- More Than a Market: Clem’s Seafood, an Oak Island Tradition
If you’ve spent any time in Oak Island or Southport, you’ve probably heard of Clem’s Seafood. For decades, it’s been the place where locals swing by after work for shrimp fresh off the boat, or where vacationers grab a few pounds of grouper before heading back to the beach house. Clem’s isn’t just a seafood market — it’s part of the rhythm of coastal life here. A Legacy Rooted in Family Clem’s has always held a special place in the community’s heart because of the personal touch the Clemmons family gave their customers. They wanted people to know how much
- An Adventure in the Green Swamp Preserve
If you’ve ever driven the stretch of N.C. 211 from the intersection of U.S. 17 in Supply to the intersection of U.S. 74 in Bolton, you’re familiar with the fact that its about 34 miles of, well, not much. The straight, flat highway is surrounded by a dense pine forest and isn’t particularly scenic. And if you’ve ever driven this stretch at night, when the sky is overcast and there isn’t a star to be found, you might find that the utter darkness, sketchy cell service, and complete lack of civilization make it downright spooky. You may be surprised
- Crafting The American Story
The City of Southport, in partnership with the Brunswick Arts Council, is excited to announce that the Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center is inviting local artists to apply for Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History, an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition will open Feb. 21, 2026, at the Southport Community Building. Open exclusively to artists 18 years old and older residing in Brunswick County, the exhibition will celebrate the ways art reflects and interprets American history. From painting and sculpture to handcrafts and other creative forms, artists
- Documentary Features Local Flytrap Heroes
The iconic Venus flytraps of Southeastern North Carolina – and the tireless local conservationists, volunteers, scientists, and wildlife officers who nurture them – are the focus of two-time Emmy-winning British filmmaker Robert Ford’s film “Flytrap Town.” The feature-length documentary that Ford has been producing in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, including Boiling Spring Lakes, Green Swamp Preserve, and Wilmington, will share the story of the extraordinary carnivorous plant and the fight to save it from development and other threats. “The Carolinas,” explained Ford, “are the only place on earth where Venus flytraps grow wild, and yet they’re vanishing in plain
- Grissettown Haunted Trail
It’s off the main highway, down a country road, but just follow the screaming and you’ll get there. Now in it’s 17th year, the Haunted Trail in Grissettown promises to carry on its tradition of safely scaring the general public while raising funds to support operations of the Longwood Fire and Rescue Department. The Haunted Trail is at the station, 758 Longwood Rd NW, near Ocean Isle Beach and open every Friday and Saturday in October as well as Halloween Night from 7-11 pm. It’s a huge fundraiser for the department, of course, and has become one of the must-do
- Brunswick County Fair
Brunswick County is getting its own county fair, complete with all of the traditional food, games, rides, and animal exhibits a fair brings to town. Stump Hill Farms, a locals’ favorite spot for seasonal fun, began a fifth year on Sept. 20 and will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Offering hayrides, gem mining, swings and slides, a jumping pillow and a pumpkin patch, this family farm is no stranger to a fun time! Adding to the fall lineup, the farm family is hosting the First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo Oct.
- Brandon Hill: How An Idea Became A Brand
One of the greatest entrepreneurs in the world, Walt Disney, said, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s exactly what Brandon Hill, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, is doing. Brandon is the owner of Gimmzi Smart Rewards, an online program that offers rewards to consumers and supports local businesses. Brandon explained, “From a consumer standpoint, all you have to do is download the app through either Google Play Store or Apple. It’s a point-based system where the points are currency. Consumers earn points and, in turn, use
- Win A Trip To The Cherry Blossom Festival
The NC 4th of July Festival is proud to announce an exciting new fundraising initiative in support of the Festival: a raffle offering a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for two to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Valued at $3,000, this extraordinary prize package allows you to choose from round-trip airfare, luxury accommodations, and a customized a la carte itinerary tailored to your interests, all arranged by expert travel advisor Lina DiCola of Cruise Planners. This unique travel experience will immerse winners in one of the nation’s most iconic spring celebrations. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which commemorates the 1912
- Southport Lions Club Gears Up for the 80th Anniversary
By: Dana Jordan, Photos contributed Mark your calendars and shine those fenders — the Southport Lions Club Car Show is coming back this Labor Day weekend, promising another unforgettable celebration of community, classic cars, and charitable impact. And this year, there’s the addition of the Family Fun section on the Fort Johnston lawn. So whether you’re a die-hard gear head, a casual car lover, or just looking for a great day out with the family, this is a day you won’t want to miss. Located in downtown Southport along Bay Street by Waterfront Park, the Lions Club Car Show has
- The (Rescue) Dog Days of Summer
Story by Janet Fortney, photos by The Photo District Although you may recognize her from her frequent appearances – always with an adoptable dog beside her – on local television stations WECT, WWAY, and WSFX, Lee VanOrmer is more often walking through the kennels of Paws Place Dog Rescue. Paws Place, of which VanOrmer serves as the volunteer President & Secretary, is an 18-acre Winnabow no-kill dog shelter founded in 1999. The facility, which houses and can care for 40 dogs in 26 indoor/outdoor kennels at any one time, is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. Most Paws Place dogs
- Barn and Beach Artists Begin Scholarship Program
No one appreciates the needs of young artists like other artists. Seeing a need to support art education, Francesca Talbot, local artist and owner of Barn & Beach Designs, recently created an art scholarship funded by the sale of donated art supplies. “Coming from a background in art and having taught art for 17 years, I have seen a need for the support of young, budding artists,” Talbot said. “Currently representing some 200 local artists, I understand how much the arts reach and impact the community, a community that has enabled me to create a livelihood. So why not help give
If you’ve spent any time in Oak Island or Southport, you’ve probably heard of Clem’s Seafood. For decades, it’s been the place where locals swing by after work for shrimp fresh off the boat, or where vacationers grab a few pounds of grouper before heading back to the beach house. Clem’s isn’t just a seafood market — it’s part of the rhythm of coastal life here. A Legacy Rooted in Family Clem’s has always held a special place in the community’s heart because of the personal touch the Clemmons family gave their customers. They wanted people to know how much
If you’ve ever driven the stretch of N.C. 211 from the intersection of U.S. 17 in Supply to the intersection of U.S. 74 in Bolton, you’re familiar with the fact that its about 34 miles of, well, not much. The straight, flat highway is surrounded by a dense pine forest and isn’t particularly scenic. And if you’ve ever driven this stretch at night, when the sky is overcast and there isn’t a star to be found, you might find that the utter darkness, sketchy cell service, and complete lack of civilization make it downright spooky. You may be surprised
The City of Southport, in partnership with the Brunswick Arts Council, is excited to announce that the Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center is inviting local artists to apply for Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History, an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition will open Feb. 21, 2026, at the Southport Community Building. Open exclusively to artists 18 years old and older residing in Brunswick County, the exhibition will celebrate the ways art reflects and interprets American history. From painting and sculpture to handcrafts and other creative forms, artists
The iconic Venus flytraps of Southeastern North Carolina – and the tireless local conservationists, volunteers, scientists, and wildlife officers who nurture them – are the focus of two-time Emmy-winning British filmmaker Robert Ford’s film “Flytrap Town.” The feature-length documentary that Ford has been producing in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, including Boiling Spring Lakes, Green Swamp Preserve, and Wilmington, will share the story of the extraordinary carnivorous plant and the fight to save it from development and other threats. “The Carolinas,” explained Ford, “are the only place on earth where Venus flytraps grow wild, and yet they’re vanishing in plain
It’s off the main highway, down a country road, but just follow the screaming and you’ll get there. Now in it’s 17th year, the Haunted Trail in Grissettown promises to carry on its tradition of safely scaring the general public while raising funds to support operations of the Longwood Fire and Rescue Department. The Haunted Trail is at the station, 758 Longwood Rd NW, near Ocean Isle Beach and open every Friday and Saturday in October as well as Halloween Night from 7-11 pm. It’s a huge fundraiser for the department, of course, and has become one of the must-do
Brunswick County is getting its own county fair, complete with all of the traditional food, games, rides, and animal exhibits a fair brings to town. Stump Hill Farms, a locals’ favorite spot for seasonal fun, began a fifth year on Sept. 20 and will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Offering hayrides, gem mining, swings and slides, a jumping pillow and a pumpkin patch, this family farm is no stranger to a fun time! Adding to the fall lineup, the farm family is hosting the First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo Oct.
One of the greatest entrepreneurs in the world, Walt Disney, said, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s exactly what Brandon Hill, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, is doing. Brandon is the owner of Gimmzi Smart Rewards, an online program that offers rewards to consumers and supports local businesses. Brandon explained, “From a consumer standpoint, all you have to do is download the app through either Google Play Store or Apple. It’s a point-based system where the points are currency. Consumers earn points and, in turn, use
The NC 4th of July Festival is proud to announce an exciting new fundraising initiative in support of the Festival: a raffle offering a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for two to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Valued at $3,000, this extraordinary prize package allows you to choose from round-trip airfare, luxury accommodations, and a customized a la carte itinerary tailored to your interests, all arranged by expert travel advisor Lina DiCola of Cruise Planners. This unique travel experience will immerse winners in one of the nation’s most iconic spring celebrations. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which commemorates the 1912
By: Dana Jordan, Photos contributed Mark your calendars and shine those fenders — the Southport Lions Club Car Show is coming back this Labor Day weekend, promising another unforgettable celebration of community, classic cars, and charitable impact. And this year, there’s the addition of the Family Fun section on the Fort Johnston lawn. So whether you’re a die-hard gear head, a casual car lover, or just looking for a great day out with the family, this is a day you won’t want to miss. Located in downtown Southport along Bay Street by Waterfront Park, the Lions Club Car Show has
Story by Janet Fortney, photos by The Photo District Although you may recognize her from her frequent appearances – always with an adoptable dog beside her – on local television stations WECT, WWAY, and WSFX, Lee VanOrmer is more often walking through the kennels of Paws Place Dog Rescue. Paws Place, of which VanOrmer serves as the volunteer President & Secretary, is an 18-acre Winnabow no-kill dog shelter founded in 1999. The facility, which houses and can care for 40 dogs in 26 indoor/outdoor kennels at any one time, is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. Most Paws Place dogs
No one appreciates the needs of young artists like other artists. Seeing a need to support art education, Francesca Talbot, local artist and owner of Barn & Beach Designs, recently created an art scholarship funded by the sale of donated art supplies. “Coming from a background in art and having taught art for 17 years, I have seen a need for the support of young, budding artists,” Talbot said. “Currently representing some 200 local artists, I understand how much the arts reach and impact the community, a community that has enabled me to create a livelihood. So why not help give
