Southport Memories

I first heard about Southport, North Carolina when I was reading one of Nicholas Sparks novels called Safe Haven. While reading the book I saw so many similarities between me and the main character Katie and everything she’s been through. I went through a lot of hurt myself and I was in a bad relationship at one point myself, and there were a bunch of times I wasn’t sure if I would ever fall in love again. Because the trust, love, and protection had been shattered, and I wasn’t sure if it could be fixed. But just like Katie it did, and I too found someone better that could never hurt me or break my heart again. After watching the movie adaptation and seeing the story brought to life I wondered if I would ever go there someday. My opportunity finally came because there was an event in Wilmington I got invited to attend. I knew Southport wasn’t too far from Wilmington and I decided to stay in Southport while there for the weekend.

After the event was over, I spent my last 2 nights exploring Southport and the surrounding area. Walking around and exploring Southport I felt like I had just stepped right into the Nicholas Sparks novel. As I’m touring around, I can see why Nicholas Sparks chose this location for the main setting of his novel. This little east coast southern town had so much charm and life. The locals were wonderful, they were some of the friendliest and happiest people I’ve ever met. I was so thrilled and excited to visit some of the same places they used in the movie. Like the coffee shop she goes to with Jo, the restaurant she worked at, the Southport ferry terminal and even Alex’s house. But then I finally stumbled across the Southport History Museum. Where I found out so many other movies were filmed here too like I know what you did last summer, and two other Nicholas Sparks movies Nights and Rodanthe and A Walk to Remember. Inside they had almost all the props and costumes from Safe Haven. But the one thing I was hoping to see from the movie/book was there; it was the letter that Jo had written for the next woman Alex would fall in love with. The second I saw it I got a little teary eyed. I admit I have become a small bit of a sappy romantic. But both the book and movie alone it really is almost like it told my own story of how I had to learn to trust and to love again.

Which is why I chose to capture this moment because, so I can remember all the joy that visiting Southport brought to me. I also want this location and the fictional story that I read to be a constant reminder for me to never give up on the idea of love. Because love can really change and shape you for the better; and I now fully believe that is the ideal happiness everyone should seek.

Plus being here for the first time inspired me to visit more of the locations that Nicholas Sparks used in his novels and movies. But Southport alone is another great location that will have a special place in my heart. I have been to so many small towns but, this place truly is a hidden gem, and I hope I continue to visit this place more. There is one event upcoming this summer in Southport which I hope to attend where it is their annual North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. I heard it’s a huge event and I hope to capture that moment on my next visit. This town truly is a Safe Haven.