~Bella's Life on the Island~

Carolina Beach-Fun for everyone!

Bella — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:34:53 +0000

2 Wine Guys at the Grind

Bella — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:20:23 +0000

Ferris Wheel Approved for Carolina Beach!

Bella — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:27:48 +0000

Wordless Wednesday

Bella — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:20:36 +0000

This morning at Fort Fisher enjoying my breakfast with the pelicans.

From Wildlife around the Island

The Franklin Square Gallery

Bella — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:21:38 +0000

2009 North Carolina Azalea Festival

Bella — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:10:23 +0000

A sure sign that Spring has arrived here at the coast, azaleas in bloom. Such a welcome sight after months of cold weather! Each year Wilmington ushers in the warmer temperatures with the annual Azalea Festival, a tradition here since 1948. So, if you are looking for a great excuse to come to the beach, this is just the ticket. A week long celebration during the first week in April full of activities for the entire family.

There really is something for everyone to enjoy at the Azalea Festival. There are tours of our historic homes and gardens graced with true Southern Belles in full antebellum dress, a parade, two day street festival full of local art and delicious food, great live music, visiting ships in our port, even the circus is in town.

This year’s Azalea Festival will run from April 1-5, 2009. The kickoff will begin with Kellie Pickler in concert on April 1st at Trask Coliseum followed by another great show with David Cook on April 2nd also at UNCW. The festivities wrap up with the two day street festival on Saturday and Sunday April 4-5. In past years the Azalea Festival has grown tremendously with as many as 300,000 visitors to our area. For more information on specific events, ticket purchases, the history of the festival and more, you can visit the website at http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/default.aspx.

Now, being the beach girl that I am, I highly recommend experiencing the best of both worlds. Spend an exciting afternoon and evening enjoying the Azalea Festival activities, then grab a room at Carolina or Kure Beach away from all of the crowds for some relaxation after all of the hustle and bustle.

So if you are as ready for Spring as I am, come on down to the coast and get some history, culture and warm ocean breezes this April! Hope to see you out and about~Bella!

Fort Fisher NC, A Romantic Wedding Destination

Bella — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:55:22 +0000

For the bride and groom who are dreaming of a destination wedding, Pleasure Island North Carolina offers many choices. However, one of my personal favorites is the state historic site of Fort Fisher. Located close to the end of the Island sits a shady grove of live oak trees just between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Both scenic and convenient, it is the perfect spot for an absolutely romantic sunset wedding. A serene spot away from the hustle and bustle of beach traffic, but close enough to see the ocean and feel the breeze this venue offers beautiful views that will make a stunning setting to share your vows.

Just a few miles from Carolina and Kure Beaches, there are plenty of accommodations in all price ranges to choose from for out of town guests. Additionally, being a tourist area, there are loads of activities to enjoy when the wedding festivities are over.

The Fort Fisher site itself offers ample parking, picnic tables and grills and two gazebos that look over the jetty. Tents are permitted in designated areas. An intimate wedding amidst the ancient windswept oaks followed by a casual outdoor reception on the grounds as the sun sets into the Cape Fear River, truly an event to remember. A permit and a fee are required to reserve the space for your event, for more information you can call 910-458-5538.

5th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lotide Run

Bella — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:00:59 +0000

One of the many reasons I love living in Carolina Beach is the sense of community. The Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lot-Tide Run is just one more example of our small town pulling together for a good cause.Founded by Tim Reilly, the first Lo-Tide run in March 2005 was born of a desire to help a young father with no health insurance, Steve Haydu, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Steve lost his battle with cancer in May of 2005. The race was renamed in 2006 in his honor.

Since its inception, this event has raised over $40,000 for families with little or no health insurance that are fighting cancer. The race takes place this year on March 14, 2009 and will begin at 9:00am at the Pavilion in Carolina Beach and will end in front of the boardwalk on the beach. Registration will begin at 7:00am at Cabana Suites (222 Carolina Beach Ave N). Participants can also register online at http://www.lotiderun.org. There is a 10K run, 5K run and a one mile fun run so everyone can participate. Early registration is recommended and will last through March 7^th. (Last year saw approximately 800 runners.) Register now for $20 per person, or on race day for $25 per person.

Enjoy live entertainment, music and food after the race while you toast St. Patrick’s Day! For more information, race maps, sponsorship and other details visit http://www.lotiderun.org.

The Fudge Boat, Carolina Beach NC

Bella — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:22:06 +0000

One bite of that smooth, velvety chocolate and I was transported back to summer afternoons on the boardwalk. At the Jersey Shore, my childhood home, we would walk the boardwalk, hot from the sun, salty from the ocean and duck inside the candy shop to get a breath of cool air and a taste of something sweet. A belated valentine of heart shaped fudge was all it took to send me back there.

This delicious treat was from the Fudge Boat in Carolina Beach , the best hand made fudge to be found in our area. The Fudge Boat is family owned by island residents Duke and Tracee Hagestrom and Lou Belo. They make everything themselves right on the premises and truly take pride in their products, using only the best natural ingredients. The Fudge Boat opened in 2004 and it is no surprise that is has continued to grow ever since.

Walking by the Fudge Boat, you can’t help but be drawn in by the aromas wafting out of the store. The best experience is to visit this unique shop in person where you can see the fudge being made before your eyes, on of course, a boat, thus the name of the shop. A fully restored 38 foot wooden boat was refurbished and turned into the center piece of the store. A fifteen foot section of the starboard serves as cutting board and serving area while the stern is where the candy is made.

Pick your pleasure from a variety of flavors including peanut butter chocolate, rocky road, turtle fudge and chocolate amaretto to name a few. There may be as many as twenty selections on any given day. Holiday inspired flavors are available seasonally-pumpkin fudge, chocolate mint, eggnog. If you don’t see a flavor to tempt your pallatte, just ask and this team of chocolateers will have it for you tomorrow promises owner, Duke Hagestrom. Some of their other delectable sweets include chocolate covered pretzels and strawberries or cinnamon glazed nuts, hand dipped ice cream in crispy waffle cones and of course hot fudge sundaes. Located on the boardwalk in Carolina Beach on the corner of Harper Avenue, just steps from the ocean, the Fudge Boat is a MUST when visiting Carolina Beach!

You don’t have to wait for summer to get your fudge fix, order online and have a taste of the beach right now at http://www.fudgeboat.com. If you are coming to town anyway, print out and bring along this printable coupon good for an in-store visit to the Fudge Boat on the boardwalk in Carolina Beach. Give them a call at 910-458-5823 to check on seasonal operating hours.

The Night Before Christmas on Pleasure Island

Bella — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:30:29 +0000

This poem was forwarded to me by a friend-thought I would share, hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas to all~Bella~

�

The Night Before Christmas

On Pleasure Island

�

“Twas the night before Christmas, and all throughout the town,

Windows were open, no snow sprinkled down.

The swim trunks were hung by the door with care,

In hopes that summer would soon show a glare.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sandcastles played in their heads.

And mama in her flip-flops and I in my sandals,

Had just sat down to light a Christmas candle.

When out on the sand, there arose such a sound (from the ocean),

I sprang from my hammock to see what was the commotion.

Away from the porch, I flew like a crane,

Tore thru the screens and acted insane.

The moon in the peak of the rising tide,

Gave a midsummer glow, to objects that could not hide.

When what to my sunglassed eyes should unveil,

But a miniature sleigh pulled by a great big sail.

With a little old captain so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than sand crabs, he sneacked,

And he whistled, and showted with a shriek:

“Now Salmon! Now, Flounder! Now, Sea Bass and Tuna! On Dolphin! on, Mackerel! on, Lobster and Kahuna!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the Sea Wall!

Now swim away! Swim away Swim away all!

As dry sea oats that, before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mounted to the sky!

So up to the top of the waves and the ripples they swam;

With the sleigh full of toys and St. Nickolas, it all looked like a sham!

And then in a twinkling, I heard in the pool,

The splishing and splashing o the entire school.

As I drew in my hand, I saw in a flash,

As off the diving board St. Nick dove with a splash!

He was dressed in Hawaiian print, from his head to his hand,

And his clothes were all covered in shells and sand.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a beach bum just opening his pack!

His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His cheeks were sunburned, his nose like a cherry!

His funny little mouth was filled with motion,

As his beard glistened with the salt of the ocean.

The stump of an octopus he held tight in his teeth,

And the tentacles they encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a stick in his arm and a bowl full of jelly,

That shook, when he looked to the ocean at the waves that were swelly.

He was chubby and plump, despite his tan;

And I laughed when I saw him, because he was the son of a sailor man!

With a gleam in his eye and scales like a fish,

Soon I knew I would have everything I could wish.

He spoke not a work, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the sand buckets; then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, he twinkled his sandy toes;

And away they all swam to fulfill their fate.

But I heard him exclaim, arrrrrrrhhhh he sailed out of sight.

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”