Southport Vacation Part 2

Our first full day in Southport we planned as a beach day! After a delicious breakfast and lunch and bike ride around town we hit the beach...



The sun was shining and the temperature was great!



We went over to the end of Oak Island and set up camp!



There were a few people fishing and relaxing, but it was really pretty quiet!

We even saw a tandem kayak (excuse the feet in the pic)...





The day was lovely and relaxing. We headed back to the B&B, got changed and headed to dinner at Joseph's Italian Bistro, one of my favorites! The view from the deck is of the marina. Just lovely and so quiet!!



The next day we grabbed the bikes after breakfast and rode around town most of the morning stopping and shopping!



We hit Burney's, home of the original Cro-Nut!



They were quite good!



So were the red velvet cupcakes...



After the pedaling and eating we headed to Caswell Beach. Time for another selfie!



And, as if I don't see enough snakes at home, there was a guy flying a snake kite...Really?



The weather was again beautiful and we napped and listened to the waves!



We headed down to the waterfront in town and searched for shells, sea glass, and pottery! This is a tradition for me to hunt daily!

Before dinner that evening we snapped a pic in front of the Inn (well, we tried)





The last night we ate at The Pharmacy and then the next day we grabbed some goodies from Burney's to go and headed out of town. I wanted to make a quick stop at Jonkheer Jewelry in Wilmington since I'd missed it on the way down.



I'd purchased some earrings made by Mitzy in the past and wanted to see her studio and shop! We got lucky and got to meet her, her son, and her two dogs. What an amazing visit with an amazing artist! She's so friendly and a very talented metalsmith! Her pieces are so unique and artistic! Be sure to check out her work here!

Before leaving Wilmington we ate lunch at the Blue Water Grill and grabbed two more ice cream sandwiches at Wrightsville Beach!



We had a lovely time together and enjoyed relaxing. If you're ever in the mood to just slow down a bit, Southport's the place for you!

Wilmington and Southport 2013 Part 1

I know I've been MIA for a week or so, but it was for good reason! We went on a mini vacation to Wilmington and Southport, NC, as we always do in September!

We headed to Wilmington for a day on our way to Southport! We shopped in the waterfront shops...



Then, we ventured to dinner at this amazing restaurant called Catch!



Hidden in a strip mall of sorts was this lovely restaurant featuring local seafood by a local chef with a flare for unique combinations!

Next door was a window display that I couldn't resist snapping a pic of...

While in Wilmington we had to stop at Whole Foods to get some cookies!



Linzer Tarts are my favorites! Notice the shark cookie Dynamo got just to be funny since he knows how much I fear sharks!



Back at the hotel we enjoyed our treats while taking in some cable tv! I'm always excited to be somewhere and get cable. We found ourselves watching the movie "GrownUps" which was hilarious!

The next day we ventured to Southport! Our destination! First stop was the swings at Riverfront park!



Even though it was a bit overcast, it was still so nice to swing and watch the water.



Next we hit our favorite lunch spot, Baked with love!



Great homemade sandwiches and ice cream cookie sandwiches! The owner, Lisa, is always there to greet you!



She uses an eclectic mix of dishes, salt shakers, and vintage goodies to give you a feel of home! I just love the sign above the cabinets...



I always get a kick out of the sign at the restroom...

After lunch we decided to head over to the beach at Oak Island. We took our chairs and relaxed a bit even though it was cloudy!



We just relaxed and listened to the ocean!



Then, we took a brief walk...





After a restful time on the beach, we headed to the B&B to check in...



Again, we stayed at the Robert Ruark Inn. A lovely restored old historic home in Southport.



This was our third stay at the Inn. Here are some pics of the inside...







And, we stayed in Robert's Room...







As soon as we got checked in we headed out on the complimentary bikes offered by the Innkeeper!





And we stopped at the Port City Java for the best ice cream sandwich ever!



Made in North Carolina in small batches by hand!



Then we did some more riding around town and shelling!

I found this cool tooth!



And this neat shell that looks like a half moon!



We rode around and checked out the houses and town to see what might had changed...













They have filmed some shows and movies here! I believe Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks was the most recent.



It's a really small town that is super quiet after Labor Day!







We kept on riding around checking out the scenery!



Dynamo is so funny in front of the camera.



The joys of vacationing with yourselves...lots of selfies!



Lots of historic homes. All of them named...







Not a soul around. Like we had the whole place to ourselves!





Back at the Inn we we got ready for dinner!



We finished up our first day in Southport eating at the Frying Pan!



A lovely view of the water...





And, good food...





Stay tuned for Part 2 of the trip...