Southport, N.C.: The North Carolina Maritime Museum

Yay, another maritime museum! Find out how the girls feel about this here. 

Things that we loved seeing:

I'm going to integrate this into our homeschooling curriculum. 

Thank you to all who serve to protect us. 

Imagine holding this newspaper on the day it was printed.

These model boats were all built by James R. Mannara, an architectural engineer who had an interest in the history of ships. Phoenix and I loved these boats.  We have plans to one day build dollhouses that have as much detail as these boats. 

I wish C.Spirit had beautiful pink sails.

Reminds me of hanging out on the banks of the Mississippi in New Orleans. 

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WHERE WE STARTED: Moored in Carolina Beach Bight, Mile 295.

WHERE WE ARE: Anchored in the middle of the Southport City Basin, Mile 309.  Yes, it is a small basin, and we would not have thought that it is okay to anchor in that small space except that the guidebooks mention it, and our friend Captain Jim told us that a boat was anchored there last night.  Good hold.  It was a calm, nearly windless night, but we put out two anchors only because it was the night after we dragged.  There are two free docks, but there was no space left by the time we arrived.

Southport is so picturesque that it has been the site for several films and television shows. 



THERE TO HERE: 14.9 miles, 2.5 hours, Jamey at the helm, sailing most of the day.  It was very windy in the morning, so we waited until midday to depart in order to have decreased winds and more favorable current for our run down the Cape Fear River.

THE NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM:  This museum system is made up of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Beaufort, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras.  Admission is free.  The museum is located at 204 E. Moore Street, a pleasant stroll from the docks.  Hours are Tues-Sat 9 am to 5 pm.

The girls were given a scavenger hunt with items that they had to find and check off.  They were able to choose treasure from a chest as a reward.  

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS:  The Waterfront Park in Southport is gorgeous.  There is a pavilion, several large bench swings scattered around, and lots of places to sit and enjoy the view of the water.  We also found a playground and tennis courts behind the Maritime Museum.  A superb bonus was the public restroom in this complex that stayed open even after sunset.  Our new friends on Lady Longlegs, Captain Jim and Carolyn, met us at the museum and kept us company at the playground.  It was wonderful to share stories and chat!