Not able to retire? No reason not to be happy!

PlantationProperties — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:50:32 +0000

: Neslted on the banks of the Lockwood Folly River in Winding River Plantation is a stunning, one-of-a-kind, contemporary house that you can call home, even if you can’t retire.

OK, so maybe you can’t retire. No reason that should keep you from enjoying the rest of your life!

Many people in our country have finally come to the realization that they won’t be able to stop working in their ‘golden years’. That nest egg that they were counting on just isn’t there anymore - whether due to the economy, life emergency or just plain old bad planning. There will be no idly spending your every day doing nothing from morning until nightfall. There will be no trips down the California freeway with the top down , casually searching for antique shops on a Tuesday morning. There will be no Monday morning golf lesson to perfect your swing. So your plans have changed. That doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy every single day of the rest of your life! It’s just a matter of where you live!

Think about this. You’ve lived in the same house in the same town for years now. You drive the same roads to and from work, grocery stores and dinner. It’s boring. It’s old news.

What you need is a change. A change for the better. A new view on life! Literally and figuratively. So do it! Take the leap. Move to southern coastal North Carolina, a great part of the country with beautiful views, ocean air and a ton of new experiences waiting for your evenings, weekends and holidays! Take a look at your options in our area near beaches, golf, rivers, film and theater culture, friendly neighbors…everything the rest of your life needs.

Consider one of our many properties for this new chapter in your life. Visit us and we can give you the grand tour of all of our communities that have every amenity you deserve. You have nothing to lose and a new exciting life to gain. Click her to search our listings to see what he have to offer that will fit into your budget and your dreams!

Things to do in Southport North Carolina April and May 2012

PlantationProperties — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:48:15 +0000

Things to Do in Southport, NC

The Fourth Annual Big Toy Day is set for May 19, 2012 from 11:00 – 3:00 at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, Airport Road (behind the airport), Oak Island. Planes, trucks, and automobiles are on display. Kids 8 to 17 years old will be given the opportunity to fly – free of charge – in single engine planes provided by the Brunswick County Airport Commission as part of the Young Eagles Program. Camel, turtle and pony rides, other activities, souvenirs, and refreshments available for a nominal charge. Admission $5/ person (under 5 free) to benefit the programs and services of Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. Call 457-3494 for more information or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.

First Annual Sheriff’s Charity Ball- “Diamonds & Denim”

The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation will hold its first Annual Sheriff’s Charity Ball on May 3rd at 7pm in the St. James Community Center. This year’s event will benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation “Closer to Home” Campaign. Tickets to the event are $125 per person. There are sponsorship opportunities from $500 – $5,000. They are also accepting donations of items for a live auction to be held in conjunction with the Gala. For more information call 910-253-0922 or visit www.sheriffscharity.com

Arbor Day Foundation Honors Oak Island

Oak Island, North Carolina, was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. it is the 15th year Oak Island has earned this national recognition. Oak Island also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The prestigious Growth Award honors environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Oak Island has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Paws-Ability’s Golf Tournament

Paws-Abilty’s Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament & Silent Auction4/27/2012Cape Fear National Golf Course at Brunswick Forest

Registration – Noon

Shotgun Start – 1:30 p.m.

Cash Bar Reception – 6:30 p.m.

Western Themed Dinner & Silent Auction – 7 p.m.

$100 tournament fee includes lunch, range balls, golf, snacks, entertainment, dinner (including beer and wine) and silent auction.

For more information or to register, please visit www.paws-ability.com or call Janie Withers at 910-579-4707

BHI Conservancy Opens Barrier Island Research & Education Center

Bald Head Island Conservancy held a grand opening ceremony for the Barrier Island Study Center (BISC), the first community-based barrier island research and education facility in the nation. The 5,000 square foot facility, located on the Conservancy campus on Bald Head Island, includes a wet lab and dry lab for research, touch tank, media center, and public library for conducting and disseminating environmental research. The information gained at the BISC will be shared with the scientific community, Bald Head Island community and general public on a national and international scale, and applied to creating solutions for fragile barrier island ecosystems. The $2.4 million, 5,000 square-foot green reserach and educationfacility was fully funded by the community. No local or federal government funds were used on this project -the grass roots campaign raised the money to build the center solely through donations. For more information Contact Suzanne Dorsey, BHI Conservancy Executive Director at 910.457-0089 ext. 11

N.C. Maritime Museums Programs

NC Science Festival -The North Carolina Maritime Museums uncover the science behind coastal history by offering events in the upcoming North Carolina Science Festival, April 13-29. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport will each offer unique programs. “We want to highlight the close interconnection between subjects,” said N.C. Maritime Museums Director Joseph Schwarzer. “Science, math and other disciplines make it possible for us to learn about history and archaeology. The N.C. Science Festival and the North Carolina Maritime Museums will show students the importance of the interrelationships in real life, while making it amazingly fun at the same time.” On Thursday, April 19, get your hands on ocean creatures with a “Marine Life Cruise.” Trawl and dredge aboard a Duke University research vessel from 9 a.m. to noon. Space is limited. Reservations are $30 per person. For more information on the programs in Beaufort or to register for the “Marine Life Cruise,” call (252) 728-7317. And, on Wednesday, April 25, at noon, you can learn how the dolphins of Beaufort are identified and tracked in a free “Brown Bag Gam” program.

Spy a different kind of science with the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport with “Up, Periscope!” Celebrate the Museum’s newest, hands-on addition in the exhibits – a U.S. Navy periscope. On Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids of all ages are invited to build their own periscope, and learn the engineering and physics used with them. The program is free. For more information call (910) 457-0003.

Visit www.ncmaritimemuseums.com for details. For a full list of N.C. Science Festival sites, visit www.ncsciencefestival.org.

Maritime Museum gives program on “Ironclads of the Lower Cape Fear” -Just 150 years ago, the Lower Cape Fear was patrolled by two Confederate ironclad warships. On Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport offers a free program about the most powerful ships of the Civil War – ironclads. Speaker Jim Mckee of the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site will discuss ironclad construction, shipbuilding technology and how often the environment, not weaponry, brought about their demise.

The program will be held at the Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Museum at (910)457-0003 to register. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Take Me Out To the Ballgame at The Grape & Ale, Saturday May 19 from 5-7. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy Hot Dogs, Pizza, Pretzels, Bell’s Oberon Ale on draft, 10 wines to taste from Millenium Beverage and Juice Wine Purveyors, and one of our long time favorite entertainers, Jerry Herbert. Wear your favorite baseball hat and enter a drawing for a bottle of “Cheeseburger Red”. $10 per person. The Grape & Ale is located at 8521 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island. 910.933-4384. www.thegrapeandale.com

Blooming for a Cause – April 21st

The GFWC of Holden Beach’s 4th Annual Charity Gala, Blooming for a Cause is just around the corner. It is a silent auction, fashion show and luncheon that will be held on April 21st from 11am – 2pm at the Brunswick County Association of Realtors Building – 101 Stone Chimney in Supply. The primary designee for the charity event are Providence Home and Hope Harbor Home,which are local charities. Fellow Chamber Member Karen Throckmorton of Platinum Home Mortgage is the Sponsorship chair of the event. There are three ways to support this very important fundraiser.
1. Become an Orchid, Rose, Magnolia, Gardenia or Daisy Sponsor – $100- $1,000
2. Donate merchandise, services or gift certificates to the Silent Auction.
3. Attend this fun-filled event with your friends, family and business associates. Tables of 10 are $400. Individuals are $40.00 per person, reserved seating only.
Contact Karen today! 910.471-4220 or 910.755-2003. Email: karent@atmc.net

ACC Barnstorming Tour airs 4/15 – 5/13

ATMC-TV announces the airing of the ACC Barnstorming Tour, which was filmed April 5, 2012 at Brunswick Community College’s Dinah E. Gore Fitness & Aquatic Center. The Barnstorming Tour at Brunswick Community College (BCC) featured ACC players including UNC’s Tyler Zeller, North Carolina State’s C.J. Williams, and Duke’s Miles Plumlee competing against community members from Brunswick County. The ACC Barnstorming Tour at BCC served as a fundraiser to benefit the Ronald McDonald House and BCC Athletics.Tune in to ATMC-TV Cable Channel 3 beginning April 14^th to catch the action with commentary by local residents Eddie Hill and Steve Prokop, along with exclusive interviews with Tyler Zeller, C.J. Williams, and Miles Plumlee. The game will air Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 – 3:00 PM through May 13, 2012. The game will also be available on ATMC OnDemand.

ATMC-TV and ATMC OnDemand are available exclusively on ATMC Cable.

Local Book To Feature Historic Postcards From The Southport Times’ Collection

The Southport Times is pleased to announce a retrospective, historical book entitled Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island by Kris Friend, featuring our collection of vintage Southport area postcards. The book will be published by Arcadia Publishing, Inc. The cooperative effort of Kris Friend, Arcadia Publishing and The Southport Times, will provide an historical look at Southport and its surrounding areas from the early 20th century until the present. Until now, the collection has only been available for viewing on The Southport Times’ website. This new expanded version will allow the collection to be shared with a wider audience in print format with an historical perspective included.Kris Friend, a local area resident, published author, and our current Southport Times Blogger, will provide the written narrative to accompany the postcards. The extensive collection dates back to 1906 and contains very rare historic views of places, structures and buildings no longer in existence.Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island will be a part of Arcadia Publishing, Inc.’s “Postcard History Series.” Arcadia publishes local and regional history books and has published over 7,500 titles. Based in Mount Pleasant, SC, near Charleston, Arcadia has an interest in promoting the various regions of the Southeastern coast. In addition to the Postcard Series, there is a more in depth history of various southern regions in the Heritage Series.

Arcadia has planned a publication date of spring 2013. “The publication will coincide with our summer season and our favorite historic celebration, the July 4th Festival and Parade,” Ms. Friend announced. Books will be available through a variety of venues, our local bookstores, the Southport Historical Society, the Southport Visitor’s Center and local real estate companies.

Promotional events, book signings, speaking engagements by the author can be scheduled by contacting Kris Friend at Arcadia Publishing, or her blog at The Southport Times. Look for further information from Kris and Arcadia to keep you up to date through the coming months.

An interest sign-up list is also available at The Southport Times’ website:

http://www.SouthportTimes.com/PostcardBook

Calender of Events

4/16 – 5/1 Small Business Person of the Year & Customer Service Nominations Sought

4/13-6/8    Art Workshops – Second Fridays -9am-1pm @ Oak Island Recreation Center
4/16-4/20 Annual High School Art Show – 10am-5pm @ Franklin Square Gallery
4/16-5/6    Featured Artists Herb Pritchard & Carla Edstrom Show-10am-5pm @ Franklin Square Gallery
4/16-4/28 North Carolina Spring Litter Sweep
4/17           Third Tuesday Evening Adult Program – 7pm-9pm @ Southport Community Building
4/19           Grand Opening -The Credit Center-3pm-6pm @ 4705 Southport-Supply Road, Unit 108
4/20-4/21 Brunswick Little Theater Presents – Nunsense 2 @ BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium
4/20           Rock the Park Environmental Awareness – 5pm-8pm @ Middleton Park Playground,OKI
4/20           Concerts on the Coast -6pm-8pm @ Raggae Band - D.H.I.M @ Franklin Square Park
4/21           Blooming for a Cause Charity Gala – 11am-2pm @ 101 Stone Chimney Place
4/21 Oak Island Lighthouse 5k, 10k & Half Marathon – 8:00am @NC Baptist Assembly

4/21 Up Periscope – 10am-2pm @ NC Maritime Musuem @ Southport
4/22           ArtShak Studio & Gallery Annual Open House – 2pm-5pm @ ArtShak Studio & Gallery
4/22 Brunswick Little Theater Presents – Nunsense 2 @ BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium
4/23           Art Loft Opening – 10am -5pm @ Franklin Square Gallery
4/23           Museum of History in Raleigh Bus Trip - 9am-6pm @ NC Maritime Museum @ Southport
4/24           Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 2pm @ The Robert Ruark Inn
4/27           Business Networking After Hours/14 Year Celebration – 5pm-6:30pm @ Watertown Hair
4/27           Paws-Ability Charity Golf Tournament – 1pm-9pm @ Cape Fear National Golf Course
4/28           Dosher Hospital Foundation Gala - 7pm @ St. James Community Center
4/28-29     Women Anglers in Training (WAIT) @ Oak Island Parks & Recreation Center
4/29           All Choir Festival III – 3pm @ St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church
5/1             Brunswick Civil War Round Table – 6:30pm @ Trinity United Methodist Church
5/2-9/26   Southport Waterfront Farmers Market – Wednesdays -8am-1pm
5/3            First Annual Sheriff’s Charity Ball – 7pm @ St. James Community Center
5/4            Brunswick Concert Band Spring Concert – 7:30pm @ NC Baptist Assembly Fort Caswell
5/4            First Friday Gallery Walk – 5pm-7pm in Southport (see calendar for locations)
5/4-5/5     Relay for Life of Brunswick County - 6pm-1pm @ West Brunswick High School
5/5            Ride the Tide Kayak Float – 10am @ Oak Island Recreation Center

5/5 Southport-Oak Island Area Golf Classic - 8:30am @ Oak Island Golf Club

5/6            Brunswick Concert Band Spring Concert – 3pm @ Calabash Presbyterian Church
5/7-10/1   Oak Island Farmer’s Market -Mondays 8am-12pm @ Middleton Park Extension Soccer Field
5/10          Golf Tournament Benefits SECU Hospice House -11am @ Cape Fear National
5/11          Concerts on the Coast – Rock Band -TreeHouse- 6pm-8pm @ Franklin Square Park
5/12          Boiling Spring Lakes Community Fun Day – BSL City Hall
5/12          Kayak Fishing Clinic -9am-5pm @ Oak Island Parks & Recreation Center
5/15          Coffee with the Girls – 8am-9am @ Port City Java
5/16-19    Battleship Association Annual Crew Reunion @ Battleship North Carolina
5/17          Business Networking After Hours – 5:30pm-7pm @ Hampton Inn Southport
5/19          1st Crawl Environmental Festival – @ Middleton Park, Oak Island
5/19          Battleship Alive – 8am-5pm @ Battleship North Carolina
5/19          Big Toy Day -11am-3pm @ Cape Fear Regional Jetport
5/19          Take Me Out to the Ballgame – 5pm-7pm @ The Grape & Ale
5/20          Oak Island Beautification Plant Sale & Garden Tour

Southport, NC is finalist in Great Places Contest

PlantationProperties — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:35:33 +0000

Southport, NC Great Main Street Finalist

Southport’s charm is something that no one can deny. It’s specifically that charm that is now getting national attention through the American Planning Association’s Great Places contest. North Carolina has it’s own chapter of the APA , and Southport has been nominated for it’s great Main Street appeal.

More than 40 towns were nominated by North Carolina residents. From there, a panel of experts chose six “People’s Choice” award finalists, two from each region of the state. Excellence in character, quality and planning are among the requirements of a winning city. Southport and Roseboro were chosen to represent the coastal towns. The other four finalist communities are Davidson and Salisbury (representing the Piedmont area) and Mount Airy and Waynesville (representing the mountains).

Ben Hitchings, president-elect of APA-NC and chair of the initiative, says of the huge response, “We were impressed by the efforts of communities across the state to make their main streets great places.” Winner selection is now up to the public. Between now and April 30, North Carolina residents can vote online for their favorite Main Street by going here and following the instructions for voting. In early May, results will be announced and each town will be featured in APA-NC outreach efforts.

APA-NC president, Fleming El-Amin hopes to “celebrate the great places that make North Carolina special” through this unique program. Be sure to take a minute to register and vote for our very own Great Main Street in Southport, North Carolina!

Continuing Education – Not Just For the Fun of it!

PlantationProperties — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:23:34 +0000

Underwater basket weaving class? Maybe!

What do history, web design, travel, guitar, financial planning, fly fishing, landscaping and sign language all have in common? They are all continuing education classes at the local colleges in our area. While traditional hobbies like golf, tennis, and bridge are just a few of the great ways to pass the time in our later years, there is another way to “entertain the brain” – school! It is amazing the amount and variety of classes offered in the continuing education programs at the multiple schools in our area!

It’s proven that boredom is a big factor in compromised health, brain deterioration and general unhappiness. Evidence is accumulating that the brain works just like a muscle. The harder you use it, the more it grows. It has been discovered that the ability to learn, change and adapt is important into late adulthood. For our lives to be worth living, we have to keep our bodies and our brains in tip top condition. For some, physical activity can take care of both body and brain needs. For others, we prefer to stick to flexing the thinking muscle. With classes that can be taken on site or online, there is no limit to the ways to stimulate your intellect and keep that brain working! All while having fun…

Here are samples of the local continuing education opportunities near us:

Brunswick Community College – Click here to check out the creative class options BCC!

Cape Fear Community College – click here to check out the education choices at CFCC

University of North Carolina Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute – click here for educational opportunities at OLLI!

No matter what class you choose, make the decision to try something new. Not only will you have a blast meeting new people and learning, but your future (older) brain will thank you for it. Happy Learning!

Retirement Fun Takes Forethought!

PlantationProperties — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:27:10 +0000

Is it time to start thinking about retirement?

Everyone thinks about the day when they no longer need to work, daydreaming of all the things they will do (or not do) with all of their free time when that day comes.

The time has come to start doing more than daydreaming. It’s finally that time of life when you need to start making decisions that will make that dream your reality. But where do you start? Ironically, the place to start, is right where you are – at work. What do you love (or at least like) about your job? What will you miss? Is it the goal setting? The sense of status? Feeling productive? Is it the money? The social network? Are you addicted to creating? Ensuring that those good feelings are met is the key to a happy and successful retirement. Believe it or not, laying around doing nothing all day may sound enticing, but actually is one of the least satisfying things one can do during their retirement years. Who knew that truly enjoying free time actually takes some planning?!

Identify what motivates you and find another outlet that satisfies you in the same way. If you crave productivity you may be suited for collecting food for a local shelter. People who like to feel responsible for something bigger than themselves might like the responsibility of being on a board of directors. Have lots of friends at work? Find yourself a club to join. If it’s the money you crave, there is always time to start a new business. Creative types should consider becoming full fledged artists. Taking the time to think of what you will be doing not only gives you something to look forward to, but also will make your time spent in retirement that much more fulfilling and fun. And afterall, isn’t that why we are all so eager to retire?

Plantation Properties Wins Award

PlantationProperties — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:46:08 +0000

We are proud to announce that Plantation Properties has earned the 2011 Website Quality Certification (WQC), presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®to member companies that have demonstrated excellence in website design, functionality and execution.

Every aspect of our site was reviewed to ensure exacting standards were met in six key areas, ranging from design and content to human interactivity to search engine optimization. The WQC was introduced in 2009 to recognize and encourage superior websites among Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s 550 member firms.

“With so many people going online to obtain information on homes, communities and everything relating to home buying and selling, it is vital for a real estate firm to have a current, easy-to-use and relevant website,” notes Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®. “By earning the Website Quality Certification, Plantation Properties has demonstrated that it offers fundamental online resources to home buyers and sellers, which are further supported by the expertise only a dedicated real estate professional can provide.”

Plantation Properties has spent years building a compilation of resources to help buyers and sellers make educated, financially solid real estate choices. Not only do we take pride in our website being relevant and easy to use, but also in our efforts to add a personal community touch. Our agents are experts in their field and take pride in referring people to our website as a reference for the wide variety of vibrant communities we represent. Receiving this award is an honor that we have worked very hard to achieve.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® is the largest network of top independent local and regional brand-name brokerage firms in the residential sector of real estate. The 550 firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®are represented by 4,600 offices and 140,000 associates in more than 30 countries worldwide. The organization’s leadership is demonstrated by the fact that its affiliates comprise 15 of the top 25 real estate companies in the country. Collectively, LeadingRE affiliates produced nearly 800,000 home sales valued at $225 billion in the U.S. in 2010. In addition, LeadingRE locally-branded affiliates hold the Number One position in sales in 40% of the top 96 markets in the U.S., more than any national franchise organizations.

Golfing Amenities at St. James Plantation

PlantationProperties — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:32:01 +0000

Are you in the middle of a cold winter longing for your golf clubs? To help you make it through, we thought it was time to highlight the amazing golfing opportunities at St. James Plantation (just one of our fabulous, amenity filled communities). This is just a taste of what is in store for you when you make the move to St. James…

The Reserve Club

18-hole course by Nicklaus Design

Named the “Best New Course in North Carolina” when it opened in 2006. Rolling terrain, beautiful water features and lush vegetation all aid in shot making and strategy perfecting. The 7,100 yard layout is of championship caliber. The multi-million dollar clubhouse was designed by Hugh Barrett Coyle and provides members with various dining and meeting areas. Enjoy the spectacular views from the comfortable porches or relaxing by the fire pit.

The Members Club

27-hole course designed by Hale Irwin.

This is the only club on site that offers 27 holes. Irwin was a three time US Open champion and designed the original 18 holes. The additional 9 holes were designed by Tim Cate, a world renowned East Coast golf course designer. Adding more sand, water and elevation to the existing rolling hills and beautiful tree layout is what puts this course in a league of it’s own. There are multiple tee boxes and lines of play in the par 72 layout of the 6,687 yards of lush green. The clubhouse is equipped with a pro shop, grille and meeting rooms. A top of the line Members Athletic Club includes a fitness center with year round swimming pools, sauna/steam rooms, clay tennis courts, group classes and even massage to end a great day.

The Founders Club

18-hole course designed by P.B. Dye

This course plays to 7,016 yards and has the highest slope rating of any on the East Coast. Using marshes, vegetation, water hazards and pot bunkers make for an interesting game. The course plays along the Intracoastal Waterway’s breathtaking views. To top off the experience, there is a clubhouse with restaurant, bar and a pro shop. Swimming pool and tennis courts are available as well.

The Players Club

18-hole course designed by Tim Cate

This 6,940 yard par 72 course that was designed by a North Carolina native in 1997. The narrow fairway design forces accuracy off the tees. Waste bunkers with Carolina hardwoods blend right in with the salt marshes and tidal creeks. The clubhouse amenities include pro shop, grille and bar, meeting rooms and beautiful porches.

With all of these choices for daily life changing golf experiences, isn’t it time you took the first step to owning a home in one of these neighborhoods? Contact us today to find the perfect home for the rest of your life.

To shovel or not to shovel? Options for better weather…

PlantationProperties — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:49:38 +0000

Wishing for (a little) snow

What is the weather like where you are now? Is it cold? Is it snowing? Is it sleeting? Are you longing for another season – one that is more bearable? Does your winter seem to drag on forever through November, December, January, February and sometimes even March? There is something to be said for enjoying all four seasons, but preferably the most difficult ones don’t last for almost half the year!

In our neck of the woods – southern coastal North Carolina - we definitely enjoy the four seasons – each for a perfectly comfortable amount of time! Our summers are warm, but cooled by the ocean breeze. Spring comes very early and lasts for an enjoyable few months. Fall is more a revisit of spring, with a few cooler days thrown in for variety. Our short winters allow us to break out those wooly sweaters and give the flip flops a rest for a month or so(and sometimes we are even treated to some snow to satisfy our souls). Randomly, throughout fall and winter, we even get a few warm beach days thrown in just to keep us happy!

Here is a breakdown of our local temperature averages:

January 56

February 60

March 66

April 74

May 66

June 87

July 90

August 88

September 84

October 76

November 68

December 59

We have an average of at least 215 days of sunshine, which allows us to take full advantage of all the outdoor activities available throughout the entire year here on the coast. Golfing, tennis, gardening, beachcombing, enjoying an open air farmers market, boating, biking, paddle boarding and the newly popular “frisbee golf” are just a few of the ways we like to enjoy our many days of beautiful weather. It is no wonder North Carolina made it on the list of the Top 10 Best Weather States! Stop by our website to view some of the houses you could call home in the Southport area and start enjoying the weather in your new neck of the woods YEAR ROUND!

Heres to Your Health in the New Year

PlantationProperties — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:11:00 +0000

There are so many ways to stay healthy in our communities - guilt free!

The doctor says you need to lose that weight. You want to look better. You want to feel younger and more energetic. Yet you just can’t get yourself to the gym. Ever. It’s a one way relationship. You pay and pay and just get guilt for not going. It’s too far, it’s too cold, I’m too busy, it’s too boring. You name it, you’ve got the excuse.

What if everything you needed to have a healthy and fulfilling life was in your own neighborhood? Gyms, walking trails, the beach, golf, tennis, bike paths, indoor and outdoor pools, dance classes….all down the street! And that is only some of what our communities have to offer. The following communities are all places that are chock full of ways to stay active, healthy, entertained and happy. And best of all, when you live in one of them, all that possibility is in your own neighborhood!

St James Plantation

Brunswick Forest

Winding River

Waterford of the Carolinas

Magnolia Greens

Check out our listings of homes in all of these communities in southern coastal North Carolina in all price ranges! We would be happy to give you a personalized, no pressure tour of any of these wonderful areas. Or just call us at 1.800.578.8108 with any questions. We would love to discuss with you just how possible it is to live in a place that allows you to get the most out of every aspect of life!

So, as a resolution dedicated to the new you, take the first step that will truly make you live healthy, happy and guilt free ~ everyday! Call Plantation Properties today!

Happy New Year!

Things to do this Christmas in and around Southport, NC

PlantationProperties — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:04:26 +0000

Even Santa loves to relax on our beaches!

The weather in Southport this time of year averages around 60 degrees. That is desireable from almost anyone’s standpoint! Whether you are lucky enough to live here, just visiting, or planning a move to our area (check out your home choices in the Southport area!) we hope you will enjoy the year round living that the southern coast of North Carolina has to offer! Here is a list of just some of the holiday activities and entertainment from the local Chamber of Commerce (www.southport-oakisland.com). We hope you have a great holiday season!

October 31 – December 17, 2011 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Members Show at Franklin Square Gallery

Works by members of Associated Artists of Southport and students of Southport Elementary School in the Youth Gallery. First Friday receptions November 4th and December 2nd at 5pm.

Franklin Square Gallery 130 E. West Street, Southport. Behind Franklin Square Park.

910/457-5450

Admission/Fees: Free

Organized by Associated Artists of Southport. Sponsored by Franklin Square Gallery.

December 4, 2011 – 3:00 PM

Brunswick County Concert Band Christmas Concert

Christmas concert featuring Brunswick County Concert Band, Big Band, and Brunswick Little Theatre Singers.

Odell Williamson Auditorium Brunswick Community College Main Campus Hwy. 17 Supply, NC

Contact: Mary Helen Turek

2426 St. James Drive Southport, NC 28461

910/253-1643

Admission/Fees: Free. Donations Accepted.

Organized by Brunswick County Concert Band

December 4, 2011 – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Christmas by the Sea House Tour

Six beautifully decorated private homes will be open to the public as will be the Oak Island Ocean Education Center. Refreshments and tickets at the Oak Island Recreation Center on the day of the tour.

Contact: Jane Henderson or Cindy Johnson

910/278-7752 or 910/933-4325

Admission/Fees: $8.00 pp in Advance. $10 pp Day of Tour

Advance tickets will be available at area merchants, the Oak Island Recreation Center, the Southport/Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southport Visitors’ Center, Grape and Ale, Seaside with Coffee, Backyard Wild and Blue Crab Blue On the day of the Christmas House Tour, tickets can be purchased at Oak Island Recreation Center where refreshments will be served and the self guided tour will begin.

December 6, 2011 – 6:30 PM

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

Speaker: Col. Black Jack Travis, BCWRT Lifetime Charter member, author and Civil War re-enactor. Topic: “E. Porter Alexander: Rebel Gunner Extraordinaire.” Refreshments.

Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461

Contact: Wally Rueckel

910/253-7382

Admission/Fees: Free

December 6 – 7, 2011

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance

December 6th – 7pm. December 7th- 12noon. The Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a world wide HAM radio operator event on board the Battleship commemorating the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Radio operators making contact will receive a special postcard verifying contact.

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC

910/367-1758

December 9, 2011

Movies on the Coast

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Movies will begin at Dusk.

Garrison Lawn @ Ft. Johnston 223 E. Bay Street, Southport

Contact: Maureen “Cookie” Moore

910/457-7945

Admission/Fees: Free

Event of Brunswick County Parks & Recreation & City of Southport Tourism Department

December 9, 2011 – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

North Pole Adventure

Join us as the Oak Island Recreation Center is transformed into the North Pole. Secret Santa Workshop – kids shop for parents (prices vary), Crafts, Family Fun Activities. Entertainment by Dance 4 Life begins at 6:30pm.

Oak Island Recreation Center 3003 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465

Contact: Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department

910/278-5518

December 9, 2011 – 7:30 PM

SeaNotes Choral Society Christmas Concert

“The Sounds of Christmas”. Diane Kulp will direct the choir, accompanied by Jane Boberg at the piano. The program will consist of classical and contemporary songs and carol and a Bell Choir will be featured as part of the program. Please arrive 30 to 40 minutes before the doors open at 7pm. The fire laws in the county are very strict in regard to seating capacity and this is for your safety. No tickets required. Donations are gratefully appreciated. www.sea-notes.com

Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium Main Campus, Supply, NC

Contact: Juliet White

910/253-6442

Admission/Fees: Free.

December 10, 2011 – 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Christmas Tour of Homes

Southport Historical Society’s Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in one of the very special homes within the historic district of Southport. Tickets are $10 per person and the Tour is from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Pre-Sale Tickets @ Southport Visitors Center, Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Franklin Square Gallery and The Latimer House in Wilmington.

The Historic District of Southport

Contact: Southport Visitors Center

P.O. Box 10014 Southport, NC 28461

910/457-7927

Admission/Fees: $10.00 per person

Sponsored & Organized by Southport Historical Society.

December 10, 2011 – 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Holiday Safe Travel Event

Southport Police Department in conjunction with Safe Kids USA will have certified child passenger seat technicians on hand to assist parents with proper installation of car seats, check recalls, check expiration dates, and check that children are properly installed in their seats. There will be a free raffle for a new car seat!

Southport Walmart Parking Lot 1675 N. Howe Street, Southport

Admission/Fees: Free.

December 10, 2011 – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Holiday Sparkler Extravaganza

Champagne, Champagne, Champagne…bubblicious wines paired with the perfect holiday appetizers with music by Sophie Harton.

The Grape & Ale 8521 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465

Contact: Candace Hobbs

910/933-4384

Admission/Fees: $10.00 per person

Event of The Grape & Ale.

December 10, 2011 – 10:00 AM

Kayak Tour on Town Creek River

The Adventure Kayak Company is proud to partner with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and host a kayak tour on Town Creek River. Participants will meet at the Brunswick Nature Park on Hwy. 133. A portion of each participant kayak tour fee will be donated to the NC Coastal Land Trust.

Contact: The Adventure Kayak Company

910/454-0607

Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

December 10, 2011

Southport Holiday Flotilla

Time and Details to be worked out. Sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc and Cape Fear Yacht Club.

Southport Waterfront

December 11 – 12, 2011

Brunswick Little Theater Holds Auditions

BLT will hold auditions for Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park on 12/11 from 4pm-6pm & 12/12 from 7pm-9pm. This is a small cast play with five characters. The parts are all open for audition. You will be required to do a cold reading of scenes in the play. They will supply the scripts and give you some time to read over the scenes before auditioning.

Playhouse 211 Highway 211, St. James, NC 28461

Contact: Paul Bertelsen

ptelsen@atmc.net

December 11, 2011 – 3:00 PM

SeaNotes Choral Society Christmas Concert

Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium Hwy. 17, Supply

Contact: Juliet White

910/253-6442

Admission/Fees: Free. Donations Accepted.

December 13, 2011

NC DOT Maritime Strategy Public Meeting

The North Carolina Department of Transportation wants to hear from YOU regarding the role that North Carolina ports play in sustaining and strengthening the State’s economy. Three informal meetings are being held so that everyone has an opportunity to provide input into the NC Maritime Study process.

St. James Community Center 4136 Southport-Supply Road, SE St. James, NC 28461

www.ncmaritimestudy.com

4pm-6pm: Open House: NCDOT staff and consultants working on the study will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and hear your thoughts. There will be multiple stations displaying the information gathered thus far. 6:00pm-8:00pm: Public Comment Period: After a short presentation, participants may stand and make brief verbal comments. There will also be a station set up so that written comments can be received.

December 13, 2011 – 12:30 PM

Paddle for Presents

The Adventure Kayak Company will host a “Paddle for Presents” Kayak tour on Rice Creek. Participants area asked to contact The Adventure Kayak Company to register or more information. The kayak tour fee will be an unwrapped Christmas Gift valued at $25.00 or more. All gifts will be donated to the Brunswick County Toys For Tots program. Please consider gifts for all ages up to 16 years of age.

910/454-0607

December 15, 2011 – 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Business Networking After Hours

Social event for Chamber members and potential Chamber members. A relaxed atmosphere where business men and women can meet, network and do business after hours. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres & Refreshments.

Oak Island Accommodations 8901 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465

Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce

910/457-6964

Admission/Fees: Free. RSVP by 12/12/2011

Event of Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Hosted and sponsored by Oak Island Accommodations.

December 15, 2011 – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sip and Shop

After hours shopping with refreshments.

Ruth T. Bigham Oak Island Senior Center 5917 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465

Contact: Carol Jackson

910/278-5524

Event of the Oak Island Senior Center

December 17, 2011 – 11:00 AM

Bolivia Christmas Parade

Line up begins at 10:00am.

Contact: Bolivia Fire Department

P.O. Box 82 Bolivia, NC 28422

Admission/Fees: Free. Donations Accepted.

December 17, 2011 – 7:30 PM

Nutcracker Under the Sea

Brunswick Ballet Company’s 2nd annual production of Nutcracker Under the Sea.

Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium Hwy. 17, Supply, NC

Contact: Jennifer Hofmann

910/523-2310

Admission/Fees: $15 Adults, $6 Children, $10 Seniors

Tickets available at On My Toes Dance Studio or BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium Box Office – 910/755-7416.

December 23 – 26, 2011

Merry Christmas

Chamber Office Closed.

910/457-6964

December 31, 2011 – 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

New Year’s Eve Beach Party & Anchor Drop

Featuring Music by Steve Hardy’s Original Beach Party. Heavy HorsD’ouevres catered by Fishy Fishy Cafe’. Cash Bar. Space is Limited

Southport Community Building Bay Street, Southport

Contact: Southport Visitor’s Center

910/457-7927

Admission/Fees: $50.00 person

Sponsored by Downtown Southport, Inc. to benefit City of Southport Department of Tourism and Economic Development and Southport Parks & Recreation. Tickets on sale at Southport Visitor’s Center.