Southport, like nearby Kure Beach, only different, is a throwback to a simpler time. This is a genuine little fishing village -- in a mish-mash sort of way, primarily via the service industry; at any rate, it feels like one -- where the work is hard and the livin' is easy.

Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport is a 30-minute drive from Wilmington, or, preferably, a 25-minute ferry ride from Fort Fisher (call 1-800-BY FERRY for schedules), or, better still, a boat ride from wherever you left from.

Southport is home to one of the largest marinas in the state.

Southport has been a popular filming location for television and movies, including film adaptations of the works of novelist Nicholas Sparks, according to its Wikipedia page.

"The town can be seen in the television series Dawson's Creek, Under the Dome, Revenge, and Matlock, and in numerous movies, including I Know What You Did Last Summer, Summer Catch, Domestic Disturbance, Crimes of the Heart, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven," according to the Wikipedia entry.

Southport's Fourth of July Festival attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually.

Downtown Southport, just a couple blocks up from the marina, is canopied in gigantic oak trees and lined with antique and curio shops.

Just try to pick your pace up beyond a stroll. Can't be done. Having exhausted yourself, take a break in the lovely Franklin Square Park. Nap. Or if you are not the napping type walk over to the Port City Java and get a nice cold double latte, read the paper and listen in on what the locals or fellow tourists are chattering about.

Then walk down to the pier and see what the fishermen are catching. If you are lucky you may see a big old tanker sailing up the Cape Fear River toward the state port facilities in Wilmington.

Damn they look big when they sail that close to land. 

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