Southport, NC: The Hidden Coastal Gem That Inspires Lolli’s Loops

As the artisan behind Lolli’s Loops, I’ve been blessed to call Southport, NC, my home - a hidden coastal gem that captures my heart and fuels my craft. Tucked where the Cape Fear River kisses the Atlantic, Southport isn’t just a charming seaport town; it’s a sanctuary of calmness, community, and timeless beauty. From its historic streets to its serene waterfront nooks, Southport inspires every handwoven lobster rope doormat and basket I create. Here’s why I adore this town, along with some fascinating facts that make it so special.

Why I Love Southport: A Place to Recharge and Reflect

Southport feels like a warm embrace from the sea, where the pace slows, and the people’s friendliness wraps you in a sense of belonging. I’ve lived in many places, but Southport is one of the few where I can easily find a quiet nook on a dock or sink into one of the town’s iconic swinging chairs at Waterfront Park, letting the sea breeze melt away the day’s worries. Those moments, gazing at the endless seaport views—whether it’s the shimmering river or the distant horizon—recharge my spirit and spark ideas for my designs, like the wave-like gradients in my baskets that echo the water’s gentle flow.

The town is a treasure trove of hidden spots, with nooks and crannies offering breathtaking views around every corner. From the Southport Historic District, where live oaks shade Victorian homes, to the waterfront’s endless charm, there’s always a new perspective to discover. What I love even more is Southport’s proximity to adventure—a ten-minute drive to Oak Island’s sandy beaches or a scenic ferry ride to Carolina Beach opens up a world of simple pleasures. Yet, everything here moves at a slow, charming pace, making Southport the perfect place to relax, recharge, and soak in the coastal magic. It’s a hidden gem that feels like a personal sanctuary.

Fascinating Facts About Southport, NC

Southport’s history is as captivating as its views, and these facts make it even more enchanting:

• A Pirate’s Refuge Turned Historic Haven: Before its founding in 1792 as Smithville, Southport’s Cape Fear River was a pirate hideout in the early 1700s. Fort Johnston, built in 1744 to fend off Spanish and French attacks, marked the start of permanent settlement. I like to think of my doormats as modern-day guardians of your porch, echoing that protective legacy!

• Hollywood’s Coastal Darling: Southport’s quaint streets have starred in over 40 films and TV shows, earning it the nickname “Hollywood East.” From Safe Haven to The Summer I Turned Pretty, its Victorian charm and waterfront make it a filmmaker’s dream. I often dream of one of my baskets or doormats adding a touch of coastal flair to one of these cinematic moments.

• The Longest-Running Fourth of July Festival: Since 1795, Southport has hosted North Carolina’s Fourth of July Festival, drawing 40,000 to 50,000 visitors with parades and riverfront fireworks. It’s a celebration of community spirit, and I love picturing my tan-and-blue classic doormats on porches during this festive week.

• A Maritime Legacy: The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, housed in the historic Fort Johnston complex, displays artifacts like a 2,000-year-old Native American canoe and Revolutionary War relics. Fort Johnston served for over 250 years, the longest-running active-duty fort in the U.S. until 2005. This maritime history inspires the seafarer-grade durability of my products.

• A Name Born of Ambition: Originally Smithville, the town became Southport in 1887, dreaming of major port status. While that vision shifted, Southport thrived as a fishing village and tourist haven, its resilience mirroring the grit I weave into every Lolli’s Loops piece.

How Southport Shapes Lolli’s Loops

Southport isn’t just my home—it’s the soul of my craft. The town’s calming energy, hidden nooks, and seafaring heritage inspire every knot I tie, from my classic tan-and-red doormats to my gradient baskets that flow like the Cape Fear River. Whether I’m crafting for a coastal queen who cherishes tradition or a younger style-seeker craving chic decor, I infuse Southport’s understated elegance into every design. My creations are more than home accents—they’re a piece of this hidden gem, crafted to bring its coastal serenity to your space.

If you ever visit Southport, carve out time for a self-guided walking tour through the Historic District, relax in a waterfront swing, or take the ferry to Carolina Beach for a day of simple joys. You’ll see why this town is my muse—and why Lolli’s Loops is so deeply rooted here. Want to bring a piece of Southport’s charm home? Explore my collection of handcrafted doormats and baskets, and let this coastal gem elevate your space.