Southport, North Carolina
We wanted a short break and wanted to explore more of the North Carolina coast, so headed to Southport. One of our neighbors has a house in this town and highly recommended it as an easy drive and wonderful town to visit.
Wouldn’t you like to be sitting here, right now?
It is the front porch of the Robert Ruark Inn.
If you have followed my blog and my travel posts for a while, you know I am particular about where I stay. While we avoid five star hotels and generally do not want large resorts, we also do not want heavy, dark, over-done Victorian inns. I do not want to see an antimacassar in any room! An overly effusive proprietor will probably not get my return business either.
Ok, enough with the negatives! There are so many positives in taking a road (or any) trip and that was true for this one.
We ended up at The Robert Ruark Inn. We booked the Captain Adkins Room and couldn’t have been happier there.
Here are a few things that matter to me when traveling, especially to a small Inn or B&B:
- A tastefully furnished and/or refurbished Inn. This would include appropriate period pieces, lots of light, wood floors recently polished and well maintained, and just not too cluttered…
- A bathroom that works. Decent shampoo and other amenities: we recently stayed at a small hotel in Florida that should be ashamed of the brand/quality of shampoo & conditioner….not to mention the lack of soap. So yes, good soap is a must: and please, one for the sink and another for the shower.
- A rug in the bathroom. You can’t believe how rare this is! And the Ruark Inn had a lovely soft rug placed between the claw foot tub and sink console. Many points for that.
- Afternoon tea is always a welcome amenity. Here they offered not only loose tea, but wine and cheese/crackers in an unusual presentation, and then port and sherry on the sideboard most of the evening.
- Lots of pillows and various sizes is a plus.
- Good lighting. While I realize we are all trying to save energy/electricity there is a limit as to just how low the wattage can be for my (older) eyes to read at night.
- Some fresh air! Due to the coastal hurricane threat it is a state law in North Carolina that windows are sealed shut. I don’t know about other states, but I am becoming more adept at asking about this when I make a reservation. Here, our room had a door to a private porch, so fresh air was no problem.
- Breakfast. Yes, we like some breakfast, thank you, and this one did not disappoint.
I am happy to say that the Robert Ruark Inn and it’s very congenial hosts, Rick and Linda, were very attentive to all these details. I was a satisfied guest!
My recommendation for dinner:
Mr. P.’s Bistro
Yes, it’s modest from the outside and yes, you DO need a reservation. Wonderful food, great service and we will definitely be back.
We left Southport not by car, but by car-on-ferry. It’s the
Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry
A short 35 minute ride leaves you at Fort Fisher where you can walk and explore the Fort or drive on up to Wilmington and points North. We love the
Lake Champlain Ferry; I mentioned it in a post HERE. This was similar if a bit smaller.
We couldn’t have picked a better day.
Loading docks and well worn ropes…
And finally, enjoying a kir royal at Le Catalan in Wilmington.
You can read much more detail in my previous post about this great waterfront restaurant.
And now, back to reality. I recommend a visit to Southport with its good selection of B & B’s, great assortment of restaurants with really good food, it’s location on the Cape Fear River and the intracoastal waterway, and its typically Southern atmosphere (love those live oak trees with the Spanish moss!)
UPDATE!!
Today is May 14, three weeks after our visit. We just received a hand-written thank you note from Rick and Linda. Now, just how nice is that? They thanked us for staying at the Inn and hope to see us soon again. That is truly a first!
So pretty, I am SO ready to get back to the south. This spot is only a few hours fro where we will be moving this summer. May need to take a road trip!
Maggie: You’re moving back here? So…where? Are your kids excited, or not? I am sure you will be glad to be back in the South!!!
We are moving to the Columbia, SC area in late June. I think everyone is sad and excited all at once. We have LOVED Germany but it is always nice to go home. I’m looking forward to silly little things like ice in my drink, and a full size oven.
Thanks for sharing your trip, Libby. We have not been to Southport, will add it to the list. Love your Inn requirements list, wish it was required reading for all Innkeepers! Had to google antimacassar :o). I love a Kir Royal too, one of my favorites!
Our son just bought a house in Southport and it’s always been one of our favorite places. A must for us each visit is the restaurant/beach shack called Provisions, where you help yourself to a beer in the cooler, order food at the counter that is delivered to you in baskets. It’s casual to the max and makes one feel all is good in the world.
We almost went to Provisions for lunch…but ended up next door at Fishy Fishy! So much more to see and do (next time..)
Sounds like you found the perfect nest for your visit to Southport. I jaunt to the beach sounds especially good just now, but it’s nose to the grindstone for me.
Southport is so cute, Libby. Loved your dining recommendations. Just shared on the #outaboutnc social media page. Thanks.
Thanks for the share, Leigh. Take it easy and get better!