NC Weekend Story: Carolina Beach

This UNC-TV video was posted here last summer but since they just added it to youtube in widescreen, it seemed like a good idea to post it again. They have some nice footage of the amusement rides and Britt's Donuts. Plus, they were nice enough to give this blog a mention ;-)

Join me as I take you back in time to on one of the oldest boardwalks on the East Coast and in North Carolina and introduce you to some of the best kept secrets of "Carolina Beach".

145th Fort Fisher The Untold Story... Three Old Confederates recalled into action for battle.

Check out this humorous behind the scenes view of the 145th Fort Fisher reenactment held January 16, 2010.

My favorite quote, "You can't shut him up even after death."

(3:39)

Valentine's Day at the Fort Fisher Aquarium

Celebrate each other this Valentine’s Day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. “That’s A Moray!” is an exclusive evening for just 26 couples, featuring a four-course dinner, a souvenir photo and dancing while surrounded by the magic of the ocean. Private tables for two will be placed in front of captivating exhibits such as Cape Fear Shoals, Sharktooth Ledge, Hawaiian Fishes, and Moon Jellies.
Couples may reserve the table/exhibit of their choice on a first-come, first-serve basis. For the private or engagement minded couple, one exclusive table boasts its own dining room and personal view of the Cape Fear Shoals Exhibit in the “A Moray” Eel Cave with elegant décor.

The evening’s menu, prepared by Thyme Savor Catering, will feature an appetizer of seasonal fruit and cheese; Caesar salad; choice of entrée: chicken Boursin® with French Boursin® cream, beef tenderloin with béarnaise sauce, or harvest pasta with sliced vegetables. Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate cake for two provided by Island Cakery. An extended beverage selection will be offered as well.

Afterwards, dance the night away to classic love songs played by DJ Professionals and Video. Spend the night on the island: the Courtyard Marriott - Carolina Beach is offering special rates for the evening and the Aquarium will shuttle guests to and from this rendezvous point.

“That’s A Moray” is Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The all-inclusive price is $200-$300 per couple, dependent on table location or $500 for the “A Moray” private dining room. For reservations, call (910) 458-8257, ext: 218 or 202 or email terry.bryant@ncaquariums.com or emily.bullock@ncaquariums.com.

For Courtyard Marriott reservations, call (910) 458-2030 and reference the Aquarium’s “That’s A Moray” event.

The Beachside Resident: Wilmington - The Overlooked Sister

Issue 12, Volume 5, February 2010
By Vern Hobbs

Though often overshadowed by her flashier sisters, Charleston and Savannah, Wilmington, North Carolina is a sparkling jewel among the historic port cities of the American South. Located along the banks of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington beckons to the curious traveler with three centuries of history, vibrant nightlife, a robust arts community, and pristine beaches.

“Historic,” has become an overworked adjective, too often used to embellish a place more accurately described simply as “old.” To truly deserve the label “historic,” a city should be more than a collection of aging buildings. It should embody a connection to significant people and events through which cultures are defined. Few places meet that standard as thoroughly as Wilmington...

Read the article here (with photos)

Pleasure Island Special Olympics Polar Plunge Feb, 20, 2010

Dare To Bear It
for
Special Olympics New Hanover County

Take the Polar Plunge on Feb. 20, 2010 at the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach, NC. Proceeds from the event help the New Hanover County Special Olympics.

To pre-register or to get general information about the plunge, please visit the event website.

[Click here to see photos of the 2009 plunge.]

NC Polar Plunge Photo Credit

Beautiful Spring Break Destinations With Even Better Looking Prices: Carolina Beach And Kure Beach, North Carolina

Coastal beach towns offer a fun, family atmosphere, perfect for that much needed spring break.

Carolina Beach, N.C. (PRWEB) January 27, 2010 -- After countless days of work, surrounded by numerous deadlines and stressful technology, spring is the perfect time to get away and relax. Most people wish they could take the time to enjoy the simple beauty of nature, but finding a destination both scenic and affordable is not always an easy task. Families are looking for value, and with Carolina Beach and Kure Beach (collectively known as Pleasure Island), families can find all the leisure options that they need. If you’ve never been to Pleasure Island, this is the year to discover a new vacation destination.

Carolina Beach, N.C. is the stunning family oriented vacation spot that visitors will love. With the charm of an old-fashioned beach village and a unique variety of shops, restaurants and family entertainment, visitors will feel both warm and welcomed. It offers both a nostalgic atmosphere and prices that feel like a step back in time. Carolina Beach features nature at its best, and many satisfied vacationers return every year to enjoy strolling along the beach, biking or even some old-fashioned fishing.

Carolina Beach is also ideal for surf fishing, bottom fishing, shell fishing and deep-sea fishing. The Carolina Beach Fishing Pier is the perfect place to drop a line; it’s open to the public and has a tackle shop, grill and arcade.

Sharing a barrier island with Carolina Beach is Kure Beach, another gorgeous and tranquil seaside town. The Kure Beach Pier has an international reputation among fishermen as one of the best places to pier fish for King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, flounder and blues. Kure Beach offers restaurants that serve seafood fresh from the boat, and is home to several impressive historic sites like Fort Fisher, as well as the North Carolina Aquarium.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are filled with smiling faces and friendly people, and provide a great environment for families. Visitors have no trouble finding something to. As the weather gets even better, so does the atmosphere, and there are various upcoming special events in Pleasure Island.

March 12, 2010 - What better way to welcome the warm weather than with a free Car Show? The “Back to the Beach 2010 Car Show,” is free to the public and will be in full effect come March.

March 13, 2010 – Athletes feel free to participate, or just watch the “6th Annual Steve Haydu Street St. Patrick’s Lo-Tide Run,” a 5 or 10k race, at the Pavilion Boardwalk. The proceeds from the race will be given to cancer patients.

April 17, 2010 – “Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off,” offers foods from the best restaurants in a daylong event with a Kidz Zone, including giant inflatable slides, face painting and more. There will be music and fun for everyone.

April 24, 2010 – Kure Beach will be hosting its 4th Annual Street Festival in front of the Kure Beach Pier. With over 20 arts and crafts booths, a variety of foods and a number of great musical groups, followed by a firework extravaganza at dusk.

For more information on Carolina Beach and Kure Beach go to www.CarolinaBeachStories.com and www.KureBeachStories.com . And, be sure to visit their Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest happenings.

Farmer's Market Coming to Carolina Beach

The Wilmington Star reports that the town's Art's & Activities Committee is making plans for a weekly farmer's market at the Carolina Beach Lake. "The town council has given the green light for the farmers market to begin this spring. Members expect to approve dates next month, but the proposal is for every Saturday April 24-Oct. 9."

In addition to the farmer's market, the venue will also host local artists who can sell their work and meet face to face with potential customers.

Read the article here.

Photo credit

Fishing at Fort Fisher

Cool photo of fisherman at the Fort Fisher rocks.

http://wilmingtonbyginger.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/fishing-at-kure-beach/

Video of the 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher Reenactment Held on January 16,2010

Here's an excellent video of this past weekend's Civil War reenactment which was held at Fort Fisher. Personally, I was surprised by the sheer numbers of role players involved.

Kudos to everyone involved as it looked like a very impressive event. Next time, I'll make sure to check it out.

The video was posted by blackcat2801 on January 17, 2010.