Brunswick County Blog

Where Did April Go?

Hello Friends,

A quick glance at the calendar this morning gave me a real shock. It is already May- Derby Day actually and I have no idea what happened to April. Seriously. There are months not just moments that fly by so quickly that you just have to laugh.  Today is a glorious day with everyone that can go to the beach, fish, golf or garden are doing just that. Everything is in bloom and the pollen is just about over (no official word just my observations from the condition of my porch).  Another sign of spring? we have a new litter of kittens appear under the porch in our office today.  All agents are busy- good busy- helping wonderful folks to find the perfect home or having strategic conversations with sellers to re-position their home or land. It is a great time to be here in Southport, NC. Happy May!

Be Well,

Allyn

The Southport Stroll

The tourist guidebooks often use the phrase "historic fishing village" and "quaint" to describe Southport. It is both those things, but it is really so much more. The main street of North Howe ends at the mouth of Cape Fear River, a glorious vista of sparkling blue from nearly anywhere on the street. Here you can see the Atlantic Ocean beyond, the big ships making their way upriver to Wilmington, and the shores of Bald Head Island and Caswell Beach in the distance. The best way to see Southport is on foot by doing The Southport Stroll. Make your way up North Howe, browsing in the antique shops, the amazing Christmas shop and the sea captains' homes. Stop in the art galleries, the artisan shops. And EAT! Everything from good hot dogs to amazing crab cakes in phyllo to the best fried green tomatoes on the east coast. The side streets are filled with beautiful homes in the southern style, designed for front porch living. Stop and stroll in Southport. You may not leave!

Fall in Coastal Carolina

Signs of fall in our corner of southeastern North Carolina where the ocean meets the mouth of the Cape Fear River:

• Cool nights (in the 50s) and great sleeping with the windows open
• Changing colors in the salt marsh grasses
• Beautiful sunshine with days in the 70s and 60s
• And as always, great walks on the beach

We've just listed several new properties on Oak Island (a couple of them on two lots) each under $300,000. An Oak Island short sale home has been reduced to $225,000. In St James Plantation, we've had price reductions on two golf course homes, and one reduction was by over $40,000! See all our new listings and price reductions.

Gardening in Southport, NC

Nothing adds curb appeal and value to a home more than a beautiful garden.  Gardening in our area is not for the faint of heart.  Every transplanted gardener soon finds that what grows well up North does not do well here at all. We also find that much to our delight, many plants that were either annuals or houseplants in the North are perennials here.  We discover new plants, flowers and grasses that rapidly become our favorites.

Gardens in coastal Carolina are also challenged by deer, rabbits, sandy soil and drought. However, we are blessed by a long, strong growing season.  Monday, we went on a Garden Tour showcasing 11 home gardens that were beautiful and inspirational.

I am already planning my new gardening projects for the weekend. What I do know is that gardeners by nature (no pun intended) understand what we can control and what we can’t…and then work around obstacles until we achieve what we want. Superb life skills!

I have a list of plants that are: deer resistant, drought tolerant, and shade tolerant plants. Let me know if you would like me to send you a copy.

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
AHeck@ec.rr.com
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Happy Birthday to Over 2.9 Million Americans

Today, 8,000 Americans are turning 60, and apparently every day in 2008 will see the same number celebrating their birthday. For many, this will be the best time of their lives. Re-storing. Re-directing. Re-defining. Re-energizing. Just plain starting over.

Become the person you never had time to be. Come to the warm, welcoming coast of North Carolina and this time. . .  you will write the next chapter of your life.

Thanks for listening,

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Shopping in Southport

Solitary Swan
715 North Howe Street, Unit 4
Southport, NC  28461
(910) 454-7171

    

    

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Lantana's Fine Gifts
110 East Nash Street
Southport, NC  28461
(910) 457-0957

      

    

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Garden Party
1208 North Howe Street
Southport, NC  28461
(910) 454-4548

    

      

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Cattail Cottage
122 North Howe Street
Southport, NC  28461
(910) 454-4533

      

      

Field Day!

 

Fifth Wednesday Field Trip: Southport's Waterfront Market

Southport's Waterfront Market unofficially kicked off the summer season in Brunswick County this morning.  I was able to leave the office and snap a few photographs of the first of what will be a weekly event all season long.  This open market features local produce growers and artisans and will be found on the Garrison House lawn each Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM.  When you come to visit Brunswick County, this is certainly something you won't want to miss!

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger photographs.

Until next time,

Allyn Heck
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Gardening In Coastal NC

So many of our buyers are also gardeners that have moved from another part of the country where they knew what to plant, where to plant it, and when to plant.  When they move to Coastal North Carolina, everything that they knew about growing flowers, vegetables and shrubs doesn't apply here! With the temperate climate, and a year round growing season, it doesn't take long to want to dig in the dirt again.  Here's a great list that I have kept to help me decide what to flowers love this climate and soil.  You can't go wrong with: Yarrow and Columbine, Butterfly Bush and Butterfly Weed, Shasta Daisy, Coreposis, Pinks and Foxglove, purple cone flower, blanket flower and day lilys. You would also do well if you planted coral bells, perennial salvia, stone crop, hibiscus, hostas and candy tufts, lantana and my favorite, black-eyed susans.

Let me know if you have any others to add and I promise to share with everyone.

Best,

Allyn Heck
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC