Get Off The Beach
We know a lot of people come to our area just for it’s wonderful beaches, but were you aware of the many other activities there are around? Wrightsville Beach magazine included an article (click here) with several fabulous suggestions on ways to enjoy our area, now that winter is waning (although, did anyone really feel winter around Wilmington this year???). Be sure to check it out and add these fun events to your to-do list!
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Old Wilmington by Candlelight
A lot of the charm that comes as part of living in the Wilmington North Carolina area is due in part to the history of Downtown Wilmington. From quaint historic cottages to the larger “mansions”, there’s a history along with some mystery that can’t be overlooked. This weekend marks the 38th annual Old Wilmington by Candlelight tour, a chance to wander through these beautiful historic homes (and a couple of churches) all decked out for the holidays.
For more information on the tour and where to purchase tickets for the event, check out the Lumina News.
Things to Do & See on Your Stay-cation: “The Battleship”
If you’ve driven anywhere near the downtown Wilmington, North Carolina area, you’ve no doubt noticed the looming battleship moored in the Cape Fear River.
The USS North Carolina was commissioned in 1941 and at the time considered the greatest sea weapon in the world. Since 1961, the USS North Carolina has called her current berth home.
Detailed history can be learned by a visit and tour of the battleship. While you’re there, you may even catch a glimpse of the infamous ‘gator who is taled to have lived there for many years.
After your tour of the battleship, be sure to cross the river and have lunch at one of the many locally owned restaurants Downtown Wilmington’s known for!
We’d love to hear about your trip to the floating museum. Be sure to stop back to this post and comment with one fact you learned or visit our Facebook page and let us know what you thought of the great ship!
Stay-cation To Do List: Shopping & Eating!
We are often asked by people visiting our area for the first time where they should go to do some shopping and eating. One of the many wonderful amenities in the Wilmington area is the boutique shopping and of course, our area is known for its wonderful restaurants.
Whether you visit downtown Wilmington and its shops along Front Street, along the Riverwalk or in the Cotton Exchange; or closer to Wrightsville Beach at The Forum or Mayfaire Town Center; or perhaps even a visit to the Independence Mall mid-town – you won’t lack for variety! From “big name” stores such as Pottery Barn, J. Crew and Talbots to individually owned favorites such as Monkee’s , Blue Hand Home, and Crescent Moon if it’s on your wish list, you’ll be sure to find it.
All that shopping is sure to make you hungry. In the Wilmington area you won’t have to look far to find the great food you’ve been craving. Seafood, Mexican, or even a fabulous Burger or Hot Dog there are many options right around the corner!
We’d love to hear from you, our readers! Share with us your favorite shopping haunt and/or your favorite place to dine with family and friends!
Stay-cation Things to Do: the Beach (duh)
Yes, I know the beach and vacation (or stay-cation) seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but most of us who live in the Wilmington area take the area beaches for granted. From Topsail Beach (pronounced Top-sull, for our northern friends) all the way down to Oak Island, the beaches offer what everyone is searching for on a stay-cation, respite from a hectic day. It’s no secret that when you hit the beach chair with your favorite book, or even sit and watch the ocean, all your worries fade away.
If you’re planning a last minute summer get-away Orbitz named Wrightsville Beach a bargin in this article.
So tell us, which of our many beaches is your favorite escape?
Things to Do and See on Your Stay-cation: Ingram Planetarium
Confession: I have lived in the Wilmington area for well over a decade and until recently, I wasn’t aware that there was a planetarium in our area!
The Ingram Planetarium is located in Sunset Beach and well worth a visit for young or old! Every day this summer (closed Sundays), starting at 12:00pm is a different interactive exhibit. From 1:00pm until 5:00 there are are various shows at various educational levels. During the weekdays there are laser music light shows at 6:00pm and 7:00pm.
While you’re there, you’ll want to plan to spend some time in the Paul Dennis Science Hall. The hands on exhibits range from in-depth scientific theories to coloring pages for toddlers.
For more information and a detailed schedule of events visit them on-line.
What fun things do you like to do in the Wilmington area? Leave a comment and let us know, we’d love to check it out!
Stay-Cation Versus Va-Cation
Another joy of living in Coastal Carolina is the ability to plan a fabulous stay-cation. In fact, it is such a popular idea around here that I’ve heard friends say that they have to force themselves to leave “paradise” in order to find another paradise.
But maybe you’re newer to the area, and want to discover all we have to offer. Or maybe you have family or friends coming to visit you since you moved near the beach. The Wilmington, North Carolina area has so much to offer beside the beaches. Perhaps it’s time to see the area through the eyes of a tourist!
We would love to spotlight each attraction individually and want your input on your favorite haunts, sites and area’s must-dos! If you live in the area, please comment with your favorite space or place. If you’ve visited our area, what attraction did you enjoy the most? Maybe you’ve only read about us and are planning a visit – what’s piqued your interest? We’ll do our best to spotlight it and bring you the facts!
See You at The Loop?
One of the coolest things about living on or near Wrightsville Beach, or even visiting the area for that matter, is the “The Loop”.
The Loop is a dedicated sidewalk, about 2.5 miles around that is not only a jogging, running, walking, strolling, skating route, but also happens to be a gathering place.
Starting just past the bridge onto the beach, it encompasses the Wrightsville Beach park as well as the downtown area of the beach. Morning or evening, good weather or bad, you’ll always see some sort of activity on The Loop. Residents and visitors alike have shown great respect for the cleanliness and upkeep of The Loop, making it a great place to walk the dog (as long as you clean up) and children (again, clean up) alike.
So popular, we even came across a Facebook Page dedicated to The Loop that shares activities and interests. You can “like” the page at www.Facebook.com/wbloop.
The next time you visit The Loop, be sure to let us know how you enjoyed it!
Downtown Wilmington
How About Some Music in the Park?
Here in Wilmington we know it’s summer when the concert series at Airlie Gardens starts. Tonight from 6pm until 8pm is the second in what is shaping up to be an awesome Summer Series.
“The Imitations” will be inspiring dancers of all ages under the massive oak trees in the garden. Bring a blanket and a cooler, come with the family, a group of friends or by yourself – you won’t be disappointed.
For those of you already living better in The Village at Summerset or Southern Oaks click the Map Link below to see how convenient it is for you to enjoy the concert series!
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