December 2022 Southport Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

Itook a drive into Southport on the Saturday after Thanksgiving -- Shop Small Saturday which I’m hoping you all participated in -- to buy some Bald Head coffee, take a few photos and check out what was happening. It turned out to be the perfect start of the festive holiday season. I love seeing downtown Southport all decked out for Christmas. It just feels so warm and fuzzy to me. And on this day I got to see some of Santa’s Helpers out greeting shoppers, and I even ran into Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to spread holiday cheer as they have for, as Mrs. Claus told me, more than 15 years. I even got a hug from Mrs. Claus when I told her who I was and that I wanted to put them on the cover of this month’s issue. Is there a better way to dive into Christmas than a heartfelt Mrs. Claus hug? No, no there is not. I encourage all of you to continue shopping our local small businesses and to take the time to enjoy as many of the great events you’ll see on this issue’s calendar as you can. The lovely and talented Lisa and I will be in the Oak Island Christmas parade representing the Chamber of Commerce, so come out and give us a wave! Merry Christmas to one and all!

TRAINING

Currents

Opening Their Homes

Inside Two Christmas Home Tour Stops

STORY BY PATTY LANGER , PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Growing up in a historic New England town, Christmas was al ways my favorite time of year. The season was defined by old colonial houses with candles in every window, wreaths hung on front doors, and garland draped along porch railings. The glow of Christmas trees was visible through frosty windows and the smells of pine and cinnamon filled the air! I admit, I was skeptical about finding the spirit of Christmas in the warm, snowless South when I moved to North Carolina a few years ago. I soon realized the enormity of my misconceptions as I wandered through the charming streets of Southport, a town with that same holiday magic, minus the icy streets and finger-numbing cold. In 2019, I strolled through the Southport Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Homes and was delighted by the beautiful houses decorated for the holidays in an elegant Southern style. After a two-year suspension due to the pandemic, the home tour is back on, and I was thrilled when asked to interview some of the homeowners. So, while tickets may be hard to come by, join me for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at two of these beautiful houses, see what it takes to prepare for a holiday showcase, and meet some of the people inspired to open their doors to the public this holiday season.

The Christmas Tour of Homes has been a tradition in Southport for 30 years. The Southport Historical Society (SHS) assumed responsibility for the event in 2000 and helped it become a highlight of the city’s annual Winterfest. This year’s tour will be a scaled-back version as SHS builds their team of volunteers back up following a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID pandemic. According to SHS pres ident Liz Fuller, there are eight locations on the 2022 tour with a range of styles, from cozy cottages to spacious plantation homes and even one historic church, the Mt. Carmel AME Church. All of the sites are within one mile of each other, making for a pleasant stroll through historic down town Southport. Houses are chosen by the Home Tour committee, and while there is no specific age or size requirement, most tend to be historic and large enough to ac commodate a steady flow of people walk ing through. Homes can be showcased in multiple tours, but not two years in a row.

“We are always on the lookout for homes for the tour, so if anyone wants to participate in 2023 or has a house to rec ommend, please let us know,” said Full

er. “The kindness of the homeowners and the enthusiasm of over 100 tour volunteers are the key elements that make the South port Christmas Home Tour a success,” she added.

The two families I interviewed for this story certainly fit that bill, exuding South ern hospitality and Southport charm.

Lynn and Randy Meekins, 207 N. Caswell

Lynn and Randy Meekins, former educa tors and business owners who relocated to Southport from the Georgetown, SC area for a calmer pace of life, cherish afternoons on their porch chatting with neighbors and tourists alike. The couple purchased their historic home at 207 N. Caswell Avenue in 2018, just in time to sustain some serious roof damage from Hurricane Florence. The Meekins replaced not only the roof, but all of the electric, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and much of the foundation. During the restoration, they worked closely with for mer Southport building inspector Wayne Strickland to restore the home to its orig inal design, salvaging hardwood floors,

wainscotting, door handles, and even the hand-turned rails on the front porch. The gorgeously redone kitchen cabinetry, built-in bookshelves, and a few new clos ets were all built by Randy himself.

The Meekins’ home was originally built in 1912 by Price Furpless, a former mayor of Southport and the grandfather of Bill Furpless, owner of the Amuzu Theatre on Howe Street, also built by his grandfather in 1918. Although the house stood empty for about 20 years, it was not for sale when the Meekins spotted it on a trip to South

port. Inspired by the home’s potential, they took a chance and contacted the owners to express their interest. Over a period of time, they developed a friendship with the Furpless family and eventually pur chased the house, becoming only its second owners! There are many trib utes to the Furpless family in the home today, including an artful display of pill box hats that once belonged to the origi nal owner’s wife, Lillie Furpless.

The Meekins chose to decorate for Christmas in a traditional style that rep resents the home’s era — picture an old-fashioned Norman Rockwell Christ mas card. Outside, the spacious, wraparound porch will be strung with pine gar land and lights. Enter into the “receiving room” and you’ll see a display of old-fash ioned Santas on the fireplace mantle and family stockings hung from the craftsman style staircase.

The family room holds the Meekins’ favorite Christmas decora tion, their Christmas tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments handmade or gifted by their children, grandchildren, friends and former students over the years. The tree will be sit uated next to the antique piano in a street-facing window for the enjoyment of passersby.

In the dining room, a large wooden table, built with beams salvaged from an addition that was be yond repair, will be set for a formal Christmas dinner. The stunningly remod eled kitchen and a sunny, screened porch in the back of the house will also be decorated for the holidays.

The Meekins agreed to participate in the Christ mas Home Tour as a way to honor the Furpless fam ily and also to give back to the city.

“The people in South

The Meekins Home, 207 N. Caswell

The Meekins’ Christmas tree

port are so kind. When we moved into the house, the neighbors threw a party for us!” Lynn said.

The Meekins also expressed a desire to support the SHS, which they say has been helpful to them in their research.

According to Liz Fuller, ticket sales from the home tours are the Society’s biggest fundraiser, with proceeds used to main tain the Brunswick County Old Jail Mu seum, develop community educational programs, create historical exhibits at the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center, and support a scholarship program for South Brunswick High School seniors.

Brian and Allyssa Larrabee at 103 N. Caswell Avenue

Supporting SHS was also a motivator for Brian and Alyssa Larrabee, owners of a sin gle-story craftsman bungalow located at 103 N. Caswell Avenue. Built in the early 1900s, the home once belonged to anoth er former Southport mayor, L.T. Yascal and his wife Louise.

A warm, charming couple with two young boys, the Larrabees purchased their home in April of 2021, after relocat ing from Los Angeles during the pandem ic. Alyssa, an accomplished ballerina, and Brian, a former actor, came to visit her par ents, who had retired to Southport from the Charlotte area, and they fell in love with the quaint town and its friendly res idents. Having already transitioned their business, Good City Mentors, a non-profit

Currents

abandoned for about 15 years and re quired a complete overhaul.

“There were holes in the roof with vines growing inside and the floors were mushy!” Alyssa said.

But with the help of her father, a profes sional contractor, the Larrabees were able to complete a stunning renovation in just six months.

Aiming to re-create an authentic feel, they were able to salvage the original hardwood floors, and expose century-old support beams in the kitchen and dining room. They scoured the town for antique furniture and found many pieces that fit with the home, including a dining room table from the Walter Pike House on Bay Street, dining chairs from the Dr. Frink home on Bay Street, and a kitchen is land from a home on West West Street. A unique spice rack built into a kitchen wall

was made by Jerry Dove, another former Southport mayor and police chief, and a coffee table in the living room was built by the Larrabees with wood reclaimed from an old house on Lord Street.

Several people encouraged the Lar rabees to join the SHS Christmas Home Tour this year, but they were hesitant at first, given the daunting challenge of decorating a home with two little boys. However, when the SHS officially asked them, they decided it would be a good way to give back to the city that had welcomed them with open arms.

“We feel like we are stewards of this incredible house and we want to share it with the people of this town,” said All yssa.

The Lar rabees’ decorat ing style is minimal ist, with an element of fun to reflect the youthful enthu siasm of their children. Tradition al pine roping and white lights hang from their wraparound porch on

ment for the family’s first Christmas in our new house,” Brian recounted with pride.

(Cue the tears!)

Both the Meekins and the Larrabees epitomize Southern hospitality, while their beautifully decorated homes reflect both the charm of historic Southport and the magic of Christmas. Opening their homes to allow the public to enjoy this cherished Southport tradition fills our hearts with the spirit of the season.

For more information on the Christmas Home Tours, visit www.southporthistorical society.org or call (910) 447-3461.

the corner of Caswell and Howe streets. Inside, their less-is-more approach makes carefully placed nutcrackers and whimsical trees stand out, and fits with the simplicity of Christmases past. The Larrabees Christ mas tree will go in the corner of the living room and will be decorated with sentimen tal ornaments.

“We have a mix from my childhood, Brian’s childhood, and every year Jordan and Cam den get a new one,” said Allys sa. Front and center will be their favorite, an ornament that depicts the four fam ily members, chosen by their five-year-old son, Camden.

“He recent ly got his first wallet for his fifth birthday. We took him to The Christ mas House and told him he could pick out anything he wanted with his birthday mon ey. After a lot of thought, he chose an orna

The Larrabees, 103 N. Caswell

Spice Rack from Jerry Dove’s house

Staging area for decorations soon going up

Christmas Traditions

Keeping The Old, Welcoming The New

STORY BY LISA STITES

Traditions

and holidays go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s having all our favorite dishes on the table or picking out the perfect tree, we all have things we want to be “just so” for our holidays. Recre ating our favorite holiday memories so we can carry them forward can add undue stress to an already busy season though, and it can be easy to get caught up in what we think we have to do to keep our old traditions alive rather than opening ourselves up for new experiences. If you know me personally, you’re probably shocked that I am advocating for embracing change, but really, I am working on it.

Some of my holiday festivities seem to be set in stone. We have the same Thanksgiving meal every year, because that’s what my fellas want. I do change up the stuffing/dressing/whatever you call it recipe, but otherwise, we make

the green bean casserole the same (we make our own sauce, and we start it with pancetta), and we always use thyme and rosemary on the turkey.

Other festive activities have kind of

been all over the place.

Oak Island’s Christmas Tree light ing is absolutely one of my favorite holiday traditions. Sometimes we’ve worn long-sleeved shirts, and some times I needed a wool coat. Over the years, we have seen all sorts of entertainment – from the early years when just a few local horn players gathered to play traditional Christ mas carols while a few dozen peo ple sang along, to the more recent years when the high school chorus led the crowd in song. There have been dancers, solo singers and lots of general holiday merriment. Santa Claus always makes an appearance too, sometimes on a boat or a fire truck, sometimes from a helicopter. You just never know what Santa has planned! There are always refresh ments, and plenty of picture-taking opportunities for families, which re ally warms my heart.

The parade the next day is one of my favorites too. I have only been in it once (this year may be my second time!), but I always go watch it. When our son John was a baby, Jeffrey was the driver for the parade marshal and John slept in his carseat as I watched the parade from the car. It was snow

ing and sleeting and cold, and I only got out to wave at Jeffrey as he drove by. Once John was in Scouts, he and Jeffrey rode with that group, and then when John was in march ing band, Jeffrey finally got to start watching the parade instead of al ways being in it in some fashion. We switch up our viewing spot, and even watched in front of Town Hall one time in full Victorian outfits before heading over to that year’s Dickens Festival in Southport.

We usually take cookies and either lemonade or hot chocolate for our parade watching, depending on the temperature that day. Sometimes we watch with a group of friends, and sometimes it’s just the two of us. Usu ally we have a pot of chili waiting for us at home, and now, Jeffrey takes lots of pictures of all the floats and groups marching along the parade route. The details may change from year to year, but we always have fun.

The thing that can be tough about traditions is that because they’re the things we’ve always done, as life changes, we struggle to let the tra ditions change too. Friends and fam ily members come in and out of our lives, so at some point, things will not

The Oak Island Christmas PArade is extra fun when your boy is marching

be the same. Looking back over the last 30 years or so, I can see how much has changed in my own family. Our son lives in Greensboro now, and he’ll be able to come home for the holidays, which is really all the gift I need. We’ll have a great time, and though it won’t be the same as when he was a child, what that really means is that we have the opportunity to build new tradi tions. It’s like the tree lighting and the parade. The details change from year to year, but it’s the participating, the getting together with family, friends, and the community that is at the heart of those traditions.

Life happens and we can’t stop things from changing. We can open our hearts to new family and friends who come into our lives, though, and we can make new memories every chance we get. We can share meals and stories, we can share laughter and love, and we can savor the time we get to spend together. This empty-nest er thing can be tough, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every chapter of motherhood to this point, and I can’t

wait to see what new traditions our family creates in the years to come.

P.S. I actually wrote this col umn quite a bit before deadline, and then I had the nicest surprise and had to write this post script. In 2009, I did a sto ry for The State Port Pilot about Barry and Joyce Morris, who until recently, celebrat ed Christmas with a beautiful tradi tion of their own. As newlyweds in 1971, they made decorations for their first tree together. They started decorat

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ing eggshells, and their tradition was born. Family, friends, their builder when they moved to St. James — everyone was asked to add to the collection over the decades. I was in vited to make an egg too, and I did my best to make it festive. The time has come for the Morrises to put this tradition behind them as they now put fewer decorations out and travel for the holidays. But instead of just boxing up the eggs or getting rid of them, the couple are tracking down the egg contributors and giving them back their eggs. I was surprised and delighted that they went to the trouble of finding me. It seems that as some traditions change, other, more important traditions carry on, such as spreading joy and glad tid ings, giving from the heart, and mak ing others feel special.

Best wishes to all of you for a won derful holiday season filled with joy, happiness, and traditions — old and new!

Community Christmas Tree Time

Supplying Fresh Trees Is A Tough Job

STORY BY ASHLEY PARK

Before the Halloween candy has even cleared the shelves, the Christmas decorations start rolling out, giving us our first dose of the holiday spirit seemingly earlier and earlier every year. But around here everyone knows it’s not officially the start of the sea son until the fresh-cut live Christmas trees begin rolling into town from the mountains of North Carolina and finding their way into our living rooms. After a few eggnog-fueled hours of battle with tangled strands of once twinkling lights and the last cherished ornament is hung, nothing symbolizes the kick-off to the holidays quite like the lighting of the beloved Christmas tree.

For more than 28 years, Jungle Johnny has been providing fresh-cut, NC grown Christmas trees, garland, wreaths, and decor to homes and businesses in Brunswick County. When asked his opin ion of what has changed most about the industry in his nearly three decades of delivering Christmas joy, Jungle John ny noted that people are buying their

Christmas trees and getting into the spirit of the holiday weeks earlier than they used to causing many tree retailers to sell out much sooner than people may expect. As Jungle Johnny so perfectly put it, “There no doubt it’s been a chal lenging few years many for different rea sons, and for many people, Christmas invokes positive feelings and memories

which helps folks take their mind off the bad stuff going on in the world.”

Unfortunately, and not likely surpris ing, there is a little bah humbug to re

port in that consumers will find almost every facet of celebrat ing the holidays a bit pricier this year with the Christmas tree being no exception. Wheth er you prefer a live tree or an artificial tree, you’ll be paying on average of about 10-15 per cent more than you did in 2021, thanks to a variety of reasons such as rising prices for diesel and fertilizers, supply-chain is sues, a severe summer drought in much of the country and a continued decrease of tree farms and the hard-working farmers that make the magic happen.

Tina York, co-owner of All In Bloom Garden Center in South port, said that while desire for fresh-cut, live Christmas trees has seen an uptick in demand since the start of the pandemic, the number of farms that pro duce them are dwindling year after year. “It comes down to simple economics,” York said. “With the value of real estate on the rise, tree farmers

can make more money selling their land than farming it, so new housing devel opments are growing instead of trees.”

Christmas tree retailers, like Tina and Jungle Johnny, are proud to sell only NC-grown Christmas trees and offer a plethora of knowledge when it comes to

any and all things Christmas tree relat ed. However, the one thing they won’t divulge are the names of their preferred NC tree farmers and wholesalers with whom they’ve cultivated decades-long relationships to ensure they get their pick of the crop come harvest season. Not all

Christmas trees are created equal — just ask Charlie Brown — and you can expect to pay more for quality.

The National Christmas Tree Associa tion says there are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year. When asked how many

trees he brings to Southport each year, Jungle Johnny’s response was sim ply, “as many as I can possibly get!” Though the exact number may remain a mystery, when your focus is on the highest quality, most beautiful trees grown in NC, you deliver.

Beach Haven

Solar Brewing Co

A Visit To Oak Island’s First Brewery

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Sitting in the newly opened Solar Brewing with the lovely and talented Lisa, two pints of freshly brewed beer on our table, I had a “moment.” You know, one of those times when things just kind of strike you out of nowhere? “Can you believe we’re sitting on Oak Island drinking beers brewed right here on our little island when we it seems like yesterday we had to drive across the bridge to get to a grocery store?” I asked. It didn’t seem real. But it is real, and Oak Island’s first brewery is a terrific place to enjoy great beer and delicious food close to home.

I spoke to Mike Bartlett, owner and head brewer of Solar Brewing, for the April 2021 issue of Southport Magazine. At the time, he had a concrete slab and a head full of ideas. Chatting with him during our lunch was like talking to a proud papa who is feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, but is obviously filled with excitement for the fu ture. And from what we saw, and tasted, that future is bright.

Walking into Solar Brewing, 8108 East Oak Island Drive, you’ll be struck by the shiny stainless steel brewing equipment behind huge picture windows. More win dows along the street-side wall let in lots of natural light to show off the beautiful wooden bar. There is a lot of wood in here, which not only fits Oak Island perfectly, but lends the space a very welcoming, family-friendly vibe, something Mike told me was important to him back when we

Gifts Galore!

talked last year.

Another plan Mike told me about then was a very simple menu, but one that would appeal to lots of people. He’s nailed it. Solar Brewing’s kitchen offers salads, wings, mozzarella sticks, a giant pretzel suitable for sharing, and pizza. We ordered the pretzel (being from the Philly area, soft

pretzels are a sure way to my heart) and a pizza with tomatoes and basil. The pret zel and its accompanying mustard dip ping sauce were delicious. The pizza is thin crust with a tasty sauce and plenty of cheese. It hit the spot for sure.

But this is a brewery, you say, so how about the beer? Having just opened,

local

Trust Corp. (DTC).

brews come out first.

Of course in the interest of Responsible Journalism I had to try both. The Porter has just the right balance of sweetness and maltiness and is very easy to drink, but also totally satisfying. The Brown Ale is quite nutty, something that we thought went perfect with the fall, but I have to say

I wouldn’t turn it down in any season.

As we go to press, these two beers have been joined by a Scottish Light Ale (at only 3.2% abc this will be Solar Brew ing’s only pitcher beer) and the obligatory IPA, so we’re looking forward to a return trip!

Debra

First Friday Events

Franklin Square Gallery Is Full of Fun

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Artistshave decorated inside and out to create a festive at mosphere throughout the Franklin Square Gallery, making it ready for Dec. 2’s First Friday Gallery Walk and the perfect opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts. Hosted from 5 to 7 pm at the Associated Artists of Southport’s (AAS) home at 130 E. West St. in Southport, the Walk will include refreshments and live music.

The final Members Show of 2022 is now on display at the Gallery. Running through December, the show features a variety of 2D and 3D original works of art, for one-of-a-kind holiday gift-giving, in all price ranges. The show consists of seven rooms of paintings and pottery created by over 100 artists of the AAS. Works are done in a wide variety of styles, medi ums, and sizes including a Mini Gallery, featuring paintings smaller than 9” x 12”. Prints, cards, and gift items also are avail able.

The Annual Holiday Gift Shop is now open for the month of December, fea turing a room that showcases the spe cial and unique seasonal items created by members exclusively for this event. Among the items for sale are jewelry, paintings, fabric goods, tree ornaments, painted glassware, table decorations, holiday cards, and serving dishes, both for holiday decorating and for holiday gifts.

The gallery is also hosting an exhibit of holiday-themed Mugs and Soup Mugs,

featuring beautiful, large pieces suitable for serving your favorite winter soups. Pot ters were asked to include favorite soup recipes with their soup mugs. Everyone can vote for their favorite mugs.

The Gallery Walk will feature live demon strations by several AAS artists. Potter Betsy Foote will show how to make hand built square bowls with a pattern cut out on a slab of clay. Allie Lull will use pour ing techniques with alcohol inks producing beautiful abstract paintings. Painter Ellen Jones will demonstrate working in mixed media, watercolor, oil, and acrylic, and Kimberly Caroon will demonstrate pottery techniques.

Admission is always free at Franklin

Square Gallery, which is located at 130 E. West St. in Southport, just three blocks from the waterfront, in a historic blue building at the edge of Franklin Square Park. Hours during December are 10 am

to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information on gallery programs, exhibitions, and events, call 910-4575450 or visit www.franklinsquaregallery. com.

Olde Time Christmas

Brunswick Town Celebrates The Holidays

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

With so many holiday happenings in our community, it can be hard to figure out which are the “must do’s”, but for us Brusnwick Town State Historic Site’s Christmas events are always list toppers.

In December, Brunswick Town dresses up for the holidays. On Friday, Dec. 9 from 4-7 pm you’ll have a chance to to experi ence a peaceful evening amongst the ru ins of St. Philips Church as it is decorated in its holiday finest, with candlelight and greenery. The visitor center and gift shop will remain open during the course of the evening for a little Holiday shopping.

At an 18th Century Christmas, from 1-5:30 pm on Sunday, Dec. 11, visitors can explore how the American colonists cele brated Christmas. Costumed interpreters will provide guided tours of St. Philips An glican Church throughout the afternoon. During the program, you can enjoy 18th century inspired refreshments, participate

in traditional games, or try your hand at 18th century themed crafts. The highlight of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips, followed by the firing of the Christmas Gun. The service will begin promptly at 5 pm and will conclude by 5:30 pm. There is a $5 charge per person for those over the age of 12; admittance for those 12 and under is $2 per child. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at gate the evening of.

All events at Brunswick Town/Fort An derson are subject to change and cancel lation. COVID safety guidelines will be fol lowed as advised at the time of the event.

Quilting Heritage

Marilyn

Gore To Speak At Quilt Show

STORY CONTRIBUTED BY LIZ FULLER

Sometimes learning new skills leads to finding your where your talents lie. For Marilyn Gore, learning to sew and quilt when she was just 14 started her on a path that included a Master’s degree and a 31-year career with the Cooperative Extension. This month, she’ll speak at the Southport Historical Society’s quilt show, and she’ll share stories of being an African American quilter.

Marilyn will be presenting “Talking Threads: My Journey as an African American Quilter and My Family Quilt His tory” at the Southport Historical Society’s Community Quilt Show on Saturday, Dec 10 at 3 pm in the Southport Community Building. The event is free and open to all, no reservations required. The Quilt Show will run from noon to 5 pm.

Marilyn Gore has been sewing and quilt ing since the age of 14. For Marilyn, being born and raised in the rural farming com munity of Bolivia meant that sewing and quilting were necessities. Marilyn’s first sewing experience was helping her moth

er weave and tie floor rugs with feed sacks and tobacco twine. Marilyn’s mother, Mat tie Pearl, also taught her how to embroider and decorate homemade pillowcases.

Home Economics was a required part of Marilyn’s high school education and it was there that she learned to construct garments. Under the tutelage of Lizzie Mae Mitchell, Home Economics teach er at Southport – Brunswick County High School, Marilyn constructed her first gar ment. Scraps from this garment were used to make an eight-pointed star quilt. With the help of her mother, Marilyn made her

second quilt, a lone star from scraps of polyester fabrics.

Marilyn’s parents did not have college educations, but they had ambitions for their children. They encouraged them to get an education and build a life beyond their farming community. Marilyn attend ed Bennett College where she obtained a degree in Home Economics, Clothing and Textiles. With the encouragement of

Professor Louise G. Streat, she continued her studies at Howard University, Wash ington, DC. Marilyn’s Masters thesis cen tered on a historical study of North Caro lina quilt making.

After a 31-year career as a Consumer Science Area Agent with the Cooperative Extension Service, in both DC and North Carolina, Marilyn retired. She founded her own quilting business, Stitching and

Stirring. Her business is dedicated to the preser vation of quilts and the art of quilting with spe cial emphasis on quilts that represent the African American culture and his tory. Her business allows her to follow her passion for quilting and to ex plore her creativity.

“Clothing construction and quilting have always been a part of my life,” Marilyn said. “They pro vide me with a creative outlet and are a part of my rest, relaxation, and reflection process. When I need to think and find an swers to life’s questions, my sewing room is a nat ural retreat space for me.

“It is my belief that all artists should have time for exploring their creativ ity. Unfortunately, real life and the need to survive get in the way.”

113 S Howe Street Downtown Southport www.lantanasgallery.com

Julie Vos • Voluspa MacKenzie-Childs Local Art & Jewelry

One of two quilts that will be raffled off during Winterfest 2022.

Paddle For Presents

Kayak Tour Helps Support Angel Tree

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Join Adventure Kayak Company for a special kayak outing on Rice Creek (a black water river kayak tour with huge Bald Cy press trees 300-800 years old) on Monday, Dec. 5 at 1 pm (rain date Wednesday, Dec. 6). Kayakers will meet at the Wildlife Boat Ramp, 797 Gordon Lewis Drive SE in Winnabow.

Bring your kayak and an unwrapped gift/toy valued at $35, or more, for an infant, child, youth or teen and join the fun. All gifts/toys will be donated to the Brunswick County Angel Tree pro gram. A limited number of kayaks will be available to registered participants.

Call The Adventure Kayak Company for more kayak tour information and for reservations, 910-454-0607.

For more information about the Brunswick County Angel Tree pro

gram please call the Brunswick County Department of Social Services at 910253-2384K.

History

Southport Smuggling Prohibition Made Holiday Cocktails Tricky

STORY BY LIZ FULLER, SOUTHPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

As hosts and hostesses throughout Southport plan their annu al holiday parties, they can take for granted their ability to serve their guests the champagne, wine, beer or liquor of their choice. But of course, that has not always been the case. From 1903 to 1937, Southport was a dry town. It wasn’t until 1957 that the ABC store on Howe Street opened its doors. And it wasn’t until 1979 that a restaurant patron could order a mixed-drink with his meal. But even 100 years ago, during the height of prohibi tion, a determined Southport host would have been able to find some kind of alcohol to serve his guests. As humorist Will Rogers once quipped, “Prohibition is better than having no alcohol at all.”

Most people have heard of home made whiskey, or moonshine. And there was plenty of illegal distilling going on in the woods of Brunswick County in those days. But by being situated along the coast, Southporters also had access to more refined alcoholic beverages.

Ships from as far away as Canada, South America, and the Bahamas would fill their holds with contraband liquor and come as close as three miles offshore, where U.S. jurisdiction ends. There, safe in interna tional waters, the large ships would wait for their customers to arrive. Small contact boats, under the cover of darkness, would rendezvous with the motherships and pur chase some of their illegal cargo.

The government was well aware of this seaborne smuggling and did its best to combat it. The Coast Guard was tasked with policing the waters and deterring il legal activities. In North Carolina, CG Cut ter Seminole, captained by E. S. Addison, took the lead in patrolling “rum row” as the three-mile mark came to be known.

One of the Seminole’s more newsworthy accomplishments was the capture of Mes sage of Peace, a British schooner which had entered Ocracoke Inlet to sell liquor to a party of northern sportsmen. The vessel was detained. The captain and two of the crewmembers were arrested. The liquor was stored at the Wilmington cus toms-house under triple-lock and key and guarded around the clock for 12 months until a decision was made as to what to do with it.

Finally, in December 1922, it was de termined that all 11,916 bottles would be destroyed, one by one. Among the con tents were cases of Haig and Haig, several varieties of fine Irish liquor, a quantity of Calvert, and an assortment of Jamaican rum. It was estimated that the cargo had a value of $95,328 ($1.7 million in 2022).

It was the largest single cargo of liquor confiscated or destroyed in North Carolina during prohibition.

Of course, coastal North Carolina was

never the rum smuggler’s intended mar ket. The majority of illegally imported li quor simply passed through Southport and other coastal towns on its way to large cit ies where it could be sold at premium pric es. However, it’s likely that here and there, a bottle or two found its way into a South port home. Such a treat would have been highly prized. Its possession, obtained with

challenge and risk, would not have been taken for granted. But despite its rarity, Southport hospitality would have pre vailed. On very special occasions, the precious bottle would have been tak en out and shared, such as when good friends gathered, to celebrate the great and glorious promise of the New Year.

Up Your Arts Jazzed Up Fundraiser

Plan to spend a much-anticipated holiday hour with the Char lene Brown Trio on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 5-6 pm, performing “A Charlie Brown Christmas Album” in the sanctuary of Saint Pe ter Lutheran Church. It doesn’t get any better at this time of year than bringing Vince Guaraldi’s classic soundtrack live to our local yuletide celebrations with Jamie Hoover on upright bass, Pete Borgia on grand piano, and Sam Falvo on drums.

The Treblemakers will welcome you with an a cappella medley of holiday tunes featuring Lois Moore, Caren Laiosa, Diane Lusk, and Deb Warner. A selection of delicious light refresh ments after the concert will round out the evening, sending you out into the December air with music in your heart and cheer in your step.

The special talents of the perform ers are donated in support of Up Your Arts’ programs like the “Save the Hall, Y’all” campaign to renovate South port’s former courthouse and city hall building into a community-based arts center. Proceeds will also benefit Saint Peter’s Make a Joyful Noise fund for music ministry.

Tickets are on sale in advance for $25 online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acharlie-brown-christmas-album-tick ets-458287539367 or by mail at Up Your Arts, P.O. Box 11326, Southport, NC 28461. Please provide your email address for an acknowledgement of mailed payment; your tickets will be

held at Will Call the night of the per formance.

Tickets can also be purchased that evening for $30 (cash, check or charge). The church is located at 4843 Southport-Supply Road SE; doors open at 4:30 pm.

Auditions Upcoming Actors

Sought For “Moon Over Buffalo”

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Brunswick Little Theatre will be holding auditions for “Moon Over Buffalo,” a comedy by Ken Ludwig. The play will be di rected by Rasa Love. Audition dates are Sunday, Dec. 4 from 3-5 pm and Monday, Dec. 5 from 6:30-8 pm, with a potential call back night Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 at Brunswick Little Theatre, 8068 River Road SE, Southport. Sides will be available at the auditions.

The director is looking for actors with comedic background and timing and a great sense of humor who can handle all the shenanigans. Performances will be Feb. 2-12, 2023, Thursday through Sunday.

Synopsis: In the madcap comedy tradition of “Lend Me a Tenor,” the hilari ous “Moon Over Buffalo” centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. At the moment, they’re

playing “Private Lives” and “Cyrano De Bergerac” in rep in Buffalo, New York with five actors. On the brink of a disas trous split-up caused by George’s dalli ance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom - Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimper nel. Unfortunately for George and Char lotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from

their daugh ter’s clueless fiancé, along with hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Char lotte’s deaf, old stage-manager mother

who hates every bone in George’s body.

Characters: George HayMale, age range 45-60

Charlotte HayFemale, age range 45-60

Ethel - Female, age range 50+

Rosalind - Fe male age range 20-30

Howard - Male age range 20-30

Paul - Male age range 20-30 (may be able to push this a little higher)

Richard - Male, age range 45-60

For more information contact Rasa Love at rasalove@me.com or 910-4481595.

After Appomattox

Brunswick Civil War Round Table Meets

STORY BY CONTRIBUTED

We often think of the surrender at Appomattox as the end of the Civil War as a critical chapter in the country’s history. It was. But it also marked the beginning of the Reconstruction period that would continue tensions and uncertainty for both the North and the South on the return to unification. This intriguing dilemma is the subject of the presentation entitled “The Legacy of Appomattox,” by Beth Parnicza, Chief of Education and Visitor Services at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table. The meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Everyone is welcome. Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10, which can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues.

So how did the surrender set the terms for the nation to come back to gether? Where did the expectations of peace fall short? And how would Appomattox help shape the future of America? The meeting of Grant and Lee at Appomattox clearly established a common expectation; i.e., hope for the future, and above all, reunification. Lee could have gone rogue and con tinued the conflict as a guerrilla war which would take the country years to recover. Of course, that didn’t happen. Grant put it more simply by telling his men, “the war is over; the rebels are our countrymen again.”

Reconstruction did become a re ality. This period lasted from 1865 to 1877 under three Presidents. It wasn’t welcomed by Southerners, and

there were many complex problems throughout this period. But was it suc cessful? President Lincoln’s original goal in the Civil War was to hold the nation together, making plans for the eventual physical, economic, social, and political rehabilitation of a region marked by four years of war and 200 years of racism. Ultimately the war and subsequent Reconstruction succeed ed. The Confederacy was destroyed for good, and every state that had se ceded was readmitted to the Union. As historian Shelby Foote was quoted, “before the war it was said ‘the Unit ed States are.’” Grammatically, it was spoken as a collection of independent states. After the war it was always ‘the United States is,’ summing up what was ultimately accomplished; i.e., Re construction made us an ‘is.’ The trials

and tribulations of Reconstruction can be characterized as being a complex series of successes and failures, in many areas, over many years, and will best be summarized by noted histori an and guest speaker, Beth Parnicza.

Beth’s credentials and knowledge about this period of our history are ex emplary. She was a graduate of West Virginia University in 2011, specializing in historic interpretation through so cial and digital media. She has served as a park ranger and historian at Fred ericksburg and Spotsylvania National Parks for nine years before joining the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park. In March of this year, Beth became a prestigious member of the Advisory Board at the University of Virginia’s John L. Nau Center for Civil War History.

To learn more about the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, attending the December 6 meeting, how to apply

for membership, or if you wish to volunteer for this non-profit orga nization with over 1,100 members, please email president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him at (404) 229-9425. You can also visit their Facebook page or their new website for additional informa tion, news, and updates.

Christmas Cookies from Cookies con Amore

M-F 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. 9 am - 4 pm. 417 N Howe St Suite B (910) 477-6387 SouthportCheeseShop.com

ART BEAT

Celebrating Nature

Leland Artist Inspired

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

By

Environment

As another year ends and the weather turns a bit colder, I sit cozy at my computer, writing and reflecting on our incredi ble creative community and how much it has grown since I made Southport my home in 2005. The mixture of creative people com bined with the immense influence of Mother Earth means we are all weaved together in a fabric of forces and creativity. How lucky we all are to share this together at this moment in time.

Most artists agree that our breath taking local landscape greatly influenc es their work. Artist Joanne Q. Geisel is no exception and believes every one’s creativity enormously impacts this world. “I believe that everyone’s creative efforts make a huge differ ence in the world,” she said. “Whether it is writing, music, ceramics, creating a business, making delicious dinners or desserts, or making furniture, through creative work, we connect with the Whole, uplifting the entire planet. Be lieving this inspires me to paint and inspires me to teach others the enjoy ment of painting.”

A lifelong artist with a bachelor’s de

gree in art, Geisel is enjoying her time here on the coast, focusing much of her painting on Carolina landscapes. “I am especially captivated by the ocean, marshes, and magnificent skies. Paint ing outdoors en plein air enables me to immerse myself in nature and hone my knowledge and understanding of its endless colors, shapes, and textures. Studio painting gives my painting anoth er perspective. I can take more time to experiment with color, form, composi tion, and subject matter.”

Geisel moved to Leland 18 years ago from Warwick, NY, a rural village near the New Jersey and Pennsylvania bor ders. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, she and her husband relocated to the coast to re tire. “I left my job in the Adult Education Di vision of Marist College at the same time,” said Geisel. “I was eager to begin a career as an artist and teacher, which was something I had wanted to do for a very long time. I also feel that I am very creative with my teach ing. Because I felt that I had to learn so much on my own, when it came time for me to

teach, I wanted my students to learn the various things I had not been taught. I pulled ideas from a number of different sources in order to accomplish this.”

Using our landscape as her muse, Gei sel has recently focussed on our local na tive indigenous plant, the Venus Flytrap, in her work. “I see myself as a traditional artist, focusing primarily on landscapes of our beautiful coast,” she said. “How ever, I am also looking for new ways to paint. So I recently cre ated a new abstracted series on Ve nus Flytraps and Pitcher Plants,” she said. “Most recently I painted a large num ber of large landscapes that focus on skies. At the same time I creat ed a series of 18 pitch er plant ab

stracts ranging in size from 16x20 to 24x30. I also painted a delight ful commission of a family and a slushy stand at the beach. It was a lot of work in just six months,” she said. “Right now I am pausing to find new ways to integrate the landscape and the abstracted direction that I have enjoyed. I am enthusi astic that new paintings will be as fresh and vi brant.”

Geisel has tak en many painting classes since arriving in North Carolina and credits those artists she learned a lot from. “I also learned a great deal from a variety of authors. The artists who most inspired me were the impressionists be cause of their sense of color and the way they saw color as light. Many of their works sparkled with inner luminosity,” she said. “My other creative endeavor

is related to alternative and comple mentary healthcare. I have studied therapies that help people heal illness

es and injuries for 40 years. My studies make me think outside the box,” she said. “As I con tinue to explore the different methodologies, I am constant ly learning and finding new ways to heal this beautiful plan et.”

You can find Geisel’s work at Lantana’s Gal lery and Gifts on Howe Street, Southport; All About Art, Bald Head Island; Room Service, Bald Head Island; City Art Gallery, Greenville, NC and Art in Bloom, May faire, Wilmington, NC.

CALENDAR December

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

DEC 1-3 AND 8-10

Brunswick Little Theatre presents “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” on Thurs day, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-3, and 8-10 at 7:30 p.m, and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 11 at 3 p.m. The play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 1939. “Gone with the Wind” is making its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta’s German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season.Tickets are available online at https:// www.brunswicklittletheatre. com or purchase in person at Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 North Howe St. in Southport; the theatre is located at 8068 River Road SE, Southport.

DEC 2

First Friday Gallery Walk — Franklin Square Gallery

This month, the event features re freshments and live music, 5-7 pm at the Gallery, 130 E. West St. (next to Southport’s Franklin Square Park). Through December, the Gallery will feature all sorts of gifts from more than 100 artists, holiday-themed mugs, and soup mugs. Hours during December are 10-4, Monday through Saturday. For more information on gallery pro grams, exhibitions, and events, phone 910-457-5450 or visit the website at www.franklinsquaregallery.com.

DEC 2

Tree Lighting — Oak Island

Spend time with family and friends, enjoy holiday music, and help light the tree at the Middleton Park Pavilion, SE 46th Street at Dolphin Drive. Santa is expected to make an appearance too!

Dec 2-12

Gingerbread Beach House Contest — Oak Island

The Recreation Department teams up with Nancy Jo’s Homemade Bakery in this annual beach version of making the classic gingerbread houses. Stop by the Recreation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Dr. to see all the entries!

DEC 3-4

Sea Notes Concert — “Waiting for Christmas”

The Sea Notes present “Waiting for Christmas” at Odell Williamson Audi torium, on the campus of Brunswick Community College (50 College Road, Bolivia). The concert is free, though tickets are encouraged to ensure seat ing. See the story elsewhere in this is sue for more details, including where to acquire tickets.

St. Phillips Road in Winnabow (off N.C. 133). The even culminates with a candlelight Christmas service, 5-5:30 p.m.

DEC 9

A Light in the Darkest Night

Explore the ruins of St. Philips Church at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, decorated in period style with candlelight and greenery. There is no admission fee, and the gift shop will remain open for some holiday shop ping. The evening program is from 4-7 pm at the site, St. Phillips Road in Win nabow (off N.C. 133).

DEC 11

An 18th Century Christmas

The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site plays host for an 18th Century Christmas, with period costumed interpreters, guided tours of the St. Philips church, and crafts, games and refreshments. The program is $5 per person, 1-5:30 p.m at the site,

DEC 3

Breakfast with Santa — Oak Island

Hang out with Santa and friends while enjoying a breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, and reading of “The Night Be fore Christmas.” It’s the perfect photo opportunity, so wear your favorite hol iday attire. Tickets are available online at www.OakIslandNC.gov/Recdesk.

DEC 3

Christmas by the Sea Parade — Oak Island

This annual parade steps off at 2 pm on Oak Island Drive in front of Town Hall (at SE 46th Street) and heads east to ward McGlamery Street. Watch as com munity businesses and groups’ floats, the marching band and ROTC groups from area high schools, first responders and much more, including Santa and Mrs. Claus spreading holiday cheer all along the parade route.

DEC 3 Winterfest Tea

This afternoon tea celebration starts at 1 pm at Southport’s Community Building. Tickets are $45 and are avail able at Ricky Evans Gallery.

DEC 3

Market Festival — Olde Southport Vil lages in Southport

This monthly market festival spreads the holiday vibe this month, with crafts, vendors, refreshments, giveaways, great holiday shopping, and more!

DEC 3

Skydiving Santas

Gather on the beach (but stay off the dunes!) for the skydiving Santas and his friends, 10 am next to the Lazy Turtle, 601 Ocean Drive on Oak Island.

DEC 3

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Find a Winter Wonderland with a Special Guest as well as pankakes at this fundraiser for the Senior Sunshine Fund at the Boiling Spring Lakes Com munity Center, from 8-10:30 am. Tick ets are required and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

DEC 4

Holiday Craft Market — Oak Island

Shop for unique and lovely gifts for everyone on your list at the holiday market, 10 am to 2 pm on the Middle ton Park fields, SE 46th Street and Dol phin Drive.

DEC 4

Pet Pictures with Santa — Southport

Take your four-legged friends for pic tures with Santa himself, 2-4 pm at Indi an Trail Meeting Hall (Keziah Park), 113 W. Moore St. Sponsored by Southport Animal Protective Services.

DEC 5

Paddle for Presents

Bring an unwrapped gift or toy (val ued at $35) for an infant to teen and meet at the Rice Creek boat ramp, 797 Gordon Lewis Drive in Winnabow. The paddle starts at 1 pm.

DEC 5

Shop-with-A-Cop Concert - Southport

The Back Porch Rockers perform at Franklin Square Park, 6-8 pm. The Southport Police Department’s Shopwith-A-Cop program takes children shopping for the holidays.

DEC 6

Brunswick Civil War Round Table —

“The Legacy of Appomattox” Appomattox signaled the end of the war and the beginning of Recon struction in Virginia. So how did the surrender set the terms for the na tion to come back together? Guest presenter Beth Parnicza is the Chief of Education and Visitor Services at Appomattox Court House Nation al Historical Park. Meetings are held at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell on Caswell Beach Road. Registration opens at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10 for any meeting, and that fee can be applied toward the $25 annual mem bership dues. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page, or email Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com.

DEC 6

Candy Cane Garden Party

Southport’s Garden Club hosts this festive holiday gathering in Keziah Park, 113 W. Moore St. Spend time with friends and neighbors through paths of decorated candy canes, 6-8 pm.

DEC 6 Christmas Kids

A full day and evening of fun for the children at Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center. Crafts, 10-noon, KItchen Kids, 1-3, and Youthapalooza (Parents Night Out) 5:30-9:30 pm. Al levents have a fee and require regis tration. See bs..recdesk.com for more info and to sign up

DEC 7

Annual Cookie Contest

Stop by Southport’s Community Building, 3:30-5:30 pm to see all the beautiful entries in this year’s contest, sponsored by The State Port Pilot.

DEC 7

Supper with Santa’s Elves — South port

The elves take time from their busy holiday schedule to dine with children. The cost is $5 per child and dinner is served 5-6:30 pm at 209 Atlantic Ave nue, next to the Southport City gym.

CALENDAR

DEC 8

“The

Polar Express” — Garrison Lawn

Take the family, and some blankets and snacks, to the Garrison lawn on Bay Street in Southport for a viewing of “The Polar Express,” starting at dusk.

DEC 9

A Light in the Darkest Night

Explore the ruins of St. Philips Church at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, decorated in peri od style with candlelight and greenery. There is no admission fee, and the gift shop will remain open for some holiday shopping. The evening program is from 4-7 pm at the site, St. Phillips Road in Winnabow (off N.C. 133).

DEC 9

Light Up the Night Christmas Fire Engine Parade

Light up Southport with this color ful and bright parade, starting at 6:30 pm. Children can ride the trucks, and should be at the station by 5:30 pm. The parade route goes down to Water front Park, and back up Howe Street to the fire station.

DEC 10

Southport Historical Society Society’s Tour of Homes

Tour through several beautiful South port homes all decked out for the season. Advance tickets are $20, and tickets are $25 the day of the event. The tour is 1-6 pm. Visit https://www. southporthistoricalsociety.org for more information.

DEC 10

Oak Island Holiday Drop and Shop

Drop the kids off at the Ocean Edu cation Center and get in some holiday shopping while they play games, write letters to Santa and make holiday crafts and watch “Home Alone.” The pro gram is 9 am to 2 pm for children ages 6-12; visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/Rec Desk to purchase tickets.

DEC 10

Santa’s Workshop — Southport

Children will make ornaments, deco rating cookies and making other crafts, 10-11 am, 209 Atlantic Avenue.

DEC 10

Holiday Quilt Show — Southport His torical Society

The quilt show is free, noon to 5 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. More than 50 volunteers

contributed to two handmade quilts, which will be raffled off. Proceeds for the fundraiser will enable educational programs at Southport Historical Soci ety and Brunswick Community College. Marilyn Gore will speak at 3 pm with “Talking Threads: My Journey as an Af rican American Quilter and My Family Quilt History.”

DEC 10

Winter Craft Festival — Southport

Shop for the perfect gift at South port’s winter craft festival. Vendors will be set up in Franklin Square Park, 9 am to 4 pm. Local performers will provide entertainment from 11 am to 3 pm on the park stage.

DEC 10

Southport

WinterFest Flotilla

Decorated boats float along the Southport waterfront, from the Amer ican Fish Co. to Marker 19 near the Riv er Hotel, then back to the Yacht Basin. Boats head out at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by the City of Southport, the Cape Fear Yacht Club, and Down town Southport Inc.

DEC 10

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

Children ages 10 and younger can search for candy canes and red and green eggs filled with candy. Bring your own flashlights to Bill Smith Park, 4446 Fish Factory Road), 6 pm.

DEC 10

Christmas

dlelight Christmas service, 5-5:30 p.m.

DEC 11

Uncorked by the Sea Holiday Extrav aganza

This event features wine education, with more than 25 wines from around the world to taste. Author Tom Kelso will be signing books from his trilogy, and there will be food, artwork, holi day and gifts and wine accessories for purchase, and prizes and giveaways. Tickets are $75, and the event will be at Southport’s Community Building, 2-5 pm.

DEC 13

Veterans Charity Bingo — Elks Lodge

Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia, starting at 11 am. There will be hot dogs at the Bolivia Volunteer Fire Department af ter the parade, and a raffle for a riding lawnmower, with proceeds to benefit the department.

DEC 10

1st Annual Santa Claus Fun Run

Round up the family and the family dog for this untimed, 1-mile fun run benefitting the Dreammakers Youth Scholarship Program. The run kicks off at noon, but show up at 11:30 to sign up on site. Cost is $10/famly (residents) or $15/family (non-residents) and dogs get a photo with Santa and a Holiday Bandana!

DEC 11

An Afternoon of Holiday Cheer — Brunswick Bands

The Brunswick Bands present this holiday concert at Hatch Auditorium on the campus of Ft. Caswell, Caswell Beach Road on Oak Island. The concert is at 3 pm and is free, but donations are encouraged. The Brunswick Bands support music programs for youth in Brunswick County.

DEC 11

An 18th Century Christmas

Veterans Charity Bingo at the Elks Lodge #2769, 106 E Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. No one under 16 and no outside drinks or food allowed. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.

DEC 14

Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR

The Brunswick Town Chapter NS DAR will meet at 10 am in person and via Zoom, with a catered lunch to fol low. The December meeting features the choral group Coastal Harmonizers. Guests are welcome to attend. For full details on the meeting, lunch and more information on the organization, contact Regent Martha Koletar at mko letar@aol.com or Registrar Jane John son at jjatbhi@bellsouth.net. Chapter information is on the blog: https://dar brunswicktownchapter.blogspot.com/.

Parade — Bolivia

This Christmas parade is held along

The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site plays host for an 18th Century Christmas, with period costumed interpreters, guided tours of the St. Philips church, and crafts, games and refreshments. The program is $5 per person, 1-5:30 p.m at the site, St. Phillips Road in Winnabow (off N.C. 133). The even culminates with a can

Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization founded in 1890 for women who can prove direct, blood lineage from a Revolutionary War Patriot. The organization promotes pa triotism, education, and historic preser vation. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer organization with more than 185,000 members in 3000 chapters across the world. The Brunswick Town Chapter has more than 180 members, several of whom descend from Patriots who lived in Brunswick County while fighting for our country’s indepen dence.

DEC 17

Oak Island Holiday Flotilla

Enjpoy lighted vessels cruisong the waterweay from Lucas Cove to Pinner Point. Begins at 6 pm.

DEC 20

Christmas with Santa — Barbee Li brary on Oak Island

The Bright Star Theatre group pres ents “Christmas with Santa,” a pro gram featuring carols, Santa and the story of two elves who misplace some presents. Seating is limited; call 910278-4283 or stop by the library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive, to register.

Ongoing Events

BSL Neighbors Market — next to The Office in Boiling Spring Lakes

Local vendors sell the products, along with produce and baked goods, all next door to The Office Coffee and Wine Bar. Upcoming market dates are Dec 3 and Dec 17, 9 am to 1 pm.

Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island

The Libraries are open Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm. The Bar bee branch is also open 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. 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.

Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Children’s story time on Tues days in December (except Dec 27), 10 am. Meet author Annette Dauphin Si mon on Dec 9 at 11 am; Simon’s book is a collection of spine poems, a form of poetry by arranging book spines. Registration is required for the Dec 9 meet the author event; call 910-2784283.

Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St, Southport: The Lifelong Learners program meets at Harper Library on Wednesdays, 10 am. Children’s story time at 10 am on Mondays (except Dec 26). Meet author Jean Heller on Dec 5, 2 pm.

First Friday Gallery Walk (Frank lin Square Gallery and many businesses in Southport)

Stroll through downtown South port, 5-7 pm, and see works from fea tured artists at shops at galleries.

NC Maritime Museums - South port, 204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Satur days (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Sea-sons

Snow Craft bags for children are avail able from the 10th through the 31st. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Southport Village Shoppes Monthly Market Festival

This month’s event is Dec 3. Enjoy shopping, giveaways, craft vendors, live music, raffles and more at the Shoppes, 1102 N. Howe St.

Bingo at the Elks Lodge

Bingo games every second and fourth Tuesday at the Lodge, 106 E Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one un der 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45pm with games starting at 6:30pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.

Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market

Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville

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

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see out side, with historic ruins, great informa tion 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

Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College 150 College Road NW, Bolivia

Dec 9 — What. A Wonderful World-Celebration of Christmas with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald tribute performers

Jan 20 — Face 2 Face: Elton John/ Billy Joel tribute performers

THE PUB OF SOUTHPORT 1513 N. Howe St., Suite 10, shows begin at 9 pm 201 River Drive, Southport

Dec 3 — Bacon Grease

Dec 9 -- R&R

Dec 16 -- Double Cherry Pie

Dec 23 -- Eric Metts

Dec 30 -- Slick Mahoneys

SEAHORSE EATS & DRINKS AT OCEAN CREST PIER 1409 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island

Dec 3 — Johnny White

Dec 22 — Greg Rowles

WINE, BEER AND COFFEE

MOORE STREET MARKET 130 E. Moore Street, Southport Coffee, beer and good food, and an outside courtyard and live music too.

AMERICAN FISH CO

150 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport

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

SILVER COAST WINERY TASTING ROOM

105 N. Howe St., Southport

Brunswick County’s first and only 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; music bingo on Sundays.

THE MULLET BAR

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

THE WINE RACK

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

THE PUB OF SOUTHPORT

1513 N. Howe St., Unit 10, Southport

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

TIKI TAVERN

104 E. 8th St., Southport Seating available outdoors, with

games, trivia, music and open mic nights; check Facebook for details.

UNCORKED BY THE SEA WINE SHOP & GALLERY

602 N. Howe St. Southport

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

Solar Brewing Company

8108 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island

Enjoy Oak Island’s first brewery! Local beers on tap and a full menu. Family Friendly.

GRAPE

& ALE

8521 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island

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

The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille

601 Ocean Drive, Oak Island

Good food, a great ocean view and Sunday Sunsets. Check Facebook for music and specials; Music Bingo Mon days and Hump Day Trivia.

Second Wind Sports Bar

8620 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Live music, dancing and great drinks.

The Office Coffee and Wine Bar 3280 George II Highway (NC 87), Boiling Spring Lakes

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

49th STREET BAR AND GRILL

4901 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Indoor and outside seating will a full menu.

Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@southport mag.com before the 20th of each month! Thank you!

MARKETPLACE

2928 JOHN T. HOLDEN ROAD - SUPPLY

3 bed | 2.5 bath | $975,000 Located on the water’s edge, this gorgeous property is very private, perfect for a family retreat and not only does it have the most beauti ful live oaks, but has 172’ of property look ing out on the Intracoastal Waterway. Two parcels are included, please include both parcel id’s in your offer. One lot is zoned ‘’open’’ space’’ and the marshfront lot is zoned Residential so the possibilities are endless. Located in an ‘’up and coming area’’, this extraordinary property is cen trally located between the Historic City of Wilmington, NC and the lively Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, SC. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 6208962 for more information.

N. CASWELL AVENUE, LOT 3SOUTHPORT 3 bed | 2.5 bath | listed at $549,900. Now is your chance to build your dream home on this great lot in the Historic town of Southport. This lot is be ing sold as a Lot/Home package with home to be built by custom home build er; Wes Cross. Plan to include 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 baths, open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout main living areas and master bedroom, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and solid surface coun tertops, beautiful trim work and more! Take advantage of this great opportunity so you can pick out all of your finishes and design your home from the start! Give us a call so you can begin building your dream home today. Call Sarah Smith, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 443-8000 for more information.

123 NE 34TH STREET – OAK ISLAND

WOODED. You’ll find the best of both worlds from this location in the wood ed area of Oak Island that also has easy beach access! This brand new, beautiful, Sandpiper floorplan by award winning Seacoast Homes has three bedrooms, two baths, and high-end finishes inside and out. Don’t let somebody else buy this home, it’s meant to be yours! Listed at $699,900 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Connie Kisling at 336-254-6053 for your showing appointment today!

breakfast nook overlooks the backyard, and the dining room has a high ceiling and wainscoting. The living room, with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace has am ple windows facing the back yard. A large principal suite with tray ceiling has a luxu rious bathroom that includes a tiled walkin shower, and large walk-in closet. This split floor plan, with ample storage in the bonus room offers privacy and versatility!

Listed at $405,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️ Call Elvira Gilbert at 910-619-4087 for details.

619 N. HOWE STREET - SOUTHPORT

COMMERCIAL

Here is your oppor tunity to own a 4 unit, 5,237 SF PRIME Commercial shopping center in the HEART of Southport. The Property Consists of Units A, B, C, and D. Units B and C have been combined. Commercial Real Estate without Business(s). Commercial Lease(s) in place. Call Myles Williams, Southport Realty, Inc., for more details, (910) 619-9655.

3189 OLD FERRY ROAD. 3 bed | 2 bath | $449,000. New Piling House Construction! Rare opportunity in the Holden Beach area to have your new beach house only 2 miles to the golden sands of Brunswick County beaches. The ‘’Seahorse’’ cottage is located near the Holden Beach bridge where you can launch your boat from the NC Public Wildlife boat ramp, giving you direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. The open floor plan includes a spacious kitch en and a vaulted ceiling in the family room. This home will be built with white shaker style cabinets, level 1 granite counter tops, agreeable gray interior paint inside, white trim work and gray luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The exterior will be finished with blue vinyl siding with white batten accents as seen in the photographs. No HOA here so you can use for a short term, long term or even use as an Airbnb! Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information ( 910) 540-8320!

1506 ROUND RIDGE ROAD - NEW SOUTH BRIDGE. Move in ready 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with a one-car garage in New South Bridge! Open concept first floor features living area and kitchen, with LVP flooring recently installed. Upstairs holds bedrooms and a spacious loft. Reduced to $269,000 & listed with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️ Call Amy Lynn Boltz for details at 910-880-2696.

1261 WASHINGTON STREET, BOILING SPRING LAKES. On a quiet street, with a covered front porch, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has a split floorplan, and propane fire place in the living room. The primary suite has two walk-in closets and a bath with dual vanity, water closet, and linen closet. You’ll enjoy the large, peaceful backyard, and the convenience of the two car attached ga rage. The refrigerator, washer and dryer also convey. Listed at $293,000 with Margaret Rudd & Assoc., Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Karen Wirzulis at 910-319-8592 for your show ing appointment today!

4091 LARK

BUNTING

COURT, ST. JAMES. Crisp and move-in ready, this home, located on a cul-de-sac in St James has everything you’ve been waiting for! Three bedrooms, two baths, bonus room, screened porch, open deck, and a garage. The kitchen has new leathered granite counters and a porcelain farm sink. The

DINING GUIDE

Find Something Sure To Please Everyone

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

MOORE STREET OYSTER BAR

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

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

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

www.provisioncompany.com

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

RUSTY HOOKS DOCKSIDE GRILL

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

OLIVER’S ON THE CAPE FEAR

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

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

M MR. P’S BISTRO

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

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

SHAGGER JACKS

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

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

UNCORKED BY THE SEA

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

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

BARBECUE

M SOUTHPORT SMOKE HOUSE

SEAFOOD SPECIALTY

M FISHY FISHY CAFE

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

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

M FRYING PAN

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

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

M ISLAND WAY RESTAURANT

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

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

KOKO CABANA

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

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

MOJO’S ON THE HARBOR

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

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

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

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

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

THE PIRATES DECK

5827 E. Oak Island Dr, Oak Island 910-933-4615

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

MODERN AMERICAN

BACK TO SHUCKERS

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

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

EDGEWATER 122

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

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

THE LIVE OAK ON HOWE

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

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

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

SWAIN’S CUT SEAFOOD

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

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

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

WINE & BEER

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

Quaint and eclectic store offering a large se lection of wines, beers, and spirits. Perfect for either relaxation or for on the go! Tastings on Fridays 5-8pm,

SILVER COAST WINERY

105 S. Howe St. Southport, 910-777-5151

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

SOUTHPORT TAP & CELLAR

827 N. Howe St., Southport

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

THE WINE RACK

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

Offering a selection of wine, cigars, coffees,

1102 N. Howe St., Southport 910-363-5035

www.southportsmokehouse.com

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

M BAR-B-QUE HOUSE

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

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

CAFES, DELIS & GRILLS

49th STREET BAR AND GRILL

4901 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Indoor and outside seating will a full menu.

LONG BEACH DINER

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

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

BLUE COW GRILLE

108 Moore Street, Southport 910-363-4402

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

BOB’S DOGS

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

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

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

Breakfast and lunch with an island flair

Bahn Mi sandwich a Loco Jo’s

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.

DRIFTERS FOOD TRUCK

4602 E. Beach Dr, Oak Island

Delicious sandwiches and more right across from Middleton Park

ERIC’S GRILLE

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

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

FAT ANDY’S BURGERS

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

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

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 & Sand wiches Served Daily!

KOPP’S KWIK STOP II

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

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

LITTLE BIT’S GRILL

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

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

LAZY TURTLE BAR & GRILL

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

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

LOCAL’S FAMILY DINER

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

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

LOCO JO’S

602 N. Howe St., #E

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

LONERIDER AT OAK ISLAND

57th Place west, Oak Island

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

MOORE DOGS AND MORE

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

M MOORE STREET MARKET

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

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

OAK ISLAND DELI AND PUB

5422 E. Oak Island Dr., 910-278-4005

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

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

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

OASIS BAR AND GRILL

8039 River Rd. SE, Southport 910-454-4004

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

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

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

OLD BRIDGE DINER

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

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

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

Made-to-order breakfast and lunch grill.

THE SAUCY SOUTHERNER

501 N Howe Street, Southport (910) 477-6065

Offering breakfast & lunch with a southern twist. Real Good Feel Good, Food.

TROLLY STOP 111 S. Howe St., Southport 910-457-7017 www.trollystophotdogs.com A staple in NC, Trolly Stop is renowned across

the nation for its one of a kind hot dogs.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ

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

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

WILDLIFE RESTAURANT & GRILL 4381 Fish Factory Rd., Southport 910-457-9953 www.wildlifegrill.webs.com

Serving a full range of items on our menu from breakfast to home cooked meals.

CHINESE

ASIAN TASTE

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

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

SOUTHPORT GOURMET AND SUSHI BAR

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

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

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

Serving Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan style Chinese food.

INTERNATIONAL

M PORTS OF CALL 116 N. Howe St., Southport, 457-4544 www.portsofcallbistro.com

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

ITALIAN

M BELLA CUCINA

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

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

CASTUCCI’S AN ITALIAN JOINT 4332 Long Beach Rd, Southport 910-477-6755

Family Italian restaurant

D’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2831 Midway Rd Ste 106 (910) 253-8151

Serving Itaiian entrees, pizza and sandwich es.

FALCONE’S ITALIAN RESTAU-

RANT

5013 Southport Crossing Way, Southport 910) 363-8000

Serving home cooked Itailan specialties in a friendly atmosphere.

M JOSEPH’S ITALIAN BISTRO 5003 O’Quinn Blvd., Southport, 454-4440 www.josephsitalianbistro.com

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

JAPANESE

TENGU JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 4956 Long Beach Rd. SE, 457-9398

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

MEXICAN

DELPHINA CANTINA

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

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

KAI JOE’S

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

Traditional Mexican dishes and specialties.

SAN FELIPE

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

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

SIDE STREAT TAKE OUT

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

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

TACO & BURITTO SHACK

3261 Hwy 87, BSL 910-351-0179

PIZZERIAS

BAMBINI’S PIZZERIA

1513 N Howe St, Southport 477-9352

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

BEACH

ROAD PIZZA AND WINGS

4688 Long Beach Rd, Southport

Pizzas, wings, fries, desserts

DRY STREET PUB AND PIZZA

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

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

FAMOUS SUBS AND PIZZA

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

Recognized regionally for outstanding gy ros, calzones and pizzas.

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

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

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

THE PEPPERONI GRILL

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

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

PEPPERONI GRILL AT THE BEACH

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

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

PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA

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

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

DOMINO’S (SOUTHPORT)

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

DOMINO’S (OAK ISLAND)

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

NOODLES AND ICE CREAM

8610 E. Oak Island Drive (910) 933-4011

Noodle bowls and other Asian slecialties with Thai ice cream.

BAKERIES/ COFFEE

AHOY DOUGHNUTS

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

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

BURNEY’S BAKERY

808 N. Howe St., Southport 454-4222

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

ISLAND JO COFFEE ‘N CAFE

7916 E. Oak Island Drive (910) 250-1677

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

JUMPIN’ JAVA OAK ISLAND

4022 Old Bridge Rd., Southport • 363-4841

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

PORT CITY JAVA

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

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

RUBY’S COFFEEHOUSE AND EATERY

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

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

SEASIDE MERMAID

6102 e OAk Island Drive

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

SIDE STREET BAKERY

417-A N. Howe Street, Southport 363-4629

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

STAARR CAKES BAKERY

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

www.staarrcakes.com

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

ICE CREAM

CHUCK’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

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

Featuring delicious home made ice cream.

M DAIRY QUEEN

5701 E. Oak Island Dr.,• 278-5371

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

FLAVA’S COFFEE AND ICE CREAM

310 W. Bay St., Southport • 457-5150

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

LIL & JOHN’S SWEETREAT HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

6324 East Oak Island Drive.

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

ors.

SEASIDE MERMAID

6102 E. Oak Island Drive

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

SPIKE’S DAIRY BAR

201 N. Howe St., Southport, 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!

TIKI PINEAPPLE WHIPS

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

Dole Whip pineapple frozen treats right at the beach!