If ships' bridges were this nice, more people probably would be living on boats. A new building, The Captain's Bridge is nonetheless built like a turn-of-the-century inn, because its predecessor at this location -- in the heart of downtown Southport's historic area -- was too far gone to be saved.

Although the owners call the accommodations "suites," they're really full-scale apartments. The three-room suite has a queen bedroom, a sleeper sofa in the living room and a balcony overlooking the town. The two-bedroom suite has a queen bedroom, a twin bedroom and two full baths.

The light, airy rooms have 12-foot high ceilings, crown molding and wide-plank hardwood floors, all gleaming, with white the dominant color.

The kitchens are better equipped than many homes, right down to wine glasses in the cupboards.

Although The Captain's Bridge is directly above Port City Java, a restaurant and coffee house, this is not a place you stay for camaraderie with strangers around the breakfast table. Instead, it's a place to retreat with somebody special. The apartments have private entrances at the top of a stairway with its own entrance. There is no elevator.

Southport is at the junction of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, about an hour south of Wilmington, approximately 200 miles from Charlotte.

The Captain's Bridge
113 N. Howe St.,
Southport, NC 28461..

OPEN: Year-round.

ROOMS: Two suites, each with private bath (one has a bath and a half), full kitchen, dining area and living room.