Southport is a city on the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Back in the 18th century, British settlements along this stretch of coast were afflicted by buccaneers and Spanish frigates to the point that a fortification named Fort Johnston had to be built, around which a town then called Smithville after Revolutionary War figure Benjamin Smith took shape, which eventually became known as Southport (in the hopes that it would initiate maritime traffic). But if anything Southport is a leisure and retirement haven, although granted it does have some military and nuclear power facilities nearby. It's also a filming location, such as for the movies Safe Haven and Nights in Rodanthe that you might have seen.

See

Southport from Pier1

• Franklin Square Art Gallery. An association of local artisans in varying media including paintings and pottery all displayed for your enjoyment in a beautiful historic building. Admission is free. 
• The Southport Maritime Museum. A collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of Southport, the Lower Cape Fear and Southeastern North Carolina. 
• 1 Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center, 203 E Bay St (right behind the Southport Maritime Museum), ☏ +1 910 457-7927. M-Sa 10AM-4PM. Old history. (updated Nov 2021)
• 2 Orton Plantation & Gardens. Located about halfway between Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, on the west bank of the Cape Fear River. It has been the site for many dramatic documentaries and action films.  

Orton House at Orton Plantation, Brunswick County, North Carolina

Orton Plantation driveway

Eat

• Bella Cucina Restaurant & Lounge, 5177 Southport-Supply Rd SE (Next to Hampton Inn), ☏ +1 910 454-4540. 
• 1 Oliver's on the Cape Fear, 101 W Bay St, ☏ +1 910 477-9299. Dining along the Cape Fear River. Hopefully Max Cady isn't peering in. (updated Nov 2021)

Sleep

For vacation and long-term rentals:

• Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS, ☏ +1 910-278-6523, toll-free: +1-800-486-5441. 
• 1 Riverside Motel, 103 W Bay St, ☏ +1 910 457-6701. A homey hotel with rooms overlooking the Cape Fear River. (updated Nov 2021)
• 2 Comfort Suites Southport - Oak Island, 4963 Southport-Supply Rd SE, ☏ +1 910 363-1107. More of a practical stay than anything. Outdoor pool on busy highway location. (updated Nov 2021)

Stay healthy

• J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital

924 N Howe St

Go next

The town of Oak Island is just a short drive away.