Weekend in Southport, N.C., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: This quiet fishing village, situated where the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean join, was recently named "The Happiest Seaside Town" by Coastal Living magazine and is picturesque enough to be the setting for many television shows and featured films ("A Walk to Remember" and "Safe Haven" — both based on novels by Nicholas Sparks). The popular North Carolina Maritime Museum outlines the region's history from the original Native American settlers to explaining life along the coast today. 204 E. Moore St., Southport. 910-457-0003, http://ncmaritimemuseums.com. The antebellum architecture, eclectic art galleries, renowned antique shops, waterfront boardwalks, countless restaurants, and variety of the freshest seafood draw visitors year-round.
Getting there: One-way 21-day advance purchase rates to Wilmington (36 miles) from $123; American Airlines via Charlotte. Nonstop Delta rates to Wilmington from $316 round-trip.
BUDGET
Stay: The pet-friendly Comfort Suites, located near the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, offers accommodations with refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. Rates from $103 per night include a hot breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, weekday newspaper and use of the fitness center. 4963 Southport Supply Road, Southport. 910-454-7444, www.choicehotels.com.
Eat: Ports of Call is a charming market and bistro in historic downtown Southport. The best values from the Mediterranean-inspired menu are tapas ($5-$16) or lunch ($8-$15). 116 N. Howe St., Southport. 910-457-4544, www.portsofcallbistro.com.
Experience: Take a 30-minute tour of Southport's historical sites, famous movie locations and popular waterfront attractions aboard an electric street cart. Known as the July Fourth capital of North Carolina, the town is rich in history and charm. Ancient live oaks grace the streets lined with charming clapboard and impressive Victorian homes. $10 per person (children must be at least 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall to ride). 203 E. Bay St., Southport. 910-750-1951, www.southporttours.com.
MODERATE
Stay: All guest rooms at the recently restored Robert Ruark Inn are professionally decorated in period antiques and have private baths with vintage themed bathrooms including claw foot tubs or a spalike shower. Three rooms boast fireplaces. Guests enjoy a full, multicourse breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, a 24/7 coffee/tea station and complimentary bicycles. The inn has two rocking porches and a fire pit in the courtyard. It's a short walk to the waterfront, shops and museums. Weekend rates, $185-$220 (less weekdays). 119 N. Lord St., Southport. 910-363-4169, www.robertruarkinn.com.
Eat: Seafood lovers or landlubbers will love the choices at Turtle Island. Enjoy casual dining in a fun, tropical atmosphere. Starters to $13; entrees, $20-$29. 6220 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island. 910-278-4944, www.facebook.com/Turtle-Island-Restaurant-Catering-142701423985.
Experience: Take the scenic Southport-Fort Fisher ferry ride ($5 per auto; 1650 Ferry Road, 910-457-6942, www.ncdot.gov) to and from Kure and Carolina beaches and Fort Fisher, North Carolina's most visited historic site. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and an orientation film. Walk the half-mile trail that encircles the remains of the fort to take in scenic views of both the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Free admission. 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd., Kure Beach. 910-458-5538, www.nchistoricsites.org. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (allow two hours) has free daily offerings of live animal presentations and feedings, touch pools and films. Come eye to eye with alligators and talk to divers that swim with sharks, rays and eels. Adults, $10.95; $8.95 ages 3-12. Behind-the-scenes tours are $16-$23 additional. 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. 910-772-0500, www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.
SPLURGE
Stay: Marsh Harbour Inn is located at the Bald Head Island Marina and within walking distance to restaurants, shops and the Maritime Market. One- and two-bedroom condos feature a spacious living area, open decks, screened porches and marina and sunset views. Amenities include daily continental breakfast and daily use of a golf cart. For a fee, guests can enjoy privileges to the Bald Head Island Club: golf at the 18-hole George Cobb-designed golf course, tennis, fitness facility, and casual to fine Club dining. Nightly rates from $295-$380. 21 Keelson Row, Bald Head Island. 910-454-0451, www.marshharbourinn.com.
Eat: Mr. P's Bistro has been a longtime Southport institution and one of the top dining spots in town. Owners call the menu Lowcountry-leaning. Starters, $10-$12; entrees to $29. 309 N. Howe St., Southport. 910-457-0801, www.mrpsbistro.com.
Experience: Car-free Bald Head Island is located 2 nautical miles offshore at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. A two-hour golf cart tour operated by the Bald Head Island Conservancy ($40) includes a 20-minute ferry from Southport's Deep Point Marina (1301 Ferry Road, 910-457-5003, www.baldheadislandferry.com), pickup and return transportation from/to the ferry terminal, and a closer look at the beaches, an ibis sanctuary, the marshes, the maritime forest, and more. Post-tour, explore the Old Baldy Lighthouse, first commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, or hit the links at Bald Head Island Club's championship course. 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island. 910-457-0089, www.bhic.org/calendar-of-events.
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