Just what is it that makes Southport, North Carolina such a unique and charming place? Maybe it's that this magical small town is truly a place from another time. A walk along its tree-shaded streets lined with historic cottages and Victorian charmers is a walk through the gracious past of coastal southeastern North Carolina.

Founded in 1792, Southport is a place shaped by its proximity to the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a town that holds tight to its coastal heritage, but also looks eagerly to a bright future. Founded by industrious fishermen, visited by notorious pirates, and home to fearless blockade-running river pilots during the Civil War, Southport has managed to retain its small town charm.

Today, Southport is a thriving community with good schools, a wonderful hospital, and a charming downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. And it's a place where people and community matter. Every summer this town plays host to one of the most joyful old-time Fourth of July festivals in the US.

From the parade filled with floats, beauty queens, and marching bands, to the rousing fireworks display staged over the town's waterfront, Southport's Fourth of July is small town America at its best.

Minutes from the beach, and less than an hour's drive from Wilmington's International Airport, Southport is perfectly situated to take advantage of coastal North Carolina's mild climate. Fishing, boating, golf, sailing, kayaking --- whatever your pleasure --- it's all to be found in Southport.