Whether you are a first time visitor to The Sunset Inn or you have been calling the Inn a home away from home for years we thought we might tell you about a few exciting places to visit while staying with us. The first in this series is the charming fishing village of Southport.
Southport is an easy drive from the Inn by just hopping on Highway 17 to Highway 211 and you are there. Once you arrive you will see historic store fronts that house antique shops, old book stores, art galleries, and craft shops. While strolling through town there are great places to stop for a bite to eat, The Pharmacy is a local favorite. From there the scenic waterfront park beckons with glistening blue water and park benches to sit and watch the sail boats drift by. Why not enjoy an ice cream cone or sundae while relaxing, those shops are close by too.
While visiting this quaint picturesque town you might start noticing some familiar spots. How could a place you have never been to seem so familiar? Perhaps it is because Southport has been captured on film more than once. Author Nicholas Sparks, known for novels like The Notebook, Dear John, & The Last Song, also took to the area and the town has been featured in two of his adapted films. "A Walk To Remember" starring Mandy Moore and the recently released "Safe Haven" starring Julianne Hough & Josh Duhamel. Author Lois Duncan's novel "I Know What You Did Last Summer" also put Southport on the map in movies in 1997. These movies have created such a stir that tours are now being offered to take you around to experience the sights, sounds, and charm that graced the screen along with a history of the area. Tours start May 17th. To book a tour visit www.oldsouthtourcompany.com.
Southport also hosts numerous festivals & events over the year. Here are just a few:
May 1 - September 25, 2013 - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Southport Waterfront Market
The Southport Waterfront Market is held every Wednesday morning from 8am until 1pm, May 1st (first Wednesday in May) through September 25th (last Wednesday in September). The location on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn overlooking the Cape Fear River is a treat in itself. You can browse the beautiful local produce, baked goods and handcrafted items spread under ancient live oak trees. There is a breeze off the river as well as music in the air as entertainment is always available.
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn Bay Street, Southport, NC
Contact: Marion Martin & Dottie Nixa
P.O.Box 10127 Southport, NC 28461
910/279-4616 & 910/620-2308
Admission/Fees: Free
Organized & Sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc.
July 1, 2013 - 9:00 AM
N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day
In conjunction with the NC 4th of July festival, Oak Island Parks and Recreation invites you and your family to the annual Beach Day on July 1, 2013. Beginning at 9am with the horseshoe tournament, there will be live entertainment, dozens of family contest and inflatable rides at Middleton Park. There will also be a corn hole, bocce’, sand castle, and volleyball contest on the beach in front of the cabana. A skate boarding contest continues the fun at the skate park. The fun continues with a live beach band and shag contest at Middleton Park and ends at dusk with the annual Beach Day fireworks.
Middleton Park Extension (46th Street, SE and Beachfront Cabana Area.
Contact: Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department
910/278-5518
Admission/Fees: Free
Organized and Sponsored by Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department. Beach Concert & Shag Contest Sponsored by N.C. 4th of July Festival.
July 2 - 4, 2013
N.C. 4th of July Festival
Arts, crafts, parade, 5K run, food, entertainment, children's games, naturalization ceremony and more. See "Events & Activities" page for more information and link to the preliminary schedule. Check out the festival's new website www.nc4thofjuly.com
Downtown Southport.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910-457-5578
Admission/Fees: Most events are free.
June 29th - Freedom Run. July 1 - Beach Day July 2,4 & 4 events will be in downtown Southport.
August 2 - 4, 2013
"The Pirates Are Coming" Festival Weekend
Be here as pirates arrive by tall ship and take over the island for several days of unbridled revelry including a pyrate pub, gun powder demonstrations and sword fighting, music, grub ships, duck race, pirate pancake breakfast, water games, crafts and an island-wide treasure hunt with proceeds benefiting the Old Baldy Foundation. A weekend of pirates, history and fun. Details can be found at www.oldbaldy.org
Bald Head Island
Contact: Old Baldy Foundation
910/457-7481
For more information on Southport and the town's events visit: www.southport-oakisland.com and click on Calendar of Events
Check back soon for our next blog: Day Trip Two: Bald Head Island and visit www.thesunsetinn.net to get more information about our area, see pictures of our rooms, and book on-line. If you would like more information don't hesitate to call us toll free at 1-888-575-1001. We hope to see you soon.
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