November 2024 Southport Magazine

FALL INDOOR CRAFT FAIR

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

In November we like to recognize the role small and local businesses play in our community, and this month we’ve featured stories on several --Cattail Cottage, which has been serving Southport for more than 17 years; Royal James, Southport’s first and only rummery with a Caribbean vibe; and an entrepreneur based in Holden Beach who has re-invented the coffee mug.

This issue also features our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Check it out and see how much your local small businesses have to offer. They have things you aren’t likely to find at the big box stores or online. Shopping local helps your community to thrive. It’s even more important this year after the disruptions caused by our end-of-summer storm. Now that it’s easy as ever to get around our community again, we urge you to go out and enjoy some shopping with your neighbors. You’ll be glad you did! -- 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

Discover Southport History

Buy A Commemorative Brick to Support The Southport Historical Society Orders Open ThroughNovember 30

4” x 8” brick with 3 lines of text, $75

8” x 8” brick with 6 lines of text, $125

Some of the ways to recognize family, friends or places:

• Anniversary, birthday, holiday or other special occasion

• Military service

• Graduation

• Memorial for a loved one

• A beloved homestead

The bricks purchased during this time frame will be placed in the walkway at Ft. Johnston Museum and Visitors Center, in the Spring of 2023. Order Online at: www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/southporthistoricalsociety

The bricks purchased will be placed by Memorial Day 2025 Order Online at: www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/southporthistoricalsociety.com

Questions? Email us at info@southporthistoricalsociety.org

Questions? Email us at info@southporthistoricalsociety.org

Community

Showing Support

Southport ABC Store Joins the Fight to Stop Soldier Suicide

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATRICIA LANGER

I

n March of 2024, we ran a story about an outstanding non-profit called Stop Soldier Suicide. It’s an organization that aims to reduce military suicides by helping those in immediate crisis, and by conducting research to address the underlying issues of PTSD. The late Captain Austin Murga, son of St. James residents Kevin and Gay Murga, was featured in the article.

Reading about a local soldier’s tragic death, and his parents’ brave decision to join forces with Stop Soldier Suicide, touched a chord in Todd Dunn, manager of the Southport ABC Store. Dunn decided to spread awareness of the organization by promoting a private label bottle of bourbon featuring the Stop Soldier Suicide logo in the Southport ABC Store at 714 N. Howe St. The SSS promotional bottle is available now for a limited time.

Before moving to this area, Todd Dunn lived near Fort Bragg for 16 years and had nothing but respect for the strong military community there.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for anyone who serves their country, whether it be in the military, the police force, the fire department, or some other capacity,” Todd said.

Todd met the Murgas a few years back when the Southport ABC store supplied bourbon for an 82nd Airborne event and recognized them in the Southport Magazine article. Dunn was moved by their story; simultaneously saddened by their loss and awed by their determination to help other people avoid such a tragedy.

“I wanted to do something to help them. The store can’t donate to individual causes, but we can help promote awareness.”

Captain Austin Murga, a graduate of Virginia Military Academy and an Army Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division was, by all accounts, an outstanding soldier, a strong leader, and a well-loved young man. Captain Murga, aged 26, succumbed to PTSD-related suicide on September 7, 2020, just six months after his return from deployment

to Afghanistan.

After their son’s devastating death, Gay and Kevin Murga started researching military suicides and PTSD. They learned that the VA has historically been overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle the epidemic levels of military deaths by suicide. They also learned that Stop Soldier Suicide, a non-profit founded by veterans in 2010, is an excellent organization to fill the gap. The Murgas became outspoken advocates and strong financial supporters of the group. They started hosting an annual golf tournament and charity auction at the St. James Players Club in 2021. To date, the “Captain Austin Murga Memorial Tournament” has raised more than $300,000 to benefit Stop Soldier Suicide, making it the largest donor in NC.

SSS’s mission is “to reduce service member and veteran suicide by using enhanced data insights, focused client acquisition, and suicide specific intervention services.” SSS provides 24/7 mental health care through telehealth services. Soldiers receive a one-on-one wellness coordinator who develops a personalized treatment plan that includes sui-

cide-specific care for their physical and mental health, resources and referrals, information on alternative therapies, education and training. SSS provides consistent care that is deemed “disruptive and pro-active.”

The suicide risk for active service members and veterans in the US is currently 57 percent higher than the national average. The US Department of Defense acknowledges that PTSD, an invisible but very serious war injury, is the leading cause, particularly over the last 20 years. Multiple deployments to Afghanistan, due to the length of the war and the absence of a US draft, has resulted in soldiers who endure a prolonged atmosphere of “fight or flight,” which takes a heavy toll on the psyche. Alcoholism, drug abuse and financial strains add to the toxic mix. Soldiers receive little reintegration counseling upon their return. The military training that demands physical and mental toughness from soldiers creates a mindset that prevents them from admitting to psychological struggles or seeking help. To make matters worse, the modern culture in the United States can be socially isolating, making it

Gay and Kevin Murga with the Southport ABC Store Southern Star Bourbon display

hard for young veterans to find a strong network of support.

Key components to the success of SSS are the fact that it’s completely confidential and completely free. SSS is fully funded by donations and therefore able to provide its services at no cost to the soldier. Veterans never need to worry about the financial strain of mental health treatment. And because SSS is an independent organization, with no reporting to the Department of Defense or the VA, active-duty soldiers can contact them without fear of damage to their military career. Veterans can en-

gage with SSS and not worry about the stigma that still hovers around mental health issues within the military community.

The Southport ABC Store, a government-controlled retail outlet, cannot donate to specific causes. It can, however, help by raising awareness of the Soldier Suicide Stop organization. The promotional bottle, Southern Star Bourbon, features the Stop Soldier Suicide logo and website address, along with a tribute to Captain Austin Murga. Customers can go to the website to learn more about the organization and to make a donation. The store display includes a poster with a picture of Captain Murga, along with a QR code that links to his story and a QR code for donations to Stop Soldier Suicide.

Southern Star is a high-end, yet reasonably priced, high rye bourbon produced by Southern Distilling Company of Statesville, North Carolina. Todd Dunn sampled the barrel before committing to the purchase through the store’s “Private Barrel Selects” program. Customers can taste the bourbon at Loco Jo’s Restaurant before committing to purchase a

bottle. Southport ABC Store, which has an extensive bourbon program, works in partnership with several local restaurants to carry the same bourbons, which can work as a resource for customers.

The war against military suicide is a difficult, long-term battle. Great strides have been made over the last ten years,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1

both through government and private efforts, but there is still a long way to go until victory is reached. You can help raise awareness of Stop Soldier Suicide’s mission by supporting the Southport ABC Store’s campaign or by donating to: www. StopSoldierSuicide. org.

The Southport ABC Store’s promotion started off with 176 bottles of Southern Star and will continue until the barrel runs out. Bottles are selling fast, so get yours before they’re gone!

If you are a soldier or veteran in crisis, call Stop Soldier Suicide at 844-3171136 for confidential, free help. Dial or text “988” then hit “1” to reach the US Army’s Veteran Crisis Hotline.

Cookies & Cocktails Receive a Free Gift w/a $25 Purchase

Additional Opportunities For Showing Support to Military Service at

the Southport ABC Store

Southport

ABC Store also features bourbon from BHAWK Distillary of Southern Pines. Veterans Brad and Jessica Halling, both re- tired from distinguished careers in the Army, founded the company as a way to show Grat- itude (the name of their line) for those who serve. Labels feature pictures and stories of extraordinary military servicemen and women. BHAWK, an acronym for Brad Halling Ameri- can Whisky Ko., is a supporter of Stop Soldier Suicide and has donated to the Murga’s annu- al charity golf tournament. BHAWK bourbon, rye, and Pistachio Bourbon Cream Liquor are available at the Southport ABC Store.

BLACK FRIDAY - NOVEMBER 29

Early Bird Specials 9:00-12:00pm (follow us on Facebook & Instagram for our deals

Southport ABC Store Manager Todd Dunn with the Murgas

Southport’s Rummery

Royal James is Ready to Party Like a Pirate

STORY BY JANET FORTNEY

We recently sat down with Patrick Gaynor of Southport’s Royal James Rummery to learn more about the bar and eatery that has quickly become a favorite place to hang out for both locals and visitors alike.

What’s your background and the backstory of Royal James? How did it come to be?

I’m one of the proprietors. I have a business partner. His name is Scott Moore. He owns the Irish pub [The Pub of Southport] and he and I own Royal James together. We opened on March 19, 2024, so we’re still in our first year. We’ve been at the Irish pub for 15 years, so we’re not newcomers to town by any stretch of the imagination. I moved here in 2004. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I moved here in various roles across Brunswick and New Hanover County. I’m originally from upstate New York.

We were looking to do something different in Southport. I had a working title [for the establishment] that nobody else in our group liked. We nixed that first name. My partner’s from England and this building was built and had attorneys in it from the beginning. So I wanted to name it Barristers. My partner and my wife and his wife decided that they didn’t like that name, so they told me to go back to the drawing board, which I did. And we came up with Royal James. I love the history of Southport and we wanted to celebrate that. Honestly, we have our own pirate! And the Royal James was the pirate Stede Bonnet’s ship’s

name. It wasn’t the name the entire time he was a pirate. He renamed it the Royal James right before he was captured. But when it was here and when it was captured, it was called the Royal James. So I wanted to do something with the name and some local history. And what’s more fitting to go with a pirate than rum and tequila? There’s not really anybody else in town that focuses on rum and tequila the way we do.

How did this building become the home of Royal James? What kind of renovations did you do to transform it?

The property was owned by a group of lawyers. My wife was friends with the son of one of the attorneys that owned the building. They were getting ready to put it on the market. So I kind of cold-called him and we started working out a deal to purchase the property. The building was built in 1915 by an attorney whose last name was Smith. He was part of the original Smith family of Southport. I think we’re the fourth or fifth owners of the building. There were basically two entrances to this building at one point in time. So we had to take a lot of walls down. It was a huge undertaking. The wood floors, as far as we

know, are the original wood floors. During Hurricane Isaias [in 2020], the whole facade of this building fell off. And the storm did some roof damage. So the upstairs had been recently renovated. There’s a brand new roof. The whole second floor of this building, the bricks have all been put back together. These are not original bricks, but they went to great lengths to make it look as original as they possibly could. We re-sanded the floors and darkened them, but they were in really good condition. We darkened the paint up [for atmosphere]. Downstairs was 100 percent gutted to the brick wall and we put in all new floor joists. We repurposed all the original doors and moved and reused the original wood paneling.

Do you know anything about previous occupants of the building?

I know for a fact that there was a Selective Service office in the building. I personally know four people who were drafted out of this office and are still alive to this day. Not only were they drafted here, but the bus picked them up here to take them to boot camp for Vietnam. I’ve been told stories that there was an old Bell South switchboard here upstairs where the ladies would manually work the switchboard. There was a surveying firm in the 70s, early 80s. Downstairs on the left, in the 30s, Ledgett’s Drugs started here. It was an oldtimey drugstore. After that there was a florist downstairs. She owned the building for a while and she was a mayor of Southport. I also heard that there was a bakery here in the 20s during the Depression.

You all have done an amazing job with the build-out and the decor and atmosphere.

My partner builds professionally for a liv-

ing and I’ve been in about 1,000 restaurants. I’ve done some design work for a local restaurant company. Our building company has built several restaurants for some of the bigger names in Wilmington. And we’ve done new builds for corporate restaurants. We have lots of experience in doing restaurants. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 14 years old and I’m 44 now. I kind of hate saying it now, but I’ve got 30 years of restaurant experience! Let’s talk about the cocktails and the food!

The drinks are fun. We just redid the menu. It’s only been out about a week at this point. We added some different drinks. We did some spin-offs of some regular drinks like The Painkiller. We have a new Pusser’s rum which is called Gunpowder. It’s a higher proof, so we added an  “Extra Strength Painkiller.”

We just did a launch of our own barrel-picked Código Rosa Tequila. It has our logo on the bottle and can be found at the Southport ABC store. George Strait was one of the owners of the tequila brand. It’s been out for a little while. He has a song called Código, as well. So we did a barrel pick of this Código Rosa and put a Painkiller on the menu called El Chappo.

We just did some menu changes to make a little more hearty of a fall/winter menu. We changed some sandwiches, added some sandwiches, and added a couple of bowls. We added several appetizers. Nothing against a great burger – I love a great burger – but we wanted our food to be a little bit cleaner [healthier] than most of the places in town. We don’t have a fryer. We don’t have fries. [We serve] tortilla chips to get a crunch on the menu if people want a crunch. We have the corn salad, which has been a huge hit. And the pineapple slaw, which is a traditional slaw with some pineapple and a little bit of seasoning in there. It’s been a big hit since we added that. Who is involved in the process of deciding what gets on the menu? Does everyone get to sit around and taste things?

No, the menu is not a committee thing! Our kitchen manager is Tarondus Morris. We’ve been together in the food and beverage industry for a long time. He used to be our kitchen manager at the pub. We are very efficient at working together and getting through a menu pretty quickly. Between costing it, looking at what peo-

ple like, what people don’t like. He’s got a really good reputation in the community. There’s people who come in here just because he’s here. I’m a trained, non-working chef myself. I’ve transitioned and I leave most of that to him and he does a fantastic job. But the reality is that most of the menu items are he and I talking to each other and then talking to customers, and realizing that the season’s changing, so we need to stop focusing on summer stuff and move to a little bit of heavier fall food.

What’s been the most fun evening or best party so far at Royal James?

I like being that beacon in the storm. For example, we were open during the first couple days of the unnamed storm in October. Most of my bar staff have been with me for years. They want to work. I would never put any one in harm’s way, but the reality of it was that there was not much danger down here. We opened up and we had a full restaurant because people had cabin fever and wanted to do something. I like being that place where people come to see other people. I like knowing that we’re part of a community. [In 2018,] the Southport Pub won an award for being the first business open after Hurricane Florence. It was less about money and more about that the staff was cooped up after Florence. Everyone was cooped up and wanted to do something other than being cooped up and they wanted to share their experiences. It was nice being able to be open and see people and have people experience something other than tragedy and have an outlet to be out of their homes. I enjoy those types of days more than just busy, crazy days.

Looks like you’ve had some fun events here recently.

We’ve had some cool parties up here [on the second-floor]. We just did a birth-

day party. We’ve had two jazz events. I like doing stuff that’s unique. The event is being booked by [local jazz pianist] Jake Beamer. He loves jazz and he came and looked at the space with our friend Tina Powers from Up Your Arts and thought it was the perfect space for jazz. Jay Killman and the Constellations Quartet is the group that played the events.

We also just did a History & Cocktails night with Jim McKee. Other people know him as Boo. He’s an historian up at Brunswick Town. We share a love for the pirate history and the rum and I asked him if he’d be interested in doing history events with cocktails. I wanted to be a little more informal, have people listen and have a drink in their hand. He talked about Stede Bonnet and the Royal James and we offered a special pirate cocktail. The money we charged will all be given back to Brunswick Town to fund the work that Jim does up there. And we’ve talked about some future ones we’re going to do.

What’s coming up on the event calendar?

We are booking up quickly for holiday parties, but we still have some room. The best way to contact me for parties is by email (RoyalJamesSpt@gmail. com). We can accommodate 30-50 people for a stand-up event, less for a seated one. We can move the two pool tables to open the space up, cover them, and put on tablecloths. Or leave one of the pool tables open so people can play. We can bring out additional seating. The space is really versatile and we can really make the space look like it’s not a pool room.

One of my favorite, fun features at Royal James is the open sidewalk bar. It’s such a cool idea and reminiscent of the islands and being on vacation.

I was going for a Caribbean vibe on that.

I’ve been told by multiple people that they feel like it’s a Key West thing. I’ve never been to Key West, but I’ll accept Key West!

Saturday, November 9 12 - 5 PM

4 0 0 7 N o r s e m a n L o o p U n i t 5

S o u t h p o r t ・ $ 3 7 9 , 0 0 0

3 B e d s | 2 5 B a t h s | 1 , 9 3 5 S q F t

6 0 8 A r a b e l l a L a n e

S o u t h p o r t ・ $ 8 8 7 , 5 0 0

4 B e d s | 3 B a t h s | 2 , 2 7 0 S q F t

5 0 2 1 W y n c i e W y n d

S o u t h p o r t ・ $ 2 7 6 , 0 0 0

2 B e d s | 2 B a t h s | 1 , 0 8 3 S q F t

1 1 7 C a n v a s b a c k P o i n t

H a m p s t e a d ・ $ 8 0 0 , 0 0 0

4 B e d s | 3 B a t h s | 2 , 5 8 1 S q F t

3 0 0 H i c k o r y R o a d

S o u t h p o r t ・ $ 3 6 5 , 0 0 0

3 B e d s | 2 B a t h s | 1 , 5 5 3 S q F t

3 5 0 4 E D o l p h i n D r i v e O a k I s l a n d ・ $ 1 , 1 5 0 , 0 0 0

5 B e d s | 4 5 B a t h s | 3 , 1 8 3 S q F t

Cattail Cottage

Lessons From 17 Years In Business

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES

Cattail Cottage is one of my go-to spots for gift buying. It’s not just that I can find a huge variety of stuff, I really just like to visit this place. Pam Sexton is wonderful, and her two pups are always happy to see me. I have to admit, it’s not just me — they’re happy to see everyone. Cattail Cottage changes with the seasons and stopping by always makes me feel the best of whatever time we happen to be in. When I saw that she was celebrating an anniversary, I figured it’d be a god time to check in and talk about her time as a small business person in Southport.

Congratulations on 17 years in business! How has your business changed over this time? What have been the keys to your success?

Thank you!  It was an exciting anniversary this year. Physical growth has been the biggest change. Moving from my small cottage at 122 into this larger location at 416 North Howe St. has been amazing. Not only was I able to expand the business locally, but I also improved my online pres-

ence. My brick and mortar location will always be my favorite platform because it is where I interact and build relationships with my customers, face to face. This faceto-face interaction ties right into my keys to success. I have always focused on offering excellent customer service, carrying only high-quality products, and creating a personable and fun, shopping experience for everyone who walks in my door.

What have been the biggest changes to the Southport business community over the last 17 years, do you think? What has stayed the same?

of your fellow Southport businesses and give our visitors and locals the best experience while visiting Southport.

What’s the most fun part of your job? The most challenging?

My favorite aspect of what I do is the merchandising for my customers.  It is my way of sharing my knowledge and ideas for decorating a home, and it is my artistic outlet. I get energized and excited when I go to trade shows and see the beautiful displays/ ideas, and I want my customers to feel the same excitement when they shop in my store. I believe the most challenging part of what I do is selecting which new items to bring in for my customers. Sometimes, the things I love, my customers do not love...and there are times when I didn’t order enough of an item and it flies out the door!

You always have so any new things in the shop, what has you most excited

The biggest change to the Southport business community is the addition of several progressive/chic businesses. We’ve got new retailers, bars, restaurants, and entertainment-focused businesses like Throwbaxe Axe House & Board Game Lounge, Southern - A Gathering Place, Southport Tap & Cellar, and Southport Dog. All of these businesses have their own special niche or expertise, making Southport an eclectic mixture of businesses. There is something new for everyone, locals and visitors, to see and do. What is so cool about the new business diversity is that it is hasn’t changed the smalltown feel of Southport, but it

Any advice to the new business owners in our community, particularly in retail?

I think the best thing you can do as a new business in Southport is to get to know your fellow business owners and think of creative ways to work together. Learn what other Southport businesses offer/sell so that when asked by a customer for a recommendation for a specific items/activity, you can share a recommendation with them. It’s the easiest way to be supportive

Southport Let owner, Cheryl Robinson create a custom floral arrangement for you! Birthdays | Anniversaries Weddings | Funerals 910-457-4428

has opened up new opportunities for our small town of Southport to change you.

Right now I am most excited about all the our new Apple watch bands.  They are beautiful, versatile, stretchy and interchangeable. Plus...they make a great gift!

Can you make the pitch for shopping local this holiday season?

Shopping Local is so important all year long, but it will be particularly important this holiday season.  From early September through mid-October, our downtown businesses all struggled due to the main

Biz Q&A

road closures caused by PTC#8 in early September. The business community rallied together and offered special discounts/events to get people to come to Southport but it was a tough 40+ days for business. All of your downtown businesses, including myself, missed our customers dearly, and we know they missed coming to Southport. Therefore, I encourage everyone this Holiday season to consider Southport FIRST when shopping, dining, and entertaining locally.

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You have a pet-centered event coming up, can you tell us about that?

On Dec 7, from 12-4 pm, Santa will be coming to take photos with your pets. We are asking for a $10 donation per pet as all donations will go directly to Paws Pantry, which collects pet food for Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) and Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship (SOIICF) Food Pantries. This is the only consistent source of free pet food in Brunswick County.  Our fellow event sponsor, Pawsability, is also asking our customers to bring cat/dog food donations for Paw Pantry.  If you donate cat/dog food, you’ll receive 10 percent off your entire Cattail Cottage purchase and receive a Cattail Cottage coupon for a future shopping trip.  A special thanks to Southport Magazine for sponsoring this event.  We can’t wait to see all the adorable pets for photos with Santa!

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LIGHTING CEREMONY

(Sponsored by City of Southport)

Friday, December 6, 6pm Whittlers Bench

STOREFRONT SHOWCASE

(Sponsored by City of Southport)

Visit and vote on local homes & businesses who have decorated for the season! Displays will be able to be voted on until December 14, with winners announced on December 16

WINTERFEST TEA

(Sponsored by City of Southport Beautification Committee and Community Relations)

Saturday, December 7, 1pm Community Building Tickets are $50 and located at Ft. Johnston Visitors Center

PET PICTURES WITH SANTA

(Sponsored by Southport Animal Protective Services)

Sunday, December 8, 2-4pm

Indian Trail Meeting Hall/ Keziah Park, 113 W. Moore St.

SHOP-WITH-A-COP CONCERT

(Sponsored by Southport Police Dept.)

Monday, December 9, 6-8pm Featuring the Back Porch Rockers

CANDY CANE GARDEN PARTY

(Sponsored by Southport Garden Club)

Tuesday, December 10, 6–8pm Keziah Park

ANNUAL COOKIE CONTEST

(Sponsored by The State Port Pilot)

Wednesday, December 11, 3:30pm–5:30pm

Southport Community Building

For info or to enter contact cookies@stateportpilot.com

SUPPER WITH SANTA’S ELVES

(Sponsored by Southport Parks & Rec.)

Wednesday, December 11, 5pm-6:30pm. $5 per child 209 Atlantic Ave., beside Southport Gym

CHRISTMAS MOVIE “POLAR EXPRESS”

(Sponsored by Southport Parks & Rec.)

Thursday, December 12, at dusk

Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn Chairs/blankets are encouraged

HISTORIC HOLIDAYS

(Sponsored by NC Maritime Museum at Southport)

Friday, December 13, 3pm 204 E. Moore St.

Space is limited

For more information, please visit For more information, please visit For more information, please visit cityofsouthport.com/winterfest cityofsouthport.com/winterfest cityofsouthport.com/winterfest

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

CHRISTMAS PARADE

(Sponsored by Southport Fire Dept.)

Friday, December 13, 5:30 Children will board the fire engines at the Fire Station Parade begins at 6:30 Parade route: Waterfront Park, down Howe St., back to the Southport Fire Station. Following the parade, children are invited to visit with Santa and will receive a gift. Concessions available.

WINTER CRAFT FESTIVAL

(Sponsored by Southport Community Relations) Saturday, December 14, 9am-4pm Bay Street

Visit cityofsouthport.com/wintercraft-market for more information

WINTERFEST PERFORMING ARTS

(Sponsored by Up Your Arts) Saturday, December 14, 11am-3pm Community Building

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

(Sponsored by Southport Parks & Rec.)

Saturday, December 14, 10-11am 209 Atlantic Ave., beside Southport Gym

OLD BRUNSWICK COUNTY JAIL

MUSEUM TOURS

(Sponsored by Southport Historical Society)

Saturday, December 14, 1pm-6pm on the corner of Nash & Rhett Streets

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

(Sponsored by Southport Historical Society)

Saturday, December 14, 11-5pm

Tickets are needed to join this tour and can be purchased through the Southport Historical Society’s website

SOUTHPORT TRAIN AND TOY SHOW

Saturday, December 14 12-5pm Indian Trail Meeting Hall

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS CONCERT & PARTY

Saturday, December 14, 3-5pm Southport Community Building

For kids of all ages, including entertainment, snacks, drinks, an Ugly sweater contest, and more surprises!

SOUTHPORT WINTERFEST FLOTILLA

(Sponsored by Cape Fear Yacht Club, Downtown Southport, Inc., & City of Southport)

Saturday, December 14, 5pm on the Southport Waterfront. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the beauty of the Christmas lights bouncing off the water. Judges will be Southport Elementary School Art Class Students

It’s A Bonfire Bash

Business People Gather To Celebrate 2024

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

The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 4th Annual Endless Summer Bonfire Beach Bash on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5-8 pm at The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Bar and Grill. The casual evening at the beach celebrates the business community, focusing on the area businesses that make our community so special with a night of fun, food, dancing and our very own beach bonfire! Dance the night away as DJ Rodney spins your favorites, enjoy a taco bar, share laughs with those you haven’t seen in a while, and wind down the endless summer night with s’mores and our very own beach bonfire!

All businesspeople are welcome, regardless of Chamber membership, for this family-friendly event. Tickets must

be purchased in advance.  $30 per person for members and $40 per person nonmembers. Children 12 and under

are free with paying adults. Ticket includes Dinner, Dancing. Bonfire, S’mores and 1 raffle ticket.

The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Bar & Grille is located at 601 Ocean Drive, Oak Island.  Purchase tickets in the registrations section at https://www. sptokimerchandise.com/

For more information contact the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber

of Commerce at (910) 457-6964 or visit the website at www.southport-oakisland.com

The Endless Summer Bonfire Beach Bash is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Cattail Cottage,  Cruise Planners Lina DiCola, Cumulus Media, Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars,   Edward Jones - Teresa Carroll, CFP®, AAMSTM, CRPCTM, Never Stumped Tree Service, Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS, Sea La Vie Travel, Sentry Self Storage,   Southport Cheese Shoppe, Swanson Realty, The Landings of Oak Island, The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Bar & Grille,  The Pearl,  Weikle’s Hometown Heating & Air, LLC.

Photo by Zeb Starnes, Zeb Starnes Photography

Community Comfortable Coffee

Enjoy A Locally Created Ergonomic Mug

STORY BY JANET FORTNEY, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

MichaelSchultz developed what some might consider a bad habit during the first summer of the Covid quarantine. He began drinking coffee. “I’m not sure if it was the stress or just being home all the time,” he recalled of turning to coffee. Previously, Schultz’s wife Pamela had been the only coffee consumer in their home, so “all of our mugs had smaller handles that weren’t ideal for a grip like mine.”

This was the “aha moment” when Schultz, who attended Virginia Tech, combined his engineering background and prototype production experience to create the Momnt Mug. The mug’s unique feature is a counterbalanced handle, which gives users better leverage and prevents slipping. As the company website explains, the design “used a wider and contoured bottom half of the handle to make it fit even more com-

fortably. There are thousands of handle designs, and different handles offer different benefits. Most are designed for easy manufacturing, many are designed for aesthetics, and even fewer focus on an easy grip and comfort. [The counterbalance-style handle] is…a simple change that can make something you use every morning a little better.”

Once the idea was born, Schultz went straight to his 3D printer to create a tangible prototype. ”I had an idea of what might work,” he explained. He began “fine-tuning and tweaking” the product that would become the Momnt Mug. He worked on about 30 different versions and even took a ceramics class to help him refine the mug’s design. It’s the small details, Schultz acknowledged, that really “do make a pretty big difference.”

when Schultz was ready to present Momnt Mug to the public and gather some “in-person feedback,” he bought a banner that proclaimed “World’s Most Comfortable Coffee Mug,” and hit the outdoor markets in Southport, Ocean Isle, and Holden Beach. “Initially,” Schultz said, “people were pretty skeptical. So it was kind of funny to see their reactions, like ‘Oh, wow, it really is better!’ It’s easier to hold, more comfortable to hold – just better.”

Surprisingly, the Momnt Mug product name, which recently attained trademark approval, did not stem from the concept of enjoying a cozy moment with a warm mug, but rather the name is “a geeky, physics reference,” said Schultz, that has to do with the “physics-related concept of the ‘moment arm.’ If you look at the physics and ergonomics, it’s the most practical and aerodynamic design. Instead of using your wrist, you’re using your fingers more.”

During the summer of 2023,

his wife oversee everything from their home in Varnamtown – and a website full of five-star customer reviews. The business’ interesting future will involve new mug colors (adding sky blue and navy blue to the current color choices of Cloud and Sea Foam); there will also be a collaboration with local ceramicist Meghan Angelis of Wilmington’s Salty Ceramics, and, Schultz hopes, other local businesses as well. Currently, in addition to being available through the website (www.momntmugs.com) and on Amazon, Momnt Mugs are displayed locally at two Cafe Ahora locations in Midway Commons (Oak Island mainland), on US 17 near the Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, and the newly-opened Queen Esther Teas in Wilmington.

Although he and his wife “still have mugs around from before [Momnt Mug existed],” Schultz notes, “we primarily use Momnt Mugs and I certainly use one every day! Once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back.”

Interestingly, despite the fact that it was not originally designed as an accessibility product, the market segment that, according to Schultz, “most empathetically responded” to his mug were “people with arthritis, shaky hands, missing digits – those who need to leverage differently.” Regarding this unexpected buyer base, he is cautious about “not overpromising on accessibility.” But said that hearing positive comments from these customers “has been the most rewarding part of this entire project. It’s been amazing to hear.”

The Momnt Mug company is a family business with a small footprint – Shultz and

Photo by Courtney Gray/Sharpshooters Photography

Candy Buy Back

Save Teeth and Support The Troops

Coastal Pediatric Dentistry is excited to announce its annual Halloween Candy Buyback program, Nov. 4-8. In partnership with Soldier’s Angels’ “Treats for Troops” program, this initiative aims to collect excess Halloween candy to be included in care packages for deployed troops.

How It Works: Children can bring their leftover Halloween candy to any of our three locations during regular business hours and receive $1 per pound of candy.  In addition, every child (18 years and younger) who donates will be entered into a drawing to win a Nintendo Switch!

All the candy collected will be packaged and shipped to our troops overseas, spreading joy and gratitude from our community.

Candy Drop-off Locations:

•Coastal Pediatric Dentistry - 3067 Southport Supply Road, Bolivia

•Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry - 3071 Southport Supply Road, Bolivia

•Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry - 8212 E Oak Island Drive, Oak Island

Join us in making a difference this holiday season by reducing the sugar rush and giving back to our heroes!

FISHING REPORT

November Fishing Report Where To Find Fish In Cooler Weather

BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK

Fall fishing has been in full swing. October presented a few challenges with some significant storm events that affected water clarity. On top of that, a strong cold front caused the water temperature to drop rapidly, sending fish back offshore almost as quickly as they had arrived at the beach. Northeast winds have prevailed, keeping most of the fleet closer to shore due to rough offshore conditions. Despite these challenges, we’ve had some incredible days on the water with fantastic fishing. Here’s hoping for more stable weather in November so we can enjoy more time out there!

Backwater

With water temperatures in the low to mid-60s, fishing in the main river is slowing down. Most of the finger mullet have made their way to the ocean, beginning their journey south for the winter. However, November backwater fishing remains fun this time of year. Reds and Trout are moving up the creeks, feeding on shrimp and seeking warmer water in the mudflats and deeper holes in the corners of feeder creeks. In early to mid-November, tailing Reds can be found in the marshes, and they will respond to slowly presented jigs with paddle tails. Trout will be on secondary points and along fast-moving currents where creeks meet. A popping cork with

live or artificial shrimp is a great way to target speckled trout. On a falling tide, focus on feeder creeks for red drum as they move out of the marshes and into deeper water. Early and late in the day are ideal times to tempt them with topwater lures, especially when the sky is overcast.

Nearshore

Most of the Spanish mackerel have moved on by November, but bluefish remain for those who want to troll Clarkspoons on a planer. Until mid-November, bull reds will linger around the pogy bait balls, the hot hole, Yaupon Reef, and McGlamery Reef. Fishing at Frying Pan Shoals, the sloughs, and from East Beach on Bald Head Island up to Fort Fisher will provide exciting sight fishing opportunities for large schools of bull reds.

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

a closure. However, scamp grouper can be caught in 100-150 feet of water along ledges, rockpiles, and live bottom areas. Amberjacks provide plenty of action from 50 feet out to the Gulf Stream.

Offshore

Large schools of king mackerel will be holding in various locations, feeding aggressively. A good starting point is around the ledges in 65 feet of water: Christina’s Ledge, Shark Hole, Cucumber, Cabbage Patch, and NE Rocks should all hold fish. Historically, the Horseshoe has excellent king fishing in November, with the occasional blackfin tuna mixed in. Dead cigar minnows on king rigs are all you need for a successful day. Bottom fishing is also rewarding this time of year. Keeper-sized black sea bass are found in 65-80 feet of water, while vermilion snapper are plentiful in 80-100 feet. Gag grouper are present in the 65-80 foot range but are under

November is arguably one of the best months to fish the Gulf Stream for wahoo and blackfin tuna. Large schools of wahoo will be on the offshore ledges, feeding on blackfin tuna and bonito. Look for water temperatures in the low to mid-70s at familiar spots such as 100/400, Blackjack, Gene’s Ledge, the Steeples, the Same Ole, and the Nipple area. This time of year, I use a mixed spread of wahoo and tuna lures. On the planer rod, I like a BWC Jag with a wire leader, favoring colors like crystal blue, black/purple with flash, or black/red with flash. Short rigger baits should have purple/black and blue/white chuggers or Islander Sea Stars. For the long riggers, I use a flashy bullet head on a wire rig, such as a mylar BWC Tweener or equivalent, and a tuna feather like the C&H No Alibi. On the shotgun bait, I prefer another tuna feather

Gulf Stream

or a small cedar plug. When rigging tuna feathers or cedar plugs, I recommend a 60-pound fluorocarbon wind-on leader, about 35-40 feet long—it makes a noticeable difference. One trick: when you mark tuna on your sonar, jig your line on the long rigger and shotgun bait. That erratic

movement is irresistible to them.

So there you have it! Just because the weather is cooling off doesn’t mean the fishing is over. There are still plenty of fish to be caught in November. Get out there and enjoy some great fishing—you won’t be disappointed!

Keeping Fit

Counting On Health

Making Sure You’re There For Loved Ones

BY VICTOR FERNANDES

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

The following message is geared toward hard-working parents and busy grandparents, but it applies to everyone who has others counting on them to be at their best at all times.

Have you ever said, or heard someone say, “I would die for my kids”? I have, and like many of you reading this, I mean it. Then I look at the photographs of me at my heaviest, holding my then-newborn son, Zach, and knowing precisely what I was thinking.

Was I going to live long enough to see his most formative milestones in life? His first step, first day of school, graduation day, marriage, fatherhood – at the rate I was going at 250 pounds and counting, there was no guarantee. It’s morbid but true. That version of me was unwilling to take the necessary steps to live for him. So few are willing to do that because we’ve been brainwashed into believing we have to sacrifice ourselves to take care of others.

In today’s “Live to Work, Not Work to Live” society, we wear the sacrifice of long hours on the job and little time taking care of ourselves as a badge of honor. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” and “rise and grind” are all phrases many of us live by, while the quality of life we live slowly but steadily decays.

We have to be our best to be our best for others, which means we need to be selfish at times with our time to take care of ourselves, and we need to be OK with that. Yet too often, we feel guilty for taking time for ourselves to do right by us.

Meanwhile, getting out of bed without feeling like I was run over by a bus was challenging enough for me. It was hard to spend time with Zach because I didn’t have enough energy to keep up with Zach and the rest of my family.

Now they have to keep up with me. And one day when I become a Grandpa, my grandkids are going to have to keep up with me too. I demand more of myself for them because they’re worth it. Still, it all starts with taking these simple, effective

steps.

* Prioritizing Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night helps my body recover, improves my mood, and enhances my cognitive function. I set a consistent bedtime and quiet and dark environment in the bedroom, and more importantly I reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.

* Staying Hydrated: I drink a gallon of water every day to support my body’s vital functions. Hydration improves energy levels, supports digestion, and helps maintain skin health. I’m not saying you need to drink as much water as I do, but I would aim for a minimum of half an ounce per pound of body weight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, for example, the goal is to drink at least 75 ounces of water per day.

* Moving My Body Regularly: Incorporating daily physical activity, even in small amounts, boosts my mood, strengthens

my body, and enhances my cardiovascular health. And this can be done in many ways, from walking and yoga to strength training.

* Eating Balanced Healthy Meals: I focus on balanced nutrition rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Proper nutrition fuels my body and helps me conquer the day no matter what I’m working on.

* Manage Stress Mindfully: Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing and journaling or getting up from my desk and going for walks. Mindfulness and relaxation exercises reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and mental clarity.

It’s really that simple. So if you have chil-

dren or grandchildren, I encourage you to take a hard look at how you take care of yourself and what example you’re setting for them. And if you’re not holding up your end of the deal...

Demand better of yourself. Affect change in yourself. Show them how to take responsibility for their own health. They count on you. Even if you don’t think they’re paying attention to everything you do, they know what’s going on, and they know how important your health is to their well-being in life.

I work extremely hard for my family, to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, clothes on their backs, and smiles on their faces. But the #1 job I need to do is be present for them, and it only happens if I’m taking care of myself.

If you need help with taking control of your health and well-being, or if you would like to learn more about me and Fernandes Fit, contact me at 814-504-7774, send an email to info@fernandesfit.com, or head to fernandesfit.com for more information.

Arts By The Shore

STORY CONTRIBUTED The 29th Annual Arts by The Shore art exhibition will be taking place on Friday, Nov. 8 from noon - 6 pm and Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 am - 3 pm, at 801 Ocean Event Center, 801 Ocean Drive, Oak Island. This exhibit is hosted by the Oak Island Art Guild and will showcase 2-D and 3-D artwork by local artists.

The 2024 exhibition judge is Katherine Barnes of Wilmington, who is an accomplished artist, designer and teacher. Winning artists in each category will be honored at the awards ceremony

3 pm on Saturday, Nov 9.

Swing For Success:

Attacking The Cattle

November Brunswick Civil War Round Table

CONTRIBUTED

The Beefsteak Raid, also known as the Cattle Raid, was part of the Siege of Petersburg in September, 1864, when 3,000 Confederate troops trekked 100 miles to attack 3,000 head of cattle. Why? The plan was to acquire cattle that were intended for consumption by the Union Army, which was laying a combined siege to the cities of Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia. This incredible story, entitled “The Beefsteak Raid at Petersburg” will be discussed by historian, author, and retired museum director, Will Greene, at the Tuesday, Nov. 5 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table.

Always lacking in supplies, the Confederate forces defending the capital of Richmond were beginning to run out of food. Corn to feed the troops was exhausted. A ray of hope came when a scout reported that 3,000 lightly defended cattle behind Union lines seemed to be a possible short term solution. It was estimated that only 120 Union soldiers and 30 civilians stood guard. In response Confederate Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton assembled 3,000 troops to follow him.

At 5 am on Sept. 16, Wade’s forces attacked with a three-prong strike. They captured more than 2,000 cattle, along with 11 wagons and 304 poisoners, returning to Confederate lines at 9 am on Sept. 17. Clearly the raid was a success. The total loss to the Confederates was minimal. For days the southerners would taunt the northern

sentries, thanking them for all the food and inviting them over for dinner.

President Lincoln called the raid “the slickest piece of cattle-stealing” he ever heard of.

The raid’s name, “Beefsteak Raid” comes from the idea that the captured cattle would be eaten as steaks by the Confederate soldiers. However, since there was no way to preserve the meat in the summer heat, there were plentiful meals for the troops before the meat finally went bad. For the Union Army, it proved to be an embarrassment by exposing a weakness in their supply lines and their ability to secure their rear areas.

Will Greene is a well-known Civil War historian. He was director of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites. Later he became director of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Petersburg, Virginia. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the national oversight board for the Institute of Museum and Library Services that oversees the federal agency that advises and supports museums

and libraries throughout the United States. Over the years, he has written a number of books along with more than 20 journal articles on Civil War subjects. In addition, he has been invited to lecture and participate in panel discussion on the C-SPAN television network on 10 different occasions on various Civil War topics.

Registration for the meeting begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information about the meeting, the online registration process, how to attend meetings remotely, or how to become a member, email president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him at 404-229-9425. Also, you may visit Bruns-

wickcivilwarroundtable.com, or the group’s Facebook page for additional information, news, and updates.

SHOWCASE

Sea Notes Christmas

Performing “A Christmas To Remember”

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIE STARNES

The Sea Notes Choral Society is proudly celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary this year by presenting a Christmas concert entitled “A Christmas to Remember!” Cindy Sellers, who directed that very first Christmas concert in 1974, will be the director and Lynette Nobles will be the principal accompanist.

There are many special things planned for this concert including guest directors and a look back at 50 years of Sea Notes memories. Cindy has chosen beautiful selections from her very first Christmas concert in 1974, such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “The Christmas Song,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and “White Christmas.” She will also introduce some new selections and even include some four-hand piano arrangements to add a little extra excitement.

The concerts will be held Dec.

7 and 8 at 3 pm at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College (150 College Road NE, Bolivia).

FREE tickets will be required for this concert to ensure a seat! Do not delay. Tickets will go fast. You may pick up your FREE tickets now at the following locations:

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce 910-457-6964

Ricky Evans Gallery, Southport 910-457-1129

The Shoe Center Leland, Villages at Brunswick Forest 910-371-9881

50 Years Of Sea Notes

The History Of A Community Choir

STORY BY CINDY SELLERS

This is the 50th year of the Sea Notes Choral Society bringing the joy of music to the people of Brunswick County, and we are celebrating! So how did we get our start? It was about May of 1974 that the chair of the brand-new Southport Bicentennial Committee, Bill Crowe, asked Connie Ledgett to pull some singers together to provide Patriotic music for a big Bicentennial committee event in the fall. Connie then called several friends who sang in local church choirs, as was the Southport custom when one needed special music. We started rehearsing Patriotic songs. Connie thought it sounded pretty good, so she arranged for us to sing at the NC Fourth of July Festival. After performing on a float in the July 4th parade, we appeared on the waterfront that evening.

Port City Java, Olde Waterford Way, Leland 910383-2429

Scott’s Farm and Family, Main St., Shallotte 910755-6055

Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College 910-755-8513

Donations are always welcomed as Sea Notes is a non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.sea-notes. com.

After the Fourth, people were telling us that we were pretty good, we ought to keep it going, start a community chorus, have weekly rehearsals and planned performances. We all agreed, and Connie appointed me to be the director. There was no choral music in Southport for this purpose, so in August, I went to New Hanover High School in Wilmington and borrowed several pieces for Christmas from the music teacher, Jane Price. By this time, a wonderful pianist, Randy Page, had moved to town, and Connie recruited him to play. Rehearsals officially began around the first of September, held on Monday nights at Trinity United Methodist Church. Officers were elected, and members started paying dues so that music and choir robes could be purchased (thankfully, the choir robes are long gone!).

the big event for which we were organized took place, a ceremony for the presentation of a Bicentennial Flag as Southport was designated a National Bicentennial City. There was a wonderful article with a picture in The A Christmas To State Port Pilot. Still unnamed, members were asked to submit ideas for naming, and it was Alneta Crowe (Bill Crowe’s wife) who suggested “Sea Notes.” The borrowed Christmas music, titles of which were listed in a news article, was prepared for presentation at the Woman’s Club’s annual Holiday House at the Community Building, where various choirs would entertain during the twoday event. And so it was that on Sunday, Dec. 15, 1974 the new chorus performed in concert for the first time as the Sea Notes Choral Society. And the rest is history!

On Oct. 17 on the lawn at City Hall, where Franklin Square Gallery is today,

Golf Tips

Nicole’s Golf Notes

Get into the Game: Tips for New Golfers

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.

Haveyou ever wanted to try golf but you’re not sure how to get started? Have you dabbled in the game in the past and now you really want to move forward from renewed interest, recent retirement or just because? Help is on the way! Starting a new activity is full of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and a desire to fit in with those already involved, along with a variety of other emotions and expectations. Here is advice I provide to those looking to try golf or advance their budding interests in the second of my three-part series on getting into the game.

How to Learn and Develop Golf Skills

Golf is a very cool and creative sport in that it requires a toolkit of skills to roll and hit the golf ball with different types of utensils/clubs from different lies (grass, tee, sand, pine straw, etc.) and throughout

different conditions (rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.). A putter rolls the ball towards the hole. An iron (which used to be made of actual iron) can be a grass sweeper or a sand blaster that has many different uses but usually send the ball along a short to medium distance. A hybrid sweeps the ball a medium-long range off the grass, sand or a tee. A fairway wood or fairway metal sweeps the ball a long way off the grass, sand or a tee. (My first adult set had clubs that had clubheads actually made of wood!). A driver or driving club would be akin to a 1, if it had a number, and send the ball the longest. It’s the longest and lightest club in the bag. When I conduct my introduction at my LPGA 101 classes for women or individual 101 series for a new private lesson, I like to show some hickory clubs, a replica of the history of the golf balls (a trophy I won at my first national event in a play-off in an AJGA event during high school) and go over the basics of clubs, accessories and attire.

For the actual golf skills themselves, I find starting out with the smallest swings and getting good at

building them can help create better longer swings with new golfers to the game. Many move onto the bigger swings too early because it’s fun, but Long and Wrong (what we call huge but very inaccurate shots into the trees, sand bunkers or lakes) don’t help lower the score. Accuracy is more important than distance!

Begin with a basic putting swing in which the arms and club form a letter Y. Learn how to aim the putter towards the hole (or a little up the hill so that the ball then curves back down towards the hole) and then get better and swinging the Y pendulum the correct distance with gentle energy so that the speed ends up rolling the ball into the hole or stopping gently within 6-12 inches just past the hole. In my programs I use many fun training tools and learning challenges to help with set up, accuracy and distance control. Ever play Cow Pasture Pool, Tic Tac Putt, Ladder or Red-White-Blue to help get better faster at distance control? Fun!

Progress to a small putting swing with a pitching wedge or 8 iron just off the green that brushes the grass and ball, lofting it just a little higher into the air and rolling on the green towards the hole in what we can a chip shot. The goal is to keep the ball low and let it roll on the green towards the hole, very much like a putt rolling towards the hole. The big key here is to brush the grass or the ball won’t get up in the air. The bottom of the club needs to meet the bottom of the ball so the middles touch and the ball goes for a little ride. Unfortunately, most people try to scoop or flip the ball up in the air, as they don’t use their bodies to create the turn and keep the Y brushing the grass, and that results in the ball running across the green and into whatever surprise is on the other side (water, sand, etc.). I have more fun tools and challenges to improve chipping near the green. Wouldn’t it be great to get every single chip on the green for the rest of your life and then as you get better, get the ball closer to the hole or even into the hole on the chip shot?

Lastly, progress to a basic bigger swing in which feet are shoulder width apart, the upper body bends forwards the ball and ground from the hips with a neutral spine and the arms hand with the letter Y. A good grip in the fingers is key, and remember, the word grip is a noun, not a verb in golf… it interferes with the wrong tension

needed if a club is gripped too firmly. Turn the upper body/chest only away from the target keeping the Y, only to hip or chest height. Return the entire lower body, chest and the Y pointing at the target about hip height with the hips now facing the target, the back foot up on its toe with the shoelaces also facing the target in good balance. I start all students clipping tees with this swing first. Once a student can get three tees out of the ground, then we add the ball and the goal is to still clip the tee, sending the ball on its way. I want a student to be able to launch at least 4 out of 5 good shots this way before building onto the next step… why move on if this step isn’t developed yet? It’s like not knowing the letters in an alphabet and trying to string together words. If ready, the last step is to create what we call a ‘hinge’ in the lead arm and club where the club sets into a letter L at hip height and returns with an L facing the target at hip height until a student can get four out of five balls airborne off a tee this way. For a longer shot, the golfer would turn the chest a bit more but retain the L and not let the elbows bend into a J!

Curious? Touch base with a PGA/LPGA golf professional to help you learn the basics or come join one of my LPGA 101 classes for women or private series for couples/men/women/small groups individually, we’ll have a lot of fun getting the game moving in the right direction for many great golf adventures ahead!

•

Art Beat

Pottery Educator

Brian Evans and the Orange Street Pottery

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

In 2007, I began taking pottery classes in Wilmington at Orange Street Pottery, located beneath the old USO building on Orange Street. The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild started this pottery studio, and at that time, the classes were taught by master potters Don Johns and Hiroshi Sueyoshi. My artistic style was greatly influenced by Don Johns, who was my mentor in my art and teaching pottery. I learned a great deal from him and from being a part of the clay community in Wilmington. Local clay artists still give credit to Hiroshi and Don for their unique styles and love of teaching clay.

Numerous potters have learned their craft from Orange Street Pottery, including pottery artist Brian Evans. After graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Studio Art, Brian’s primary artistic focus was painting and steel sculpture. “At the time, I only had one pottery class in 1991. I moved to Wilmington in 1995 and sought a place

to make sculpture again. I discovered Orange Street Pottery in 1997, which wasn’t what I was looking for at the time, but I was intrigued,” he said. “Hiroshi Sueyoshi and Dina Wilde-Ramsing were teaching there, and the caliber of their work was phenomenal. I took a few classes there and became hooked on pottery making. I have been affiliated with Orange Street Pottery ever since,” he said. “I started teaching at Orange Street Pottery on and off since 2002. I have been teaching there fulltime since 2016. I am currently the president of Orange Street Pottery Inc. I manage the studio and teach classes there.”

Brian describes himself as a multi-faceted ceramic sculptor and potter inspired by ceramic artists such as Eva Hild, Jan Van Der Vaart, Wooter Dam, Turi Heisselberg, Chris Gustin, John Mason, and Ann Currier. His sculpture inspiration is from sculptors Constantine Brancusi, Louise Nevelson, and David Smith.

“I love exploring new ideas constantly and incorporating them into my work. I have always been

a creative. I remember as a child sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table drawing detailed images of houses and animals,” he said. “I learned my craft mainly through classes with Hiroshi Sueyoshi. Other mentors include Nancy Inman (high school art teacher), Dina Wilde-Ramsing, and Don Johns. I have attended numerous ceramic workshops in Asheboro, Wilson, Southport, and Wilmington.”

As a teacher, Brian challenges himself to explore new techniques unfamiliar to him and his work. “I end up using many of these techniques in my work,” he said. “I am proud to continue Hiroshi’s legacy by continuing to teach at Orange Street and run the program. We teach all levels of Pottery. We have a well-equipped studio and strive to offer as many learning opportunities as possible. We offer wheel throwing and hand-building classes, Raku firing, saggar firing, and workshops that provide diverse learning opportunities for students of all levels. I

love teaching there and don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.”

“I am inspired by objects found in nature and how man-made objects are effected by natural elements,” said Brian. “If a man-made object is left outside long enough, erosion and oxidation slowly consumes the object until it becomes part of nature once again. This idea of erosion is evident in my work through my application of textured and runny glazes. My current body of work consists of wheel thrown objects that start out perfectly symmetrical, but I intentionally alter them so they reflect the curves and lines found in the natural world. I spray on textured glazes in order to convey a weathered appearance,” he explained. “I have several lines of work that I am producing simultaneously. I have my new wheel-thrown and altered forms, tubular sculpture forms, geometric forms, and utilitarian pots.”

As an admitted procrastinator and someone living a hectic life, Brian admits that deadlines drive his work. “I think that pushes me harder in the studio to produce more work,” he said. “I

Art Beat

have multiple ideas going on at the same time. I am driven to get these ideas out before I forget about them. Sometimes, I draw my designs, but I often use clay as my sketch pad. It is challenging to find out what my customers want without it stifling creative feel a sense of validation when I find a series that sells on.”

You can meet Brian and see his work in several upcoming events. Coastal Carolina Holiday Show and Sale, Nov. 1-3 at the Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second Street; CAMMade Holiday Market, Nov. 9 at the Cameron Art Museum; and the Orange Street Pottery Christmas Show on Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 am to 4 pm.

To get in touch with Brian, you can reach him by email, phone, or through his social media. brianevanscc@gmail.com  910-512-5458 www.instagram.com/brianevansceramics www.facebook.com/brianevans

Award-winning Pizza

Homemade Desserts

Fresh Local Seafood

Nighly Dinner Specials

SPOTTINGS

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® (“MRA”), a leader in the Brunswick County real estate and property management industries, has welcomed its two newest sales agents to the Oak Island office, Elizabeth Barlow Gray and Keith Gray. With over 40 years of combined experience in the industry, the duo brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and personalized service to clients across Brunswick County.

Inspired by her father’s family business, Elizabeth Barlow Gray, Broker/REALTOR®, ePro, ventured into real estate at an early age. After completing her degree at Appalachian State University and transitioning from a career in social work, Barlow Gray earned her real estate license in 1993. Over the years, she has developed a reputation as a top producer, recognized for her ability to market properties effectively and her passion for helping buyers find their dream homes. Her expertise in the industry has earned her numerous accolades, including “Best Agent” and multiple “Top Producer” awards. Elizabeth’s long-standing commitment to community involvement and client satisfaction makes her a perfect fit for the Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS® team.

Keith Gray, Elizabeth’s husband and longtime business partner, joins the firm with an impressive background in both real estate and construction. After earning his Business Administration degree from Appalachian State University and gaining valuable experience with Lowe’s Companies, Keith transitioned into real estate and became a licensed broker. His dual expertise as both a real estate professional and licensed contractor allows him to offer unique insights to clients, whether they are buyers, sellers, or investors. Known for a meticulous attention to detail and seamless guidance throughout any real estate transaction, Keith has consistently been a top producer in the industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth and Keith to the team,” said Karen Brake, President of Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®. “Their combined experience, dedication to client service, and deep knowledge of North Carolina real estate will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the clients we serve.”

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is proud to announce a new articulation agreement with Campbell University, providing an exciting opportunity for BCC graduates. The Campbell Assured Admission Program ensures that eligible BCC students have a pathway to enter Campbell University upon graduation, creating new possibilities for students to further their academic and professional goals.

Under this partnership, students currently enrolled at BCC in associate degree programs can seamlessly transition to the Campbell Assured Admission Program. They will receive priority access to Campbell University’s application, financial aid, and orientation services, ensuring a smooth continuation of their academic journey at an accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

“This agreement with Campbell University opens doors for our students and strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education,” said BCC President Dr. Gene Smith. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for our graduates as they continue their education.”

This partnership is a testament to the joint dedication of BCC and Campbell University to fostering student success and driving workforce development in North Carolina and beyond.

For more information, please contact OneStop Student Services at onestop@ brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-7320.

CALENDAR

November

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

OCT 31

Trunk-or-Treat — Southport

The Southport Fire Department welcomes trick-or-treaters to the station at 1011 N. Howe St., starting at 5 pm.

OCT 31

Trunk-or-Treat — Oak Island

Children can collect treats from decorated vehicles parked at the Oak Island Recreation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, 7-9 pm.

OCT 31

Trunk-or-Treat — Boiling Spring Lakes

In Boiling Spring Lakes, the Halloween candy for children will be at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road. Festivities are planned from 5:30-7 pm.

NOV 2

Wooden Boat Show — Southport

See all sizes of beautiful wooden boats and show for nautical goods in the picturesque Southport Yacht Basin area. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm.

NOV 2

Disc Golf Tournament

This month’s event for Oak Island’s 25th Anniversary celebration is a disc golf tournament at Bill Smith Park, 4446 Fish Factory Road SE. This course winds through the woods and along the water at this beautiful mainland park. The tournament takes off at 11 am. There is no cost, but registration is required; there is room for 36, who will play in teams of four.

NOV 2

Holly Days — Southport Baptist Church

The 32nd Annual Holly Days Crafts Show will be 9 am to 4 pm at the Church’s CMC Building and East Nash Street. This show is always packed with lots of unique gifts and goodies.

NOV 3

Banding Together — Relief for Western NC

Four of our favorite local bands will perform for this benefit concert, with donations collected going specifically to the Spruce Pine area in western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief. The concert is 1-5 pm at the Middleton park Complex, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive in Oak Island. Food vendors will also be on site for the event, with a portion or all of their proceeds being donated as well.

NOV 3

Barnfield Market

Shop the field of vintage items, antiques and fun finds. Event runs 10 am - 3 pm at Barn and Beach Designs, 4874 Old Long Beach Road

NOV 5

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Author, preservationist, and historian Will Greene will give a presentation on “The Beefsteak Raid at Petersburg.” The raid was a success, capturing over 2,000 cattle, along with some prisoners and wagons. The raid provided a much needed food source for Confederate soldiers defending Petersburg. However, without beef preservation capabilities in the intense summer heat, soldiers simply had to dine on steak every day while it lasted. The program is at Hatch Auditorium in Fort Caswell (east end of Caswell Beach). Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program begins at 7 pm. There is a fee o $10 for non-members, but that can be used toward the annual $25 membership fee. Email Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com or call 404229-9425 to learn more about membership.

NOV 6

Southeast Brunswick Women’s Association Meeting

Looking to reach women who can’t attend daytime meetings, the SE Brunswick Women’s Association is adding night meetings. The first meeting is 5:30-7:00 pm at the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Building, 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport. Women in Brunswick County are welcome to attend.

NOV

7

Evening on the Cape Fear River

This fundraising event for the NC Maritime Museum at Southport has been rescheduled. The evening features music from the Back Porch Rockers on the Garrison lawn, 203 E. Bay St. in Southport. The event is 5-7 pm, and includes raffles for a trunk of grog or a kayak. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the concert, or can be purchased ahead of the event online at www.friendsncmmsouthport.com/raffle. Proceeds help support the museum’s operations and programs.

NOV 8-9

Holiday Boutique — St. James

Get your holiday shopping started at the St. James Artisans Association’s Holiday Boutique, 9 am to 4 pm at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road (NC 211).

NOV

8-9

Arts By The Shore

This exhibit is hosted by the Oak Island Art Guild and will showcase 2-D and 3-D artwork by local artists. Noon6 pm Friday and 10 am - 3 pm Saturday at the 801 Ocean Events Center, 801 Ocean Drive, Oak Island.

NOV 9

Deep Dive Into History — 18th Century Blacksmithing

This month’s history program at the Maritime Museum focuses on blacksmithing. The program combines live interpretation, material culture displays and hands-on activities from 10 am to 3 pm at the museum, 204 E. Moore St. in Southport.

NOV

9

Wellness Fair

Spend the day gathering information about how to live a better life focusing on mind, body and soul. Demonstrations, products, life coaches, music, vegan food truck and so much more. Free to the public. Free parking. Located at 4874 Old Long Beach Rd

NOV 13

Dosher Memorial Hospital Tour

Take a guided tour of the hospital and learn more about the services offered.

Participants will gather in the hospital lobby, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Space is limited and an RSVP is requested. Call 910-457-3900, or email marketing@dosher.org to reserve your spot.

NOV 13

Women and Wine Wednesday

Bring your friends and your favorite bottle of vino for this relaxing gathering at La Polena Bed & Breakfast, 5:30 to 7 pm in the rear gardens. La Polena is at 201 River Drive, Southport.

NOV 13-14

Womenpreneur Empowerment Summit

Brunswick Community College hosts this annual event aimed at helping women grow and thrive in their entrepreneurial journey. The summit includes keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions For more information, please contact April Scott, Director Small Business Center at (910) 755-7306 or scotta@brunswickcc.edu. Register at https://brunswickcc.edu/ womenpreneur-empowerment-summit/ The cost is $25, which includes lunch both days, professional head shots, and swag. The summit will be held at BCC’s Leland Center, 2045 Enterprise Boulevard.

NOV 14

Understanding Alzheimer’s — St. James Community Center

Lean more about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as the difference between normal and non-normal aging, 10-11:30 am. The session will be held at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road (NC 211). There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited; call 910-796-7943 or email jason.Clamme@LifeCare.org to register.

NOV 16

Oak Island Water Rescue Team’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament

The volunteer water rescue team hosts its annual fundraiser golf tournament at the Oak Island Golf Club. The Day starts with a putting contest at 8 am, followed by a shotgun starts at 9 am. Visit https://oiwr.org/golf-tournament/ to register.

NOV 16

Hidden Battleship

Take this behind-the-scenes tour of unrestored areas on the USS NORTH CAROLINA. Small groups are led to areas in the bow, third deck, and below, and the superstructure, all the way to the top. This program requires climbing ladders, crossing high hatches, and going through tight/confined spaces and is limited to ages 16 and older. Tickets are $60. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/ to learn more or to purchase tickets. The battleship and museum are at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (West side of the Cape Fear River).

NOV 16

NC READS — Poster Girls

The Friends of the Library, Southport & Oak Island present a program featuring speakers Meredith Ritchie (author of “Poster Girls”) and Dr. Tara White (UNCW Professor of History), who will discuss the changing role of women in the workforce and America’s struggles with sexism and racism. There are two sessions, at 10 am and 2 pm, at Harper Library in Southport. Registration is required, and there is a $10 fee, which includes a copy of the book. Register at the library, call 910-457-6237 or visit https://brunsco.libcal.com/ event/13331612

NOV 20

Paddle For Presents

Join The Adventure Kayak Company for a 9:30 am paddle for a great cause as they collect gifts for needy children. Call The Adventure Kayak Company at (910) 454-0607 for more information and reservations

NOV 23

Holiday Craft Fair

Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. hosts this indoor craft fair at the center in Southport, 1512 N. Howe St. There will be plenty of local artisans and crafters with their wares, and you can enjoy a $5 hot dog lunch. There will also be raffles, with proceeds benefitting the center. The fair is 9 am to 2 pm.

NOV 23

Railroad to the Holidays

Children can ride this “magical train” through a trail of decorations and lights. There will be a s’mores station, a Christmas craft and a hot cocoa station as well. The event is 5-8 at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road, and a $2 donation is requested.

DEC 2-8

12 Days of Christmas — Oak Island

Here’s the start of what promises to be a very merry holiday season on Oak Island. Events run from Dec 2 through 14, and we’ve included the first several days just to get started; look for our December issue to guide you through the rest of this “nice” list of events.

•Dec 2 - Holiday Bingo at the Community Center (102 SE 47th Street/ Middleton Park)

•Dec 4 - Hot Chocolate Snowman Craft, 5 pm at the Recreation Center (3003 E. Oak Island Drive)

•Dec 5 - Christmas Ornament Craft, 5 pm at the Recreation Center

•Dec 6 - Tree Lighting, 5-7 pm at the Middleton Park Complex (SE 46th and Dolphin Drive)

•Dec 7 - Breakfast with Santa, 8-10 am at the Community Center

•Dec 7 - Christmas By the Sea Parade, 2 pm from SE 46th along Oak Island Drive to McGlamery Street

•Dec 8 - Holiday Market, 10 am to 2 pm at the Middleton Park Complex

DEC 3

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Award-winning “living historian” Curt Fields will portray Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, in military uniform and traditional cigar. Nationally recognized, Fields’ extensive research gives him permission to deliver an accurate persona of Grant, including quotes from Grant’s memoirs, articles and letters he wrote, and remarkable statements or decisions he made while Union troops were under his command. The program is at Hatch Auditorium in Fort Caswell (east end of Caswell Beach). Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program begins at 7 pm. There is a fee o $10 for non-members, but that can be used toward the

annual $25 membership fee. Email Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com or call 404229-9425 to learn more about membership.

DEC 5-6

Celebrating the Holidays Festival

Get ready to jingle all the way at the St. James Service Club’s Celebrating the Holidays Festival, 1-5 pm on Dec 5 and 10 am to 1 pm on Dec 6 at the St. James Community Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Rd SE. Tickets are $10, may be purchased at the door, and are good for both days of the Festival. The Festival includes perennial favorites — the Festival of Trees decorated by members of the community and local organizations and the much-loved Season of Hope Cookie and Baked Goods Sale. New this year, a Kris Kringle Market will feature artisans’ crafts and goods for sale. The Sleigh Café, Artisans’ Demonstrations and Displays, Silent Auction, Basket and Wreath Raffles, Holiday Bow Sale, Breakfast with Santa, round out the festivities. The St. James Special Friends also will be selling homemade dog biscuits for our never naughty, always nice, four-legged companions.

DEC 6

Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade — Boiling Spring Lakes

The Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue department hosts this Christmas parade and tree lighting, 5-7 pm at the station, 3059 George II Highway (NC 87).

DEC 6-8 & 12-15

Christmas at the Amuzu

Tickets are now available at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport (910-4571129)  and Crossroads Gathering Place on Oak Island (910-250-1037) for Christmas At The Amuzu 2024.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm; Sunday matinees are at 3 pm. Act one includes a variety of seasonal tunes representing several genres of classic and modern Christmas songs.    Act two underscores the Biblical message of Christmas with traditional classics and modern praise selections.

DEC 7

Southport Winterfest Tea

Have a spot of tea with special holiday entertainment sponsored by the City of Southport Community Relations

Department and the Southport Beautification Committee. This tea time is 1 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St. Tickets will be $50 and are available at the Ft. Johnston Visitors Center and Museum. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Providence Home, Carousel Center, and Southport Elementary School.

DEC 7-8

Sea Notes Choral Society

The Sea Notes celebrate 50 years of providing choral music to Brunswick County, and this concert will highlight some of the songs performed in the group’s first Christmas program. Shows are at 3 pm both days at Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. See story in this issue for more information.

DEC 8

Pet Pictures with Santa

The City of Southport Animal Protective Services is hosting a Pet Party with Santa, 2-4 pm at Indian Trail Meeting Hall/Keziah Park, 113 W. Moore St. Enjoy some pet-friendly activities and treats while you wait for your turn for pictures. Donations will be accepted to receive your photo with a frame.

Open Air Markets

Olde

Southport Village Shoppes Farmers Market

The Village Shops spill out onto the courtyard with vendors and artisans joining in to offer a wide variety of goods and munchies. This month’s market is Nov 2, 10 am to 4 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 sum-

TICKETS: $10-15 (910) 362-7999 | WILMINGTONSYMPHONY.ORG 4:00 PM

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC is Wilmington Symphony Orchestra’s annual Classical Family Concert. Only 50-minutes long, the concert will include music familiar to children ages 6 and older and will feature winners from WSO’s 2024 Richard R. Deas Young Artist Concerto Competition. Join us in the Wilson Center lobby before the concert at 2:30pm for WSO’s Orchestra Discovery Zone where children can color and discover instruments found in an orchestra!

CALENDAR

mer youth programs.

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 through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

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

(Note: Site is closed until the entrnace road can be fixed) 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

Movies on the Lawn 6:45ish/dusk

Garrison lawn, 230 E. Bay St., Southport

Nov 8 — “Safe Haven”

Nov 22 — “The Grinch”

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 appear-

ances. 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.

207 NE 52ND STREET, OAK ISLAND, NC | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,646 SF | This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage is nestled in the heart of Oak Island, where life by the beach feels like an endless vacation. As you step onto the covered rocking-chair front porch, you’ll feel the gentle southern breeze reminding you that this is where memories are made. Inside, the home opens with vaulted ceilings that create a sense of space and light. The heart of the home, the beautiful kitchen and open concept living—features granite countertops, a center island, and plenty of counter space for meals that bring everyone together. Outside, you’ll find thoughtful touches that make this home perfect for coastal living—a new roof (2024), paved driveway, and a handy outdoor shower for rinsing off sandy feet after beach adventures. The rear storage building provides extra space for all the gear that comes with life by the sea! Currently listed at $ $599,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Brooke Rudd at (910) 512-1361 for more information or to schedule a showing.

105 FAIRWAY DRIVE, OAK ISLAND, NC | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,480 SF | Enjoy true Coastal living at this stunning 3 bedroom, 2-bath beach home located in Caswell Dunes community of Caswell Beach. This home is perfect if you are looking for an exceptional BEACH home that is a short distance from the beach and has 2 community swimming pools for your enjoyment. After a great day on the beach, you will be greeted by a beautiful home with the perfect open floor plan and a 3-season room that has breathtaking views

MARKETPLACE

looking across the 8th fairway of the Oak Island Golf Course. As you step into this home you will see the many upgrades. Just to name a few here, complete kitchen remodel, all flooring replaced throughout, guest and master bath completely renovated, all windows and sliding doors replaced, sky lights and even a new garage door. WOW! Experience comfort and convenience whether you are golf enthusiast, a beach lover or someone who has been dreaming of living the island life this is the beach home for you. Currently listed at $639,900 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Pat Proctor at (910) 523-0087 for more information or to schedule a showing.

4304 E BEACH DRIVE, OAK

ISLAND, NC | 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,472 SF | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,347 SF | The seller is offering a $50,000 credit at closing for this stunning 2nd-row beach home with gorgeous ocean views. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas, paired with a large center island, create a perfect space for entertaining. Large windows and doors lead to a covered top porch, maximizing the breathtaking views. There’s also a game room featuring a pool table, slot machine, dartboard, and more. Located just steps from the public beach access, this home includes a hot/cold shower, foot wash, and fish cleaning station. Mostly furnished, “Allzan Adventure” is ready to be your beachside retreat! Currently listed at $999,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS®️. Call Pat Proctor at (910) 523-0087 for more information or schedule a showing.

1002

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 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.

618 N. HOWE STREET |1,449

SQ.FT. | $719,000. $649,900

Charming historic cottage circa 1920, zoned business district with 37 feet of prime Howe Street frontage presents endless opportunities

for use as a commercial property or mixed use with commercial combined with residential. Zoning allows for use as a short term rental, office, or retail or dual use as a residence and business. The current owner has utilized the property as an office housing her physical therapy practice and also as a primary residence. There is a 20 foot paved street easement accessing the rear of the property from Howe Street (this easement is accessed via the road located between Live Oak Cafe and Loco Joe’s). The rear of the property includes an ample parking area currently utilized by the seller’s physical therapy clients, and an ADA compliant ramp accessing the office area at the rear of the property. The interior of this charming cottage includes multiple office areas, one bath, gorgeous original wood floors and trim work, and a charming fireplace which has been converted to gas logs. Call Sherol Lappala, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 363-7422, for more information..

227 NE 54TH STREET | 3 BED |

2 BATH | $699,500. Located in the heart of Oak Island in the Low Speed Vehicle district. Ride your golf cart to one of the nearby restaurants, bars, grocery or convenience stores. This home makes for the perfect full time beach residence or a vacation home/rental. Situated on a double corner lot in one of the most convenient sections of Oak Island, this home is only .5 miles from the closest beach access and .03 miles away from the public boat ramp on NE 55th ST. Make your memories count in this well taken care of home. Spend time swinging on the front covered porch or host a gathering on the large rear deck/patio. This home boasts a fenced back yard, two car garage and irrigation system. If you have several vehicles or need a workshop there is room on either side of the home for an additional garage or storage building! Call Sally Stidham, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 540-8320, for more information.

1351

CARLISLE STREET

| 2 BED | 2 BATH | $279,000. Airbnb For Sale only 1 mile from Holden Beach! Search for ‘’The Cozy Coconut’’ (Holden’s Hideaway) to view the great reviews of this 5 star property! This adorable home comes completely furnished and ready for you to put on the short term rental market, or use it as your beach bungalow get-away! A terrific opportunity to own property right down the road from Aunt Irene’s Cinnamon Rolls, plus homemade ice cream from Sweet Treat and all of the fun shopping and restaurants in the Holden Beach Area! The public boat launch is under the Holden Beach bridge with plenty of public parking and the Intracoastal Waterway running the length of Brunswick County so you can enjoy fishing, boating, floating on your pontoon or even renting nearby Jet Skis!. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., (910) 620-8962, for more information.

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 EAT-

ERY

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

LET’S TALK TURKEY

Harvest Your Real Estate Dreams This Thanksgiving Season! As the season of gathering and gratitude arrives, it's the perfect time to talk turkey about your next real estate move. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, our team will serve up expert guidance and local knowledge to help you carve out the best deal. Let’s make sure your home journey is something to truly be thankful for this season!