Whether you are relocating, looking for a retirement home, or purchasing vacation property, you could not pick a nicer place than St. James Plantation. I am Allyn Heck, owner of Three Rivers Realty, we would love to show you everything that this premier golf, tennis and a non-age restricted retirement community has to offer. I have lived in St. James Plantation since 2003 moving here from Monmouth County NJ. Representing buyers and sellers in St. James Plantation and surrounding towns of Southport and Oak Island. Let us show you all around beautiful coastal North Carolina. We know the neighborhoods and welcome the opportunity to help you find your next home place. Learn more about living in St. James, Southport or Oak Island in beautiful, coastal North Carolina.
Driving through the neighborhoods of St James, you will see many well-planned and maintained gardens. It takes a few years for homeowners to adapt to the rhythms of gardening here. Many beloved plants and flowers from your former home garden do not adapt well to the different growing conditions here in Southeastern coastal North Carolina.
Here’s the best kept secret here in St James… There is a pathway through a magnificent garden in Woodlands Park. You will be able to note the native plants that will thrive in your garden, all are labeled and tended by a group of dedicated volunteers.
If you are an avid reader, a sometimes reader or somewhere in between, you will find many kindred souls in St James Plantation. Right next to the Fire Station and the Chapel, you will find our community’s library. The St James Library is filled with non-fiction and fiction books [hard cover and paperbacks]; all published within the last 10 years. There are also audio books, jigsaw puzzles and a children’s section.
The library is maintained by a dedicated group of St James residents/volunteers. All the books and puzzles are donated. The library is free, open to all, and runs on the honor system. There are no limits on the amount of time required before the books are returned. Of course, no late fees either. There are 2 public libraries nearby in Southport and Oak Island that are available for all Brunswick County residents.
There are many book clubs throughout St James primarily in groups of 10-12 that meet monthly in members’ homes to discuss the Book of that Month. Expect lively conversations, good food and drinks and a great opportunity to make long-lasting friends. To start your own book club, it couldn’t be easier. Start small with a handful of friends or neighbors and it’s that easy.
It’s a quick drive from St James to Southport, one of the most picture-perfect towns in the country. As proof of its charm, you may have seen Southport before as a setting in many recent films and tv shows. See for yourself.
Enjoy the day, taking in the sights and shops of Southport. Start with the main shopping areas on Howe or Moore Streets. Lined with one-of-a-kind shops promising great browsing, window shopping or purchasing a “must have”. Great places to have a great meal, snack or sweet treat.
Take a walk down Howe Street to the Cape Fear River. Join visitors and locals on the many benches to enjoy the gentle breezes. Breathe deeply. Life is Good Here.
Without a doubt, one of our favorite things to do is to go to a restaurant [known by many as “I’m not cooking tonight”]. Due to our temperate seasons, we can dine al fresco for most of the year.
In St James, there is Beacon 315 overlooking the beautiful St James Marina; serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar snacks.
In Southport, there are many outdoor spaces in the restaurants positioned along the Cape Fear River. Many locals consider this “restaurant row”.
Provision Company is the hands-down favorite of food writers, residents, visitors, and boaters. Informal, no-frills dining of consistently excellent seafood and burgers. This is the only restaurant on this list that does not offer indoor dining.
Edgewater 122The food, drinks, service, and views consistently rate high marks
Fishy Fishy Caféhas primarily seafood with a décor with a Caribbean vibe and live music to make this a popular destination.
Frying Pan friendly staff, second level provides a different perspective of the waterfront. Staff is friendly, and don’t forget to order their hush puppies.
Oliver’shas a popular bar and restaurant with classic dishes and great drinks. Expect panoramic views, attentive service, and well-prepared food. Brunches here are very popular.
In South Harbor, there is a great space called Joseph’s Italian Bistro. This family-owned business is consistently high on our list of favorite places. Known for attention to detail in every aspect of your meal: service, atmosphere and well-thought out and executed recipes.
Next time, we will move on to discussing waterfront dining on Oak Island.
Did you know that in addition to the residents of St James Plantation, the dogs that live here also “life the good life”.
Caring for your dog in St James will bring both of you much joy, lots of walks and the opportunity to meet new friends. There are two dog parks in St James each with separate spaces for large and small dogs. Walking trails and neighborhood sidewalks attract dogs and their people just about any hour of the day. Waterway Park and Woodlands Park are beautiful and welcoming for two-and-four-legged residents.
Minutes from St James, all Oak Island beaches are dog-friendly year-round.
This is the Good Life for You and Your Best Friend.
Southport residents are frequently described as kind, generous and friendly. One of the reasons may be that in Southport there are an estimated 17 churches. Here’s a partial list for your reference:
Our hearts, and minds swell with patriotism and more events than we can possibly embrace as we celebrate Independence Day. Yes, our neighboring town, Southport, is the official 4th of July capital of North Carolina. This four-day event begins on July 1st and ends with an impressive fire works display on the evening of July 4th. There is something for everyone, guaranteeing that thousands of visitors and residents leave with memories that will last a lifetime. The town of Southport’s homes, shops, businesses, and people and even their pets are fully bedecked in everything that is red-white and blue. It is an old-fashion celebration delighting residents and visitors of any age.
A less than a 10-15 minute drive will take you to one of the nicest beaches on the East Coast. St James residents have an oceanfront beach pavilion and reserved parking on Oak Island. The southern-facing beaches of Oak Island are rarely crowded and offer 11 miles of sandy, dog-friendly beaches.
