Welcome - Area Information

SOUTHPORT

Originally incorporated in 1792 as Smithville, Southport's progressive citizens changed its name to Southport in 1887 in hopes of attracting a port. The port went further upstream to the City of Wilmington but this entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the City today. The historic charm of this community will captivate you as you walk under a canopy of 200 year old live oak trees, or walk past majestic Victorian century homes which once belonged to river pilots or maybe even a pirate or two. Southport is one of few Cities with a true downtown. Banks, antique & collectible shops, restaurants, and professional offices line about a five block area in the downtown commercial district. Just outside this district is one of the finest medical care facilities in our region, J.A. Dosher Memorial Hospital. A visit to our area is not complete without a day or two of walking through these antique and specialty shops, stopping along the way for a leisurely lunch at an outside pub or restaurant along the waterfront or yacht basin, taking a pedicab historic tour of the City, watching transoceanic vessels pass by at Waterfront Park and visiting the NC Maritime Museum in Southport. The City of Southport also offers sailors, anglers and boaters a safe haven through the Southport Marina, Old Yacht Basin and City Pier.

OAK ISLAND

The Town of Oak Island was formed in 1999 when the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach consolidated. This consolidation gave it the distinction of the most populated incorporated town in Brunswick County. Although the largest Town in the County, a small town atmosphere is enjoyed by its residents. The foundation of this beach community has always been public access — consider the over 52 public beach accesses (most with parking), two public boat ramps, several areas to put in canoes and kayaks, an extensive sidewalk system for bikes and pedestrians to enjoy, recreation trails, numerous parks and playgrounds, a full service parks and recreation department, and youth friendly facilities such as the newly completed skate board park. Programs geared toward senior citizens are located at the Parks & Recreation Department and the Oak Island Senior Citizens Center. The Town of Oak Island has extended its boundaries to include the mainland areas along Long Beach Road. This is the area where large grocery, department stores, and fast food restaurants can be found.