Charming Southport

The cat sleeps in the piano here. The ghost sleeps in the basement but likes to bump around on the third floor at night. Welcome to the Brunswick Inn, a charming bed & breakfast down by the water in Southport.

I saw the cat blazing by me like a bullet from the kitchen into the piano where it hit what sounded like a middle C. I never saw or heard the ghost but the wind was blowing hard one night and the rain was coming down in torrents the second night. Plus, I always pack a white noise machine to help me sleep. The ghost has reportedly been haunting the inn for 130 years. It is said to be the spirit of harpist Tony Casseleta who drowned in a freak boating accident nearby in 1882.

Over the years inn patrons and owners have called Tony a gentle ghost who still plays his harp and enjoys the mostly peaceful setting. But when there is a lot of commotion and noise at the inn pictures have mysteriously crashed to the floor and suitcases have been rummaged through allegedly by the ghost. Jim and Judy Clary, the current owners of the inn, are convinced Tony is real. They only play soft and soothing classical music because that’s what Casseleta used to play on his harp at the Brunswick Inn in 1882 before his tragic death.

I loved the inn and my stay in Southport, The blueberry pancakes here were out of this world.  I tried three restaurants while in town – Fishy Fishy, Mr. P’s Bistro and The Pharmacy. I would highly recommend the fish tacos at Fishy Fishy and the crab cakes at The Pharmacy. Fishy Fishy has become a favorite of cast members of the movie Safe Haven being filmed here. We spotted David Lyons having lunch here on Saturday. At least three movies have been shot in the Southport area in recent months. It is easy to understand why. The captivating canopy of live oaks and the beautiful historic homes lining the streets near the waterfront are a feast for the eyes.

I love the gentle pace of Southport and the genteel spirit. I hope you enjoy the slide show and get a taste of this charming town.  I had a great time snapping these pictures.  The tune is a song I wrote called Open Door which seems to fit the personality of Southport.