A TOWN OF HISTORY, SCENERY AND MOVIE MAGIC
Originally chartered as “Smithville” in 1792, Southport has a long history as both a maritime hub and a popular vacationing site. A stroll through the “Old Southport” area, with its many historic homes and buildings, is a quick trip back in time. To learn more about the town’s history, you can head to the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center—which features exhibits and artifacts about the Fort (the oldest active-duty fort in the United States until it was decommissioned in 2006) and the city itself. More history can be uncovered at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, which is one of three maritime museums along the eastern portion of the state and focuses on the coastal history—from shipwrecks to piracy to hurricanes and more.
Southport hotels are great for visitors who want to be close to everything this riverfront town has to offer. Many people enjoy the 9-acre Waterfront Park, which has a public fishing pier, picnic tables, swings and peaceful walkways perfect for a leisurely stroll. After renovations and upgrades, the Southport Marina is one of the biggest public boat harbors in the state, with a full-service boatyard, an events venue, and many other amenities.
With all of its historic sites and waterfront views, Southport has been used as a filming location for television and movies. It was the main location for the film adaptation of novelist Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven, as well as several other films based on his work—such as Nights in Rodanthe and A Walk to Remember. Some of the television shows that have used Southport include Dawson’s Creek, Under the Dome, Revenge and Matlock. Movies filmed in town have included I Know What You Did Last Summer, Summer Catch, Domestic Disturbance, Crimes of the Heart, and Mary and Martha.
A stay at one of the hotels in Southport, NC may not make you a movie star, but you’ll feel like one!
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