Southport NC Real Estate - Vicki Burton- Buyer's Agent

Just like people, there are a few areas of Brunswick County that got it all when it comes to looks. Natural beauty is something that speaks to us internally. Not everyone has it...not every place has it...but it grabs you right away. Lockwood Folly is one of those special places. It's one of Brunswick County's oldest communities, with as pretty a golf course as you'll ever see. The locals would rather keep it a secret and it always surprises me when I hear an long-time resident tell me they've never been to Lockwood Folly. "No way!" I say.

But it's true. Off the beaten path, but oh so strategically placed, where the Lockwood Folly River literally wraps around its entirety like a blanket. It is my observation that it's generally the best land in any given area that gets settled first. I call River Run, across the river, its sister development, although there is no relation. They do share the same characteristics geographically ..... beautiful trees, high elevations, rolling topography, and easy water access. It's no coincidence that these are two of our oldest but somehow still secret communities. And it's also no coincidence their proximity to Varnamtown. Maybe the name itself doesn't wax poetic but there is not a fishing community in North Carolina, that can rival this family of true-blue modern day men of the sea. Clammers, oystermen, shrimpers.....you'll see them at work ..... depending on the season. Somehow this proud and stubborn bunch has held on...and held on to a disappearing way of life in the fertile fishing grounds of the Lockwood Folly River and its inlet leading out into the Atlantic. There is not a prettier site 'round here than a shrimp boat coming home to roost at sunset. So for the environmentally conscious among you, take heart. There are still a couple places left in Brunswick County where development and livelihood can co-exist.

The 460 acre lush habitat, tucked away on a former hunting preserve, encompasses all the “good things” one could ask for in a coastal living environment. Lockwood Folly's classic Willard Byrd course is a beauty that meanders through mature live oak forests, marsh and riverbank. The long-range views of this tidal estuary are truly breathtaking. Over 600 home sites offer wooded, marsh, waterfront and water views of the Lockwood Folly and the Intracoastal Waterway. The community boat launch is only I mile from the Atlantic and the sands of Holden Beach just a 10 minute drive.

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On the outskirts of town, Smithville Woods is a my top destination pick if you are planning to relocate to Southport and are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of kids. It's the kind of place I dreamed about growing up in. While living and raising our kids in Downtown Southport, I've always felt like they had the best of all worlds. Learning to ride their bikes on the sidewalk, playing ball in the street, walking down to the river every day to crab and pick up treasures, the freedom of walking on their own to the candy store, ice cream man, or the library. It was all very Norman Rockwell but it was absolutely real. The town was still full of locals, but young'uns were scarce except for a hand full that came and went. What I'm getting at is, that in spite of this picture-perfect little world we were living in, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY KIDS...all four of them...expressed on a regular basis...that they ever-so-badly...wanted to live in SMITHVILLE WOODS. Deep down, I've always understood why. From moms out walking with their babies and toddlers, kids on bikes and skateboards, older kids on golf carts, surrounded by large undeveloped tracts of land for secret clubs and hideouts. What's not to love?

Although surrounding development is inching closer, Smithville Woods is still a quiet, safe haven reached by turning right on Robert Ruark Dr. at the stoplight just as you are entering Southport. It is a diverse neighborhood, with homes in a variety of styles and price ranges, starting out in upper 200s, averaging in the 350k to 425k range, and topping out with a small number of million dollar homes built on the banks of  Dutchman Creek. For the boater, who doesn't have his own dock on the creek, there is a private ramp for property owners to access the water, whose deep channel allows direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic beyond.

Smithville Woods is, you could say, Southport's first suburb. Started back over 20 years ago, and laid out on the family-owned land of a local Cape Fear River Pilot, the various streets bear the names of relatives, and other local references. While I'm promoting Smithville Woods as a family oriented neighborhood, it has its share of retirees as well. In a day where modern developments advertise and target age and socioeconomic-specific buyers, it's important that we have communities like Smithville Woods, welcoming the young and the young at heart.

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On the eve of North Carolina's largest 4th of July celebration, Southport readies itself for a swell of visitors that you'd just have to see to believe. I say this after experiencing this colossal event first-hand for over 20 years. We're talking 50,000 festivarians in a town of less than 3,000 residents! Our home in Downtown Southport thankfully gives us a front-row seat. Once I get the groceries packed in tomorrow, the car stays put until Saturday. There are so many scheduled events and activities packed in the next few days, I'll have to let you look at the schedule for yourself. Under the canopy of ancient live oaks, Franklin Square Park will hold a hundred or so artist and craftsman booths, and enough food vendors to keep you satisfied until you can make your way down to the bottom of Howe St. There you'll find everything from the crowd-pleasing funnel cakes and bloomin' onions, to Thai food and fried grouper.

You'll have three days to take it all in, but the BIG DAY is the 4th, starting with the enormous crowd-pleaser of a parade at 11:00, and ending with a BANG at 9:00 PM as fireworks over the water put the suitable exclamation point on the entire celebration. I'll admit after all these years, I skip a lot of the festivities. But nothing can compare with sitting on a blanket looking out on the water....watching local boaters gather 'round in the twilight....seeing the launch barge with its pyrotechnic buffet slowly pull up and anchor right in front of you.....and then finally, just to lie back in the company of thousands and witness the glory of the deep cannon-like booms followed by cascading bursts of iridescent glow. I swear they are falling right on top of you!

It seems like everything started early this year. The annual Fireman's Competition, which used to be on the 3rd, is now held the Saturday before....no doubt as a favor to all the visiting firemen who can get in and out of town without fighting the traffic that ensues during the festival. I don't think I've ever seen as big a turn-out of fire engine red, spit-shined with pride, and the will to win. I'm not sure which stations took home a prize but just to see the camaraderie and the fight for bragging rights under sunny 90 degree skies, was plenty to get my respect, not just for the competition, but what they volunteer to do for us on a day-to-day basis.

One event I have missed the last few years but plan to catch on Thursday, is the annual Naturalization Ceremony, on the Garrison lawn on the Waterfront. Not a lot of people know about it, but it is a partnership between the NC 4th of July Festival and the US Department of Homeland Security and its Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration. This year a record number, 96 individuals from 48 countries and all six continents will take their Oath of Citizenship and become United States citizens. At a time when our patriotism and values are battling a media blitz seemingly intent on undermining our sense of pride in being Americans, this I promise, will move you. These often tearful and grateful new citizens, are experiencing the culmination of a life-long dream, and in watching them take their oath, you can feel the weight of their words. And if that's not enough, cannons, military salutes, and community choirs join together to top off the welcoming event.

With 17 straight years providing technical support for our string of daughter's 4th of July lemonade stand, we no longer carry the burden of anything that even remotely has to do with responsibility. We can sit on the porch and watch the steady foot-traffic of families with their strollers, coolers, chairs, and blankets. We can smile and say thankfully, "been there, done that."

So if you fancy a simpler time......if you still like parades and pageantry, music and street dances, the smell of good greasy food, kids and parents in their finest red, white, and blue.....well you might just like what Southport's 4th of July festival has to offer. I'm pretty sure there's not a birthday celebration anywhere quite like it. One little insider tip for the visitors. Park on the EAST side of Howe St. facing out of town and you'll find your traffic time cut in half when you leave after the fireworks. Be safe and "let freedom ring."

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I would really love to live in River Run. I have an ingrained sensitivity to harsh development practices. It pains me to see irreplaceable trees cut down unnecessarily. It hurts me when newcomers and visitors to the area think the Official tree of Brunswick County is the Palm tree, which has been introduced here ad nauseam since the early eighties. That's why every time I pull through the gate at River Run, I take a deep breath and give thanks that a community like this still exists.

When a client contacted me wanting to list his waterfront lot in River Run with me, I couldn't say no. Although I work primarily as a Buyer's Agent, everyone knows I have a soft spot for River Run and it's on the water in a great location to boot. Needless to say, I didn't hesitate. Real Estate prices in Brunswick County have softened considerably since their peak in '05. Once again, there are opportunities to afford premier properties at a discounted price. If you've dream of buying a home site on the water in Brunswick County, make sure you have this one on your list.

Lot # 45 - 563 Lockwood Court

It is a rare for a waterfront lot offering to come up on Lockwood Court. This is in one of the most beautiful areas of River Run. Beautifully wooded with ever-changing views of marsh, river, birds, and shrimp boats headed out to the Atlantic. I'd love to show it to you. Priced to SELL at $197,000 - Search the MLS and if you find a lot anything like this for the price in Brunswick County, I want to see it!

A fine way to wake up every morning!

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Down here in Southport, it's just starting to feel a little different. Even though we've had our share of warm spells and 70 degree days this Winter, last weekend conjured up that unmistakable feeling of anticipation that has less to do with temperature and more to do with the primordial wake-up call that's being played all around us. You wouldn't know it by looking at my yard....all is still asleep including the bud-swelling, free-wheeling wisteria which has a conceded stranglehold around my front porch. We have attempted to guide and foster this determined plant which has muscled its way around around pickets and rail. It's a lot like the kids we've reared up right along side it....you admire it, you take pictures of it, you think you've got control over it, you nip it regularly, you give it a much needed cutting back every once in awhile, until the day finally comes when you just have to throw up your hands and say...."Have at it...it's all yours."

With Easter coming early this year, its about time to give the tourists the 'mon back signal, not like we have any control over the matter. It's just a part of life, something that all locals have to learn to deal with, along with the sand gnats that arrive at about the same time. We all understand that tourism is the heart and soul of our service industry-centered economy around here. We just have to be patient with them AND their tell-tale habits. One of my general observations about tourists is that they never look where they are going but seem to be looking up and around, as one would when searching for a plane. After a 360 and finding nothing, they continue on, only to repeat this exercise at regular intervals. Sorry, no harm meant in this. Besides, our tourists are cool. They wear Provision Co tees instead of Hawaiian shirts!

The Southport Spring Festival is on tap for Easter Weekend under the oaks in Franklin Square Park. Lots of local crafts,food, and music give this gathering a much "cooler," laid-back feel than the Southport 4th of July Festival. It is anchored by the Robert Ruark Chili Cook-Off honoring the author of the part-autographical "Old Man and the Boy," inspired by summers and holidays spent at his grandparents house near the Southport Waterfront. If you've never read it you should...told from the boy's perspective with a keen eye for observation and a pure knack for local vernacular. Set back during the Depression and days of Prohibition, Ruark speaks right to the Southern heart of life spent outdoors; fishin', clammin', oysterin', duck huntin', all embellished with a crusty cast of characters, and warmed with Southern coastal cooking traditions and forbidden corn "licker."

I feel the need to speak out about a recent issue that has to do with our three newly elected Aldermen and one of their first and certainly most highly publicized vote. If you're a local or you've read my earlier blogs, you know that in November, three long-time incumbents were ousted by three candidates running on the platform of change, tighter restrictions on development, and heightened measures to preserve the unique small-town character that we all love about Southport. At issue was the unanimous recommendation from the Planning Board to rezone the undeveloped 106 acre parcel called Southport Crossing from multi-family/ office/ industrial to Residential single-family. Reducing maximum density from 11 to 4 units per acre seems like common sense to me, in this environmentally sensitive area with growing traffic concerns already. So with a "standing room only" crowd there to speak out in support of the Planning Board's decision, the motion was still defeated 4-2. All three of the surviving incumbents voted with the developers as everyone expected. The surprise came when Jwantana Frink, among the newly elected, stuck a fork in the motion with nary a comment. A 3-3 vote would have required a vote from the new Mayor Spencer and I'm reasonably sure the outcome would have been different. I'm disappointed in ALL of our Aldermen who completely ignored the entire Planning Board AND the citizens of Southport. Frink, after winning in November had this to say, "I kept my campaign short and sweet - to the point - (as) the people's voice." Wilmington Star 12-12-07 Politics as usual...........

There are a ton of local events on the calendar for this month. Anyone visiting Southport over Spring Break will find plenty to do. Brunswick Little Theatre’s production of A. R. Gurney’s “SYLVIA,” a poignant comedy about a couple facing mid-life changes and a stray dog named Sylvia, will be performed at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College in Supply at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Ten percent of the proceeds from these performances will be donated to Paws-Ability, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare. Performances will also be held at Brown Coat Pub and Theatre (Guerilla Theatre’s new location), located at 111 Grace Street in downtown Wilmington at 8 PM. Thursday through Sunday, March 13th-16th.

Looking ahead to Memorial Day Weekend in Southport, Brunswick Little Theatre will be bringing a FREE outdoor show to Franklin Square Park. Bring a chair....enjoy a 25 year retrospective of BLT's musical history under the stars. Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 8PM.

Stage II Productions will present “Guys and Dolls,” a broadway classic in every way as a fast-paced, romantic musical comedy set during Prohibition in New York City. If you haven't seen a show at the old Amuzu yet, you've been missing out. The show opens Friday, March 14th. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays through March 30. Tickets are available at Ricky Evans Gallery, located at 222 North Howe Street. For ticket information, call 457-1109.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Silver Coast Winery will celebrate everything Irish during the third annual Irish Festival on Saturday, March 15, from 11 am to 5 pm Irish Soda Bread Baking and Irish Jig contests and do some shopping with arts and crafts vendors. Prizes will also be given for best Irish costumes. Arts and crafts vendors are also scheduled. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children age 12 and younger.

Finally for a little something different, boaters unite for the annual Blessing of the Fleet on March 20th at 2 PM at the Waterfront. The event is organized every year by the Cape Fear Yacht Club. If you have a kayak, shrimp boat, cruiser, or sailboat, come on along. It is a day to look forward to a safe and pleasant boating season and to remember those we have lost to the sea. All boaters are invited to bring their craft out to the Southport waterfront where the Fleet Chaplain, will be ready to provide you and your vessel with a blessing for a safe and pleasant boating season. If you do not have a boat, come down to the Southport Waterfront anyway and watch. It's a beautiful sight to behold. I'll save you a seat.

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