If you’re looking for a place with small town charm and gorgeous coastal views, Southport is the place for you. Well known as the happiest seaside town on the east coast, Southport has a quaint charm that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The 2.2 square mile town offers a unique way of life. Time moves a little slower and every day is a new opportunity for adventure when you’re grabbing lunch by the shoreline or catching up with friends in the town square.
Southport’s scenic views have been featured in dozens of movies including Safe Haven, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The town’s coastal charm has also attracted producers and film crews for popular TV shows like Revenge and Under the Dome. The natural beauty of Southport is part of what makes it such a magical place to call home. The town is situated on the tip of North Carolina’s mainland, bordering the Cape Fear River, where commercial fishermen often set sail for the Atlantic or journey out towards the Intracoastal Waterway. There are plenty of benches and swings perched on the downtown waterfront where you can watch the ships sail by and watch seagulls and pelicans play.
Unlike most coastal cities in North Carolina, Southport has a relatively small population with just 2,300 year-round residents. Over the years, the town has thrived as a tourist destination and a well loved home for fishermen and beach lovers. With close to a dozen marinas, a public pier, and numerous waterfront restaurants and shops, the community thrives on salt air and ocean breezes.
Southport also has a rich heritage with dozens of historic homes standing majestically downtown. As you stroll down the sidewalks and wave hello to friends, you’ll find shade under live oaks that are hundreds of years old. You can pay a visit to the Maritime Museum to learn more about the town’s history dating back to the Native American settlers and moving forward through both World Wars.
There are countless antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques in the downtown area and they are best explored on foot. Residents enjoy participating in the town’s many annual traditions like the big 4th of July parade and numerous fishing tournaments. During the summer months, Southport’s population gathers each week in the town square for a farmer’s market where you can find everything from fresh picked peaches to juicy tomatoes. Live music sets the tone for a relaxing summer day by the waterfront and neighbors catch up under the shade of the massive oak trees while tourists shop for jams, baked goods, and handmade souvenirs.
If you’re ready to take a break from the fast-paced world and you want a tight-knit community to call home, pack your bags and head to Southport. There’s nowhere else on earth where you will find such a friendly little town with million dollar views at every turn.
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