The parade will run from Moore and Atlantic then up Howe Street to 9th Street, so stake out a good spot early!
After the parade enjoy another Declaration reading on the Fort Johnson Lawn at 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of the Pledge of Allegiance at 2 pm and military and first responder vehicle displays on Bay Street from 1 - 3 pm.
The Waterfront Stage host Community Entertainment from 1 - 4 pm.
Back on Oak Islands, cheer for the Live Pro Wrestling in Middleton Park from 35 pm followed by an Uncle Sam Skydive on the beach at 46th Street. At 5 pm.
To cap off the festivities, The Castaways play on the Waterfront Stage in
Souhtport beginning at 6 followed by the fireworks at the Southport waterfront at 9 pm.
Of course each day from July 2 -4 there will Arts and Crafts and Food Concessions in Franklin Square Park as well a Food Truck Row at Waterfront Park as well as a 9/11 Traveling Memorial on Nash Street.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 22
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State Treasurer Chat
Q&A With Steward Of Our Public Funds
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LISA AND JEFFREY STITES
Whenyou have the opportunity to interview the head of a State agency who also happens to be running for Governor, you take it. We met with North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell while he was in town to speak with the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis, and we sat down for a Q&A style interview, just like we do with so many of our local business owners.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I was born poor in resource and rich in opportunity. Some have said, not to my face, that I am the smartest person in the room, so I am getting ready to release my high school transcripts, my Winston-Salem State transcripts and my UNC-G transcripts so we can mathematically prove that is not accurate. What I am is somebody who God gave the vision to see what needs to be seen — as a Quaker, once I see something, I can’t unsee it — and the humility to listen for what needs to be heard, and the courage to act on what needs to be done.
And you worked as an accountant?
I was a motorcycle mechanic and a garbage collector. For the first 26 years of my life, I made my living with my hands my back and my feet. What I told some UNC-Wilmington students yesterday, I told them three things. Number one, generally speaking, their generation doesn’t do too well with conflict resolution, and a lot of times, that starts with the parents. What I’d like for them to do, from that moment forward yesterday, is that any time your parent says something to you, run it through this filter of PPP — pray, provide, or protect. Are they trying to pray for me, are they trying to provide for me, or are they trying to protect me from something? Secondly, I want you to realize that it doesn’t matter how handsome they are or pretty they are or smart they are or wealthy they are, that one day they are going to get their senior citizen discount at Harris Teeter just like I am, and they’re going to look back and realize they’re standing on the shoulders of somebody else, and their job is to figure out who those people need to be now, and gravitate toward them. And the last thing is that God possibly made every one of them better at something than anyone in the whole world, but you’re never better than anyone else and that most of the big decisions in your life are going to be made when
you are not in the room, like the decision to be accepted at that campus. Whatever they submitted had to speak for itself. You need to be known as somebody that what you say speaks for itself. I didn’t know all this when I was 11 years old, but these are things that I’ve developed and that I’ve utilized that put me in a position, ultimately, when somebody convinced me that you can be successful with your hands and your back and your feet, but you have a really good mind and you should think about getting an education.
Why accounting?
It was the toughest degree on campus. My brother was an accountant, my sisterin-law was an accountant, and I obviously have some mathematical skills. During the Arab oil embargo, I was working at Cloverdale Shell in Winston-Salem, and I was able to tell which of my middle school teachers came in and switched their license plates so they could buy gas every day; they had odd and even days. I realized I had an ability to see things and memorize things and process things, and accounting was a good place for that.
What made you want to run for State Treasurer? Was that your first foray into politics?
This is my 27th year (in politics). I was on a school board for eight years, in the North Carolina State House of Representatives for eight years, the last two years as Speaker Pro Tem. Rep. Carolyn Justice introduces me by saying I was one good haircut away from being Speaker of the House. After Carolyn introduces me that way, I explain to people that it costs a lot to look this cheap. I’m trying to take things that are invisible, and in a way that the New York Times doesn’t appreciate because they said my humor is “well hidden,” I try to put some humor into these invisible things that most people don’t know about. When I talk about paying off 60 percent of the State debt, or refinancing
State debt, I put it in terms of their mortgage. It’s millions of dollars, but it’s not different than their mortgage. When I talk about the credit rating, it’s their credit score. I try to put things in basic terms. So, what I said seven years ago is that whoever the next Treasurer was going to be was going to make the generational difference in the future of our State. I didn’t have any vision about COVID, and I said that not emotionally or politically, but mathematically, because of the fact that the pension plan had not achieved its assumed rate of return for 20 years, which is no fault of any treasurer. Treasurer Boyles left it in great shape; a year
in, Treasurer Moore was hit with 9/11. At the end of his term and the first year of Treasurer Cowell’s, it was the financial crises. I said that seven years ago, and it was a thousand percent accurate. I think our team has made a generational difference in the future of our State. (At this point in the conversation, Treasurer Folwell used a wrinkled, worn, much used-graph on a piece of paper to show the previous and future debt trajectories for the State). The State’s debt will fall 60 percent over eight years. When you get designated as number one in the country for business outlook and business activity, it just doesn’t jump up on the table. It’s not a revolution, it’s an evolution of several things.
How does having a lower state debt benefit the average North Carolinian? It sends a signal that we have a disciplined General Assembly that balances budgets, builds surpluses, and establishes rainy day funds. It sends a message to the business community who is thinking about expanding or relocating to North Carolina that they’re not going to have to come here and pay
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taxes to bear somebody else’s debt burden. It creates a great degree of financial certainty for any business thinking about expanding or relocating to North Carolina.
What does the job of State Treasurer entail?
A 4th grader asked me the other day if I signed the $1 bill. Some people might think that’s silly, but it’s actually a good question. Where else do they see that word? We don’t sign the $1 bill, but we manage the 25th largest pool of $1 bills in the world. We manage $248 billion, which is eight times the State budget; it’s the State pension, the 401(k), and the State health plan. I’m the State banker. To quote from Harlan Boyle’s book, “Keeper of the Public Purse,” the State Treasurer of North Carolina has more constitutional and statutory authority and duties than any other elected official in the State, including the Governor, except when the Governor has command of the Militia. I sit on or chair 20 boards. On the pension I am the sole fiduciary; I take recommendations from our management team, but there is only one signature. I chair the pension board, the 401(k) board, the State health plan board, banking commission, debt affordability commission, the ABLE Board, State Board of Education and the Community College Board, and that is just nine of them.
What surprised you when you took office and got to work?
Because I was Assistant Secretary for the Department of Commerce, I was not surprised by the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of a lot of our State employees, because the untold business story about reforming the unemployment system and paying off that massive debt is not the legislature changing the law or employers paying more taxes. The untold story is the unbelievable ideas from the people inside that building who no one had ever listened to. I had to improve the system, because we sucked at getting people the money they deserved. When you’re $2.8 billion in debt, you can’t suck at anything. Sometimes it takes my breath away, the courage and the ingenuity of the State employees who worked with me — but that did not surprise me. What has surprised me, even though I have been working on it for 10 years, is how unbelievably powerful the health cartel is, and the insurance cartel and the prescription drug cartel. They told me 13 years ago, when I tried to do a little something about health care when I was a freshman in the House of Representatives. They said you know a little about motorcycles, but do you know anything about baseball? I said no and was told then you must be unfamiliar with the term
“cleats high.” I said I was. He said if you file this bill, then you’re going to be cleats high, which means you’re going to get thrown out at second base and you’re going to hurt somebody along the way. I should have remembered that, but since then, the health care, insurance and prescription drug cartels have gotten unbelievably powerful. So that’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?
It comes back to me working in a motorcycle shop for 10 years where my income required me to repair things and they be right. There’s not a lot room for failure when you’re dealing with two wheels. The frustrating part about this is that we have in this county, among your readers, beginning teachers and beginning troopers who have to work one week out of every four just to pay their family premium on the State health plan. We have frozen family premiums for five years, but just because the price is frozen for a motorcycle doesn’t mean I can afford to buy it, afford to ride it or afford to maintain it. My goal six years ago was not just to freeze the premiums but also lower the family premiums so we get some young, healthy people and their kids and their spouses on this plan to help offset the people my age, and I have been unable to do that. Freezing family plans has been Herculean. I can see how this can get back into good shape, but the cartel has no interest in working with us.
So how do you fix that?
The positive things that happened in this country in the 60s were not the result of the lawmakers. It was the music and the lyrics that changed people’s minds, that got everyone singing in the same direction about certain injustices they were seeing, which then changed the minds of the lawmakers that resulted in the changes that happened. What I am seeing now is a choir of people from different political parties, of different
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genders, of different races, coming together and in the words of Popeye, saying that’s all they can stands and they can’t stands no more. We can no longer be in a position of not being able to see ourselves past our poverty because of things associated with healthcare.
What do you look forward to in the job?
Advocating for the invisible. There are a million people on this pension plan. One out of 10 of our citizens are connected to the pension plan. Many of them don’t know that I run it and that I am the Treasurer, and that not what is important. What is important is that I know who they are. This comes back to my Quaker roots, because I was one of these, I call them the forgotten woman and the forgotten man. I describe them as people who don’t have the money to have political influence, and that is why I am going to be the best governor money can’t buy. They make just a little too much money to get help from time to time. They spend their whole lives working one and two jobs, paying their taxes, and praying for a better outcome. Those are the people I think of when I think of how to advocate for the invisible.
You’ve announced for governor — what drove you to that decision?
The Governor is the CEO of the biggest business in the State. At the core, if you look at the North Carolina Constitution, it says the responsibilities of the governor are to originate the budget and to operationalize the budget as ratified by the General Assembly. That’s the number one job. The governor of North Carolina buys more paper towels, more light bulbs and more tires and employs more people than anyone
else in North Carolina. A very influential person called me seven or eight months ago and said you are running for governor. I asked if that was a question and he said you know that wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Since then, a lot of other people have said that. The root word of governor is to govern. I think if you look at my executive experience as well as my financial experience and my track record of actually saving lives, saving minds and saving money, I am uniquely qualified. It’s not because I am the smartest person in the room, but because I have the vision to see, the ability to listen, and the courage to act.
What will your top priorities be as governor?
To be the best governor money can’t buy because I am the best treasurer money can’t buy. As a former treasurer once told me, when you manage a quarter of a trillion dollars, people will try to kiss your tail in a way that you didn’t think was humanly possible. Number two is transparency. There should be no reason why it took me six months to figure out the 10 people who voted, and I am one of the 10, to shut down the econo-
my during COVID, because nothing about the Council of State is public. Number three is to take these skills that I already posses and all of my other public service duties, and to have clear and simple goals about how we can improve the lives of people by attacking the problem, not attacking the person. The majority of the people in this State are not affiliated with any political party and there is a reason for that. I don’t underestimate the voters. The voters have, I think, realized that the left and the right wings are connected to the same bird. I am conservative without compromise, because the root word of conservative is conserve, and until you conserve anything, you can’t be liberated, and the root word of liberated is liberal.
How can the State best support its small businesses, either by action or by removing barriers and getting out of the way?
Number one is listen. Number two is some of the things that are going on, which the voters have approved, such as elimination of corporate income tax, which is happening, and to just exercise some level of common sense regarding regulations of small business. But everything ties back into healthcare costs. That’s the biggest thing, is to try to get a handle on the high healthcare costs.
Our County is growing quickly. What can the State do, or stop doing, to allow the County to make the most of that growth?
The main thing is for the State to have a philosophy that all local governments need to have the highest level of transparency and of governance. The thing about transparency, especially as keeper of the public purse, is that we have this ‘ask me anything’ call once a month. It’s international, national and statewide press. Some days I could be asked about the dredging in Currituck or Medicaid expansion. If I’m lucky, today is
April 5th, and I’ve got about 20 more of these in my life. Twenty more of these, hopefully, that I can feed myself and ride my motorcycle by myself. Why would I want to spend any of that precious time keeping something from you that you’re entitled to anyway? I’m being selfish with the remaining time I have on this earth in saying just give people what they are asking for, no matter how it looks. I guess that’s why I was the first Republican to receive the Sunshine Award. When I received that, some people in my party asked me what I had to do to get it. I said I answered my phone. They asked what if you don’t know what to say. I said you ask them what their deadline is and say that you’ll find out and that you’ll get back to them, and you do.
What would you like to say that we haven’t asked?
How are we going to bring this country, this community back together again? My answer to that is that we have to give people an option of voting for someone instead of against someone. You can’t run your personal finances differently than your campaign finances or differently than you’re going to do your job as Treasurer. The way you treat your personal money, the way you treat donors’ money, and the way you treat the public’s money should be equal. We have a lot of Pinos in elected office. It’s a new term and it stands for politician in name only. It seems like there are so many people who get drunk the night they get elected and they don’t do anything else for their whole careers. They don’t save lives, minds or money. They peak that night. I think we’ve got to get back to people who focus on saving lives, minds, and money, giving people someone to vote for instead of against, and, if you have to say no, you spell it know.
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Dosher Celebrations
Ground Breaking And A Hot Dog Picnic
CONTRIBUTED
Dosher Memorial Hospital will hold a community cookout and ground-breaking ceremony in conjunction with its 93rd birthday celebration at the back entrance of the hospital (where E. 9th St. meets N. Atlantic Ave.) on Saturday, June 10, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. All are welcome to join Dosher staff, members of the Dosher Trustees, Dosher Volunteers, and hospital leaders for a cookout lunch, birthday treat, and musical entertainment.
There is no charge to attend, and pre-registration is not required but is appreciated. Go to Dosher.org/birthday, or call 910-4573900 for more information or to RSVP.
At 12:30 pm, hospital leaders and trustees will greet guests and then hold a ground-breaking ceremony to commem-
orate the start of Phase 1 of the hospital’s Master Facility Plan, which will include the building of a brand new 8,000 square foot Emergency Department on the corner of E. 9th and N. Howe Streets. Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley said, “This is an exciting time for Dosher Hospital, and the
upcoming building renovations will enable us to provide a higher level of care for our patients. We look forward to celebrating our community, the birthday of the hospital, and the future of local healthcare at this event.”
Phase 1 of Dosher’s seven-year Master Facility Plan will take approximately three years to complete and will include the following renovations and expansions to the hospital and medical clinics:
•Expansion of current Central Sterile space, installing a second washer to expand throughput
•Addition of three provider work spaces at Dosher Medical Plaza on Long Beach Road
•Construction of two additional provider pods on Oak Island
•Expansion of Hospital Lab to 2,409 sq. ft.to increase waiting area and bench space, adding a blood draw station and patient restroom
•Expand pharmacy to 2,243 sq. ft.
•Building a new 8,000 sq. ft. Emergency Department Complex, which will stand at the corner of E. 9th and North Howe Streets.
The new Emergency Department will in-
crease the current treatment spaces from 10 to 14 and will also include the addition of 6-8 vertical care chairs, to streamline wait times and care for patients of lower acuity. The new ED space will include its own X-Ray, lab draw station, and registration desk. The old Emergency Department will be converted to clinic space for medical providers.
“As our community grows, Dosher must continue to grow as well. The Master Facility Plan will support Dosher’s mission in providing extraordinary care through these vital renovations and upgrades. Furthermore, this project illustrates how our area’s tax dollars are reinvesting in local healthcare,” said Stanley.
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The 2023 North Carolina Fourth of July Festival, Event Highlights
May 29-September 4, Nightly @ 7:30 pm
Southport Flag Ceremony at the Waterfront
Area event, hosted by the Sisters of Southport & Southport Police Dept.
June 30 @ 6:00 pm
Welcoming Ceremony
Fort Johnston Lawn
July 1 @ 8:00 am
Beach Day Begins
Middleton Park, Oak Island
July 1 @ 4:00 pm
38th Annual Fire Fighters
Freedom Competition & Apparatus Expo
Nash St
July 1 @ 5:45 pm
Welcoming Ceremony
Middleton Park Extension, Oak Island
July 1 @ 6:00 pm
Shag Contest
Middleton Park Extension, Oak Island
July 1 @ 9:00 pm
Town of Oak Island
Anniversary Fireworks
Oak Island Pier, Oak Island
July 2 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Arts & Crafts Market
Franklin Square Park
July 2 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Clicks of Confidence and Trick Horses
Southport, Taylor Field Park
July 2 @ 4:00 pm
Red, White & Blue
Freedom Flotilla
Southport Waterfront Park
July 2 @ 6:00 pm A Salute to Veterans
Southport Community Building
July 3 & 4 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Arts & Crafts Market
Franklin Square Park
July 3 @ 4:30 pm
Naturalization Ceremony
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Waterfront Stage
Entertainment & Street Dance
Southport Waterfront Park
July 4 @ 11:00 am
Fourth of July
Festival Parade
Moore and Howe St Southport
July 4 @ 3:00 pm
Live Pro Wrestling
Middleton Park, Oak Island
July 4 @ 5:00 pm
Uncle Sam Skydive
Oak Island Beachfront, Oak Island
July 4 @ 9:00 pm
4th of July Fireworks
Southport Waterfront Park
For a full list of events, scan the QR code or visit
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 38
www.nc4thofjuly.com
Solstice Third STORY C Sea Franklin wick Habitat
Solstice Arts Festival
Third Annual Event Moves To Southport
STORY AND
PHOTOS
BY JEFFREY STITES
Celebrate
the Summer Solstice with a day of music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and food trucks at the Solstice by the Sea Festival on Saturday, June 17 from 10 am - 8 pm in Southport’s Franklin Square Park. This year’s festival is brought to you by Brunswick Arts Council (BAC), Brunswick County Parks & Recreation, Habitat for Humanity, and the NC Arts Council.
From 10 am - 5 pm, visit the artists and community booths— buy a gift, find that gift or cool art you’ve always wanted or come meet your neighbors, and see what community groups are helping to make Brunswick County special! The event will feature potters, sculptors, jewelry, clothing, painting, furniture and all kinds of fun works for gifts, home and garden! Don’t forget to support your local community groups who are doing activities and raffles!
Also from 10 am - 5 pm there will be lots of fun activities for children to enjoy – there will be Pirates (Black Sails Adventure Company) and Reptile Trailer (Fresh Start Rescue) and motion and movements with Turning the Wheel.
Food trucks including KonaTruck, Snack Shack NC, Sweet Tea and S’mores & More will be on site from 10 am - 7 pm.
The main stage features some great local and regional talent.
Concert Stage Music & More
10 am — Good Time Duo
10:45 am — Doug McKenna
11 am — Dooley’s
11:45 am — Storyteller
Noon — R & R
1 am — The MacDaddy’s
2 pm — No Regrets
3 pm — Tina Smith
4 pm — DHIM
5 pm — The Pirates
7 pm — Luna Sea
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 39 Community NEW GUPPIES WELCOME WeSeeSmiles.com Southport Supply Rd, Bolivia (910) 444-2369 for New Patient Offers
Youth Sailing Program
CFYC Introducing Children To Sailboats
CONTRIBUTED
Thebest summer youth programs make the most of the local environment, and here in Brunswick County, that includes anything in and around the water. Tying into the regions’s rich boating history, the Cape Fear Yacht Club (CFYC) offers a six-week training course for future sailors, including hands-on training time in the water on sailboats.
The 2023 CFYC Youth Sail Program will run from June 18 to July 31 this summer. The program, which is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity managed by the Cape Fear Yacht Club, is conducted in cooperation with the Town of Oak Island’s Recreation Department.
The CFYC Youth Sail Program is intended for youth between the ages of 9 and 17. It offers three weeks of instruc-
tion and hands-on training in the Opti Class sailboat, and then three weeks of training in the 420-class sailboat.
The Opti class sailboat is a small, 8-foot long, single masted sailboat with only a main sail intended to be sailed by one person. It is used by more than 50 nations in international competitions for young sailors. The boat has a shallow draft of only about 5 inches
and uses a daggerboard as its keel. The entire boat only weighs about 80 pounds.
The 420-class sailboat is a larger sailboat with two or three sails, intended for two-person sailing. The boat is called the “420” because of its length, 420 centimeters (about 14 feet). This sailboat weighs just less than 200 pounds and it is also used in international sailing competitions. It is intended for more advanced sailors and there are many local, regional, and international competition regattas.
The CFYC Youth Sail Program has been teaching young sailors for 28 years. CFYC runs the Youth Sailing Program and the Club also owns and maintains a fleet of the Opti class and 420 class sailboats. CFYC also provides safety boats which accompany the participat-
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 40 Community
ing youth while they are on the water.
The Yacht Club holds various fund-raising events during the year to help provide funding for the Youth Sail Program to help keep costs to the students as low as possible. Most of the cost of maintaining these boats is raised with various fund-raising events during the year such as the Flotilla raffle, an annual golf tournament, and several local area sponsors.
For more information or a detailed listing of the schedule please visit Cape Fear Yacht Club Youth Sailing.
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Art-Full Home Show
Independent Artists Offer Works For Sale
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Fifteen local fine artists are joining forces to host the Art-Full Home Show and Sale, an independent exhibit and sale of fine art and home decor, on Saturday, June 10 at the St. James Community Center, 10 am - 4 pm. Designers, stagers, retailers, homeowners and art-lovers in general are all invited to stop by and discover unique 2D and 3D works of art for the home, office, retail and other spaces.
As conceived by its organizers, Paula “BeBe” Murphy and Caroline Brizzolara, the Show will feature original oils, acrylics, watercolors, prints, mixed media, ceramics, art glass and other one-of-a-kind home decor pieces. “If you are looking for fine art and other unique pieces for the home that are unlike the mass-produced ‘art’ sold com-
mercially, at prices that do not reflect a gallery’s mark-up, this Show is for you.”
All of the exhibiting artists will be present to answer questions, discuss their artwork, accept commissions, and award door prizes from their studio inventory throughout the day. Admission is free and all are welcome.
St. James Community Center is located at 4136 Southport-Supply Road, offers ample parking, and is accessible to everyone. For more information, please
contact the Show’s organizers at paulaamurphy@comcast.net or cbrizzolara@gmail.com.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 42 Community
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Local Artisic Events
Franklin Square Gallery Hosts Classes, Shows
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Franklin Square Gallery is rolling into summer with plenty of activities to keep your creative juices flowing, or if you aren’t interested in making your own art, appreciating the works of some talented local artists. Franklin Square Gallery, a cooperative of more than 120 artists and home of the Associated Artists of Southport (AAS), is located at 130 E. West St. behind Franklin Square Park in Southport’s historic district. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is always free.
The Gallery will showcase two of its most talented artists this June — Cheryl Lee (2D) and Karen Masterson (3D). Their show runs through June 26, with an evening reception at the Gallery during Downtown Southport’s First Friday Gallery Walk on June 2 from 5 to 7 pm.
After moving to Wilmington from Massachusetts nearly 20 years ago, 2D featured artist Cheryl Lee first developed her artistic skills in ceramics, pouring molds, hand sculpting, teaching and selling pottery. Although she loves “the creativity that getting my hands in clay allows me,” she recently found that she also loves “the movement, vibrant colors and translucency”
of watercolor painting, which she will display as her featured artwork for the month of June.
The Gallery’s 3D featured artist, Karen Masterson, is originally from Memphis. A behavioral scientist and counselor, she moved to North Carolina 14 years ago and began studying in the Old Masters style of painting with a third generation Italian artist. Later she enrolled at Franklin Square Gallery for a workshop to make a clay animal, just for fun.
“At the end of two days, I was the proud creator of a life size sculpture of my brand new puppy, Miley. I love experiencing the evolution of the realistic into whimsical! Years of identifying facial expressions and body language professionally come through as my animals express themselves,” she said.
While these two artists will be featured in June at Franklin Square Gallery, the work of more than 100 other painters and potters will also be on display for sale, along with prints, cards, and gift items. The Gallery’s First Friday reception on June 2 features complimentary light refreshments and a chance to meet the artists.
The 10th Annual June “Paint and Sip” comes to the gallery June 8
from 5 – 7:30 pm at. Artist member Deb Voso will be instructing participants in the basics of a paint pouring technique with acrylic paints. This method of painting is taking the world by storm with its fun and popularity. Even the beginner can have a great time channeling their creativity.
Deb will provide paint recipes and share some mystery paint pouring techniques at the end for added fun. The only supplies required are a large flat box to take home art, an apron or old clothes, and a willingness to get messy. Paints, surfaces and worksheets will be provided. Adults only please.
To register go to franklinsquaregallery.com. Cost is $35 per person and includes materials, snacks and two glasses of wine or soft drinks. Register soon as this is a very popular class!
This project is supported by the Brunswick Arts Council Grassroots Program, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, which is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The AAS annual Summer Regional Art Show will open on June 26 and continue until July 23 at Franklin Square Gallery. The deadline for artists to register and pay entry fees for the juried show is June 12.
The application form for artists must be submitted online, and entry fees ($36 for members, $46 for non-members) must be paid by PayPal or with
a credit card. After all entries are received, the 2D and 3D judges will evaluate and select (jury) those pieces of work to be included in the show. From those juried art works, the judges will choose the award winners from those selected to be in the show.
After the judging on June 25, entrants can consult www.franklinsquaregallery.com to learn if their work was accepted by the judges to be included in the show. For more information, contact Kim Kirk at 910264-8580 or creativespirit@ec.rr.com.
At the end of the month, the Associated Artists of Southport (AAS) is hosting two studio art workshops and invite interested artists to register and attend.
On June 24-25, 10 am -3 pm, Ginna Zell will offer a two-day Workshop “The Ceramic Surface, Carving, and Color.” Students will learn to create unique and dynamic ceramic surfaces utilizing various techniques on either hand-built or wheel-thrown ceramic forms.
Ginna began exploring ceramics with the creative artists of the 1970s California scene. Her ceramics degrees gave her in-depth knowledge of glaze chemistry and strengthened her ability to formulate distinct glazes and troubleshoot issues. She does traditional kiln firing techniques and alternative techniques such as raku, pit, saggar, and barrel firing, not to mention all types of clay making. Her passion is carving and surface decoration, which students will explore in
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 44 Community
this workshop.
Class is limited to the first 15 registrants. Intermediate pottery experience is needed. This workshop is for students with previous experience in either hand-building clay forms or throwing on the wheel and looking for ways to enhance the surface of their completed pieces. Registration, class details and information regarding fees ($160 for AAS members; $200 for non-members) is available on the Gallery website at https://www.franklinsquaregallery.com, or by contacting Cheryl Rogers at 925-286-8475 or auntducks@gmail.com.
Next, on June 26-28, Rena Powell, will present a three-day workshop, “Painting the Sea and Sky” with a focus on oils. Beginner and advanced painters are welcome to attend. Workshop emphasis will be on a fresh eye towards design, color, and a sense of movement in the warm skies and at-
mospheric clouds. Students will see the world more abstractly and with a sense of expressiveness. Rena grew up in view of the water on Wrightsville Sound. Aesthetic colors of sunlit marsh grasses and warm water run through all
her art. After graduating from UNCW, she ran a marine canvas business for many years but also continued her desire to create art. Finally, she began her art career in earnest when she took a Plein air workshop.
Registration and information regarding fees ($210 for AAS members; $260 for non-members) and supplies is available on the Gallery website at https://
www.franklinsquaregallery.com, or by contacting Nancy Schulte at 910-5409177 or nancyschulte@me.com.
See www.franklinsquaregallery.com for more information on the all the happenings at Franklin Square Gallery.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 45 Mulch • Topsoil • Pine Straw • Pavers • Firepits Brick • Block • Stone • Gravel and much more WE DELIVER Family Owned and Operated bianchibrickyard.com 919 N. Howe St., Southport Let owner, Cheryl Robinson create a custom floral arrangement for you! Birthdays | Anniversaries Weddings | Funerals 910-457-4428 Community
ART BEAT
An Investment In Art
Allison Ford Helps BCC Improve In Southport
STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
Brunswick Community College Southport Center on Lord Street has been open for nearly eight years, and the enthusiasm to take art classes is still as strong as ever. The courses offered have grown and expanded steadily, with many creative classes currently available. Southport Center has something for everyone if you desire to learn a new craft or develop your art. Even though it’s been open for several years, it is still somewhat of a secret being on Lord Street, hidden off the main path into Southport. However, with the constant flow of new residents to the area, the campus has gained many creative people seeking a place to create and learn new skills.
Over the years and with people seeking out arts as a creative outlet, many classes rapidly outgrew the building and the budget in the short time the campus has been operating. Bursting at the seams, BCC Southport was recently blessed with a large donation from a new resident and art student, Allison Fox. According to Barbara McFall, director of Southport Center, “The Heritage Arts donation was the second significant gift from Allison Fox to the Southport Center. The BCC Southport Center is a uniquely wonderful creative community made possible by our state and local partners, school administration, students,
instructors and staff, and generous donors like Allison.”
Her generous donation has helped tremendously in so many ways. Specifically, her contribution has added more effective storage for many classrooms and equipment, including a new glass fusing kiln, pottery shelving for ongoing work, vent hoods for the kilns in the jewelry classroom that alleviates possible health concerns, plus paid for the electric installation to run all the equipment. “The initial goal at Southport Center was to add capacity to a top-rated program in glass by increasing efficiencies,” said McFall. “We are so very grateful for these significant improvements to our classroom experience.” In her honor, BCC has named the glass classroom the Allison Fox Glass Studio.
Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, Allison spent most of her life living in MD, DC, or VA. “I was living near Annapolis on the water. But, after my best friend and husband of 38 years passed away, I wasn’t en-
joying the beautiful property as much as I once did with him. So I needed a change and an adventure,” she said. “Forbes magazine said Southport was the happiest town in America to retire in. So I was visiting a friend in Sunset Beach and wandered
up to see.”
The arts are close to her heart as well as giving back to her community. Over the years, Allison has taken several art classes, including pottery, painting, drawing, and watercolors. Then she started with a fused glass class when she got to BCC Southport. “Gina Poppe was my very patient and gifted instructor,” said Allison. “Another glass artist, Debbie Appleby, and I met at a crafts show she was in. I bought a couple of her fused pieces, and we exchanged phone numbers. A while later, she called and asked me to come to her studio, and she showed me the basics of designing, cutting, and producing pieces ready for the kiln. What
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 46
Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street 910-713-3373 www.southportfuntours.com 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! One Hour Tour Covering: • History and Culture • Movie Locations • Spectacular Coastal Views • Shopping and Dining ADULTS $10 CHILDREN $5 Reservations Advised Voted Best Thing for Visitors To Do! M-F 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. 9 am - 4 pm. 417 N Howe St Suite B (910) 477-6387 SouthportCheeseShop.com Locally Sourced Treats and Treasures
A glass fusing kiln paid for with Ford’s donation
a gift that was! She called again a few days later from the School and said the fused class was short on signups. She said, ‘Get in the car and bring your checkbook,’” she said.
“Once I started the class, I saw a great facility sitting just a few blocks from my house. The instructors were dynamic!!! And there were some great fellow students I have become friends with. But there were obvious budget shortfalls, and there was a need for some items to make things better that were within my reach,” said Allison. “My parents were involved in our community in MD. I needed to be also in my new hometown of Southport! I asked for advice from my first friend here - a lovely and kind business owner, my realtor, a local government person, and a state political figure. They all said BCC needed me to help if I could. So, after meeting with the head of the BCC Foundation, I created an endowed scholarship to be granted to students wanting to become police officers or folks in the trades. Chief Todd Coring was a local star to
me, and that scholarship is named for him, and we are joint administrators,” said Allison. “At the same time, I made a donation of the same amount to make improvements to the BCC Southport center. So glad I did!”
There are currently many plans to expand the unfinished part of the Southport Center, which is a work in progress. They already have some classes in there, including wood turning and metal sculptures. However, much work and funding will be needed to expand that to its fullest potential. “There is a large unimproved space at the arts center that needs finishing. It could sure improve the number of available classrooms, students and other types of art. We could all help accomplish that,” said Allison.
To inquire about donating to the Southport Center, go to www.brunswickcc.edu/ foundation/, Or contact Teresa Nelson, Executive Director of The Foundation of Brunswick Community College, at nelsont@ brunswickcc.edu or by phone at 910-7556530.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 47
Botanical Garden Fun
Enjoy The New Child-Friendly Signs
Ask the children which are their favorite ones! Sit down on a bench or chair—we have children’s chairs too--and take in the beauty of flowers and plants. We’ve added signs for children to better understand pollination, seeds and plant growth.
The Extension Brunswick County Botanic Garden is a hidden jewel in Brunswick County that’s located adjacent to the NC Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, of the Brunswick County Government Complex, in Bolivia. Special signs are on display designed especially for children to better understand seeds, pollination and plant growth and other gardening concepts.
Visit the garden during daylight hours on weekdays or weekends.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 48 COMMUNITY
Visit the Azalea Garden, Celebration Garden, Container Garden, Curb Appeal Garden, Discovery Garden, Edible Landscape Garden, Live Oak Garden, Fragrance Garden, Micro-Climate Garden, Pollinator Garden, Rain Garden, Reflection Garden, Rose Garden, Sunny Native Garden, and the Welcome Garden.
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Lookingfor something educational and fun that all get you and the family outside enjoying nature’s beauty? The Brunswick County NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners invite parents and grandparents to bring the children in their family to visit their 15 beautifully maintained Extension Brunswick County Botanic Gardens.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 49 724 N. Howe St. | Open 7 Days a Week Let Us Help You Achieve the Lawn of Your Dreams We work hard, so you don’t have to! • Custom Water Features • Landscape & Hardscape Design • Maintenance 602 N. Howe St., Southport • (910) 457-7714 JEWELRY REPAIR • WATCH REPAIR WE DO APPRAISALS Master Jeweler on site! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram reneesfinejewelry.com Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1976 We strive to give every customer who walks into the store the best possible jewelry buying experience, and we thank you for your continued support! Welcome Summer! FINE INTERNATIONAL BISTRO DINING & GOURMET GIFT ITEMS • DINE IN/TAKE OUT • portsofcallbistro.com Our Regular Hours: Tuesday - Saturday Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Tuesday - Thursday Dinner: 5:00 pm – Closing Friday & Saturday Dinner: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm • Sunday Brunch: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Please call our Main Reservations Line: (910) 457-4544 for Dine-In Seating Reservations and For Take-Out Orders 116 North Howe Street, Historic Downtown Southport $108 with Greek Wines $85 Food Only Call 910-457-4544 to reserve seating 6 Fine Courses - Six Wine Samples Look for the menu on our facebook page NEW SUMMER MENUS FOR DINNER, LUNCH AND BRUNCH • Handcrafted Cuisine • Craft Cocktails • Fine Wines • A Daily Tapestry of Global Flavors Every Day is a Mosaic of Fresh Global Flavors at Ports of Call! Awards: Best International Cuisine 2023 Most Creative Menu, 2021, 2019; Most Creative Chef, 2020 People’s Choice Awards: Best Bistro – ( 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013) Online Ordering is Currently Available via our Website: www.portsofcallbistro.com SAVE THE DATE Greek Wine Dinner Thursday June 29, 2023
CALENDAR
June
We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change.
JUNE 3
Ride the Tide — Oak Island
This 5.2 mile float starts at the Oak Island Recreation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, and comes ashore at Blue Water Point Marina. The float is open to paddlers 13 and older, and the cost is $25. Email gordon@oakislandnc.gov or call 910-278-4747 for more information.
JUNE 4
Waves 4 K.I.D.S. Fundraiser
Enjoy dinner and music from The Band of Oz and help support children in foster care in Brunswick County. The event is 5-8 pm at Rock Creek Barn, 5900 Rock Creek Road, Leland, and tickets are $75. Visit www.waves4kids.org for tickets or for more information on the event or Waves 4 K.I.D.S.
JUNE 8
Paint and Sip — Franklin Square Gallery
Artist Deb Voso will lead a class on paint pouring, a tending art technique; the class is 5-7:30 pm at the Gallery, 130 E. West St. The cost is $35, and includes materials, snacks and two glasses of wine or soft drinks. Visit https://www. franklinsquaregallery.com/ to register.
JUNE 10
Open Air Market at Pescado y Amor
Shop for artwork and unique home decor, jewelry and gifts at this lovely art studio and among a variety of artisan vendors outside at this market, 6018 E. Oak Island Drive. Vendors will be out from 5-8 pm. (Editors’ note — there are really good treats and ice cream available at Mermaid Cove just across NE 61st Street, so the rest of your party can be entertained while you browse!)
JUNE 10
Community Cookout — Dosher Memorial Hospital
It’s a groundbreaking and a 93rd anniversary celebration, all rolled into a cookout for the community! Enjoy food and music from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the hospital’s back entrance (E. 9th Street
and N. Atlantic Avenue). Pre-registration is not required but is appreciated. Call 910-457-3900 for more information or visit https://www.dosher.org/ to RSVP.
JUNE 10
Art-Full Home Show & Sale
This show, held 10 am to 4 pm, will feature original oils, acrylics, watercolors, prints, mixed media, ceramics, art glass and other one-of-a-kind home decor pieces. The sale will be held at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road.
JUNE 15
Community Blood Drive
Dosher Memorial Hospital hosts an American Red Cross blood drive at the Jaycee Building (309 N. Fodale Avenue). The blood drive is 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Sign up online at www.redcrossblood. org.
JUNE 17
Solstice by the Sea Festival
Visit vendors booths and spend time with community organizations to learn what work they do. This free festival is 10 am to 8 pm in Franklin Square Park, Southport. The event features music, food trucks, and children’s activities, including Pirates (Black Sails Adventure Company) and Reptile Trailer (Fresh Start Rescue) and motion and movements with Turning the Wheel.
JUNE 17
Deep Dive Into History — Maritime Museum
This free drop-in program at the Museum features friends of the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, Underwater Branch. The program is 10 am to 3 pm at the Museum, 204 E. Moore St., Southport.
JUNE 21
Cape Fear A Capella — America Sings
The a capella group will celebrate the diversity of American culture and history in the songs we have sung since the nation was founded. The performance is at 10 am at Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive.
JUNE 24-25
Sea Notes Choral Society
The group presents its annual patriotic
concert, entitled “This Is A Great Country.” Concerts are at 3 pm each day, and will feature songs from throughout the country’s history, including favorites such as “America the Beautiful.” The performances are at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College, 50 College Road NE, Bolivia.
JUNE 26-JULY 23
Summer Art Show — Associated Artists of Southport Artists may apply to show their work until June 12; judges will select works to be shown June 26 through July 23 at the Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West St.
JUNE 29
Rock With Us on the Southport Waterfront
Enjoy a free concert by the Back Porch Rockers performing on the Garrison House Lawn from 6-8 pm during this benefit for the Friends of the NC Maritime Museum at Southport. Enter a raffle for the coveted Trunks of Grog or other valuable treasures!
Ongoing Events
Summer Market — Southport
Wednesdays through the season, Southport’s open air market boasts local produce, baked goods, flowers and herbs, and arts and crafts, all under majestic live oak trees. The market runs 9 am to 2 pm in Franklin Square Park (Howe and E. West Streets).
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island
The Libraries are open Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm. The Barbee branch is also open 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. The Once More used 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. Visit https://folsoi. org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.
Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. Family-friendly movies at 2 pm on Fridays, June 2 and 16.
Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St, Southport: The Lifelong Learners program meets at Harper Library on Wednesdays, 10 am. Children can practice their reading skills by reading to a therapy dog on Mondays; registration required. Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs.
NC Maritime MuseumsSouthport, 204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. The Third Tuesday program, June 20, is “Marines of the Carolinas,” 7-8 pm at the Southport Community Building; registration is required. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 50
register for special programs.
First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport
Stroll among the Southport galleries, stop in and say hello and browse among local artists’ works. The walk is 5-7 pm on the first Friday of the month.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge
Bingo games on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.
FRANKLIN SQUARE ART GALLERY
The Gallery has two featured artists for June — Cheryl Lee (2D) and Karen Masterson (3D). Cheryl worked in ceramics for 22 years before discovering watercolor painting and Karen creates animal sculptural pottery; the Gallery is open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. The June lecture will cover “9th Street Women and the New York School,” with discussion of artists Grace Harriman, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Elaine de Kooning, and Lee Krasner; the program is at 3 pm and the cost is $15..
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see outside, with historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property 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
Bring chairs or a blanket, shows start at 6:30 pm
May 26 — Blackwater Band
June 2 — Christine Martinez Band
June 9 — Autumn Tyde
June 16 — Old Man Mafia Band
June 23 — The Entertainers
July 1 — Carl Newton’s Review
Summer Concert — Boiling Spring
Lakes
Spring Lakes Park, Pine Road
Bring a chair or blanket and your dancing shoes!
June 16 — Lunar Tide
THE PUB OF SOUTHPORT
1513 N. Howe St., Suite 10
June 16 — David Condon
June 23 — Double Cherry Pie
June 30 — Casey Cotton
River Hotel of Southport
706 E. Moore St.
6-8 pm with food trucks on site
June 1 -- Good Times Duo
June 8 -- Good Times Duo
June 15 -- Tyler Samuel
June 22 -- Double Cherry Pie
June 29 --Double Cherry Pie
The Historic Amuzu Theatre
111 N. Howe St., Southport
June 24 — Comedy show featuring Khari Reed, Drew Harrison and Faris Randolph for the first time along with favorites Rich Neilsen and Mellony Wilder. Tickets may be purchased at the Rickey Evans Gallery on Howe Street in Southport, or Color Me Carolina on Long Beach Road, Oak Island.
WINE, BEER & COFFEE
American Fish Co
150 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport
Gorgeous views at this waterfront bar, live music, and great conversations.
Southport Coffee Co. & Kitchen
130 E. Moore Street, Southport
Coffee, beer and good food, and an outside courtyard and live music too.
La Polena
201 River Dr.
May 18 — Thirsty Thursday…for the Guys
SILVER COAST WINERY TASTING ROOM
105 N. Howe St., Southport Brunswick County’s first and only winery 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; wine down Wednesdays and trivia on Thursdays.
The Mullet Bar
112 Yacht Basin Drive
Open during tourist season, with a great view of the boats coming and going.
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 for drink specials and food truck appearances. 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.thegrapeandale.com, or find them on Facebook for specials and wine tastings.
The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille
601 Ocean Drive, Oak Island
Good food, a great ocean view with
gorgeous sunsets. Check Facebook for music and specials.
Crossroads Gathering Place
128 Country Club Drive
Lots of small shops to browse inside, and then enjoy wine, beer or coffee and sit a spell on the porches out back, with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway and Oak Island’s Barbee Bridge.
SEAHORSE EATS & DRINKS AT OCEAN CREST PIER
1409 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island
Sip your favorite drink and watch the beautiful sunsets at the Ocean Crest Pier.
Second Wind Sports Bar
8620 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island
Live music, jam night, dancing and great drinks. Open Mic night on Tuesdays.
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.
Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@ southportmag.com before the 20th of each month!
Thank you!
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 51
2577 BELLAMY DRIVE, SEA VIEW
3 bed | 2 bath | $364,500. Welcome to the waterfront community of Sea View! Located along the Intracoastal waterway, just three miles from the Holden Beach bridge. ‘’The Sailfish’’ is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,330 SF new construction home to be completed in late June 2023. This single story, open-concept home is located on a large private lot. When approaching the home you’re greeted with a welcoming covered porch perfect for rocking chairs and a swing. The single car garage provides space for additional storage while keeping your vehicle out of the elements. Once inside you’ll love the open concept living area with vaulted ceilings and luxury vinyl plank floors. The kitchen is impressive with granite counter tops and a full stainless steel appliance suite including refrigerator. The spacious primary suite has a tray ceiling in the bedroom, and a step-in shower in the bath. Do not let this fantastic new construction home get away from you!. Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 540-8320.
2586 BELLAMY DRIVE, SEA VIEW.
3bed | 2 bath | $425,000. WATERFRONT
COMMUNITY!! This AMAZING ‘’to-bebuilt’’ home is on a DOUBLE LOT and is near the dock & pier on the Intracoastal Waterway! A concrete pad underneath offers plenty of room for parking your boat, trailer, small camper, jet skis or vehicles under this piling home with porches on the front & back of the house to enjoy all of the natural views. The home has a vaulted ceiling line running through the open concept living & dining space. The kitchen will be built with white Shaker style soft-close style cabinetry and showcases a ‘coffee & wine’ bar area beside the pantry plus floating butcher block shelves secured with trendy industrial accents. Large vanities with double sinks enhance both bathrooms with a walk-in shower in the master bath. The pictures on the listing are an example of homes that the builder has completed in this area & includes an enclosed storage area and an outdoor shower. The Sabal Palm Cottage is located in the Sea View Community 3 miles from the Holden Beach Bridge where you can launch your boat from the NC Public Wildlife ramp, located centrally between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. The Sea View Community has its own private gated dock on the ICW and a gated community pool, exclusive to homeowners. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., for more details, (910) 620-8962.
even has a basement for storage. Here you can enjoy the river’s salubrious breezes and catch a glimpse of the large cargo ships passing by. It is second row from the Cape Fear River and a very short distance to historic downtown Southport to enjoy Waterfront Park, other parks, shopping, a variety of restaurants, boutiques, museums, art galleries, seasonal festivals, and so much more. This home has been in the same family for 70 years and is being sold ‘’As Is.’’ Call Katherine Hufham, SouthportRealty, Inc., for more information, (910) 470-4045.
2272
NC. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a bonus room above the garage has been well maintained. The amazing backyard showcases an in-ground pool, a large screened porch, and a storage shed. Listed at $375,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Amy Lynn Boltz for details at 910-880-2696.
2007 EAST OAK ISLAND DRIVE, OAK ISLAND. no HOA. This spacious and immaculate home has abundant natural light, and the inverted floor plan places the main living area with a stylish contemporary gas fireplace, dining areas, chef’s dream kitchen, and the owner’s suite with its luxurious bath all together on the top floor. The eye-catching glass-walled hydraulic elevator serves all three levels. The living areas and bedrooms all have wood floors with Italian tile in the baths. There’s even a sleek kitchenette on the second floor to service those bedrooms and their dreamy wrap-around porches. The town-maintained walkover that crosses Davis Canal & takes you to the beach strand is on the very next street. The double lot has a beautiful, fenced backyard and an oversized hot tub on a private deck that’s just perfect for stargazing. Listed at $1,296,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️ Call Ceilidh Creech for details at 910-553-4073.
4909 B-34 FISH FACTORY ROAD, $175,000. RARE Opportunity - 50’ Wet Slip. B-34. Safe Harbor Marina at South Harbour Village is a luxury full-service marina along the Intracoastal Waterway between Southport and Oak Island. The Marina boasts restaurants with live entertainment and a beautiful waterfront park nearby for dog walking and exercise. Electric, water, pump out, gas and diesel fuel, transient accommodations, and convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean.
4998 ALAMANCE DRIVE SEASPRAY
COVE. Beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA home, custom-built by a local cabinet maker so you know the details are something you’ll want to see for yourself! The gourmet kitchen has an island with beautiful granite and lots of storage. The open-concept floor plan has a vaulted ceiling and great flex space over the 2-car garage. There’s even a partially fenced yard for you to enjoy! Listed at $430,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., Realtors Call Tami Knecht for details at 253-380-1527.
4183 VANESSA DRIVE SOUTH HARBOUR VILLAGE Close to Oak Island, this spacious 4 BR, 2 ½ BA home has everything you are looking for! There is a one-car garage, a loft area on the second floor, and a wet bar. Nice yard and a covered deck. Close to the bridge to Oak Island and just a short drive to Southport. Listed at $370,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS. The sellers are even offering a $5,000 credit at closing for new carpet Call Karen Wirzulis at 910-319-8592 for your showing appointment today!
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 52
MARKETPLACE
711 E. MOORE STREET, SOUTHPORT 3 bed | 1 bath | $499,999. Check out this cute 1950’s bungalow (fixer-upper) oozing with potential and sitting high on a .91 acre lot with 200 ft. of road frontage. This home
BROOKSTONE DRIVE, BOLIVIA,
Find Something Sure To Please Everyone
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
SEAFOOD SPECIALTY
M FISHY FISHY CAFE
106 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport
910-457-1881
www.fishyfishycafe.com
A sophisticated take on the dockside seafood café, Fishy Fishy serves up plates like Buffalo 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, shellfish 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.
MODERN AMERICAN
BACK TO SHUCKERS
6220 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
910-278-4944
Casual dining in a tropical setting, with Caribbean 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.
OLIVER’S ON THE CAPE FEAR
101 West Bay Street, Southport 910-477-9299
oliversonthecapefear.com
Fine dining on the Cape Fear—where exquisite 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
With over 50 beer selections, Shagger Jacks offers an assortment of dishes from steamers to ribs and sweet curry chicken to tacos.
SOUTHERN, A GATHERING PLACE
105 E. Brown St, Southport 910-931-0786
Elevated Southern Cuisine
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 selection 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 Facebook 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, 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. Enjoy
sipping wine in the shop while admiring local art or in the courtyard. Wines are available to taste every day. Special orders welcome
BARBECUE
M SOUTHPORT SMOKE HOUSE
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 Eastern 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.
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
CAROLINA COASTAL CAFE
607 N. Howe Street, Southport (910) 363-4350
Full service breakfast and lunch cafe withfull coffee bar and baked goods
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.
ERIC’S GRILLE
1671 N. Howe St., Southport 910-457-9024
Offers old fashioned, hand patted hamburgers, plus bbq, hot dogs, chili cheese fries and breakfast sandwiches and platters.
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 53
out the Dining Guide and what delicious food the local area
to offer! DINING GUIDE
Check
has
Bahn Mi sandwich a Loco Jo’s
FAT ANDY’S BURGERS
3196 George II Hwy,Boiling Spring Lakes 910-845-7700
Handmade burgers using 100% ground chuck, plus freshly cut French fries.
FIXIN’S OKI
8300 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island (910) 933-1009
Southern inspired brunch menu served thoughout the day
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 & Sandwiches Served Daily!
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 seating 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 specialties 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 SOUTHPORT COFFEE CO. AND KITCHEN
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, salads, 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 Reuben 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.theofficecoffeeandwinebar. 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.
SUNSET GRILL
5119 E. Oak Island Dr, 910-933-6137
Mediterranean Cuisine with a Lebanese influence
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 staples such as lo mein, sesame chicken, and General Tso’s.
SOUTHPORT
SHI BAR
JAPANESE
TENGU JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
4956 Long Beach Rd. SE, 457-9398
Sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura and udon noodles all available.
MEXICAN
GOURMET AND SU-
1643 N. Howe St, Southport (910) 477-9045
Serving a varietry of home-cokked Asian specialties and featuring a full sushi bar.
TASTE OF CHINA
4956 Long Beach Rd., Southport, 457-1838
Serving Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunanstyle Chinese food.
INTERNATIONAL
M
PORTS OF CALL
116 N. Howe St., Southport, 457-4544 www.portsofcallbistro.com
Offering choices that are largely influenced by dishes from across the globe. Menu items and specials can whisk your palette from Casablanca to Barcelona, Santorini to Mumbai, and from Marseilles to Munich or Charleston. Finish with a fresh baked dessert 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 sandwiches.
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.
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.
SAN FELIPE
1671 N. Howe St., Ste. 1, Southport & 4961 Long Beach Rd. SE 910-454-0950
Serving authentic dishes, such as fajitas, enchiladas and chalupas, fresh salsa and margaritas; serves traditional Mexican dishes.
TACO & BURITTO SHACK
3261 Hwy 87, BSL 910-351-0179
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 54
GUIDE
DINING
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.
PIZZERIAS
BAMBINI’S PIZZERIA
1513 N Howe St, Southport 477-9352
A New York Style Pizzeria featuring homemade 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—including 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 gyros, 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 favorites 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 & specialty pizzas, wings & breadsticks, plus desserts.
DOMINO’S (SOUTHPORT)
1671 N Howe St #1b, Southport (910) 457-0083
DOMINO’S (OAK ISLAND)
5003 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
THAI AND VINE
106 SE 58th Street
(910) 933-1025
Southeast Asian specialties
BAKERIES/ COFFEE
BURNEY’S BAKERY
808 N. Howe St., Southport 454-4222
Known for their light and flaky filled croissants 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/vegan 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. Coffee 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
Ice Cream at the Yacht Basin
HAVEN
307 N. Howe St., Southport
Bites, Beer, Gelato, Wine
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 Carolina cows and never add artificial flavors or colors.
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, 477-9117
More than just ice cream, Spike’s offers great hot dogs as well.
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!
SOUTHPORT SUZIE’S
4956 Old Long Beach Rd. Suite 1, Southport 910-363-4188
Frozen Yogurt & Desserts; Wine & Beer, Outside seating
SUGAR DADDIES
5119 E. Oak Island Drive
Ice Cream and Dip-n-Dots
TIKI PINEAPPLE WHIPS
4602 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island (910) 632-0598
Dole Whip pineapple frozen treats right at the beach!
TROPICAL TREATS
5811 E. Oak Island Drive
Ice Cream, Italian Ice, Coffee, Ho,me Made Fudge
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving Our Community www.SouthportMag.com /June 2023/ Southport Magazine 55
DINING GUIDE Handcrafted Pottery Available at: www.BlueEarthWorks.com THE PAINTED MERMAID 817 N Howe Street, Southport SOUTHPORT, NC • BREVARD, NC • FLETCHER, NC • NORTHEAST, MD • BLUEEARTHWORKS.ETSY.COM