Southport and The Yacht Basin Provision Company

A cold Pacifico at Provisions...

Exit the ferry and into historic Southport, NC.  Southport is a pleasant town on the southeast side of the mouth of the Cape Fear River.  Historic homes, live oak lined streets in a waterfront setting and as the name evokes, it is a port and protected by Bald Head Island, Oak Island and other natural features.  It is by definition, off the beaten path, more accessible by boat than auto at least a half hour drive from the nearest major road, US 17.  Southport is a boater’s paradise with many marinas and more than several fine drinking and eating establishments on or very near the water.

We were recommended to the Yacht Basin Provision Company and “Fishy Fishy”. The two establishments were side by side; Provisions , as it is called by the locals is precariously perched on the edge of the dock and has that old time appeal of a long established hangout making it an easy choice for us.  We were not disappointed and debated finishing the month out, sipping Pacificos and watching the boats come in and enjoying what we were told was the end all Halloween celebration commencing with the Stede Bonnet Regatta and party.  Inside, Mindy greets you from behind the counter and expounds with enthusiasm about today’s fresh catch and other tasty specials and old standards.  For beverages we were directed to help yourself from a refrigerated case and grabbed ourselves a couple of the aforementioned Pacificos.  Per Mindy, when you want more just come and grab em out of the case, keep a count and let me know how many when you’re done – it’s an honor bar. We both chose grilled Yellow Fin which was prepared perfectly with a side of red skin potato salad which had some zing to it. Our seat yourself table was a few feet from the docked boats and there was steady traffic between the boats, the bar and restaurant.  When a large, older cabin cruiser pulled in, several bar patrons interrupted their conversation to assist the boat in tying up. Quizzing a patron with a Florida Gators cap about similar places on the Florida Gulf and Atlantic coasts, he ventured there were none like this.  It was a great crowd of regulars and visitors, all having a good time with conversations that centered on the water, boating and the Southport area.  It was extremely relaxing, and as noted, difficult to shove off and continue our trip.  If you are anywhere near the area Southport is worth the trip, allow a few extra hours to while away at The Provision Company.


The bar at Provisions

the dock at Provisions