Carolina Beach Today

Carolina Beach Receives $800,000 CAMA Grant to Renovate Boardwalk

2013-04-30T18:04:00.001-04:00

We received some wonderful news today from Mayor Bob Lewis regarding a $800,000 CAMA grant to be used for renovating the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Here's the email from Bob which outlines the preliminary plans for improving the boardwalk:

We had another great meeting with our legislators, senators and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Steve Shuttleworth, Tom Bridges and I met with numerous representatives this morning in Raleigh to help secure over $800,000 in grant money from CAMA.

The new boardwalk will feature: gazebos, covered areas, a wide promenade, swings, seating, ocean views, a children's featured playground feature, upgraded showers and more beach access areas. Our plan is to included a number of residents and organizations in various aspects of design features and develop a plan to present to the community within the next 60-90 days. Mayor Bob

Rumor Has It: Indie Surfing Movie to Film on Pleasure Island

2013-04-26T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like Pleasure Island is going to be home to some tinsel town magic in the coming weeks. The independent movie The Perfect Summer is rumored to heading to Pleasure Island for the bulk of filming and is slated to start in just a couple of weeks.

They are still in the process of casting the movie but according to the blog Wilmywood, Sydney Penny (All My Children and The Bold and the Beautiful) and Jason Castro (season 7 of American Idol) have already been signed on.

Not many details have been released about the film but it does center on surfing and the production company recently held a casting call for surfers ages 16-25.

And for a bit more Hollywood rumor news close to home, the power house movie Tammy, which stars Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd, and Kathy Bates, is slated to film at least one scene at Snow's Cut Park. The movie is described as such: After Tammy (McCarthy) loses her job and discovers that her husband has been unfaithful, Tammy hits the road with her profane, hard-drinking grandmother (Sarandon). It's also worth noting that Will Ferrell is a producer on the film.

Finally, the movie Arthur Newman, which stars Emily Blunt, Colin Firth and Anne Heche is now showing in limited release. Scenes from the movie were shot in Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. You can view some island filming photos here.

The Thread Pleasure Island Kicked Off Last Week

2013-04-23T18:21:00.002-04:00

The Thread Pleasure Island, a no-fee network group for business owners in the Pleasure Island and Monkey Junction area, launched this past week at an event Thursday evening.

The Thread was founded by Sandpiper Marketing & Communications, LLC and Linquist/Keenan Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage Realty. Members network with other business owners over drinks, learning about each others’ businesses, trading leads, and having fun doing it! Additionally, members will be giving back to the community it serves as they donate as a collective group to a chosen local charity.

The Thread Network:
•Together, we share perspectives of business ownership;
•Help by giving to others readily--don’t worry about “quid pro quo”;
•Recognize that we achieve more together;
•Encourage through sharing your passion and advice;
•Accept and strive to understand others’ challenges and needs; and
•Do! Reach out and expand each others’ network

Spread the word to Pleasure Island business owners about the Thread and ask them to join online at www.thethreadpleasureisland.com and check them out on https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheConversation?ref=ts&fref=ts

The Thread welcomes business sponsors for upcoming events! The Thread’s quarterly featured business(es) is a special sponsor who is willing to donate food, drinks, and/or a give-away valued at $150 for the event. For that, your business will be advertised as the Thread's quarterly featured business on the web page with their logo (with a link to your website) and during the night of a Thread event. If any business would like to partner with the Thread for a specific quarter, contact them at info@thethreadpleasureisland.com or 443.333.0571.

Business owners, mark your calendar now for the next Thread event on Thursday, July 18th, location TBD!

CELEBRATE MOM WITH A MOTHER’S DAY GETAWAY TO WILMINGTON, N.C. & ISLAND BEACHES

2013-04-23T18:05:00.003-04:00

Mother's Day (Sunday, May 12) is a time to celebrate Mom and show her how much you appreciate all she does for the family. Why limit the fun to just one day when you can celebrate all weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach? It’s the ideal Mother’s Day getaway with great shopping and dining, affordable accommodations, and lots to see and do from the river to the sea. To help plan Mom’s special trip, visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com or call 1-866-266-9690 or and request a free official visitors guide.

Here’s a sampling of events and activities to enjoy with Mom:

May 10: Birding Tour. 9am. Impress Mom by taking her on a birding tour with a NC Audubon naturalist. Free. Public Access 43 (South end) at S. Lumina Ave. & Jack Parker Dr., Wrightsville Beach. 910-686-7527; www.ncaudubon.org

May 10: Outdoor Concert. 6pm-8pm. Does Mom love music? Take her to hear a free acoustic rock concert with music by The Other Guys & A Gal. Free. Mayfaire Town Centre, Wilmington; www.mayfairetown.com

May 10: National Public Gardens Day. Treat Mom to a blooming good time at world-class Airlie Gardens’ 67 acres of historical gardens and lakes. Admission is free today in observance of National Public Gardens Day. Free (today only), Airlie Gardens, Wilmington. 910-798-7700; www.airliegardens.org

May 11: Super Saturday Fun Time-Theatre: 11am. Is Mom into history and mysteries? Take her to a family-friendly live adventure and variety show where Dock the Dog and the Dock Street Kids solve this week’s history-mystery. Admission charge. Theatre Now, Wilmington. 910-399-3NOW; www.theatrewilmington.com .

May 11: National Migratory Bird Day. Celebrate National Migratory Bird Day with a day filled with bird hikes, presentations, and craft activities for kids. Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach (a NC Birding Trail site). Free. 910-458-8206; www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/national-migratory-bird-day/

May 11: Family Farm Day. 9am-12pm. Introduce Mom to life on the farm: meet farm animals, ride ponies, plant herbs, make butter, create art and enjoy milk-and-cookies during story time. Admission charge. Wilmington Children’s Museum, Wilmington. 910-254-3534; http://www.playwilmington.org/index/page/family-farm-day.

May 11: Farmers' Markets. Saturdays 8am-1pm. Rise early for regional produce, plants, herbs, and fresh flowers. The Riverfront Farmers’ Market (Downtown Wilmington) & Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market (Carolina Beach Lake) feature local farmers, artists, crafters, food, music. Free admission; charge for food and products. www.wilmingtonfarmers.com & www.facebook.com/CarolinaBeachFarmersMarket

May 11: Confederate Memorial Day. Give Mom a history lesson with a tour of Fort Fisher, followed by a special memorial service at 4pm to honor Confederate soldiers. Free. Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach. 910-458-5538; www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm.

May 11 & 12: N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Moms love our aquarium and appreciate its special programs: “AUARIST APPRENTICE” (2pm, Sat.); “BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR” (1pm, Sun.) and “SALT MARSH & CRABBING” (2:30pm, Sun.). Admission/program charges apply. Pre-registration required for all programs. NC Aquarium at Ft. Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. 910-458-7468; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.

May 12: Mother’s Day Riverboat Luncheon Cruise. 1pm-2:30pm. Board an authentic riverboat and treat Mom to a deli buffet lunch and narrated scenic tour of the Cape Fear River. Admission charge. Pre-paid advance reservations required. Boarding begins at 12:30pm. Henrietta III, riverfront at S. Water & Dock Streets. Cape Fear Riverboats celebrates 25 years in 2013. 910-343-1611; 800-676-0162; http://www.cfrboats.com/proddetail.php?prod=1020.

May 12: Mother’s Day Cruise of Harbor Island. Moms cruise FREE on Mother’s Day (with at least two paid $20 passengers in her party). 1-hour historic harbor cruises depart at 11am, 12pm; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm; 4pm; 5pm. Sunset cruise at 6:30pm. Reservations recommended. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Cruises, Waynick Ave. (across from Blockade Runner Resort), Wrightsville Beach. 910-200-4002; www.wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com.

May 12: Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise. 1pm & 2:30pm. Treat Mom to a 90-minute narrated dessert cruise of the storied Cape Fear River. Admission charge. Advance reservations. Boards at 12:45pm & 2:30pm from Riverwalk at 212 S. Water St., between Orange & Ann streets, Wilmington. 910-338-3134; www.wilmingtonwatertours.net .

OTHER MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND IDEAS

OUTDOORS & MORE: There are many ways to explore the natural beauty of Wilmington, NC and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Learn to surf or standup paddle. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around our marshes, rivers, inlets and the Intracoastal Waterway. Watch for birds at one of the NC Birding Trail sites (www.ncbirdingtrail.org) or take a leisurely paddle-boat ride on scenic Greenfield Lake and Carolina Beach Lake. Ride a bicycle or surrey along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk or Carolina Beach Lake. Stroll along the Riverwalk, fish from an ocean pier, or charter a boat for offshore fishing. Hike a nature trail at area parks/gardens, including Carolina Beach State Park. Walk The Loop fitness trail around Wrightsville Beach Park.

BLOOMING GOOD TIMES: Dazzle Mom with beautiful spring flowers at the world-class Airlie Gardens (www.airliegardens.org). Other showcase gardens are at Latimer House (Victorian), Burgwin-Wright House & Gardens (Colonial), and Bellamy Mansion (Antebellum). There’s also a free arboretum with 4,000 species of native plants on seven acres (www.gardeningnhc.org). In addition there are public parks and gardens, and a university ‘arboretum’ campus (www.uncw.edu). You can search for rare Venus Flytrap and other carnivorous plants at Carolina Beach State Park. Just outside of town, the grounds of Poplar Grove Plantation are lovely in the springtime.

THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE: DINING, SHOPPING, DAY SPAS: Introduce Mom to regional cuisine served at casual bistros, upscale restaurants, old-fashioned diners, and outdoor cafés. Restaurants from the river to the sea serve Sunday brunch. Mother’s Day is a busy day so reservations are strongly encouraged. On Saturday, treat Mom to a Heart of Downtown restaurant tour (2:30pm-5:30pm; www.lizbiro.com/tours.html). For restaurant listings, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/restaurants. Find a unique gift at specialty shops, beach & downtown boutiques, custom jewelers, museum shops, antique shops & art galleries. Or, Mom can rejuvenate at a day spa.

TOURS DU JOUR: Impress Mom with a guided tour. Downtown tours that depart at the foot of Market & Water streets include: Horse-drawn carriage/trolley tours (www.horsedrawntours.com, 910-251-8889); Wilmington Trolley Company (www.wilmingtontrolley.com, 910-763-4483); Culinary Adventures with Liz Biro (Sat. 2:30pm-5:30 pm; www.lizbiro.com/tours.html; 910-545-8055); Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington (www.hauntedwilmington.com, 910-794-1866); Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington (www.hollywoodnc.com; 910-794-7177); Tour Old Wilmington walking tour (http://touroldwilmington.blogspot.com; 910-409-4300). Just a few blocks north: Cape Fear Segway Tours (www.capefearsegway.com; 910-251-2572).

MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS: Explore the history, art and culture of the Wilmington region at one of our fine museums!

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts: “IVEY HAYES RETROSPECTIVE” art exhibit (thru May 17). Admission charge. Bellamy Mansion, Wilmington. 910-251-3700; www.bellamymansion.org

Cape Fear Museum of History & Science: “CAPE FEAR STORIES: LAND OF THE LONGLEAF PINE” (ongoing); “IMPRESSIONS OF THE LOWER CAPE FEAR” (through Oct. 27, 2013); “COLLECTION SELECTION: BREAKFAST” (opens February 11, 2013), collection includes more than 100 artifacts that document how Wilmingtonians made breakfast at home and also represent the Port City’s breakfast eateries of the past and present. Admission charge. Cape Fear Museum, Wilmington. 910-798-4350; www.capefearmuseum.com.

Cameron Art Museum: “HERE & NOW: A DECADE OF CONTEMPORARY AQUISITIONS” (through July 21, 2013). Admission charge. Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington. 910-395-5999; www.cameronartmuseum.com

Wilmington Railroad Museum: Learn about Wilmington’s railroad history, climb aboard a real train, operate a scale model railroad, and participate in a scavenger hunt. Admission charge. Wilmington Railroad Museum, Wilmington. 910-763-2634; www.wrrm.org

Family-friendly activities abound in Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Before traveling great distances for an event, please contact organizer/venue directly to confirm details. To find out about special offers, events and experiences in Wilmington, N.C. and its island beaches, visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com, www.visitcarolinabeachnc.com, www.visitkurebeachnc.com, and www.visitwrightsvillebeachnc.com. For a free Official Visitors Guide, call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

2013 Pleasure Island Entrepreneur of the Year Award

2013-04-23T18:01:00.001-04:00

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center has selected Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook, owners of Shuckin’ Shack in Carolina Beachand downtown Wilmington winners of the 7th Annual Pleasure Island Entrepreneur of the Year for 2013. Shuckin’ Shack will be honored at an awards breakfast held May 23rd at the UNCW Burney Center along with other Chamber winners and the 2013 Coastal Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The UNCW Entrepreneurship Center, the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, and local Chambers of Commerce organized the competition to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region and to help foster entrepreneurial activity in our region.

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar was the brain child of two local friends Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook. They felt that Pleasure Island needed an Oyster Bar and a place to enjoy great local steamed seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Shuckin’ Shack opened 5 years ago in Carolina Beach with only 6 employees. It has now expanded to include a downtown Wilmington location and over 30 employees. You can also find Shuckin’ Shack Oysters and Shrimp at local events such as The Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival, Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off and Step Up For Soldiers Back Yard BBQ. The Shack can even bring the party to you including an oyster steamer, official shack shucking tables, and all the fixings!

Shuckin’ Shack has received rave reviews from local print media and is a hot spot for locals and tourists. This year they were honored to be runner up for best oysters in Encore Magazines “Best of Wilmington”. When you walk into the new location It is obvious, from the local memorabilia and photographs displayed on the bar top, that even though The Shack is expanding its roots are deep in Carolina Beach and the local customers who have become more like family. Owners Matt and Sean give back to their community by supporting local children’s athletics including sponsoring and coaching Myrtle Grove Baseball and the new Pleasure Island Youth Baseball as well as sponsoring a team for Pleasure Island Soccer for the past 4 years. They are also involved in several charities including Got Em On Live Bait Club, Nourish NC, and Ashley High School Boosters.

Listed below are past recipients of this prestigious award:
6th Annual 2012 Ea Ruth & Anne Brodsky Palm Air Realty
5th Annual 2011 Michael & Shelly McGowan Michael’s Seafood & Catering
4th Annual 2010 Duke & Tracee Hagestrom Wheel Fun Rental, Fudgeboat & Krazy Kones
3rd Annual 2009 Janet & Mike Hoffer Snow’s Cut Media
2nd Annual 2008 Jackie Oakes Coastal K9 Bakery
1st Annual 2007 Roxanne Thompson Island Floiras by Roxanne

For more information please call the Chamber at 910-458-8434 or email at greg@pleasureislandnc.org.

Pic of the Day: Seagull in Carolina Beach

2013-04-11T06:35:00.000-04:00

Free as a bird in Carolina Beach. Photo by Benson Stephens.

Huffington Post: Best U.S. Island Getaways: 10 Tranquil Destinations For Rest And Relaxation

2013-04-11T06:33:00.000-04:00

An island vacation is the perfect way to leave the everyday stress of urban life behind -- but you don't have to head halfway around the world to Fiji or Bali to enjoy a tranquil beachside getaway.

Take advantage of the stress-relieving benefits of some of the U.S.'s best islands, from the tropical beaches of southern Florida to the beautiful Northern Islands...

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Take a trip to "Old Baldy," the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, when you visit Bald Head Island, located across the Cape Fear River from Southport, NC. Hop on the ferry to the small, southernmost Cape Island, and enjoy 10,000 acres of quiet, serene beaches, marshlands and maritime forests...

Click here to read about the other U.S.locations that made the list

Photo from article.

Photo: Suring on my Mind

2013-04-11T06:26:00.001-04:00

One of the problems of living at Carolina Beach while going to school...it can be hard to focus at times.

Photo credit.

Video: Time-lapse Carolina Beach Pier

2013-04-11T06:23:00.002-04:00

Carolina Beach in high gear. Video by Michael Sing.

Pic of the Day: Carolina Beach 1940's

2013-04-11T06:21:00.003-04:00

Sarah Jane Efird allowed us to share this very cool photo showing Carolina Beach boooming in the late 1940's or early 50's. She notes that her mom in on the bottom left (behind the dark headed girl) and the lifeguard stand is labeled with her Dad's name as it was his stand.

Pic of the Day: Sea of Shadows at Wrightsville Beach

2013-04-11T06:19:00.001-04:00

Today's pic of the day is from OTB (over the bridge) and was taken by Chris Brehmer Photography. He titled it 'Sea of Shadows' and it was taken at Wrightsville Beach.

Pic of the Day: Pelican in Carolina Beach

2013-04-11T06:16:00.002-04:00

Pelican R&R in Carolina Beach. Photo by Michael Sing Photography.

Pic of the Day: Sweeping View of Carolina Beach

2013-04-11T06:15:00.000-04:00

Beautiful wide shot of Carolina Beach, NC. Photo by Michael Sing Photography

Britt's Donuts Now Open for 2013 Season

2013-03-23T17:46:00.003-04:00

Summer is getting closer...how do I know? Britt's Donuts is now open!

Britt's Donuts hours:
Fri 4:00pm until dark; Sat & Sun 8:00am to 5:00pm
Starting Memorial Day weekend, they will be open 7 days a week.
Phone: (910)707-0755

Pic of the Day: Lo Tide Run

2013-03-23T17:43:00.001-04:00

Paul at Southern Digital Art.com captures the excitement as participants race to the finish line at this year's 9th Annual Steve Haydu St Patrick's Lo Tide Run.

Pic of the Day: USS North Carolina Battleship at Sunset

2013-03-23T17:41:00.001-04:00

Again we are going with an OTB (over the bridge) photo for the pic of the day. Clearly this beautiful shot needs no further description. Photo by Lotus Lily-Photography.

Carolina Beach Hampton Inn Project Moving Forward

2013-03-23T17:38:00.002-04:00

Good news, it now looks like the Hampton Inn Hotel project is moving forward and we might finally see this being constructed in the near future. Mayor Bob Lewis posted the following comment on Facbebook on March 15, 2013:

"Big thanks goes our to Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Shuttleworth who has taken the lead on working out the details to get a large developer to construct a new 108 room Hampton Inn and Suites at the CB Boardwalk. Steve has resurrected the deal and working with a bank to help remove the obstacles to getting the developer to break ground within the next couple months. Steve has given up a lot of personal and business related time to make this happen for CB."

Pic of the Day: Sunset at the Carolina Beach Lake

2013-03-23T17:23:00.003-04:00

Michael Sing offers us this beautiful shot from the Carolina Beach Lake.

7th Annual Pleasure Island Entrepreneur of the Year

2013-03-12T07:52:00.000-04:00

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce in concert with the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center are now accepting nominations for the 7th Annual Pleasure Island Entrepreneur of the Year

Carolina Beach, NC March 11, 2013 - The mission of the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards is to help foster entrepreneurial activity — and higher paying jobs — in our region. The winners will be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 10th Greater Wilmington Business Journal and honored at a large Awards breakfast May 23rd at UNCW’s Burney Center.

Last year’s recipient was Ea Ruth and Anne Brodsky of Palm Air Realty. In 2012, this prestigious award was won by Michael and Shelley McGowan of Michael’s Seafood Restaurant. In 2011 the award was won by Duke and Tracee Hagestrom, owner of Wheel Fun Rental, The Fudgeboat & Krazy Kones; the 2010 award winners were Janet and Mike Hoffer, owners of Snow’s Cut Media, Jackie Oakes, owner of Coastal K9 Bakery was the 2009 award winner and Roxanne Thompson, owner of Island Florals by Roxanne was our inaugural winner in 2008.

The Award will be presented on May 23rd at an official Awards breakfast at UNCW’s Burney Center located on the UNCW Campus
.
To qualify for nomination, the business owner must:

Have an aggressive and focused entrepreneurial spirit
Be effective and efficient in the recognition and implementation of change
Have experienced, rapid and significant business growth
Demonstrate innovativeness in their business
Display active community engagement and involvement

*Please provide a written synopsis verifying successful nominees meet all of the aforementioned criteria in able to be considered.

All nominations must be submitted by 12:00 noon on March 29th, 2012, in writing to: Greg Reynolds, Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, Carolina Beach, NC 28428 or by email to: greg@pleasureislandnc.org. For more information call 910-458-8434.

Video: Seagull Rides Pelican in Hopes of Stealing Catch

2013-03-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

One of the joys about fishing at the beach is that there is always room for everyone and you never feel closed in by other anglers. So you have to empathize with this poor pelican who was minding his own business fishing near the Kure Beach Pier when a gull decided to cut in.

The pelican was having some good luck on this cold winter day when a seagull decided he wanted a piece of the action. Not only did gull close in on the pelican's fishing grounds, he decided to land on the pelican's back (at the 0:33 mark) with hopes of getting some of his catch.

It surely is a bird-eat-bird world out there. Video posted on Youtube by allstonbasement1987. (1:31 in length.)

Pic of the Day: Reflections at Fort Fisher

2013-03-11T08:44:00.000-04:00

Evening reflections at Fort Fisher. Photo by Lotus Lily-Photography.

Arthur Newman Set for U.S. Release in April 2013

2013-03-10T09:57:00.000-04:00

Arthur Newman is set for a limited US release on April 26, 2013. The movie filmed in the Wilmington area in Fall 2011 and they spent about a week on Pleasure Island filming in Carolina Beach and on the beach at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

The movie stars Colin Firth and Emily Blunt and centers around a man (Firth) who fakes his own death and assumes a new identity in order to escape his life. He then moves in with a woman (Blunt) who is also trying to leave her past behind.

To view more filming photos from Carolina Beach, click here.

Here are a few shots from Fort Fisher with Colin Firth (thanks to D. Anderson)

Kure Beach's Ocean Front Park Celebrates Grand Opening April 26

2013-03-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ocean Front Park – Kure Beach’s largest public green space – will hold its grand opening ceremony on Friday, April 26, followed by Kure Beach’s annual street festival on Saturday, April 27.

Kure Beach, NC – March 6, 2013 – Kure Beach, North Carolina’s small wonder, is welcoming spring this year with a two-day oceanfront celebration for the whole family. Ocean Front Park – Kure Beach’s largest public green space – will hold its grand opening ceremony on Friday, April 26, followed by Kure Beach’s annual street festival on Saturday, April 27. Both events are free and open to the public.

Ocean Front Park’s Grand Opening will kick off at 11:30 a.m. and last until 10:00 p.m. that evening. Planned activities include speeches from government officials, performances and special exhibits by local school children, and live musical performances by popular bands like South of K Bluegrass, The Imitations and Wilmington Big Band.

Ocean Front Park is located in the heart of Kure Beach’s quaint business district near the town’s iconic fishing pier. The park will feature a boardwalk, a playground, benches, swings, rain gardens, oceanfront benches and public restrooms. It will also have a “tot lot” playground for children ages 3 to 6 complete with a pirate ship, fish and turtle, perfect for climbing and exploring. One of the biggest attractions at the park is an open-air pavilion with a stage area to be used for concerts, weddings and educational events.

As part of this massive project, the existing boardwalk from K Avenue to M Avenue and one of the beach accesses was replaced in order to meet ADA standards. Atlantic Avenue also received a face-lift, with new asphalt sloping to pavers to increase storm water drainage.

Keep the fun going all weekend long by attending the 2013 Kure Beach Street Festival on Saturday. Enjoy festival food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Kids activities will include a clown, balloon animals and face painting. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. with a fireworks show over the ocean.

Trade the stress of everyday life for the natural beauty and laidback atmosphere of Kure Beach. In addition to Ocean Front Park, there are plenty of family-friendly events taking place over the next few months. Now is a great time to book a getaway to Kure Beach to enjoy these upcoming events. Lodging options range from family-owned motels to vacation rentals. Visit our website for details on special rates.

Special Programs at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Varies days/times
Whether it’s an Easter egg hunt with a reptilian twist or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is always an exciting and educational family destination.
The 12th Annual Alligator Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 23, 29 and 30. Kids will have the chance to see a live baby alligator, as well as create their own special alligator egg basket and search for candy-filled “alligator eggs.” Then celebrate “green think” during St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Activities will include a recycled craft project, guided garden tours, scavenger hunts, games and prizes. There will be two behind-the-scenes tours highlighting the Aquarium’s conservation and sustainability efforts. Registration is also now open for the Aquarium’s various summer camps. Space is limited advance registration is required for many of these special programs, so make sure to visit the website to pre-register.

Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off
April 13, 2013 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
A favorite event for 16 years, this year’s 17th annual event will once again feature an all-day lineup of area chefs and their award-winning chowder, live music and children’s activities. Make sure you bring your appetite along with you to Carolina Beach Lake Park!

Bluegrass by the River Festival
May 4, 2013 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand, this second annual event will feature live music by a variety of bluegrass bands, clogging and an open jam session. Pickers of all kinds are invited to bring their instruments and enjoy bluegrass…island style. The event will take place at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

Confederate Memorial Day
May 11, 2013 – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This annual memorial service at Fort Fisher State Historic Site honors the sacrifice of Confederate defenders of Fort Fisher. The event is free and open to the public.

About Kure Beach
Kure Beach, North Carolina’s small wonder, offers a naturally beautiful setting and small-town atmosphere. The coastal beach community, with its relaxed pace, lets visitors unplug and reconnect while they enjoy an undeveloped beach and signature state attractions, including the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For more information, go to www.VisitKureBeachNC.com or call (800) 631-1460. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KureBeachNC and Twitter @KureBeachNC.

Navigate Toward What’s Important with a Spring Holiday in Wilmington, N.C.’s Historic River District & Island Beaches

2013-03-08T07:55:00.000-05:00

As the spring holiday season approaches, destinations that provide meaningful experiences are especially popular. This spring, navigate toward what’s important to you. Surrounded by water, Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach offer a single destination with multiple vacation choices. From the river to the sea, Wilmington, N.C. & Island Beaches is an affordable destination with accommodations in all price ranges, as well as budget-friendly attractions, tours, and restaurants. Great shoulder-season rates plus kid-friendly activities add up to a meaningful spring coastal getaway that won’t break the bank. To plan your visit, call 1-866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com and request a free 2013 official visitors guide. Or visit the website www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com where you’ll find seasonal specials, events and experiences.

HERE’S A SAMPLING OF HOLIDAY-THEME EVENTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY:

MARCH 23, 29 & 30: ALLIGATOR EGG HUNT. 10am & 1pm. See a live baby alligator and learn about these fascinating animals. Next, create an alligator egg basket and search for candy-filled “alligator eggs.” Recommended for ages 3-10; must be accompanied by an adult. Admission charge for kids and adults. Pre-registration required (by March 23 & March 27). NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach; 910-458-7468; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

MARCH 28: SPRING EGG-VENTURE AT HALYBURTON PARK. 9am-12noon. Join the ‘eggcitement’ at Halyburton Park. Programs include Animal Eggs & Nests, Egglympics, Storytime, and Spring Nature Hike. Egg hunts for children ages 3-5, 6-7 and 8-10 will take place at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Admission charge. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St., Wilmington. 910-341-0075; www.halyburtonpark.com

MARCH 29-30: BUGS & BUTTERFLIES SPRING EVENT. 9am-12noon. Learn about local insects and participate in egg-citing art activities, face-painting, gardening, spring outdoor games, and more. Museum admission charge includes event. Children’s Museum of Wilmington; www.playwilmington.org

MARCH 29: EASTER EGG HUNT & CARNIVAL AT BATTLESHIP PARK. 10am-2pm. Kids ages 2-9 are invited to join Buddy the Battleship Bunny for continuous egg hunts, inflatable bounce house, pony rides, petting zoo, and more. Admission charge; pre-registration required. Battleship Park, Wilmington; 910-251-5797; www.battleshipnc.com

MARCH 29-31: EASTER ‘BUNNY’- DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS. 11am-10pm (March 29-30) & 10am-4pm (March 31), weather permitting. Experience the beauty of spring in historic Wilmington via a ‘Bunny’ horse-drawn carriage or trolley. Treats for kids. Admission charge. Market & Water sts., Downtown Wilmington; 910-251-8889; www.horsedrawntours.com

MARCH 31: MASONBORO ISLAND EASTER EGG HUNT. 11am; 1pm & 3pm. Experience a unique Easter boat trip and egg hunt when you cruise to Masonboro Island, one of the largest marine sanctuary islands in Southeast N.C. Adults must accompany children. Admission charge; advance reservations. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours departs across from Blockade Runner Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach. 910-200-4002; www.wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com

Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach are a convenient drive along major highways, including I-40 and U.S. 74, both with easy access from I-95. For seasonal specials and experiences, or to download an official visitors guide or a complete event calendar, visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com. For last-minute hotel discounts, visit www.sunnysavers.com.

Pic of the Day: Pink Skies at the North End

2013-03-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

This Pic of the Day was sent to us by Lynda F. Turbeville and was taken by her son who uses the name Jynxx Midnite for his photography.

The photo was taken at Freeman Park or more commonly known as the North End.