By Liz Mitchell
What could be more fun that shopping and dining in our lovely coastal town of Southport? Add live entertainment in the shopping districts twice a month for an even richer experience. Shop to the Beat features live music, a variety of additional types of entertainers performing, merchandising games and some super shopping and dining specials. Different surprises may be in store at each event and street scenes sometimes include vintage car exhibits, costumed historic interpreters, guitarists, harmonics, keyboards, violins, vocalists, djs, corn bag toss, or clowns and face painting. Trivia contests, raffles or discounts are offered at some of the retailers, and you may enjoy a variety of specials at participating restaurants. Find this located at several spots throughout all three of our main shopping districts: downtown, midtown and uptown. Shop to the Beat on the first and third Thursdays until mid-November. Upcoming dates are July 21, August 4, August 18, September 1, September 15, October 6, October 20, November 3 and November 17. Watch for green and black flags of participating restaurants and businesses from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
A few choices to visit in Uptown include the Olde Southport Village Shops, which is a collection of shops including restaurants, produce, jewelry, antiques, art, needlework, hammocks and much more. Live Oak Café, Taylor Cuisine Café and Catering and the new Swordfish Grille also are here. The Midtown section includes more art, gifts and dining choices such as the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Art @ 211 the Ricky Evans Gallery, Mr. P’s Bistro, Magnolia Gifts and The Wine Rack. Downtown be sure to check out The Christmas House, Cattail Cottage, Port City Java, Moore Street Market and Fishy Fishy Café or BullFrog Corner. If you aren’t yet familiar with Southport, we suggest walking throughout all of this area. The Downtown, Midtown and Uptown are all adjoining and just a few blocks will deliver a complete experience for shopping and dining. Check back here often too for suggestions of historic touring and special events. We always have something happening!
For more information about Shop to the Beat contact the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at 910-457-6964.The entertainment is free, but of course the shopping and dining offer a few irresistible spending opportunities!