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Sign reading Southport Historic Riverwalk in front of tall green grass.

One of my favorite activities: Walking

There’s nothing more cleansing or better for the soul than taking a walk among our state’s spring blooms. The air is full of possibilities, and you’ll never fail to discover something new.

Veda Gilbert with her sons sitting at table at Fishy Fishy Cafe in Southport.

Another favorite: visiting Southport

Ah, Southport. One of my favorite places on earth! I visit this special town as many times a year as my schedule allows.

  • Without fail, I always start my visit with a meal at Fishy Fishy Cafe, always ordering the same thing: lightly breaded calamari with deep-fried banana peppers and the strawberry harvest salad that comes with the most crave-worthy warm bacon vinaigrette.
  • Shop and browse at Southport Trading Co. or at Southport Market (you won’t leave empty-handed). 
  • If shopping isn’t your thing, whittle away an afternoon looking at the memorabilia from all of the movies filmed in the area at Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitor Center.
  • American Fish Co. is a must for a pre-dinner cocktail (the pain killer is my drink of choice — it's topped with nutmeg!) before peeling a half pound of steamed shrimp, enjoying “Thee Special” (with a side of a devil crabcake and corn) at Provision Company. 
  • If room permits, get a scoop from Flava’s Ice Cream. 
  • Savor a delicious cup of joe and a namesake Moore Street Breakfast Bagel at Southport Coffee Co. & Kitchen before you hit the road.
Man and woman smiling for camera in front of sign reading Skylight Inn BBQ.

And of course — eating barbecue

A fun fact about me … I’m a certified North Carolina BBQ judge! Trained and mentored by the famous Sam Jones, I love all things NC BBQ — Eastern style, Lexington style, you name it, I’m there! After eating my way through the state, here are two I have to mention:

  • Skylight Inn (Ayden): It’s hard to go past the sandwich with slaw at Skylight Inn. It’s a two-hander job and might induce a post-feast nap.
  • Lexington BBQ (Lexington): My go-to order is the chopped BBQ plate with crinkle cut fries, slaw and hush puppies at Lexington BBQ. Ask for a side of butter then half those puppies, spread with butter and enjoy. 
Nina Simone mural on the side of brick building beside road.
First Peak Visitor Center

A closing thought

March is women’s history month, and North Carolina is home to so many incredible women, past and present. 

One of my favorite NC-born women is Nina Simone. My dad was such a big fan of hers and taught me about her music and legacy. I grew up listening to and loving her music before ever learning what an inspiration she was. I’m lucky to live in the state that nurtured her incredible talent. 

Also, I’m a member of the Junior League of Durham and Orange County where I’m surrounded by incredible women — most recently one of my sisters, Shamieka Rhinehart, was appointed Superior Court Judge for Durham County by our governor. Truly inspiring!

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