- Southport Spices
We watch a lot of Food Network in our home. Cooking together was something we learned as a couple, enjoyed as a family, and now that our son has moved away, once again enjoy as a couple. The competition shows on Food Network often feature ingredients we’ve never heard of, and often can’t find in our area. Now, thanks to Southport Spices, we can find some ingredients we never could have before. As an example, the lovely and talented Lisa wanted to try za’atar, a savory spice blend (I think it’s a blend) from the Middle East. Of course Southport
- Barn and Beach Art Scholarship
Our friends at Barn and Beach Designs have gone through a lot of changes recently with the moved from three buildings to two, but did not let their annual art scholarship fall through the cracks. This year’s winner of a $1,500 scholarship is South Brunswick High School (SBHS) Senior Emilee Lake. “With all the changes and transitions here at Barn & Beach Designs of shifting three businesses into two over the past few months, there was one thing that was true to my heart and a priority during the shift,” said Barn and Beach owner Francesca Talbot. “That was our
- Supporting Our Library
We’re fortunate here in Brunswick County to have a wonderful library system that caters to people of all ages. Our local libraries also have amazing volunteer groups to support them and fill in the gaps when funding doesn’t quite match wish lists. Members of the Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island are doing just that for the Barbee Branch on Oak Island, raising money for a very real need. We’re more than happy to do our part and help spread the word because of course we want everyone reading lots — books, emails, and especially our magazines. We asked one
- New Memorial Comes To Brunswick Town
History is endlessly fascinating and also complicated and sometimes difficult. It is, after all, the story of humans beings, and humans are complicated, doing great and terrible things often at the same time. The citizens of Brunswick Town were no different. They helped kick off a revolution that led to a nation founded on the ideals of freedom and the notion that all men are created equal. These same people also imported, sold and owned men, women and children. The Brunswick Town State Historic Site has done a great job telling the first part of that story, and now the
- A Discovery Wharf The Wait
Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson, a site deeply shaped by American colonial history, is a true “hidden gem,” said Christos Darras, a graduate student at East Carolina University (ECU). For Darras, who is pursuing his degree in Maritime Studies, it is also the site for his graduate thesis. His current project might just help to answer some questions about the area’s true importance in colonial history. Darras, who attended ECU’s Field School earlier in the summer, was offered an internship with the Friends of Old Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. He began researching a former colonial wharf that is no longer truly “accessible”
- 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.
We watch a lot of Food Network in our home. Cooking together was something we learned as a couple, enjoyed as a family, and now that our son has moved away, once again enjoy as a couple. The competition shows on Food Network often feature ingredients we’ve never heard of, and often can’t find in our area. Now, thanks to Southport Spices, we can find some ingredients we never could have before. As an example, the lovely and talented Lisa wanted to try za’atar, a savory spice blend (I think it’s a blend) from the Middle East. Of course Southport
Our friends at Barn and Beach Designs have gone through a lot of changes recently with the moved from three buildings to two, but did not let their annual art scholarship fall through the cracks. This year’s winner of a $1,500 scholarship is South Brunswick High School (SBHS) Senior Emilee Lake. “With all the changes and transitions here at Barn & Beach Designs of shifting three businesses into two over the past few months, there was one thing that was true to my heart and a priority during the shift,” said Barn and Beach owner Francesca Talbot. “That was our
We’re fortunate here in Brunswick County to have a wonderful library system that caters to people of all ages. Our local libraries also have amazing volunteer groups to support them and fill in the gaps when funding doesn’t quite match wish lists. Members of the Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island are doing just that for the Barbee Branch on Oak Island, raising money for a very real need. We’re more than happy to do our part and help spread the word because of course we want everyone reading lots — books, emails, and especially our magazines. We asked one
History is endlessly fascinating and also complicated and sometimes difficult. It is, after all, the story of humans beings, and humans are complicated, doing great and terrible things often at the same time. The citizens of Brunswick Town were no different. They helped kick off a revolution that led to a nation founded on the ideals of freedom and the notion that all men are created equal. These same people also imported, sold and owned men, women and children. The Brunswick Town State Historic Site has done a great job telling the first part of that story, and now the
Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson, a site deeply shaped by American colonial history, is a true “hidden gem,” said Christos Darras, a graduate student at East Carolina University (ECU). For Darras, who is pursuing his degree in Maritime Studies, it is also the site for his graduate thesis. His current project might just help to answer some questions about the area’s true importance in colonial history. Darras, who attended ECU’s Field School earlier in the summer, was offered an internship with the Friends of Old Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. He began researching a former colonial wharf that is no longer truly “accessible”
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.
