Sept 2024 Southport Magazine

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You might think that, being a big summer vacation destination, summer would be the busiest time for our events. You’d be very wrong. As the summer winds down, our local events wind right up! Our events calandar has grown and I was adding things to it right up to sending this issue to press! And there are fun activiites for everyone. Like art? Check out our story on the quilt show or the Arts By The Shore contest. Feeling a little pirate-y? The Feast of the Pirates invades Belville this month. One of my personal favorite events is returning this year after a five-year hiatus -- the Around Oak Island Sunfish Regatta. Yes, it’s what you think. Ambitious sailors attempt to circle all 28-odd miles of Oak Island waterfront, and some of them will even complete it! And don’t forget our story on the US Open King Mackerel Tournament, it’s your chance to win big prizes for catching big fishes! There’s much more too. You’ll just have to read all the way through to catch everything. ---Jeffrey

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

McKenzie Barwick

Carla Edstrom

Patty Langer

Loiuse Sheffield-Baccarny

Janet Fortney

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.

Annual Subscription: $45 jeff@southportmag.com 910-471-7741

Community

Living Her Dream Inside A Carolina Panthers Internship

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sydney Robbins was 14 or 15 years old when she saw her first Carolina Panthers game in person. She got to beat the drum, a Panthers tradition, and she has kept pounding ever since.

An Oak Island native and 2021 South Brunswick High School graduate, Sydney is now in her final semester at Campbell University, studying sports management with a minor in sports communications. Her career goals include scouting or player development, which means helping players figure out what they want to do after football. After college, if she doesn’t start work right away, Sydney said she would consider graduate school for sports management or earn an MBA. But this summer, she reached one of her goals by landing a paid internship with the Carolina Panthers.

“It’s a big dream and accomplishment for me, to be where I am right now,” Sydney said during her stint at the Panthers training camp. “I didn’t think I’d be right here. Working in the NFL has been a dream for me. It’s crazy that I grew up going to these games, and now I am working here, being with these players.”

Sydney started applying for internships in October of 2023, and applied for this particular one in June. She had a couple phone interviews, including one with Equipment Manager Don Toner, who has worked with the team since 1995. “After he said ‘We look forward to bringing you in,’” Sydney recalled, “I definitely cried.” She started with the team July 8 and finished August 18 so she could head back to Campbell.

Sydney grew up playings sports and

said her whole family is into sports, but that she and her uncle are the more serious football fans. At South Brunswick, Sydney played soccer a couple of years, worked with the basketball teams and was a cheerleader her senior year. At Campbell, Sydney has worked with the football team for four years. Her first year with the team, she worked in film, and now she helps organize the equipment. “My school is smaller, but I wasn’t expecting there would be this much work,” she said of her experience with the NFL team. She said that she didn’t realize that putting numbers and names on items would matter so much, but she found out that it does.

“I know it’s our job and we’re supposed to take care of them,” she said. “Attention to detail matters,” she said.

With the Panthers, Sydney worked with players every day, and was assigned a position group — the offensive line.

“I’m not a water girl. I have footballs on me. When we do a drill, and they snap the ball to the quarterback, I’m the one who catches the ball like the quarterback and they’ll ask for my feedback like which way did the ball go,” she said. She said she worked a lot with Austin Corbett, a guard for the Panthers. She also said that everyone eats lunch together at training camp, so she got to see most people at some point. She said she loved talking to linebacker Shaq Thompson, and that

quarterback Bryce Young is kind of quiet, very focused on the game, and a great motivator. She even had the chance to throw some reps with him one day.

A typical day started at 6:30 am before a 9:30 am practice. After a quick breakfast, she and her coworkers would take golf carts out to their section of the field and set up for drills, making sure all the kinds of equipment the players in each position group would need were in place and ready to go. After practice, they cleaned up the field. Players generally had meetings in the afternoons, and there was always plenty of inside work for the equipment crew as well. Sydney said she once had to heat press 99 player jerseys for the first pre-season game. Late afternoon, the players were back on the field for walk-throughs, and Sydney said she would help fix gloves or helmets, etc. After dinner, the crews finished up whatever tasks they were working on that day.

At the end of her internship, the Panthers sent Sydney back to school with

more knowledge of her job and the desire to share that with others. They also sent her with some top-notch Panthers swag.

“It’s exciting how much gear they gave me” she said. “They provided my housing and meals. And I got paid.”

On a more serious note, Sydney said she learned a lot and that she hopes she’ll be able to teach some of that back at Campbell this fall.

“A soon as I get back, I’ll be pushed right into practices,” she said.

And she’ll put her new skills right to work. Attention to detail and making sure everything looks nice really matters, she said. Even though Campbell may not be the biggest school, she said, they can show everyone how much their team matters to them.

She got to work one pre-season game before heading back to school — the pre-season opening game Aug. 17 against the New York Jets.

“Working at an NFL game was the

Community

most surreal experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “It was mind blowing for me, very exciting and an adrenaline rush.” Sydney said she hopes to work a couple of other games this season, working around her schedule with Campbell. She also really enjoyed the Back Together Saturday event in late July, when fans can come to the stadium and watch practice, and the travel day

to Clemson University, where it all began for the Panthers.

Sydney especially appreciated the opportunity to meet so many people in professional sports this summer. She even got a lead into a women’s sports football forum, which helps women looking for jobs in the industry.

“I have made a lot of connections,” she said. “That’s been my main goal in coming here.”

She also learned more about the players as individuals, something she didn’t expect.

“Before I worked here, I was just a fan, but now don’t see them as famous people, I just see them as regular players. It’s really cool to be able to feel that versus being a fan just trying to get something signed,” she said.

Returning To His Roots Investment Advisor Hogan Disbrow

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTO BY JEFFREY STITES

Sometimesour local high school graduates leave Brunswick County to make their way in the world somewhere new. Sometimes the lure of a good job offer and returning home are too good to pass up though, and they come back to start their new lives where they started out. That’s the path Financial Advisor Hogan Disbrow chose, taking the opportunity to work in the investment industry right here in Southport. The almost 24-year-old joined the team at Stifel about 13 months ago.

“I love it. Every day is different,” Disbrow said. “You’re constantly — whether you’ve been in the industry for 30 years like my boss or a little over two like me — you’re learning something new every day. You’ll have no days that are the same, and that’s simply because on the line graph, the red line or the green line changes every day, and that’s what makes it fun and exciting.”

After graduating from South Brunswick High School in 2018, Disbrow headed off to Wake Forest without a firm idea of what he wanted to do.

“I did not have any idea what I wanted to do necessarily when I graduated, so I went to Wake Forest University and got a degree in Communication. The only thing I realized was that the ability to write and speak well would never hurt me or leave me behind the eight ball,” he said.

His senior year in college, Disbrow applied for a job with Fidelity Investments in Raleigh and was hired, and that’s how he started out in the financial services industry.

He was later offered a job at a medical device sales company, but at the same time, he had the opportunity to move back home and work for Stifel. Disbrow credits his Branch Manager, Albert Elrod, with offering him sage career guidance as he was choosing between the two job opportunities. “He said you’re going to be successful in whatever you do, but you have to decide where you’re going to do it and who you want to help, and if you want to help people feel better with their medical health and help people make physical differences with their health and their spines, then you should probably take the (other) job, but if

you want to keep doing what you’re doing, working in financial services and helping people pursue their retirement goals, then you need to come here.”

Growing up in Southport means Disbrow’s family roots run deep in the local community. His father, Jason, was a lawyer in Disbrow’s younger years and is now Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Brunswick County, while his mother, Kristie, is Executive Director of the non-profit organization Matthew’s Ministry.

Disbrow also now works with someone he has known for many years — his former coach in the First Tee golf program for youth.

Jere Jones, Vice President/Investments with Stifel, said it’s refreshing to have a younger financial advisor in the office.

“Years ago I was a coach for First Tee of Brunswick County,” Jones said. “Hogan was in the group. He and the group were energetic and fun to work with. He has brought this energy to his position as a Financial Advisor with Stifel. Having gained experience in the financial services industry prior to joining the Stifel team certainly has given him an advantage, as he arrived at Stifel with a good understanding of the business and the importance of client service.” Disbrow and Jones both spoke about the mentoring aspect that comes along with a younger person joining the team.

“Hogan is very fortunate to be a part of the Southport Stifel office,” Jones said. “He has three other advisors he can access if needed. Albert Elrod, 34 years, me, Jere Jones, 23 years, and John Lawrence with

19 years in the financial services industry. Being available to mentor him is a way of ensuring the excellence of the Stifel office continues well into the future.”

Disbrow said he also knows he brings something else to the office as he often ends up serving as an in-house IT person at times, helping the team with changing font sizes and wrangling online calendars. He also said working with his former coach can be intimidating at times, especially since Jones has been a second father figure to him, but that there was also a somewhat “playful” atmosphere at the office. And he said all three of his mentors’ doors are always open to him.

It’s a philosophy they use in working with clients as well. Some people might be hesitant to reach out to a financial advisor because they don’t think they have enough money or that they know enough about investments, but Disbrow said that the com-

pany has no account minimums because they don’t want to tell anyone that they can’t help them.

“It’s not about feeling savvy enough,” he said. “Coming here or calling for help is the first step to pursuing your dream goal. Whether that’s retirement, or emergency savings, or college planning, we’re able to assist you.”

While Disbrow says that having lifelong connections in the community has helped him build a client base, he can’t help but notice all the new people in the area — Brunswick County has continued growing and changed while he was away.

“As a kid, I would go into a restaurant and know probably 75 percent of the people there,” he said. “Now I know maybe 20 percent of the people there. So it’s kind of a full circle moment, you come back here and you think you’ll know all these people, but with all the growth that Southport and Oak Island have been experiencing, I probably know 20 percent. But it’s been good to see. There are still people who call me junior and scream it in public, which is always fun.”

Even with the growth, then, there is still that sense of belonging and community that Disbrow has been a part of his whole life.

“I think that especially down here in Southport, one thing that drew me back is that people are just nice,” Disbrow said. “They’re very hospitable, and southern charm still comes out in Brunswick County.”

Jack’s Boat Pull

Fundraiser For Drowning Prevention

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Looking to prove that you and your crew are the strongest in town? No need to wrestle giant squid, climb the Pilot Tower or lift unsuspecting tourists’ golf carts over your head. Instead your team of six can compete in the Second Annual Jack’s Boat Pull and help raise some funds to prevent drowning. It’ll be you and five friends on one end of the rope and the Sea Tow rescue boat, trailer and crew cab pick up truck on the other. First to pull the 7.5 tons across the finish line 75 feet away wins.

Jack’s Boat Pull is a fundraiser for the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation and is held in conjunction with with the Southport Wooden Boat show on Saturday, Nov. 2 at in the parking lot of the Morningstar Marina. The first pull is at 1 pm as the boat show is winding down. In addition to the boat pulling competition, the

event features a kid’s boat pull, a DJ, food trucks, and a variety of community information booths. There will also be life vest giveaways for kids and a 50/50 drawing for cash and prizes.

According to the Jack Helbig Foundation, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and is one of the top three for ages 5 through 34. Mela-

nie Roberts, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said, “Last year we had 12 teams and grossed $14,000 that will help the foundation with mission critical activities which include scholarships for Brunswick School of Fish (swim lessons at BCC),

life jacket giveaways, our kindergarten water safety and literacy program and increase the amount of Rip Current awareness and rescue tube stations on Southeastern NC’s beaches.

“I am looking forward to implementing improvements in this year’s event,” Roberts said. “The event chairs — Mick Palagruto, Ken Hutton, and Gene Helbig — have been working hard to make this year’s boat pull even more successful and fun for the community. One of the biggest changes we are making is moving the kid’s boat pull to a lane right beside of the main towing area. This will highlight their event and amp up the cuteness factor.”

Last year’s event was a not only a lot of fun to watch, it was a huge success for the Foundation. “The best part about the First Annual Jack’s Boat Pull was seeing the amazing support from our community,” Roberts said. “With

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over 300 participants and spectators we were able to share information about being safer around the water throughout the event.”

But they hope to make this year’s event even bigger.

“We hope to have twice as many teams sign up this year and challenge the previous winner, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office,” Roberts said. “This is truly a fun and family-friendly event. All the teams enjoyed pulling together, literally and figuratively, and supporting water safety.”

The cost to enter a team is a $400 donation, and there is a 20-team limit, so register soon to ensure your spot. Sponsorships are all available, including an opportunity to set up a booth at the event.

For information on registering a team or becoming a sponsor, visit https://www.strideevents.com/jacksboat-pull/event-information. To find out more about the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation, visit https://jackhelbig.org/

Community

See Aviation History

Fly On A 1929 Ford Tri-Motor At Jetport

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Experience a piece of aviation history while getting a bird’s eye view of your community with a flight on the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) 1929 Ford Tri-Motor when she visits the Cape Fear Regional Jetport the weekend of September 19-24.

The visit by the classic plane is a fundraiser for the EAA’s youth programs. Weather permitting, there will be flights offered each day of the visit. Tickets are $99 for adults or $75 for children 17 and younger and can be purchased onsite or online at www.flytheford.com.

Aside from plane rides, the weekend will include a children’s movie night featuring Disney’s 2012 animated film “Wings” on Friday, Sept. 20 with a $1 admission, and pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, Sept. 20 from 8:30-11 am for $8 a plate, and a Roaring Twenties Dance Party in the hanger that Saturday night from 6-8 pm with a $10 requested admission per person. The dance will feature awards of Sunday flights on the Tri-Motor for the winner

of the Best Costume and Best dancer contests, so show up looking your best and with your dancing shoes on!

Our local EAA Chapter 939 has been able to bring the Tri-Motor to visit several times over the years, but it isn’t an easy feat.

“EAA chapters interested in hosting a tour stop must fill out an application with EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,” said Rich Largent, President of EAA Chapter 939. “With the Tri-Motor, certain criteria must be met to be considered. The primary requirement is a hangar suitable in size to house the aircraft when not in use or if the weather is not cooperating. Remember last year! The general rule of thumb, as an artifact, ‘it doesn’t get wet!’ Selection, though not really publicized, is also based on past performance and perceived profitability of the tour stop location. A chapter’s performance regarding making the crew and airplane welcome is also a big factor in being awarded a visit.”

At almost 100 years old, the Tri-Motor is in great flying condition, and Largent said the Ford Tri-Motor is a true piece of commercial aviation history. “In my mind, the Tri-Motor really illuminates a remarkable aspect of the genius of Henry Ford,” he said. “Yes, he was an entrepreneur, and to many in a modern world interpretation, is considered to have been a strict and rather ruthless businessman. Set that aside for the moment and consider he revolutionized the car manufacturing industry, initiated the 40-hour work week, paid his workers more than anyone else at the time, and produced a product that put the average person in reach of owning a reliable car. By the mid-1920s he envisioned a similar opportunity with aviation. He saw

the future of commercial aviation as a viable business and invested heavily in finding a design that could possibly accomplish for aviation what the Model T had done for the automobile industry. He purchased the Stout Metal Aircraft Company and set to seeking a design that could be reliable, safe and within reason, affordable. The result was an all metal, three engine machine that proved commercially viable in carrying passengers. Ford Tri-Motors were basically responsible for starting all the major airlines. The EAA’s Tri-Motor was first owned by Eastern Air Transport, which later became Eastern Airlines. It should also be noted, Ford built one of the first airports with a paved runway, (now part of the Ford

The price of your ticket will help secure

proving grounds in Dearborn) and across the street erected the first airport hotel which is still in operation today. He saw the future importance of air travel.”

Community

the future of aviation locally. “The majority of fund raising efforts our Chapter conducts are focused on our youth programs,” said Largent. “We provide funds to send a youngster out to Oshkosh each summer to attend week-long camps known as the EAA Air Academy. We also offer scholarship money to help pay for flight lessons and hold ‘Learn To Fly’ workshops for interested youths. Our Young Eagle program, though not Chapter funded, is an example of our members stepping up to provide free orientation flights, at their own expense, to youngsters to hopefully inspire them to learn more about flying. This program, now 32 years old, has resulted in free flights being given to over 2.4 million youngsters worldwide. Our Chapter flies on average around 150 youngsters annually.”

Arts By The Shore

Annual Showcase Features Local Artists

STORY CONTRIBUTED

The Oak Island Art Guild 29th Annual Arts by The Shore show will be held Nov. 8 and 9 at 801 Ocean Event Center, 801 Ocean Drive, Oak Island.

Two- and three-dimensional art will be on display from 12-6 pm on Friday, Nov. 8 and between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday Nov. 9. An awards ceremony will begin at 3 pm to honor the winners of each artwork category.

Categories for 2-dimensional work are determined mostly by the media used: oil, acrylic, drawing/ pastel, watercolor, photography and

mixed media. Three-dimensional art categories include sculpture/metal, pottery, glass and wood. There is a special category for artists younger than 18 years.

Katherine Barnes, Wilmington based fine artists, designer and teacher, is the judge for this show.

Any artists who might wish to enter the show but have not pre-registered

may bring their artwork to the venue on Thursday, Nov. 7 between 4 and 6 pm. For more information, visit www. oakislandartguild.org.

Community

Feast of the Pirates

Shiver Your Timbers With The Scallywags

Strap on that peg leg, put on that eye patch and perch your parrot on your shoulder. It’s time to join the 97th Feast of the Pirates at Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE, on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 am - 4 pm.

“This is a festival for the whole family to come out and enjoy, with encampments, cannon fire, sword sparring, black powder pistols n’ rifles demos, pyrate re-enactors, loads of numerous assorted vendors n’ grub trucks as well as live music n’ sea shanties, costume contest for kids, Most Wanted Villain Hunt, story time, living history, games n’ many other activities,” said Sheila Schultz-Scherer, an Executive Board Member with Feast of the Pirates.

This year’s event will even feature a traveling exhibit of artifacts recovered from Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge!

Feast of the Pirates is organized and hosted by the Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust (WHET), a 501C(4) non-profit organization with a mission to shape and implement a vision for the beautification and balance of the Cape

Fear River region and to promote safe and pleasure boating.

“We are the crew responsible for bringing in the Tall Ships to our ports for tours, such as The Pride of Baltimore II, Peacemaker, USCGC Barque Eagle, HMS Bounty, Pirate Ship Meka II, Pirate Ship Raven, The Unicorn, Liberty Clipper, The Prince William, Nao Santa Maria, Niña & Pinta, Lynx Scooner, Amistead Replica, El Galeon and Nao Trinidad,” said Schultz-Scherer.

Many of these have passed though Southport waters, most recently the Trinidad. The proceeds from these tours are used to put on a full day Feast of the Pirates festival every year in September for families and children for a full fun family outing, said Shultz-Scherer.

Schultz-Scherer said the Feast has a long history. “In the past, The Feast of

Park on the

North

the late 1920s. Tourists from all over the region, as many as 28,000, traveled to the Port City. They had the pleasure of watching historical reenactments, boat races, competitions, and various parades. The reenactments ranged from George Washington’s ceremonious entrance into the city in 1791, to Blackbeard’s march to City Hall. Excessive alcohol consumption and public drunkenness during the 1929 festival, however, caused concern for committee members and other city officials. Nevertheless, it was the Great Depression that put the final nail in the coffin for The Feast of Pirates,” she said. “However, we have revivified Feast of the Pirates and brought it to the Brunswick

So now The Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust is host’n a FREE pirate festival fer the whole family to come out and enjoy!”

For more information, including sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit the Feast of the Pirates website at feastofthepirates.com.

Pirates was a three-day festival held on Wrightsville Beach in the town of Wilmington,

Carolina during

Riverwalk

Cape Fear River in Belville.

Sunfish Regatta

Join The Race Around Oak Island

STORY BY JEFFREY STITES

Sailing a Sunfish all the way around Oak Island sounds like a “Hey y’all, watch this!” idea, but the Around Oak Island Regatta is actually a long-running tradition making its return on Saturday, Oct. 12 after a five-year hiatus.

Oak Island is 14 miles long and about a mile wide, making this regatta a more than 28-mile run, and it isn’t easy. John Bates, Rear Commodore of the Cape Fear Yacht Club and one of the event’s organizers, said the event started about 20 years ago and that, depending on the weather, they get enough finishers to award a first, second and third place. “But we’ll have more than that finish,” he said hopefully.

“I’ve done it four times and completed it twice,” Bates said. “Once I beached on Yaupon or Caswell Beach and once I had to turn back. I think the first timeI sailed it, it took me 12 hours and 45 minutes to complete the course and I had someone offer me a lift when I could see the finish line. Ok, well I don’t want a lift right now.”

“It’s funny in that you have to catch the tide,” he explained. “When the race starts, you have to catch a tide that rides you out of the Cape Fear River, and then you have to get to the Lockwood Folly Inlet by the time the tide’s flooding in. If you don’t make those two marks, you’re in trouble.”

According to the Cape Fear Yacht Club, the record time is 4 hours 57 minutes and 25 seconds, set by Glenn Walker. “It’s a 28-mile race and a Sunfish doing really well might do five knots,” Bates said. “That’s bookin’!”

If you’re looking to give the Regatta a try, Bates has some advice. “Make sure you rig your boat well, and be hydrated before you go.”

Club are working together to pull this off. That’s really going to be invaluable to have that extra bunch of eyes and participants helping us, you know?”

According to the Cape Fear Yacht Club, the schedule for the race is as follows:

FRIDAY

“Pre-Game”

5:30-8:30 pm Check In at Cape Fear Yacht Club - receive T-shirt, laminated chart, sailing instructions. Enjoy cold beverages, heavy appetizers and let the trash talking begin!

SATURDAY

“RACE DAY”

The race will begin and end at the Safe Harbor Marina at South Harbour and head down the Atlantic Intra coastal Waterway (ICW) to the Cape Fear River, where racers will head out to the Atlantic and turn west, re-entering the ICW via the Lockwood Folly Inlet and heading back to Safe Harbor.

“We’ve typically run the race in a clockwise lap, so we make two right turns, one at the Atlantic and one at Lockwood Folly. We have run it in a counter clockwise fashion, and that hasn’t gone as well for us,” said Bates.

Racers won’t be all alone out there, Bates said. “There are people that are kind enough to give us beverages and such on the water, and we’re trying to set up places where we’ll have safety boats stationed. And there are people on their docks on the ICW rooting you on.”

Bates said people are already registering for the race, and this year Cape Fear Yacht Club is partnering with the Southport Yacht Club. “So the Cape Fear Yacht Club and the Southport Yacht

7:30-8 am Late Check-In at Cape Fear Yacht Club

8 am Skipper’s Meeting at Beach/Dutchman’s Creek Park

9 am Warning Signal - The warning signal will sound at roughly 9 am. The start and finish line will be in the vicinity of Safe Harbor Marina. A laminated navigation chart will be provided at registration.

4 pm - Afterparty and awards at Cape Fear Yacht Club

Find registration information at cfyc@ capefearyachtclub.org. Racers need not be members of either yacht club to participate.

“My wife is helping me manage this in

the background and we’re trying to make this into really a fun Regatta,” Bates said. But has he registered himself this year?

“I haven’t registered yet because I don’t have the gumption to sit on a Sunfish for 10 hours,” Bates said.

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Showcase

2024 Quilt Show

On Display At Franklin Square Gallery

STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Franklin Square Gallery is hosting the 2024 Quilt Show through Sept. 21. The Show features handmade art quilts created by members of the Oak Island Beach Quilters (OIBQ), an organization that includes more than 90 local quilt artisans. The theme of this year’s Show is “Playing with Log Cabin,” with each quilt on exhibit depicting a unique and colorful variation on the traditional “log cabin” pattern that originated during the Civil War era.

First, Second, Third, Fourth and Honorable Mention Prizes have been awarded and are on display with the winning quilts. A Viewers’ Choice Award will also be awarded based on the votes submitted by visitors to the Show, now through Sept. 21. Although quilts entered in the Show are not offered for sale through the Gallery, interested collectors are invited to contact the OIBQ at OKIbeachquilters@

gmail.com if they wish to add one of these artisan-made, one-of-a-kind quilts to their collection.

The Quilt Show also highlights the many charities supported by members of the OIBQ. Among other charitable activities, the group creates quilts, pillowcases, and blankets for patients at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, SECU Hospice House of Brunswick,

Habitat for Humanity. OIBQ members also create “Quilts of Honor” which are awarded to those who bravely serve and support our community.

A cooperative of more than 120 artists, Franklin Square Gallery is located at 130 E. West St., Southport, in the heart of the historic downtown area. Surrounded by live oaks and situated in the historic building that once

TradingSouthportCompany

served as a schoolhouse and town hall, the Gallery offers the community and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the rich artistic culture that thrives in Southport and surrounding areas. The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and all are welcome.

Wooten

Carneiro

Broussard

Lee Ann Walker

Sherol Lappala Brian Deutsch

Verilyn McKee Sarah Smith Brian Quinn Katherine Hufham

Kim Anne Russ Pamela Frandano

Fred Fiss David Thorp Myles Williams Kim Moss

Pivarnik

It’s US Open Time

49th US Open King Mackerel Tournament

STORY BY KAREN SPHAR, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTHPORT-OAK ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The46th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is coming up on Oct. 3-5 at Brunswick County’s Dutchman Creek Park. The U.S. Open is one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast and part of the SKA (Southern Kingfish Association) Tournament Trail. In 2023, the tournament attracted 558 boats and paid out more than $410,000. The Tournament has an all-cash guaranteed prize structure that is not based on participation numbers. It pays 55 places in its primary prize category including $25,000 for the largest king mackerel. There are also 40 sponsors who add supplementary cash prizes.

Three notable prizes include the Daily Aggregate Weight Prizes, Senior Angler and Junior Angler Awards. The Daily Aggregate Weight Prizes are sponsored by Sea/Tow and Dosher Memorial Hospital and Junior Angler Awards are sponsored by Coastal Pediatric Dentistry and Novant Health. Each day of the tournament, a $1,000 Aggregate Prize will be given to the boat that catches the most poundage from combining the weights from two or three fish. The Junior Angler Aggregate prizes are daily and total $1,000 while the overall senior aggregate is a two-day total with a $500 award.

A few changes and additions have been made by the Tournament Board of Direc-

2023 Tournament Winner

$92, 820 in winnings

Tripple J– 43.45 pounds

Captain Joe Matthews, Deanne Matthews, Joey Matthews

QUICK DETAILS

tors for the 2024 tournament. The tournament is moving to a “lines in the water” format and away from physical checkouts. On Saturday the entertainment and awards ceremony have been relocated to the deck at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill to give it more of a festive atmosphere, and PaperFin will be at the tournament on Friday and Saturday to make ink-free fish prints for entrants weighing in fish.

Food Court – The tournament Food Court will be open on Thursday, from 12-7 pm and Friday from 12-5 pm, featuring Dutch Girl Dogs (hot dogs, chips, drinks) and Saturday from 11-6 pm featuring Wallace Catering (Burgers, BBQ, sausage/ peppers/onions, fried and grilled chicken sandwich, Calabash style fried shrimp or fish and shrimp and grits).

Sponsor Showcase — Visit the Grand Patron Sponsor Showcase at Dutchman Creek Park October 3-5. Grand Patron sponsors BEMC, Better Beach Rentals, Builders FirstSource, Dutchman Creek Bait & Tackle, Garmin, Hamilton Realty eXp Realty, Novant Health, Mocean Construction, SKA, TotalEnergies, LLC, and SeaTow and will be on hand talking about their products and services during the tournament.

Registration – Early Bird Registration –Online, postmarked or at Chamber’s Welcome Center by midnight on Friday, Sept. 13. Online Registration – Available until 11 pm on Oct. 1. Onsite Registration – October 3 from 10 am - 9 pm at Dutchman Creek Park (4750 Fish Factory Road).

Packet Pickup – All registrants must come to Packet Pickup at Dutchman Creek Park between 10 am and 9 pm on Thursday,

46th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

One of the Largest King Mackerel Tournaments on East Coast An event of the Southport Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Oct. 3 - Registration 10am-9pm Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Oak Island 4:00pm-7:00pm Entertainment – The Doorsman In Person & Virtual Captain’s Meeting – 7 pm www.usopenkmtlive.com

Oct. 4 & Oct. 5 – Fishing

Spectators Welcome Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road Live Streaming Offloading & Weigh-In 2:00pm-scales close www.usopenkmtlive.com

Oct. 5 –5 pm – 8 pm

Entertainment –Awards Ceremony Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, 4750 Fish Factory Road, In Person & Virtual – 8 pm www.usopenkmtlive.com

Oct. 3. The Doorsmen, veteran rockers keeping it funky, will perform at the park from 4-7 pm. The Captain’s Meeting will be held in person and virtually on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 pm at Dutchman Creek Park or on www.usopenkmtlive.com It is strongly advised that all captains tune in or attend this meeting, as any rule changes or necessary clarifications will be announced at the meeting.

Weigh ins – Watch the tournament participants weigh their catch in person at Dutchman Creek or online. PointClickFish.com will stream offloading dock and weigh-ins at the scales LIVE from the tournament during peak weigh-ins on Friday from 2-5 pm and Saturday from 2-4 pm. You can pick up the link to the live feed at http://www.usopenkmtlive. com/.

Merchandise - The tournament merchandise is very popular and is available online at www.sptokimerchandise.com and in person Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center through Oct. 1 . The tournament will sell merchandise at the tournament headquarters (Dutchman Creek

Park) Oct. 3-5 or until it sells out.

The Awards Ceremony will be held in person starting at 8 pm on Oct. 5 on the deck at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, 4907 Fish Factory Road. There will be live music on the deck beginning at 5 pm.

Tournament details are available at www. usopenkmt.com, or for a brochure contact the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461, or at 910-457-5787, 800-457-6964 or e-mail events@southport-oakisland.com.

Come and treat yourself to beautiful food and hand crafted cocktails. It’s always a great day to celebrate at Southern!

JOIN US FOR DINNER WED.-SAT. 4:30-9PM BY RESERVATION ONLY

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Biz Feature

Natural Beauty

Drifter’s Wood: Roadside Driftwood Stand

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JANET FORTNEY & JOHN MUSE

Question: What do taxidermists, artists, florists, Chinese restaurants, and ferret owners have in common? Answer: They, and many others, are all customers of Drifter’s Wood, a harvested driftwood business in Supply.

Operating at the intersection of nature and creativity, Drifter’s Wood is an openair bonanza of all sizes and shapes of driftwood waiting to be displayed and admired in homes and retail spaces. Crafters, woodworkers, and interior designers also frequent this explorer’s paradise.

“Nature does an extraordinary job of creating these pieces,” said Jeff Gibson, Drifter’s Wood owner and head driftwood gatherer. Prior to offering each piece for sale, Gibson does not alter it in any way other than washing to remove mud and other debris. “I keep going and getting more and more and more,” Gibson explained, noting that the popularity of driftwood decor with “coastal living folks,” as well as his enterprise’s U.S. 17 roadside location have “easily tripled the business we’d been doing” in a previous location.

Drifter’s Wood’s inception happened in 2016 as Gibson, a Louisiana native, was canoeing in his new home state of North Carolina. “In Louisiana, the water is muddy and murky and I’d never noticed seeing any driftwood. [That day], I thought I saw a pair of deer antlers. I pulled it out of the water and it was actually a root that looked like antlers. And the entrepreneur in me thought, ‘I’m going to make a business out of this.’”

During his once- or twice-weekly collection excursions, Gibson’s tools-of-the-trade are his pontoon boats, a winch, long-tined rakes, and a chainsaw. According to Sandy Jones, Gibson’s assistant, Drifter’s Wood’s stock is culled from “lakes, swamps, and rivers in North Carolina,” including “New River, Jacksonville, and High Rock Lake in Lexington.” The different features of each waterway can determine the characteristics of its driftwood, such as color and whether or not it hosts barnacles.

Gibson prices his driftwood finds based on their “size, quality, and character,” as well as “how cool or well-preserved they are.” A recent customer described Drifter’s Wood’s wares as “unique and totally ad-

dicting.” A recent and thought-provoking find – a one-of-a-kind barnacle-encrusted bicycle – now on the lot will likely fetch approximately $500. But pieces can also be purchased for $3.

“My favorite sales,” saidGibson, “are when someone’s buying for animals. A lot of pets don’t get to enjoy nature and have fake things [in their habitats]. With wood, they get real nature.” In addition to the previously mentioned ferrets, customers also acquire driftwood for their reptile enclosures, aquariums, and parrot perches.

Interestingly, Drifter’s Wood runs on a payment honor system. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, customers are encouraged to browse the lot when it’s convenient for them and purchase their pieces whether or not Gibson and Jones are on-site.

“It works well for us,” said Sandy Jones, Gibson’s assistant of one year. “We’re trusting and we offer every payment option we can. Sometimes people actually [forward] us a picture of their money to show that they paid [even though they’re not required to]. We’ve had no problems…and I think it’s refreshing knowing that there’s someone out there that does trust.”

As summer winds down, Gibson and Jones

are focused on keeping their treasure trove of driftwood organized. “We’re revamping the lot so we can keep more of the same-priced wood together,” Jones explained. Gibson said, “We’ve got a lot of stock right now. It kind of looks like a bomb went off.” Customers don’t seem to mind, though, especially the one that dubbed Drifter’s Wood “an absolute roadside jewel.”

Location: 1451 Ocean Hwy W., Supply

Payment options: Cash, Debit, Venmo, Cash App

Telephone: 828-291-4875 or 828-320-8940

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/driftwoodjeff

Visit tip: If you’re lucky, matching cats Raggedy Ann and Andy will sidle up for head scratches.

Credit: John Muse, HisMuse Photography

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10 days thank you of fun & specials to say for your loyalty & support enter daily to win a $100, $200 or $300 gift certificate drawing held 5pm sept 28 and celebrating big we're turning10 sept 19 -28 Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm • 619 N. Howe • Southport, NC 910-363-6939 • www.MadRiverDesigns.com Making The Rooms You Live In The Rooms You Love

5 5 all about kids save on jellycats plush toys, bunnies & friends 10% monday, sept 23rd only limit one per customer

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national north carolina day book signing & raffle

Community Making Dreams Real

Southport Bridal Expo Seeks Vendors

If your business is helping to make brides’ dreams come true, you’ll want to check out Southport’s upcoming “Love In Bloom” Bridal Expo on Feb. 15, 2025, 2-6 pm, in the Southport Community Building. Applications from photographers, wedding planners, caterers, florists, and other wedding-related businesses are now being accepted to participate in this event.

“We are hoping this will give all of the wonderfully creative vendors a chance to showcase their work,” said Karen Martin, Building and Events Manager for the Southport Community Building. “I definitely want to see the florists, bakers, decorators, photographers, and everyone in between join us for this event!”

She added that space is limited so early application is encouraged. To be considered as a vendor, please fill out the application form at https://forms.gle/v6g9nqxGA876YUmR9.

“The Love in Bloom Bridal Expo will

give vendors a chance to show off their beautiful creations, and also a chance to network with other small businesses in the wedding industry,” Martin said. “Also, for those who contribute to our raffle that will be taking place at the event, they will be a part of our special advertising package, giving them a front row space on our marketing leading up to the expo, including their logo and a special bio about their work on our social media.”

Martin said the city hopes to have between 25 and 30 vendors participate in the expo.

The Southport Community Building has played host to more than 60 weddings among other events such as anniversaries, company retreats, and other celebrations in the past 12 months according to Martin.

Martin said the inspiration for this event came from a bridal expo she attended at the Community Building. “When a local wedding planner, Blue Satin Bee, hosted

their Sip and Sea bridal expo a couple of years ago at our venue, their success inspired me, and I thought it just made sense for us to host another one ourselves,” Martin said.

For more information or inquiries, please contact the expo organizer Karen Martin at kmartin@cityofsouthport.com or 910-2697265.

Community Friends of the Libray

Annual Meeting Features Fun Speakers

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Join the Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island at the Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Event: Appalachian Food & Fiction! This event explores the mountain region through stories and recipes. Join celebrity host Deborah Holt Noel, star of the popular PBS show “NC Weekend,” as she talks with panelists Sheri Castle, food writer and star of PBS’s “The Key Ingredient”; Chef Jason Talbot, author of the cookbook “Modern Appalachian Cuisine”; and award-winning novelist Teri M. Brown, author of “Daughters of Green Mountain Gap.”

The event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 1-3 pm, at the Southport Community Building, 233 E. Bay St.. All are welcome and attendance is free! To reserve your seat, visit https://brunsco.libcal.com/event/12973383 or call 910-457-6237.

Visit folsoi.org for library schedules and registration information. Enjoy visiting the Once More Bookstore at Southport Realty, 727 N. Howe St. in Southport Monday through Friday from 10 am – 4 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am – 12 pm. Donations are accepted at the side door on 8th Street on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 am – 12 pm.

FISHING REPORT

September Fishing Report

Fall Fishing Offers New Opportunities

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

August was intense, with daily strong winds, thunderstorms, and over 15 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Debby. It’s now September, but her impact is still evident, with tannin-filled backwater and nearshore waters from the upper Cape Fear River region. On the bright side, Debby helped bring water temperatures down from a 7- to 8-degree surplus, setting us up for some excellent fall fishing.

Inshore / Backwater

Fishing is awesome inshore and in the backwater creeks, with plenty of red drums, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead to be found. Whether you’re on the Cape Fear River, the ICW, or in the creeks and estuaries, it’s hard not to hook into something. For live bait, finger mullet are abundant, and artificial lures are working well too. The rising tide has been prime time, but the bottom of the falling tide is also productive. Fish are holding in areas with moving water—cast your bait into the tidal rip and let it drift into the eddies forming at points and bends in the creeks. Predator fish are stacked in that slack water, ready to ambush.

Another effective technique has been using VooDoo shrimp. I usually cast them below a popping cork, but lately, I’ve been casting them without the cork and giving them a sharp twitch. The speckled trout, flounder, and redfish can’t seem to resist. With the current clear brown water, something with chartreuse is a solid choice.

Nearshore

Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919

September is the best time of year for fishing at the Brunswick County beaches. The north winds bring calm beach conditions, making for comfortable fishing. Even better, the fish show up in big numbers, feeding on the abundant bait. Menhaden schools are massive, and the mullet run is in full swing. Bull red drums will settle on nearshore reefs, wrecks, and spots like the hot hole, and they can also be found in the bait balls. While finger mullet works well as bait, big live menhaden are even better. Use a Carolina rig with a 2–3-ounce

egg sinker and a 12–18-inch leader of 50-pound fluorocarbon. It’s crucial to use circle hooks when targeting these fish, and heavy spinning or conventional tackle is recommended. Circle hooks significantly reduce the risk of gut hooking, and although the temptation to use light tackle is strong, it leads to longer fight times, exhausting the fish and reducing their chances of survival after release.

With fall in the air, you can’t talk about nearshore fishing without mentioning the beach king mackerel bite. September is when the kings come in to fatten up for winter on the bait near the beach. Slow trolling live menhaden, bluefish, and corncob mullet is your best bet for bites. Target the men-

haden bait balls in 20-28 feet of water, and troll around the rock piles along the beaches. A good starting point is offshore of Ocean Crest Pier and Yaupon Reef, and the river channel is also a great spot, especially on a falling tide and out to the old Cape Fear sea buoy and Lighthouse Rocks. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will also return in force during September—troll Clarkspoons on number 1 and number 2 planers for a quick limit.

Offshore

Right on cue, the Wahoo are making their appearance, along with Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish. Gulf Stream fishing is excellent

FISHING REPORT

right now. You can find Wahoo in 120-300 feet of water over structures like ledges, live bottoms, and rock piles. Be sure to use a planer or trolling lead to get your bait deeper in the water column. Blackfin Tuna are abundant on offshore rock piles, aggressively hitting tuna feathers and cedar plugs. I prefer smaller baits for these fish, placing them far back in the spread. While you can catch Sailfish while trolling for Wahoo and Tuna, to really boost your chances, look for the color change from blue/green blended water to clear blue water. Trolling mullet dredges, squid chains, and small ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks will draw bites. Always keep an eye on your teasers and spread, as Sailfish often follow the teasers before com-

mitting to a bite.

Don’t miss the fall fishing on our coast— it’s what we’ve been waiting for all year. We’ll be out there almost every day, mak ing the most of the incredible bite this season brings. Get out there and enjoy it!

— Capt. Steele

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Keeping Fit

Facing Adveristy

Life Is Hard – Accept That…and Conquer It

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness

For the past four months, I have tackled a challenge that, if I allowed it, could have kept me down for the better part of a year – a torn Achilles tendon.

And by down, I mean mentally and emotionally as well as physically.

I haven’t suffered an injury this serious in many, many years – all the way back to when I was 9 years old and fractured the fibula and tibia in my right leg falling out of a tree (yes, falling out of a tree…that is a long story for another day).

It’s been a long road, but not as slow as I was originally told it would be after receiving the step-by-step protocol for rehabilitation. But these protocols are geared toward the “average” person. And as much as I don’t consider myself more special than anyone else, I don’t consider myself average either.

I’m physically fit. I stay active. I take care of myself inside and out. I have put myself in position to stay ahead of the timetable outlined for me.

I’ve progressed from a bulky, oversized boot that extended from the toes on my right foot to the base of my right knee, to a much less bulky and smaller compression sleeve that runs from the middle of my foot to the base of my calf.

And, most recently, to nothing at all while walking around the house and at the beach (just don’t tell my orthopedist and let’s keep this between us).

I ride the bike, and not simply a leisurely stroll anymore, and walk on the treadmill with a purpose – to keep challenging my leg in a safe, effective manner.

I’m not ready to run a 5K, tackle heavy barbell squats, or head back to the softball field to play the sport where I suffered the injury in late April, but I’m progressing steadily as well as surely, and my health and well-being are key reasons why.

We often connect being physically fit with being healthy, but being physically fit also helps us recover from injury and illness. Doing the hard work entailed to enjoy a healthy lifestyle gets us back to leading that same healthy lifestyle sooner.

I can imagine where I would be in my recovery from this injury if I was my old self,

meaning the man who weighed nearly 250 pounds 14 years ago and had failed miserably time after time to shed the weight and develop a healthier lifestyle.

I would be off my feet for a long time, and likely would have been hampered by the effects of this injury indefinitely. I had a difficult enough time getting out of bed every morning, and my joints would ache if I was on my feet too long.

How could be on my feet with an injury as serious as an Achilles tendon tear?

I finally faced that challenge 14 years go, which led to dropping 75 pounds and, at the time, being in the best shape of my life. Recovering from this injury ahead of schedule is my latest challenge.

It even has a tangible goal attached to it – playing a full round of golf without a cart by October 1, 2024. And as you can see, I’m telling everyone about it because I want to give myself as much as accountability as I possibly can.

I can’t hide from it, I can’t ignore it, and I definitely can’t make excuses for it, if everyone knows. This is more than a priority to me. It’s a non-negotiable.

In today’s society, we spend our days keeping busy with tasks we believe are priorities, but often don’t move us closer to our goals in life. Health and fitness are a priority for me, and I treat them as such.

Too many people say it’s a priority, but don’t follow through on that for various reasons. For those people, health and fitness become a conve-

nience – tasks we will get to if and when we have time. And as life gets busier, and time continues to slip away, health and fitness soon become an afterthought, which sadly is a key reason why more than 40 percent of the population of the United States is deemed obese, and more than 70 percent are considered overweight.

For the early part of my adult life, I resided on both of those lists, and for a long time I never believed I would find a new healthier way to live life.

Along the way, I discovered what’s important in my life, and the healthy habits I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for me and my family are on that list. That’s especially when an injury leaves me at less than 100 percent. Because I can either invest in my wellness or my illness. I have that

choice. We all do.

If you would like to learn more about making health and fitness a priority, or are ready to truly take your health and wellness to a higher level…contact me at 814-5047774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com. You can also find more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.

Beach Home Care

The Importance Of Preventative Maintenance

STORY BY SADIE SMELTZER, A+ PRO SERVICES, INC

If you own a home at the beach you know that salt from the sea can wreak havoc on your exterior surfaces. That lovely ocean breeze carries salt particles that end up on walls, roofs, and those beautiful windows. When salt particles mix with moisture from the air, they can infiltrate masonry, concrete, wood, and especially metal surfaces. As the moisture evaporates, the salt oxidizes, expanding and causing the surfaces to crack, spall, and deteriorate over time. This relentless process weakens structural integrity and leads to unsightly stains and damage to your home.

To combat these effects, coastal homeowners should invest in regular maintenance and protective treatments to safeguard their properties from the corrosive power of salt and extend the life of their home’s exterior.

Preventative maintenance, or regularly washing the exterior surfaces with fresh

water, helps to remove accumulated salt deposits before they can cause significant damage. There are several factors that contribute to how often your home requires maintenance cleanings, such as adjacent tree canopy, the direction in which your home faces, and (the big one lately) construction. At the minimum, an annual washing of your home’s exterior grouped

with cleaning your gutters and windows will help protect the integrity of your home over time. Your home is your biggest investment, so why wouldn’t you keep it looking its best?

For homeowners seriously dedicated to maintaining their property, there are several additional protective measures that can enhance the durability and appearance of your home. Beyond routine cleaning, you might consider investing in specialized treatments such as anti-corrosion coatings or weather-resistant sealants tailored to your home’s specific needs.

Consulting with a local home maintenance expert can provide valuable insights and recommendations customized

to your property’s unique conditions and environmental factors. These professionals can assess your home’s vulnerabilities and suggest targeted solutions to further safeguard against salt corrosion and other wear-and-tear issues. By seeking expert advice, you ensure that your home receives the best care possible, keeping it in prime condition for years to come.

Returning Favorite

September Brunswick Civil War Roundtable

Returning to the Brunswick Civil War Round Table on Tuesday, Sept. 3 to captivate his audience with another dramatic performance is popular historian Chris Mackowski. His presentation is entitled “The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.” Chris will describe in detail one of the bloodiest battles of the war between Generals Lee and Grant. It was a battle that cost more than 30,000 lives over a 12 day period in May, 1864, ending with no winner. This will be the first meeting of the new season, and will take place at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell, Caswell Beach. Everyone is welcome, and come prepared to be informed and entertained!

This inconclusive battle was the second major engagement in Grant’s Overland Campaign, a major Union offensive to chase down Lee, cripple his army, and capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. Success relied on a relentless pursuit of the enemy, so Grant instructed his Gen. Meade, “Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.”

Over the ensuing 12-day period, Union troops briefly broke the Confederate lines, but the rebels managed to close the gap and hold their ground. The intense fighting included nearly 20 hours of brutal hand-tohand combat at the infamous “Bloody Angle,” a section of the Confederate salient. Finally on May 21, Lee, in frustration, be-

gan retreating toward Richmond. Grant, sensing his failed attempt, disengaged his troops and ordered them to continue their march south toward Richmond. Although the Union suffered severe losses during the campaign, it was a strategic victory for Grant. The battle inflicted proportionately higher casualties on Lee’s army, eventually driving his troops into a siege at Petersburg, and ultimately leading him to surrender the following year at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865.

Our popular guest speaker, Chris Mackowski, Ph.D., is the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emerging Civil War and the series editor of the award-winning “Emerging Civil War Series.” In addition, he is a writing professor at St. Bonaventure University; historian-in-residence

at Stevenson Ridge, an historic property on the Spotsylvania battlefield in central Virginia; historian for the National Park Service at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park; authored or co-authored nearly two dozen books; edited a half-dozen essay collections on the Civil War; and his articles have appeared in all the major Civil War magazines. In addition, Chris serves as vice president on the board

of directors for the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust, and serves on the advisory board of the Civil War Roundtable Congress, and a longtime Advisor to this Round Table. Registration for this first meeting of the season begins Tuesday, the day after Labor Day, at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. The guest fee remains $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information, contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him at (404) 229-9425. Or, visit www.Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com to learn more, become a member, or read about member activities and benefits. The group’s Facebook page also has additional information, news, and updates.

General Ulysses S. Grant

General Robert E. Lee

Everyday Heroes

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office To Receive Inaugural Award For Child Safety

STORY CONTRIBUTED BY CAROUSEL CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER

Carousel Child Advocacy Center (CCAC), Southeastern North Carolina’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center, has announced that the Brunswick Sheriff’s Office will be the first recipient of the Everyday Heroes Award at the Everyday Heroes Award Luncheon, 11 am on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

The sheriff’s office will be recognized for being the first police force in the nation to become a Partner In Prevention, a designation awarded to organizations and businesses that take the necessary steps to protect children from child sexual abuse in their communities. The designation is being granted by Carousel and the organization Darkness to Light, which works to empower adults to prevent, recognize,

and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. Their Stewards of Children® training teaches adults to recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

To become a Partner in Prevention a business or organization must train 90-100 percent of staff and volunteers in Stewards of Children® and commit to providing ongoing child sexual abuse prevention training.

Join us at this inaugural event to learn more about the services and programs the Carousel Child Advocacy Center provides to help Brunswick County child victims receive forensic and healing services when there is a report of physical or sexual abuse. It is free to attend, and we welcome groups to host a table. Sponsors are also welcome! We are grateful for Orton Foundaton and Novant Health for sponsoring this new event.

The keynote speakers — Terrie and Ash-

ley Batson — are sure to inspire. An aunt and niece “dynamic duo,” they are both “thrivers” and passionate advocates for those affected by childhood sexual abuse. Through their individual and unified journeys of healing and personal growth, they aim to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote change in the Wilmington community and beyond. They hope that sharing their deeply personal experience will enable them to connect with other survivors and spread awareness of the amazing work of the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.

“Together, we can battle child abuse, protect children, and restore young lives,” said Shemeka Kemp, 2024-25 chairperson of the Carousel Board of Directors. “This event allows anyone in the community to attend and learn more about the state of child abuse in our community. Carousel has served Brunswick children and families for almost 25 years. We are excited to have this inaugural fundraiser, that will provide much-needed funds so that the best and brightest may aid child survivors of abuse.

Community

Together, we can work towards a world free of child abuse, where children grow up happy, healthy, and safe!”

This event supports Carousel Child Advocacy Center, Brunswick County’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center. Carousel services Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, responding to about 500 reports of child physical or sexual abuse and maltreatment annually — 165 children in Brunswick alone last year!

Carousel provides coordinated medical evaluation, forensic interviewing, assistance for investigative partners in pursuing justice, and healing trauma therapy services. All services revolve (carousel) around the needs of the child. Carousel serves children from birth to age 18. All services are provided in a nurturing, friendly, and safe environment.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Laura Pawlewicz at 910254-9898 or email her at laura.pawlewicz@ carouselcenter.org. Reserve your seat online at https://carouselcenter.org/event/ everydayhero/

About Carousel Child Advocacy Center

Carousel Child Advocacy Center is Southeastern North Carolina’s only nation-

ally accredited child advocacy center. It provides child medical exams and forensic interviews, confidential professional trauma counseling and caregiver support to children and their families who have experienced physical/sexual abuse in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. Since its founding in 2000, Carousel Child Advocacy Center has served more than 6,500 children in the tri-county area, carrying out its mission to support healing, promote justice, and foster resilience in children victimized by physical or sexual abuse and to improve our community through education, prevention and advocacy. CCAC has three locations to serve our partners, child survivors, and families closer to home. For more information, visit: www.carouselcenter.org

Golf Tips

Nicole’s Golf Notes

Playing The Smart Shot To Improve Score

BY NICOLE WELLER LPGA/PGA GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. Feel free to submit your question or topic for the Nicole’s Notes column via her website ‘Contact Nicole’ page. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

One of the hot topics in sport psychology is how to take the training and transfer it into the actual playing field. Golf is one of the only sports where it’s not practiced in the same place where it’s played… it gets practiced in simulated environments like a practice green or driving range that’s conducive to hitting lots of repetitive shots but not in a play scenario with a variety of shots, time breaks, lies, clubs and other things that make it playing golf instead of just hitting balls. Football, baseball, tennis, basketball, martial arts, swimming…many of those sports train where they play. While it can be challenging to get out onto a course in a ‘play practice’ due to tee time availability or round fees, there are ways to incorporate good course smarts when one does get out onto the course.

I often take students out onto the course if we can in their first assessment session to see the skills and their issues in action, see the pre-shot and aim in action. I look for the low-hanging fruit first and see where we can lower score without major swing changes. During play lessons with students, I find there are some common themes that might help many golfers with some strategy ideas that could reduce score and increase satisfaction.

1. Play to one’s strength. Often times we see golfers forget their strengths in their games. For example, if one has a great short game and it’s more reliable than a fairway wood, why not lay-up, chip and then 1-2 putt instead of hitting an unreliable long club into trouble? Control the next shot at the current shot’s decision. Know where and when to miss it well and have a plan. A well-planned alternative shot might add a stroke to one’s score but could potentially save 2-3 shots overall. Many golfers and students highlight their ‘blow-up’ hole mistakes – imagine if the blow-up hole score was only 1 shot higher instead of 2-4 shots higher? I offer a Mental Golf Profile for individuals or groups to show tendencies and opportunities based on a player’s style…it’s a very cool learning tool!

2. Damage Control. Most golfers seem to take the low percentage shot that hasn’t been practiced or isn’t what one could call a ‘green light’ trustworthy shot. In a situation where a long club (3-wood, 5-wood, long hy-

brid) MIGHT run up onto the green between hazards or obstacles guarding both front sides of the green (33 percent chance it will), would it ever be worthwhile to 100 percent leave it short of the danger, pitch or chip on at 100 percent certainty and then 1 or 2 putt at 100 percent certainty (short game and putting need to be on). Score can definitely be lowered by some pre-planning and different strategy, as well as improving short game and putting skills! Play the percentages. I play to 80 yards from the green and then hit my gap wedge in, even if I could get to 30 yards… much better play for me and less trouble. I know a top Tour professional who leaves it at 70 yards instead of closer as she’s laser-sharp at that 70-yard range and capitalizes on it.

3. Club Selection. Many golfers don’t take enough club for various reasons. Often times, this makes one swing harder than necessary and interrupts the fluid swing motion that can affect direction and solid contact. How often is one short or to the side of the green instead of over the green? Test this one day by taking one more club than you think you need all day. Best yet, play a few holes in the late afternoon doing this experiment instead of during a round with your group when it counts. Course ‘practice play’ during course downtime is a vital part of growth in one’s game!

Find the best ways to get the ball into the hole in the least possible strokes. Play Prac-

tice involves hitting a few shots with good intention on a Play focus (not a swing skill technique), picking up the shots and moving along to a shot near the green for a few putts, chips, pitches or sand shots. Then picking those balls up and moving onto the next hole for perhaps some fairway hybrid shots, then something around or on the green, keeping the game moving within your allotted pace of play while others playing behind. An example of Range vs. Play Focus is practicing on the range by checking 10 shots to see if the rear shoe is fully up on the toe and the body is facing the target (paying very specific attention to those checkpoints) while playing on the course is inviting the image of what it feels like to face the target feeling the weight on the lead leg at the finish (more feel and imagery rather than thought).

When I teach at national academies and we head to the course in the afternoons following morning skills and lunch, we put our ideas into practice as if playing…time for repetitive hitting is over, and that’s not playing the game of golf. We hit a few shots all at the same time, testing out a goal in the real setting then

picking up and moving on just as the group behind moves into their shot, so we’re always moving along. Hitting ten 7-irons on the range well and then not hitting it on the first try on the course is normal since it hasn’t been practiced in that environment.

Nicole Weller is an award-winning LPGA/ PGA teaching professional and instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. Feel free to submit your question or topic for the Nicole’s Notes column via her website ‘Contact Nicole’ page. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.

Ocean-Inspired Art

Barbara Bennett Snyder’s Enamel Work

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Manylocal artists are drawn to the ocean as a recurring theme. The underwater world is a private domain where humans cannot freely reside, and sea life cannot depart. This subject often inspires artwork and allows artists to express their curiosity and admiration in art forms. Accomplished silversmith and jewelry artist Barbara Bennett Snyder started her long artistic career as an interior designer. “I was always artistic and often voted class artist in school. I went to Parson’s School for Interior Design in New York and designed corporate computer rooms for several years for the Fortune 500. I even redesigned the War Room at the CIA,” she said.

Originally from Long Island, Bennett now resides in Boiling Spring Lakes.

“I moved to the Raleigh area 31 years ago because I knew we would be looking to retire, and taxes in New York are outrageous. My family is spread out, but I do have a little 4-year-old great-granddaughter in Southport,” she said. “When I moved to Raleigh, my focus turned to

restaurant design. I worked for several years for myself and then for about 15 years for two architectural firms. Raleigh has a wonderful arts program, and I was able to take silversmith classes after work. I was hooked. As soon as I retired, I headed for the coast since I had always lived close to the beach. Long Island is one long beach,” said Bennett. “I have

been making jewelry for 14 years. I started with silversmith work and advanced to enamel and cloisonne work.”

Her connection with the ocean is evident, with many of her unique creations being that of sea creatures. “My greatest inspiration is the sea,” Barbara explained. “I like to create things with the hope that the new owner will love it as much as I do. Some things are hard to part with as most are one of a kind,” she said.

Enamel is basically glass that is fused with metal. Bennett uses three types of enamel: cloisonne, champleve, and plique ajour. They all involve using fine silver and mostly transparent enamels fired in layers at 1400°. Cloisonné and champlevé are exquisite enamelwork techniques that use vitreous enamel glass powders on metal pieces to create intricate designs. They both involve creating areas of metal where the powder can be confined to form the design. The method of Plique ajour is where the enamel doesn’t have a backing

metal and is left bare so light can shine through, giving the piece a stained glass kind of transparency. “It’s a long process but rewarding,” she said.

When Bennett isn’t creating jewelry, she enjoys making resin Christmas ornaments and teaching a jewelry Silversmith class at Brunswick Community College Southport Center. “I teach a unique advanced class. Most of the students are advanced, but I bring in beginners with little training and throw them right into cloisonne. It makes for an interesting class, although I am often teaching multiple skills at a time. I teach advanced silversmith skills, including enameling and cloisonne.”

“Folks sometimes call looking for my store, but I don’t sell from my own store. My work sells at Ricky Evans,

Art Beat

Southport, Eclipse Artisan Boutique, Wilmington, and Cameron Art Museum. My work will be in the pre-holiday show at Cameron Art Museum on Nov. 8 from 10 to 4pm,” she said.

For more information about Bennett, you can email her at barbarabennett716@gmail.com or call her at 919-830-3505.

SPOTTINGS

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® (MRA) Vice President, Brooke Rudd, Broker, REALTOR®, GRI and past President of the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® was recently elected to serve as an officer of the NC REALTORS® association, specifically as its first-ever, First Vice President. The election for 2025 officers and RPAC Trustees was held from Aug. 12 to 16, 2024, and voted on by association members across the state.

Rudd’s accomplishments include a 2023 appointment to the NC REALTORS® Risk Management Committee as the Region 2 Vice President Liaison for the NC REALTORS® Executive Committee, the 2018 REALTOR® of the Year Award with the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® and 2019 graduation from the state-level William C. Bass Leadership Academy. In 2019, she served the NC REALTORS® as Vice Chair of its Forms Committee and as a member of the Diversity Conference Subcommittee and Diversity Committee. In 2020, Rudd served on the NC REALTORS® Executive Committee as the NC REALTORS® Presidential Appointment and was then elected Region 2 Vice President for the organization in 2022.

Last month, Dosher Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC), hosted a #GiveHealthy drive-through food donation event. Between staff support and community donations combined, 485 pounds of food and $135 in cash donations were collected. BWC staff coordinated distribution to the food pantry located on the Brunswick Community College (BCC) campus and to students in the Brunswick Interagency Program (BIP), which serves people with special needs.

BWC Executive Director, Dr. Leigh Lane, said, “We thank everyone who took the time and the care to fill an urgent need at the BCC food pantry and to help BIP students receive high quality, nutritious selections. Healthy eating habits are key in helping individuals learn and reach their full potential while lowering the risk of certain chronic diseases.”

Brunswick Community College announced the reappointment of service by three members of the college’s Board of Trustees. The trustees include Chairman Alan Holden, appointed by the NC State Senate; Vice Chairman Michael Norton, appointed by the Brunswick County Commissioners; and Les Tubb, appointed by the NC House of Representatives.

Holden and Norton were sworn in by Judge Gerald Arnold and Tubb by NC State Representative Charlie Miller during the August meeting of the Board.

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of the BCC Board of Trustees, especially the three members who have chosen to extend their service tonight,” said BCC President Gene Smith. “The strength of our institution and our success in empowering every student is deeply rooted in the steadfast commitment of our Board. Their invaluable guidance continues to be a cornerstone of our mission, and I thank them sincerely for their ongoing support of our students and community.”

CALENDAR

September

We’ve included events here that were scheduled at press time, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change.

SEPT 3

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

The Round Table is back after summer break, and starts off the season with “Battle of Spotsylvania Court House,” by popular Civil War historian Chris Mackowski. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium, 100 Caswell Beach Road (Fort Caswell) starting at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. All are welcome, and the cost is $10 for non-members, which can go toward the annual membership fee of $25. See story in this issue for more details about this month’s program.

SEPT 4

Masonboro Island Eco Tour

Wrightsville Beach Eco Tours leads this 2-hour excursion which includes a shell hunt and eco-education talk. Children will be encouraged to use what they find to make an art project. The cost is $75 and is for anyone ages 8 and older. The tour is from 1 to 3 pm. Visit https://apm.activecommunities. com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

SEPT 7

Artisan Autumn Market

The St. James Artisans’ Association Autumn Market is 11 am to 3 pm at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road (N.C. 211). Start your holiday shopping or pick up some new fall decor.

SEPT 7

Holistic Health and Wellness Fair

Enjoy food, vendors and classes from 10 am to 4 pm at Barn and Beach Designs, 4874 Old Long Beach Road. Plenty of parking, free to attend, but there is a fee for some classes.

SEPT 7

It’s Our Town clean up — Southport Join your neighbors in this monthly effort to spruce up the city from 9 am - noon. All you need to bring is your en-

ergy, good intentions; tools will be provided. Meet up at the old jail annex at the corner of Rhett and Nash streets at 9 am for a morning of fresh air, weeding, pruning, planting and other gardening work.

SEPT 7

Sunset on Summer

Oak Island bids farewell to another summer season with its now annual Sunset on Summer celebration. Enjoy live music, food trucks, adult beverages for sale and children’s events, 11 am to 8 pm at the Middleton Park Complex, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive. The band lineup is: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot at 12 noon, Chicago Rewired at 3 pm and On the Border at 6 pm.

SEPT 9

Paddle Through History

Join the Southport Historical Society and The Adventure Kayak Company for a trip on Rice Creek that focuses on Arthur Hobbs, 3rd Royal Governor of North Carolina. Trip floats off at 8 am, call 910-454-0607 to join the fun.

SEPT 10

The History of the NAACP in Southport Local historian Donnie Joyner will take participants back 60 years to the time of the nationwide Civil Rights movement and the establishment of Southport’s branch of the NAACP. Learn about Southport’s citizens who stepped up to work for equality and to drive Jim Crow out of our community. This free program, the Southport Historical Society’s Second Tuesday Talk, will be 10 am - 1 pm at Harper Library, 109 West Moore St. Call 910-457-6237 to reserve your seat.

SEPT 14

Feast of the Pirates

Belville’s Riverwalk Park will host a pirate festival, complete with encampments, cannon fire, sword sparring, black powder pistols and rifles demos, pirate re-enactors, assorted vendors and food trucks as well as live music and sea shanties, a costume contest for kids, Most Wanted Villain Hunt, story time, living history, games, and more. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm at the Park 580 River Road SE. See story in this issue for all the details, matey.

SEPT 16-28

24th Annual Visual Arts Show

The Brunswick County Arts Council hosts this annual show, with locations rotating around the county. This year’s show is at Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West St. (next to Franklin Square Park). Works from area teens and adults in 2D and 3D will be on display during gallery hours, 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.

SEPT

17

Movie Night - Oak Island

Enjoy a free showing of “Inside Out” at the Oak Island Recreation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive. The movie starts at 5 pm, and popcorn will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and your own non-alcoholic drinks.

SEPT

19

Friends of the NC Maritime Museum Concert Featuring The BAck Porch Rockers

5 - 7 pm on the Garrison House Lawn. enter raffle to win kayaks or the Infamous Trunk of Grog! Winner will be drawn at 6:45.

SEPT

19-22

Fly on the Ford Tri-Motor

The local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) brings the historic plane back to the area for flights, weather permitting. Flights are $99 for adults and $75 for children 17 and younger. The weekend’s events all include a kids movie night Friday, a pancake breakfast Saturday morning and a Roaring 20s party Saturday night. The Cape Fear Regional JetPort is hosting the activities, 4015 Airport Road, Oak Island. See story elsewhere in this issue for more details.

SEPT 21

Torpedoes of the American Civil War

This month’s Deep Dive into History at the NC Maritime Museum at Southport focuses on the development and use of torpedoes during the Civil War. Deep Dive programs combine live interpretation, material culture displays and hands-on activities; according to the Maritime Museum’s website, this program promises to “be a blast.” The program is free, and open to the public

from 10 am to 3 pm.

SEPT 22

Low Country Boil

Enjoy a low country boil from Shrimply Delicious Catering at the Museum of Coastal Carolina benefit. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. The boil will be 4:30-7 pm at the museum, and there will be live music from Chicky’s Boy and games. Visit www.museumplanetarium.org for more information and to purchase tickets. The museum is located at 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach.

SEPT 23

History Talk — Southport Suzie’s Stephen Burns, with the Southport Historical Society, will talk about the Rise and Fall of the WB&S, Southport’s Railroad. Have a drink or snack and enjoy learning Southport History. The program starts at 6 pm, 4956 Old Long Beach Road.

SEPT 25

Kiwanis Open House

The Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island Open House will feature displays and presentations from club members regarding the more than two dozen projects and programs the club offers for children in the county. Those interested in learning more are invited to drop in anytime between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

SEPT 27

Book Signing — Silver Coast Winery

Pelican Bookstore hosts author Brenda Novak for a book signing for her most recent novel, “The Banned Books Club,” which will be released Sept 17. Tickets are $45, and include a “I Read Banned Books” swag bag, a paperback copy of the book, light hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with the author. The events starts at 5:30 pm at the Winery, 6680 Barbecue Road NW, Ocean Isle Beach.

SEPT 28

Carolina Blues: Indigo On the Cape Fear River

The NC Maritime Museum at Southport staff teams up with Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson staff to present this program about an important com-

modity in the 1700s. Visitors will learn about the process used by skilled enslaved African labor to extract this valuable dye from the indigo plants, and delve into the science behind dye production. Visitors will also have a chance to view and work an active fermentation vat, and dyeing demonstrations will occur throughout the course of the program. T-shirts will also be available for purchase for visitors to try their hand at resist dyeing. The program is 11 am to 3 pm at the site, 8884 Saint Philips Road SE, Winnabow (off NC 133).

SEPT 28-29

Sacred Heart Ladies Guild Raffles

The Ladies Guild is selling wreaths and raffling off handmade crafts. Wreaths and crafts will feature fall and the fall and winter holidays. Raffle tickets are $2 or 10 for $10, and will be available from 10 am to noon on Saturday, and before and after the 5 pm service, and again before and after the 8:30 am and 11 am Masses on Sunday. All proceeds will be used to support Brunswick County charities.

OCT 1

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Eric J. Wittenberg, award-winning Civil War historian and author of 21 books, will bring to life the dramatic campaign of Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s “March to the Sea” in his presentation entitled, “Sherman’s Carolinas Campaign.” Sherman’s tactics devastated the South. The destruction of civilian property is still debated by historians today, although it undeniably played a crucial role in the Union’s final victory. Eric will state the facts and doesn’t take sides. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium, 100 Caswell Beach Road (Fort Caswell) starting at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. All are welcome, and the cost is $10 for non-members, which can go toward the annual membership fee of $25.

OCT 5

Barn and Beach Designs Fall Festival

Come welcome the fall season with food, arts and crafts and vendors from 9 am - 4 pm at Barn and Beach Designs, 4874 Old Long Beach Road

Open Air Markets

Olde Southport Village Shoppes Farmers Market — Wednesdays

The Village Shops spill out onto the courtyard with vendors and artisans joining in to offer a wide variety of goods. The Market is on Wednesdays though August, 9 am to 1 pm at The Village, 1102 N. Howe St., behind the Smokehouse restaurant.

Ongoing Events

Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island

The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 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 D Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs.

Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St, Southport: The Lifelong Learners program meets at Harper Library on Wednesdays, 10 am. Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport

204 E. Moore St.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays thr Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed Sept 3 & 4). Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. September’s Third program is 7 pm on the 17th at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. is “Federal Navy at Fort Fisher.” Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Historic Bike Tours in Southport

Tour historic Southport on bike with

the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. The cost is $35 for the tour and bike/helmet rental or $30 if you bring your own. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.

Oak Island Recreation Department

Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.

Franklin

Square Art Gallery

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.

First Friday Gallery Walk

5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, including Franklin Square Art GAllery, Ricky evans and Lantana’s; stroll along and browse in the shops to see what local artists have to offer..

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.

Battleship North Carolina

Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year, such as Memorial Day observances, Battleship 101 and more. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).

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 10 am 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 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.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays 12-4 pm. Sandbar lectures are 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday. Touch tank feedings are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am.

Ingram Planetarium

7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach

Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 am - 4 pm for dome shows and science displays. Laser shows run hourly from 5:30 - 8 pm Monday - Saturday. Visit https:// musemplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule..

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

River Hotel

706 E. Moore St. (food trucks planned for live music events)

Sept 5 — Double Cherry Pie

Sept 12 — Rev & the Flying Flamingos

Sept 19 — Double Cherry Pie

Sept 26 — Trilogy

Oct 3 — Double Cherry Pie

Southport Concert Series — Sundays on the Lawn

Enjoy great music with an even better view on the Fort Johnston Garrison lawn (Bay Street)

Sept 1 — Lockwood River Band

Sept 8 — Whiplash

Sept 15 — Rev and the Flying Flamingoes

Sept 22 — The Ford Project

Sept 19 — Chance Union

Oct 6 — The Stone Cold Blues Band

CALENDAR

WINE, BEER AND COFFEE

American Fish Co

150 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport

Gorgeous views at this waterfront bar, live music, and great conversations; now open for the season!.

Haven

307 N. Howe St., Southport

This downtown spot features “bites, beer, gelato, wine” with space for live music too. Tuesdays feature live music and wine tastings, Fridays have live music and beer tastings, and there’s live music on Saturday too..

Royal James

109 E. Moore St., Southport

Southport’s brand new rum and tequila bar in the heart of downtown; also serving signature Cuban sandwiches and other tasty salads and snacks.

Southport Coffee Co. & Kitchen

130 E. Moore Street, Southport

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

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 Suzie’s

4956 Long Beach Road (Big Lots shopping center)

Frozen yogurt with a toppings bar, desserts, wine and craft beer, charcuterie, and wine tastings. Mondays are Speakeasy night (featuring various speakers), Wednesdays feature wine tastings, trivia and bingo are on Thursdays and live music is on Sundays.

Southport Tap & Cellar

827 N. Howe St., Southport

Offering craft beers brought in from across the State. Check Facebook for food truck appearances and trivia nights.

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! Bar swag bingo on Tuesday nights.

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.

Crossroads Gathering Place

128 Country Club Drive, Oak Island

Enjoy coffee, mimosas and other tasty beverages and treats on the huge waterway porch. Listen to music, shop at one of the many vendors or just relax in a rocking chair.

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.

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.

Bald Head Coffee & Tea House

3481 George II Highway SE (N.C. 8),

Boiling Spring Lakes

Fresh roast coffee and tea in delicious flavors, plus coffee and tea accessories for purchase. Live music and outdoor seating available too!

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!

1215 PALATKA PLACE SE, BOLIVIA, NC | 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,005 SF | Built in 2022 and located in the desirable subdivision of Palmetto Creek, this house boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with a Luxury Upgraded Trim Package. The large living area,17x19, has a gas fireplace with many built-ins, tray ceiling, wainscoting, open floor plan for family or entertainment. Step out onto a 15x12 screened lanai and a 15x12 patio with a gas line for your grill. The Kitchen has an abundance of soft close cabinets, a large island with granite countertops, gas stove, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a separate 11x12 dining area with tray ceiling. The HOA has lots of amenities including a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts and fitness room. Currently listed at $430,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Kathy MacNish at (919) 352-2809 for more information or schedule a showing.

4874 BEECH TREE DRIVE SE, SOUTHPORT, NC | 4 BR, 2 BA, 1,967 SF | Charming single-level home located in Carolina Place featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a spacious Bonus Room located over the garage. The home includes a separate laundry room, two-car garage and convenient walk-in attic storage. The interior boasts a spacious open floor plan with a separate dining area, highlighted by LVP flooring. A cozy fireplace with gas logs and crown molding in the dining room adds to its appeal. The fenced in backyard and firepit provides privacy for enjoying grilling and just relaxing with family and/ or guests. Carolina Place offers a

MARKETPLACE

community pool with restrooms, dry boat and RV storage, and a community dock with a nature trail. Currently listed at $374,900 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Lynda Young at (919) 452-2793 for more information or to schedule a showing.

121 NW 17TH STREET, OAK ISLAND, NC | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,347 SF | Built by Buff Builders in 2016 on the quiet west side of the island, it is turnkey and mostly furnished. Great floorplan in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a screened porch and a double door storage room underneath the house. Beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The backyard is mostly fenced with a sprinkler system and privacy panels under the house if you want to create an outdoor living area. An outdoor shower helps keep the sand out of the house. Washer, Dryer and Refrigerator remain with the home. Solar panels were added in 2022. Currently listed at $635,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Karen Wirzulis at (910) 319-8592 for more information or schedule a showing.

1993 STYRONS LANDING ROAD. $649,900 Water Access Community!! New Construction with Water Views Galore only 2 1/2 miles from the Holden Beach Bridge! Wake up every morning in your marsh front home to views of the Sea Aire Canal AND the Intracoastal Waterway! Introducing Sea Spray Cottage, a classic take on the 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1813 Sq. Ft. home featuring clean lines and enhanced finishes designed to capture the panoramic marsh and water views of Holden Beach. Call Karen Saunders, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 713-0021.

BONNER BUSSELLS DRIVE. 3 bed | 2 bath | $689,000. Distinguished single-owner ranchstyle home situated in the tranquil neighborhood of Smithville Woods. This exceptional property embodies comfortable living, offering an impressive array of amenities, including an expansive deck, a dedicated grilling pavilion, an inviting outdoor fire-pit area, and a conditioned 2-car detached garage with utility sink and ample storage room. This

3521 SANDERLING DRIVE SE, SOUTHPORT, NC | 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,200 SF | Located in St James on the Members Golf Course - overlooking the green of the 15th hole. This meticulously maintained updated 4-bedroom 3 full bath home with hardwood floors, wainscoting and crown molding is waiting for you. One level living with an open concept living room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace with custom built -in shelves on each side. There are 4 sliding/compressed doors that open to your four season EZ Breeze Carolina Room with floor to ceiling windows to capture that beautiful view-sunsets and all! The kitchen has upscale Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances, gas stove, granite on countertops and island, subway tile and lots of storage. There’s also an eat-in kitchen with plenty of windows to take in that view! Currently listed at $799,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Pam Katz at (203) 671-6043 for more information or schedule a showing.

home is nestled along a secluded, lightly traveled street in a community known for its pride of ownership, this residence has the added benefit of being free from HOA dues. Inside you will discover spacious bedrooms, including a serene master suite with its own ensuite bathroom, a well-appointed kitchen with modern appliances, abundant counter space, and a convenient breakfast nook for casual dining. The large living room has a propane fireplace that is fused by a 300 Gallon propane tank. The property’s exterior is adorned with lush landscaping, meticulously manicured lawns, and mature trees, enhancing its curb appeal. This home offers proximity to Southport Elementary school, several commercial shopping centers, dining establishments, parks, and is just a golf cart ride away from Downtown Southport! Call Myles Williams, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 619-9655.

305 FIRE FLY LANE. .14 AC

Homesite | $84,900. This beautiful lot sits on the quaint ‘tree lined’’ street in the Cottages of Prices Creek. If you are looking for a neighborhood with a community pool, clubhouse with a fitness center, then this is the perfect spot for you. Only minutes away from the Fort Fisher ferry & just a golf cart ride to downtown Southport, where one can enjoy fine dining, shopping, or stroll the waterfront parks and watch the ships go by. This lot is being sold as part of a lot/home package with home to be built by: CL Smith Construction & we’re ready to turn your dream home into a reality. Choose from our range of cottage plans or work with us to create a custom design that’s uniquely yours. Don’t miss out on this opportunity - call us today to start your journey to a coastal lifestyle! Call Sarah Smith, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 443-8000, for more information.

657 WILD ROSE WAY. .40 AC

Homesite | $140,000. Just released by the developer! This beautiful, wooded lot in Jonas Creek is located in one of Southport’s most sought-after neighborhoods near the Historic downtown waterfront. The .40-acre lot is the last lot available in PH 2 and is perfectly situated next to a pocket park that allows you to take advantage of the extra green space. This lot is to be sold as a ‘’Lot/Home Package’’ with a custom home to be built by C.L. Smith Construction. The builder has created a home plan that was specially designed for this unique lot and is ready to share with an interested buyer. With its close proximity to downtown Southport one can enjoy shopping, fine dining or just stroll along the beautiful waterfront while watching the ships go by. If you’re an avid boater, this neighborhood is walking distance to the marina; and is the ideal place to build your dream home! Give Sarah Smith, Southport Realty, Inc., a call today, (910) 443-8000, so you can build your dream cottage on the coast!.

1002

DINING GUIDE

Find Something Sure To Please Everyone

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

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 910-363-4382Featuring 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.

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

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 con-

Pizza and a sandwich at Dry Street Pub & Pizza

tact 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

SALT 64

6404 E Oak Island Dr, Oak ISland 910-933-1019

Serving coastal cuisine in an upscale atmosphere

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

Royal James

109 E. Moore St., Southport

Southport’s brand new rum and tequila bar in the heart of downtown; also serving signature Cuban sandwiches and other tasty salads and snacks.

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.

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

DINING GUIDE

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

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 GOURMET AND SUSHI BAR

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.

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, enchiladas and chalupas, fresh salsa and margaritas; serves traditional Mexican dishes.

TACO & BURITTO SHACK

3261 Hwy 87, BSL 910-351-0179

SIDE STREAT TAKE OUT

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

Tex-Mex style cuisines at a local take-out joint.

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.

Solar Brewing

8108 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island Oak Island’s first and only brewery! Also featuring pizza, wings and even a giant pretzel!

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.

DINING GUIDE

(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

BALD HEAD COFFEE & TEA HOUSE

3481 George II Hwy (Hwy 87), Boiling Spring Lakes 800-484-8399

Serving coffe and tea drinks along with breakfast sandwiches, croissanta and other goodies. Drive-thru available.

Crossroads Gathering Place

128 Country Club Drive

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.

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.

lime pie, and carrot cake.

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

INDOCHINE EXPRESS

1131 N. Atlantic Ave, Southport

SIDE STREET BAKERY

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

Locals suggest the cupcakes, lemon bars, key

RCarroll PROPERTIES

Live the Sweet Life on the Southern Coast