Raleigh, N.C. (Sept. 26, 2007) More than twenty-five leaf
watchers and fishing reporters from across the state have released their first weekly
reports detailing current conditions on VisitNC.com . New
updates will be posted every Wednesday throughout the season to help visitors plan.
Along with their predictions on peak leaf color and prime fishing locations, the
VisitNC.com leaf watchers and fishing reporters also share their picks for favorite fall
events, scenic drives and outdoor activities.
Fall Color Summary
The first fall color is coming to life in pockets at higher elevations. “The best bet
for color may be the northwestern mountain counties, which appear to have gotten just
enough rain to produce really good color,” says Gary Walker, Professor of Biology at
Appalachian State University in Boone.
In Blowing Rock, elevation 3,685 feet, the yellow of birch, red of the dogwood and orange
of the sugar maple are starting to show change. Blowing Rock landscape specialist Perry
Davis believes that this year’s fall foliage will be spectacular. Davis says,
"this area (High Country) has had just enough rain to make the trees happy. They've
not been as stressed as in other areas of the state." The grand display of color is
still weeks away but the signs are here for a great season.
For full reports, scenic drives and up-to-date information from across the state, go to
VisitNC.com’s “Fall Experience” www.VisitNC.com/fallcolor
Fall Fishing Summary
As the Gulf Stream shifts each fall, the unique combination of air and water currents
around North Carolina’s barrier islands and beaches creates ideal conditions for
fishing. Fisherman along the Cape Fear Coast, Crystal Coast and the Outer Banks are
reeling in wahoo, king mackerel, red drum and many more.
For more detailed reports go to: www.VisitNC.com/fallfish
and be sure to check out:
• Fall fishing festivals and competitions
• Coastal scenic drives
• Fall fishing photo gallery
In addition, toll-free hotlines have been established to assist travelers with their plans
to visit North Carolina this fall:
• Fall Color Hotline: 1-866-6LEAVES (866-653-2837)
• Fall Fishing Hotline: 1-888-2 FISH NC (888-234-7462)
• General Travel Information: 1-800-VISIT NC (800-847-4862)
North Carolina is the South’s premier fall travel destination offering arts and
culture, unique lodging, charming small towns and vibrant urban locations. Explore the
highest peaks east of the Mississippi to the 300 miles of pristine coastline at VisitNC.com .
###
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(910) 341-4030 or 1-866-266-9690
September 20, 2007
ROCK & ROLL
HALL-OF-FAMER DAVE MASON HEADLINES AT THE 14th
PLEASURE ISLAND SEAFOOD, BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Kure Beach, NC: Rock and
Roll Hall-of-Famer Dave Mason headlines at the 14
th Annual Pleasure Island
Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area on October 13
and 14, 2007. Mason, whose musical career spans more than 37 years, was inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 along with fellow members of the 1960s/1970s
rock band Traffic.
In addition to being a founding member of Traffic,
festival headliner Dave Mason has enjoyed a prolific solo career with more than 20 solo
albums. Over the years, he has also collaborated with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Paul
McCartney, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Graham Nash, and Stephen
Stills, among others. Mason also officially joined and toured with Fleetwood Mac during
the 1990s.
The two-day Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival
also features 16 other amazing acts, including blues bands such as the Polar Bear Blues
Band, Blues World Order, Valentino & the Piedmont Sheiks, Delta Moon, Mighty Lester,
Robin Rogers, The Heaters, Mario & the Shakers, and Groovetown Band (formerly Big
Bertha). Jazz bands include the Peter Ingram Trio, Bill Garfield Jazz Combo, Dusty Long
Trio, Aquaviva, Lee Venters & Vermillion Sands, Jim Felds Group, and Free Passage.
A full performance schedule is available online at www.seafoodbluesandjazz.com. While
jamming to live music, attendees can also enjoy great seafood prepared by area
restaurants. A Fine Arts Plaza will host arts and crafts vendors and the festival’s
Kidz Fantazy Zone provides hours of fun for families.
So,
if you’re into blues, jazz, rock and roll, and delicious seafood, leave your hectic
world behind and head to North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast for the 14th
Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival (October 13 and 14). Let the
music, coastal cuisine, natural beauty, and salt air transport you into another dimension.
It’s a world where the weather is warmer, the people are friendlier, the food is
tastier, and the music is superior.
Want to go to the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz
Festival? Two-day tickets are $27 in advance and can be purchased at the Pleasure Island
Chamber of Commerce office located at 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd. Tickets purchased at
the gate are $22 for Saturday and $12 for Sunday. Children 6-12 are $5 (for two
days) and children 5 and under are free. Gates open at 10:30 am on Saturday and
Sunday. Pets, coolers and political materials are not permitted. The Fort Fisher Air
Force Recreation Area is located along Hwy. 421 South in Kure Beach. For festival
information, call 910-458-8434 to pay with a credit card. You may also visit website www.seafoodbluesandjazz.com or www.pleasureislandnc.org.
For
a free Visitors Guide to Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast, please
call 866-266-9690, or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com
for a complete Calendar of Events.
###
PRESS
RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson, Cape Fear Coast CVB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(910) 341-4030 or (866) 266-9690
September 20, 2007
"! OCTOBER USHERS IN HALLOWEEN FUN "!
IN WILMINGTON
& NORTH CAROLINA’S CAPE FEAR COAST
October
‘scares up’ more than a dozen Halloween events in Wilmington & North
Carolina's Cape Fear Coast. Experience this spooky time of year ‘Cape
Fear-style’ with ghoulish festivals, ghostly tours, murder-mystery cruises, costume
parties, organized trick-or-treat events, nighttime nature hikes, and scarecrows at every
turn. Following is a sampling of mysterious, haunted and historic festivities:
Ongoing (year-round)—Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington.
Costumed guides lead through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington.
Nightly Halloween-theme tours (dates/times TBA). Special hourly tours Halloween night
(Oct. 31): Times TBA. Admission charge. Kids under age 6 free. Meets at Water & Market
sts. Reservations required: 910-794-1866; www.hauntedwilmington.com
Ongoing (year-round)—Haunted Pub Crawl. Guided
tour to 7 haunted pubs. Adults only; admission charge. Meets Tues.-Sat. in October at
7:30pm at Paddy’s Hollow in the Cotton Exchange. Reservations required: 910-794-1866;
www.hauntedwilmington.com
Each Tuesday in October—Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises. Solve an exciting
who-dunnit during a dinner cruise along the Cape Fear. Audience participation; prizes. Departs 6:30pm at dock (Water & Dock sts). Admission
charge. Reservations: 910-341-1611; 800-676-0162; www.cfrboats.com
Oct. 4-7 & Oct. 11-14—“Jekyll
& Hyde.” 8:00pm. Set in the streets of 19th century London,
a brilliant and unconventional doctor creates a murderous alter ego in this evocative tale
of the epic battle between good and evil. Thalian Hall, Wilmington. 1-800-523-2820;
910-343-3664; www.thalian.org.
Oct. 14—Gossip, Graves and Grapes Tour of Oakdale
Cemetery. 3pm-6pm. Friends of Oakdale Cemetery host walking tours of the
cemetery. Join them for Gossip, Graves and Grapes, an innovative program in NC’s
oldest rural cemetery. This year’s Gossip, Graves and Grapes tour features stories
about Wilmington’s Railroad history. Oakdale Cemetery. This is not your average
cemetery tour! Admission charge. Call 910-762-5682 or email Friends@Oakdalecemetery.org
for details. www.oakdalecemetery.org
Oct. 15-Nov. 4—Cape Fear Scarecrow
Festival. More than 85 creatively designed scarecrows enchant visitors
when they take up residence at area businesses throughout Historic Downtown. Maps to
scarecrow locations at participating businesses & Visitors Information Center.
Downtown Merchants: 910-547-6660.
Oct. 17—DogFest 2007.
11am-3pm. Doggie contests, pumpkin-painting contests, and Halloween costume contests for
kids and dogs. Admission charge is $5; kids under age 5 are free. Benefit for Cape Fear
Golden Retriever Rescue and Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign. Empie Park, Wilmington.
Call 910-622-4132 or 910-538-5833; www.cfgoldenrescue.com.
Oct. 18—Creatures
of the Night Hike. 7:00pm-8:30pm. Hike
Halyburton Park after dark & discover amazing night creatures such as bats, owls,
spiders and raccoons. Free. Halyburton Park, Wilmington. 910-794-6001.
Oct. 19-21 &
26-28—Halloween Festival. “Haunted” hayrides, carnival rides, “haunted”
barn, non-scary Fun House with puppet shows, games, stories, food, and more. Fun for all
ages, including small children. Oct. 20 (6pm-12midnite); Oct. 21 (2pm-12midnite); Oct. 22
(2pm-10pm). Costume contest is Sat. (21) from 6-7pm. Activity fees vary. Poplar Grove Plantation
(10200 US Hwy. 17N, Scotts Hill); 910-686-9518; poplargrove.com
Oct. 20—Bats
Alive! 3:00pm. Rob Mies, Director of the
Organization for Bat Conservation and TV personality, will present a Gigantic Flying Fox
from Malaysia, the endangered Golden Bat from the island of Rodrigues, a fruit bat from
Africa, and a Big Brown Bat from North America. His multi-media digital presentation
also explains the importance of bats throughout the world and the need for
conservation. Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange Street, Wilmington.
910-254-3534; www.playwilmington.org
Oct. 25—6th
Annual Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea. 5:00pm-8:30pm. Kids in costume go trick-or-treating at
candy stations throughout the decorated aquarium. Candy and event sponsored by local
businesses and organizations. Admission charge. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (900
Loggerhead Rd., Kure Beach); 910-458-7468; www.ncaquariums.com
Oct.
26-31—Halloween Ghost Trolley.
6:00pm-9:00pm. Horse-drawn
trolley ride through Historic District & “haunted barn.” Stories & free
treats tailored for kids. Admission charge. Departs from Market & Water sts.;
910-251-8889; www.horsedrawntours.com
Oct. 27—Ghost Ship
Tour. 6:00pm. You’ve
seen the Battleship on paranormal programs, now come see for yourself! Battleship staff
& volunteers will lead you through the bowels of the ship to hear true Battleship
tales. “Haunted North Carolina’s” members reveal ghostly details and
provide you with a unique opportunity to learn how ghost hunters track spirits. The charge
is $10 per person, cash at the door. Battleship North Carolina, Eagles Island, across from
Downtown Wilmington, 910.251.5797 Ext. 2047 www.battleshipnc.com
Oct. 28—HOG
Halloween Run. HOG members wear costumes and decorate their bikes for a ride
through Wilmington. Prizes are awarded in several categories. T-shirts are for sale with
proceeds going to a local charity. For more information call Carolina Coast Harley
Davidson at 910-791-9997; www.cchd.com.
Oct. 31—Halloween Family Pops Concert.
7:30pm. UNCW Wind Symphony & Chamber Winds perform haunted classical favorites in
costume. Special guests Michael Rosander and No Sleeves Magic create magical mishaps of
floating objects, creepy pirates, sword illusions, more. UNCW, Kenan Auditorium,
910-962-7416. www.uncw.edu
For a FREE Visitors Guide to Wilmington &
NC's Cape Fear Coast, please call 910-341-4030 or toll-free at 1-866-266-9690. Or stop by
the Visitor Information Center located at 24 N. 3rd St., Wilmington, or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com.
Before traveling any distance, please call ahead to event venue to confirm
date, time and ticket prices.
###
NOTE TO MEDIA: Digital
photos available for many events.
Come &
Play!
Wilmington and North
Carolina
Cape Fear Coast
Wilmington
• Carolina Beach
• Kure Beach
• Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
24 N. Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 341-4030, ext. 20
(910) 341-4029 (fax)
(866) 266-9690
email: cvbpr@capefearcoast.com
www.gocapefearcoast.com
alternate email: cfccvb@earthlink.net
NOTICE: e-mail correspondence to and
from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be
disclosed to third parties by an authorized tourism authority official.
PRESS
RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
910-341-4030 or 866-266-9690
September 7, 2007
RIVERFEST
CELEBRATES LIFE AND CULTURE
ON THE CAPE
FEAR RIVER
From humble beginnings in
1978 as a small event to bring people to Downtown Wilmington, Riverfest has grown into a
3-day festival that celebrates life and culture on the
Cape Fear River. Now in its 29
th
year, this year’s action-packed festival (October 5-7) provides fun for everyone,
beginning with a Riverfest 2007 Film Showcase at the Rhino Club on Thursday night
(admission charge). The festival rocks the riverfront on Friday night from 5pm-11pm with
the “
Battle of the River” music showdown, pitting local bands in a fierce
competition at
Battleship Park, adjacent to the Battleship
North Carolina.
On Saturday and Sunday, a
Downtown
street fair winds its way along the
Cape Fear River. Set against the river’s natural
beauty, the area's rich heritage is further demonstrated by more than 200 Arts &
Crafts vendors selling art and handmade crafts and over 30 food vendors serving festival
edibles. Continuous live entertainment features a variety of performances that underscore
the influence of arts and culture on the
Cape Fear lifestyle. On Saturday and Sunday, the
Gospel Jamboree stage offers uplifting spiritual music and Lucky’s Stage features a
mix of local and regional talent. The KidZone stage showcases local kids’ talents.
Then, on Saturday evening after the flotilla and fireworks, a Riverfest Street Dance will
transform
Water Street into an outdoor dance hall across from the Federal Courthouse
(Sat., 9:30pm-11:30pm).
Back
by popular demand is the Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla & Treasure Hunt (2007
Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event). On Saturday at 11am, pirates will distribute free
Treasure Hunt maps. On Saturday evening at 7:15pm, the 3
rd Annual Invasion of
the Pirates Flotilla (
www.invasionofthepirates.com) gets underway with lighted boats, costumed pirates, and cannon
firings. The pirate-themed flotilla along the
Cape Fear River begins at dusk Fireworks follow at 9pm to celebrate the
pirates’ successful siege.
Kids
rule at this year’s Riverfest with the ever-popular Children’s Stage (kids
entertain with song, dance, magic) and the KidzZone at the Cotton Exchange, with
activities such as face/hair painting, games, amusements, arts/crafts, clowns, rides, and
more. There will also be an Adventure Zone with martial arts and gymnastics
demonstrations, bungee jumping, a rock climbing wall, and more (CFCC parking lot).
This
year’s featured events include the TNT Freestyle Motocross Demo on Saturday near the Coast
Line Convention Center on Estell Lee Drive. Celebrity athletes include X-Games Medalist
Tommy “TomCat” Clowers, Jeff “Full Tilt” Tilton, and Miles Richmond.
Each show will consist of demos on an 80-foot Gap with lots of rider tricks. Other events
include a Classic Car Show (Sat.) and Antique Car show (Sun) on Market Street; the Great
Waiter's Wine Race (CFCC parking lot, Sunday, 2pm); the 5th Riverfest Skateboard
Competition (Sat/Sun, 10am, CFCC parking lot); the 17th Run the River 8K Race
(Sunday, 7am); and the 5th Riverfest Wakeboarding Competition (Sat/Sun., 10am, behind
Chamber of Commerce, Estell Lee Dr.; registration at 9am; www.carolinawakeseries.com).
An
estimated 200,000 tourists and locals gather each year to celebrate the life and culture of the Cape
Fear River. Riverfest is a supporter of the Cape Fear Community College
“Marine Technology Scholarship Program”. For more information about Riverfest 2007 (October 5-7), visit www.wilmingtonriverfest.com or call
910-452-6862. For a FREE Visitors Guide for Wilmington & North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast,
call 1-866-266-9690 or visit website www.gocapefearcoast.com
for a complete Calendar of Events.
###
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson,
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
866-266-9690 or 910-341-4030
September 7, 2007
THREE FALL EVENTS SELECTED AS
SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY TOP 20 EVENTS
Three
fall events in Wilmington and North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast have been selected as
Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Events for the months October through December,
2007. This year marks the first time that the Invasion
of the Pirates Flotilla & Treasure Hunt (October 6), held in conjunction
with Riverfest 2007 (October 5-7), has been honored with this designation. The 13th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival
(November 7-10) and the 24th Annual North
Carolina Holiday Flotilla (November 24) are past recipients of the prestigious
STS Top 20 Event award. These three events are examples of the quality annual events held
during the fall months in Wilmington & North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast.
Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla & Treasure Hunt: Saturday,
October 6. Guard your
booty, landlubbers! Beginning at 11am, pirates will distribute free Treasure Hunt maps
during the 29th annual Riverfest celebration. On Saturday evening at 7:15pm,
the 3rd Annual Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla gets underway with lighted
boats, costumed pirates, and cannon firings. The pirate-themed flotilla along the Cape
Fear River begins at dusk. Fireworks follow at 9pm to celebrate the
pirates’ successful siege. Downtown Wilmington, 910-815-3426; www.invasionofthepirates.com
Cucalorus Film Festival: November 7-10.
Lights, camera, action! Hailed by TIME and MovieMaker magazines, the
Cucalorus Film Festival is now in its 13th year of celebrating the indie
filmmaking spirit so prevalent in Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast.
Spectate or participate in this annual screening of over 120 films, from serious
documentaries to funny short films by artists of tomorrow. It’s four days of
screenings, filmmaking workshops, industry panels and social events held in historic
surroundings. Downtown venues include Thalian Hall and Jengo’s Playhouse, Wilmington.
910-343-5995; www.cucalorus.org
North Carolina
Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach: November 24.
Let the holiday season begin! The weekend following Thanksgiving,
Wrightsville Beach
becomes a seasonal wonderland with a Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri. 23 at 5:45pm) and a
Festival in the Park (Sat. 24, 10am-4pm) with crafts, entertainment and children’s
rides. The highlight of the weekend takes place on Saturday evening (6pm) with an
illuminated boat parade under a stunning fireworks canopy.
Wrightsville Beach,
910-256-2120; ncholidayflotilla.org
Since
1983, the Southeast Tourism Society (www.southeasttourism.org)
has been the largest membership organization promoting travel to the Southeast. Each month
since 1985, STS selects 20 of the top events across the Southeast and publishes them
quarterly. Events selected for the STS Top 20 enjoy widespread publicity and have the
honor of being included among a listing of prestigious events and festivals. The
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau is a member of the Southeast
Tourism Society and provides Top 20 information to local event organizers.
With
an ocean, a historic riverfront town, more than 45 attractions, and hundreds of events
year-round, there’s always something extraordinary to see and do in Wilmington &
North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast. For a FREE Visitors Guide, please call
1-866-266-9690. For a complete Calendar of Events: www.gocapefearcoast.com.
###
Come &
Play!
Wilmington and North
Carolina's Cape Fear Coast
Wilmington
• Carolina Beach
• Kure Beach
• Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
24 N. Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 341-4030, ext. 20
(910) 341-4029 (fax)
(866) 266-9690
email: cvbpr@capefearcoast.com
www.gocapefearcoast.com
alternate email: cfccvb@earthlink.net
NOTICE: e-mail correspondence to and
from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be
disclosed to third parties by an authorized tourism authority official.
North Carolina
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson, Communications/PR Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(866) 266-9690 or (910) 341-4030
CELEBRATE
FATHER’S DAY “CAPE FEAR-STYLE”
Father's Day (Sunday, June 17) is a time to celebrate Dad. Why limit the fun to just
one day when you can celebrate all weekend at Wilmington, North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast?
With three island beaches, a Downtown Riverwalk with more than 200 shops and restaurants,
and outdoor recreation at every turn, there’s plenty to keep Dad entertained. So,
celebrate Father’s Day “Cape Fear-style” and treat Dad to a getaway he will
always remember. To plan your trip, please call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com
and request a FREE Cape Fear Coast Visitors Guide that has information on all there is to
see and do in this family-friendly coastal destination. Here’s a sampling of
activities and events:
June 15-17: Theatrical Productions: “Shakespeare
on the Green” Festival (8pm; every Fri., Sat., Sun. through June 24)
Dads who dig Shakespeare will enjoy this annual Shakespeare festival that is staged
outdoors under the stars. This year’s production of “As You Like It,” is
free (donations welcome) and you’re welcome to bring a picnic to the park. Greenfield
Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington. 910-762-6393. Or, check out a main stage production at
Thalian Hall where the musical comedy “Guys and Dolls” (June 15-17) will
be staged at 8pm (Fri, Sat) & 3pm (Sun). Admission charge. Thalian Hall, Wilmington,
800-523-2820; 910-343-3664; www.thalianhall.com
June 15: Hammerheads Soccer Game. Does Dad like
sports? Then take him to a Wilmington Hammerheads professional soccer game (7:30pm) when
they challenge the New Hampshire Phantoms. Admission charge. Legion Sport Complex, Wilmington,
910-796-0076, ext. 23; www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
June 15: Outdoor Concerts. Outdoor concerts showcase
music sure to please most Dads. Airlie Gardens’ Concert Series
(6pm-8pm) features “Da Howlies,” a favorite local band that plays traditional
and original Hawaiian music. Admission charge. Airlie Gardens, Wilmington. 910-798-7700; www.airliegardens.org.
If blues is more Dad’s style, bring your chairs and blankets and check out Pleasure Island’s Summer Concert Series
(6pm-8pm) where you’ll groove to music by regional blues/jazz band
Valentino & the Piedmont Sheiks. Free. Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area, Kure Beach,
910-458-8434; www.pleasureislandnc.org.
June 15-17: Scene First Student Film Festival. If Dad’s into independent films, he should check out the
work of future filmmakers during the nation’s only national student film festival,
featuring the works of students (from high school through graduate school) from across the
U.S. and abroad. Admission charge. Downtown venues include Thalian Hall and City Stage.
Downtown Wilmington; www.scenefirstfestival.com.
June 15-17: Narrated Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise 2:30pm-4:00pm. Board an authentic riverboat and treat Dad to a
relaxing day on the water during a narrated scenic tour of the Cape Fear River. Boarding
begins at 2:00pm. Lunch and dinner cruises also available on Friday and Saturday.
Admission charge. Henrietta III, riverfront at S. Water & Dock Streets. 910-343-1611;
800-676-0162; www.cfrboats.com
June 16: African American History Day at Bellamy Mansion 10am - 1:30pm. Dad can step back in time during tours of a
historic antebellum mansion. House tours on the hour and special African-American History
Tours are offered the ½ hour, with mini-lectures on slavery topics and a kitchen
interpretation of African-American slave life and foods of the region. Admission charge.
Call 910.251.3700. Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington; www.bellamymansion.org Want to learn
more about the area’s African-American history? Check out American Heritage
Tours’ guided sightseeing tours that depart daily from the Hilton: www.amhtours.com
OTHER FABULOUS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND IDEAS
REEL-‘EM-IN: Dad can discover for himself why acclaimed angler and book
author Ken Schultz claims that North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast “may well be the
kingfish capitol of the East Coast.” Choose from pier fishing, surf fishing, or
inshore, off-shore and Gulf-Stream charter excursions. Or, book a half-day family fishing
adventure and learn to catch fish in area bays, creeks, and waterways. For info on family
fishing adventures: www.carolinacoastaladventures.com/show/adventures.html#fishing.
For general information about fishing: www.cape-fear.nc.us/visitors/outdoor_rec.asp?search=1.
TEE TIME: If golf is Dad’s favorite
pastime, he will have more than 50 golf courses to choose from within an hours’ drive
of Wilmington, including a municipal golf course designed by Donald Ross. If miniature
golf is more to Dad’s liking, check out the mini greens at Jungle Rapids and Carolina
Beach Jungle Mini Golf. Money-saving golf packages can be found online at www.cape-fear.nc.us/Visitors/packages.asp?type=Golf
For information on area golf courses: www.capefearcoast.com/Visitors/Golf.asp
MORE OUTDOORS: For Dads who love the outdoors, there are many ways to explore
the Cape Fear Coast. Rent a kayak or canoe at one of the area outfitters 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
paddleboat ride on a scenic lake. Ride along the Boardwalk and beach via surrey or
bicycle, or cycle along one of our bike paths. Stroll along the Riverwalk, fish from an
ocean pier, or charter a boat for offshore fishing. And speaking of parks, there are more
than 54 parks with hiking trails, athletic fields, and camping and picnic facilities,
including two state parks. Hike the Venus Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park!
ALL ABOARD!: What Dad doesn’t like trains?
Visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum, a local treasure that recently moved to a new and
expanded location in Warehouse B of the historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad buildings.
Learn about Wilmington’s railroad history, enjoy the outdoor train cars, historic
displays, and gift shop. Admission charge. 501 Nutt Street, Downtown Wilmington,
910-763-2534, www.wrrm.org
WWII HISTORY: Dads who are history buffs will
want to explore some of coastal North Carolina’ WWII-related attractions, including
the Battleship North Carolina,
a WWII battleship memorial with nine decks that are open to the public. There’s also
a free WWII guide map with 35 WWII sites that are located in New Hanover County, such as
the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the N.C. State Port shipyard, Community Arts Center
(former USO building), and Wilmington National Cemetery, among others.
ART EXHIBITION: “William Ivey Long: Between
Taste and Travesty” (ongoing through October 14). Dad will be
impressed by this premier exhibition featuring elaborate costume designs by William Ivey
Long, a native of NC and recipient of four Tony awards for his work on Broadway. Admission
charge. Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington. 910-395-5999; www.cameronartmuseum.com You can
also visit one of the area’s 30+ art galleries!
TOURS DU JOUR: Impress Dad with a guided
tour that focuses on Wilmington’s history and culture. Downtown tours (admission
charge applies) that depart at the foot of Market & Water streets include: Wilmington Adventure Walking Tours (910-763-1785); Cape Fear Riverboats (www.cfrboats.com, 910-343-1611); Horse-drawn
carriage/trolley tours (www.horsedrawntours.com,
910-251-8889); Wilmington Trolley Company (www.wilmingtontrolleyy.com,
910-763-4483); Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
(www.hauntedwilmington.com,
910-794-1866); and Wilmington’s newest tour, the Hollywood
Location Walk of Old Wilmington (www.hollywoodnc.com;
910-794-7177). Just outside Downtown, Dad can see real movie/TV sets during a tour of Screen Gems Studios (www.screengemsstudios.com,
910-343-3433). Weekend (Sat/Sun) tours depart from the studio lot at 1223 N. 23rd
Street, Wilmington.
And that’s not all.
For a complete Calendar of Events, please visit www.gocapefearcoast.com
and click on the Southern belle event icon. For a FREE Visitors Guide, call 1-866-266-9690
or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com.
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
910-341-4030 or 866-266-9690
Inaugural SCENE FIRST Student Film Festival to be Held in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC: The inaugural SCENE FIRST Student Film Festival will be held in
Wilmington, North Carolina on June 14-16, 2007. Together with EUE/Screen Gems Studios -
the largest full service motion picture facility in the U.S. east of California - and the
department of film studies at UNC-Wilmington, Campus Entertainment has created SCENE FIRST
to provide student filmmakers "access without attitude." The nation's first
student film festival will bring together future filmmakers and film enthusiasts from all
over the world for three days of film screenings and educational programming. Tickets and
a screening schedule are now available online at www.scenefirstfestival.com.
For the inaugural festival, Frank Capra, Jr., president of Screen Gems Studios in
Wilmington, will serve as honorary chairman, and film industry veteran Sam Connelly will
serve as executive director. Most recently Connelly served as producer of A Moment in
the World (2007), a documentary film written and directed by Angelina Jolie. His past
credits include associate producer on Flag Wars (2003) and Chelsea Walls (2001).
"SCENE FIRST provides students with the knowledge and tools needed to advance
their art and help them become tomorrow's great filmmakers," said Frank Capra, Jr.,
honorary chairman of the inaugural SCENE FIRST Student Film Festival. "What's more,
Wilmington is the ideal location for student filmmakers to meet and learn from some of the
most talented people in the industry."
The opening event on Thursday evening at Riverfront Park will feature a free screening
of the surfer film One Winter Story. This hour-long film takes viewers inside the
overly hyped sport, exploring the nature of fear and desire through the experience of one
young woman, a big-wave surf pioneer and scientist.
The impressive lineup of film industry leaders scheduled to attend and participate in
the inaugural SCENE FIRST Student Film Festival include: Gary Winick,
Director/Co-founder of InDigEnt (Charlotte's Web, 13 Going on 30, Tadpole);
Alan Blumquist, Producer (Chocolat; What's Eating Gilbert Grape?; Walk
the Line; The Cider House Rules); Frank Capra, Jr., Producer/Pres. of
EUE/Screen Gems Studios (Firestarter; Play It Again Sam; Waterproof); Mary
Mazzio, Documentary Filmmaker (Lemonade Stories; Apple Pie); Dave
Beavis, Pres. of Carolina Effects (Surface, Idlewild, The Water Is
Wide, Mission Impossible); Rick Butler, Production Designer (The
Hottest State, Imaginary Heroes, The Talented Mr. Ripley, 28
Days, Philadelphia, The Black Donnellys).
All festival attendees will have the opportunity to view over 100 original films
created by student filmmakers in many categories: Narrative, Documentary, Animation,
Experimental, International, Comedy, Music Video, Horror, and PSA/Commercial. Film
selections represent 90 educational institutions in 24 states and Washington, DC, and 8
countries. A screening-only pass is available for $30 per person and provides attendees
with access to all film screenings. For individual film screenings, festival attendees can
pay $7 per screening. Student filmmakers will showcase their films, network with industry
professionals and receive hands-on training from film industry experts.
Presented by Campus Entertainment, and in partnership with EUE/Screen Gems Studios and
the Film Studies Department at UNCW, SCENE FIRST is dedicated to providing young
filmmakers with the tools needed to take the next step in their careers. For a complete
screening schedule and more details about SCENE FIRST, visit www.scenefirstfestival.com
<http://www.scenefirstfestival.com/>. For a free Visitors Guide to
Wilmington, NC's Cape Fear Coast, call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com
<http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/>. ···
Come & Play On The Cape Fear Coast
Wilmington • Carolina Beach • Kure Beach • Wrightsville Beach
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Connie Nelson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(910) 341-4030 or (866) 266-9690 June 7, 2007
4th OF JULY CELEBRATIONS FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
Family Entertainment, Music & Fireworks Extravaganzas
Wilmington and North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast celebrates the Fourth of
July with patriotic events from the river to the sea. Independence Day festivities begin
on Tuesday, July 3rd when Pleasure Island hosts its annual street festival and fireworks
display from 7:00pm until 10:00pm (fireworks at dusk). On Wednesday, July 4th Wilmington's
riverfront sets an awesome stage for the Battleship Blast: 4th of July Celebration &
Fireworks display. The fun begins at 5:00pm when the City of Wilmington proudly presents
live patriotic music along the Cape Fear Riverwalk and concludes with the state's largest
choreographed fireworks display over the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Other festivities
include a service at Wilmington National Cemetery and July 4th Dinner Cruises. Details for
these and other holiday weekend events, such as theatre offerings, outdoor concerts, and
museum exhibitions are available online at www.gocapefearcoast.com. Just click on the
Southern belle Events icon at the bottom of the home page for more event listings. Here's
a sampling of what's in store for visitors during the patriotic holiday weekend.
TUESDAY, JULY 3rd: PLEASURE ISLAND'S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY. Kick off
the holiday on Tuesday, July 3rd at Carolina Beach with fireworks at dusk, lighting up the
sky over the ocean and Boardwalk. Make a weekend of your visit to Pleasure Island and
discover its family-friendly beaches and many treasures. See the rare Venus Flytrap at
Carolina Beach State Park; venture out on a kayak or canoe nature tour; observe sharks and
marine life at the N. C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher; explore Civil War history at Fort Fisher
State Historic Site; or cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway aboard a tour boat. For
details on Monday's fireworks display at Carolina Beach, please call the Pleasure Island
Chamber of Commerce at 910-458-8434 or visit www.pleasureislandnc.org
<http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/>.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4th: BATTLESHIP BLAST: 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND FIREWORKS. Patriotic
riverfront celebration with live music begins at 5:00pm and lasts until 9:00pm. At
approximately 9:05pm, the 11th Annual BATTLESHIP BLAST, the state's largest fireworks
display by an award-winning pyrotechnics company, will illuminate the night sky over the
Battleship and the Cape Fear River. Eagles Island will close to the public at 6:00pm, so
be sure to tour the Battleship early and then head downtown to the Riverwalk with lounge
chairs to view the fireworks. Arrive Downtown early in the day, secure a parking space,
and explore Historic Wilmington's attractions, tours, bed-and-breakfast inns, and more
than 200 distinctive shops and restaurants. A portion of Water Street closes from 2:30pm
until 10:00pm. For details about entertainment and parking, call 910-341-7855. For details
about Battleship Blast fireworks, call 910-251-5797; www.battleshipnc.com
<http://www.battleshipnc.com/>.
4th OF JULY CRUISES: THE HENRIETTA III RIVERBOAT hosts a 4th of July cruise on
Tuesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner and a great view of the Battleship Blast
fireworks over the Cape Fear River. Pre-paid reservations required. Boarding begins at
6:00pm; departs at 6:30pm from the riverfront dock located at Water and Dock streets.
800-676-0162 or 910-343-1611; www.cfrboats.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY SERVICE. 11:00am, Wilmington National Cemetery, Wilmington,
910-763-3702.
For a FREE Visitors Guide for Wilmington & North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast, please
call 1-866-266-9690 or for a complete Calendar of Events visit website www.gocapefearcoast.com
<http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/>.
###
Dr. Beach Names
Ocracoke Island, N.C. America’s Best Beach
For more information:
SUSAN DOSIER 704-953-9408
sdosier@lkmideas.com
WIT TUTTELL 919-219-5874
wit@visitnc.com
North Carolina beats Hawaii and Florida for #1
beach spot; pristine, scenic beauty and storied past captures national attention.
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 7, 2007) Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
takes the number one spot on Dr. Beach’s annual America’s Best Beaches list of
2007. The island, embraced by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina’s
Outer Banks, is known for its clean water, sand and unspoiled natural beauty. At 16 miles
long and a half-mile wide, Ocracoke is a sun-swept wilderness, once a favorite haunt of
Blackbeard the Pirate and the place where he met his demise.
Today also marks the first time a beach outside of Florida or Hawaii has been named to the
top position on Dr. Beach’s celebrated annual top-ten list.
“We are proud that Ocracoke Island has been recognized as the home of America’s
best beach,” says North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley. “The unmatched beauty of our
coast has for decades been a favorite of visitors who truly wish to get away – to
relax among the quiet natural shorelines, explore the native wildlife, meet unique people
and hear the compelling stories of the Outer Banks.”
Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean surround Ocracoke Island; it is accessible only by
water and air and sits 26 miles from the North Carolina mainland nestled against the
Graveyard of the Atlantic (a coastal area famous for the many seagoing vessels that
wrecked there years ago because it was difficult to navigate). The island’s remote
location invites visitors looking for a pristine place to swim, fish, surf and explore. No
chain hotels exist on the island.
International beach expert Stephen Leatherman made the #1 designation. Known as "Dr.
Beach," he is the nation’s foremost authority on beach quality and ratings. He
has gained international renown for his annual list of top-ten beaches in America, which
he has released since 1991. More than 650 beaches throughout the United States are judged
on a list of 50 criteria under four main areas: physical factors such as sand color and
quality, and number and size of waves; biological factors such as color and condition of
the water; presence of wildlife and pests; and human use and impacts such as lifeguard
protection, far-reaching views and traffic.
The natural, untouched beauty of Ocracoke Island’s sand, clear sunshine, good waves
and clean water caught the attention of Dr. Beach years ago. Visitors have come for the
same reasons. In addition, they want to see the Ocracoke Lighthouse, Banker pony herd and
reign of Blackbeard:
• The Ocracoke Lighthouse—The second-oldest operating lighthouse in the nation.
Completed in 1823, she stands 75-feet tall with a 25-foot diameter at the base and a
gracefully tapered 12-foot top. The building is solid brick and was used by some residents
as shelter during bad storms.
• Banker Ponies—In 1565, Sir Richard Grenville’s ship Tiger ran aground on
Ocracoke Island. Some speculate this may have been the origin of Ocracoke’s famous
Banker pony herd. The ponies were documented on Ocracoke since European settlers came to
stay in the 1730s. In the late 1950s, Ocracoke Boy Scouts cared for the ponies and had the
only mounted troop in the nation. By law, the free-roaming animals were penned in 1959 to
prevent over-grazing and to safeguard them from traffic after Highway 12 was built in
1957.
• Teach’s Hole or Channel—In the late 1700s, Blackbeard fought his last
battle here. Legend has it his headless body swam around the boat three times before
sinking to Davy Jones Locker.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and can be
accessed from the Lifeguarded Beach public parking area ¼ mile north of Ramp 70 on N.C.
Highway 12 just outside Ocracoke Village. It offers public parking, beach access,
restrooms and changing areas. Lifeguards are on staff Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to
6 p.m. The length of lifeguarded beach varies with lifeguard availability. The Park
Service recommends that swimmers stay within sight of manned lifeguard stands. Red warning
flags are posted at lifeguarded beaches when swimming conditions are hazardous.
There’s much more to see and explore around the island, including charter fishing,
outstanding bird watching, camping, stories of Civil War and World War II ocean battles
and more. Getting to Ocracoke Island is now easier; a new summer ferry schedule began May
22 and will last through Labor Day weekend. There will be four departures from both Swan
Quarter on mainland Hyde County and Ocracoke Island versus the two departures that are in
effect the remainder of the year. Ferry service is also available from Cedar Island and
Hatteras.
Extensive information on Ocracoke Island’s attractions, history and accommodations,
the Outer Banks, and other North Carolina beaches is available on www.VisitNC.com and www.VisitNCcoast.com . Dr. Beach’s list of
top-ten beaches will post to the web site on Friday morning, June 8. Local web sites such
as www.ocracokevillage.com and www.hydecounty.org are also available.
Natural scenic beauty, 300 miles of barrier islands, relaxation, adventure and Southern
hospitality come together in North Carolina. Call 1-800-VISIT NC (1-800-847-4862) or go to
VisitNC.com to plan your next getaway.
Wit Tuttell
(919) 733-7420
wit@visitnc.com
Susan
Dosier
(704) 364-8969
sdosier@lkmideas.com
North Carolina Beach Basics
Ocracoke Island has just been named the best beach in
the country. But it’s not the only fabulous beach in the state. With 300-plus miles
of barrier islands and beaches, the North Carolina coastline offers history, scenic
beauty, watersports and relaxation. Here’s an overview.
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 8, 2007) Going from north to south, these five groupings help
organize the beaches and assist in travel planning:
Outer Banks
Crystal Coast
Topsail Area
Cape Fear
Brunswick
Outer Banks
Renew your spirit and unwind along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a collection of
wind-swept barrier islands stretching 130 miles along the coast. For more than 400 years,
the Outer Banks have drawn explorers and adventurers, from the mysterious disappearance of
colonists on Roanoke Island, depicted in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony (www.thelostcolony.org)
to the first manned flight from Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, remembered at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. (www.nps.gov/wrbr/)
The area’s heritage is evident in the romantic and unusual village names like Currituck, Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil
Hills, Nags Head, Avon, Manteo, Wanchese and Rodanthe. You can visit four of North
Carolina’s historic coastal lighthouses and climb to the top of two of them for
dramatic views. At Manteo on Roanoke Island,
see where the early colonists lived at the Fort
Raleigh National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fora/planyourvisit/things2do.htm)
and experience the era aboard the
Elizabeth II, a
replica of a 16th Century sailing vessel at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Explore
the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and
follow the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
southward to Ocracoke Island and the quaint
village of Ocracoke, accessible only by air,
car ferry or private boat. In between are miles and miles of remote unspoiled beaches
where you can enjoy bird-watching, hang gliding, surfing, kite-boarding, hiking,
bicycling, windsurfing, and fishing in some of the best angling waters in the world. Or,
just relax on your own sandy patch of paradise.
For more information, contact:
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, www.outerbanks.org
or (877) OBX-4FUN (629-4386)
Currituck County Travel & Tourism (including
Corova, Currituck and Corrolla) www.visitcurrituck.com or 252-453-9612
Hyde
County Chamber of Commerce (Ocracoke Island) www.hydecounty.org or 888-493-3826
Ocracoke Village, www.ocracokevillage.com or 252-928-6711
Crystal Coast
Also called North Carolina’s Southern Outer
Banks, the Crystal Coast is a study in variety. From the 25.4-mile long barrier island
of Bogue Banks to the Cape Lookout National
Seashore, you’ll find a beach for every taste. With Fort Macon State Park (www.clis.com/friends)
on the east and Bogue Sound on the north, these
south-facing beaches are a rare find along America’s east coast. Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead
City and Cape Lookout are known as part of the Crystal Coast.
The area brims with history. Visit Fort Macon
and see a Civil War reenactment. Nearby Beaufort
(pronounced BOW-fert) has everything from pirate lore at the North Carolina Maritime Museum (www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime)
to great restaurants and shopping. Explore the ocean’s ecology at the newly renovated North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (www.ncaquariums.com)
or visit the Rachel Carson Reserve (www.ncnerr.org/pubsiteinfo/siteinfo/rachelcarson/rachel_carson.html),
a protected marine research area for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. Take a ferry to
the Cape Lookout Lighthouse from Harkers Island or learn about the wild Shackleford ponies. For a change of pace and
a great evening of family entertainment, take in a performance of the Crystal Coast Jamboree in Morehead City (www.crystalcoastjamboree.com).
The Crystal Coast beaches offer plenty of places to play in the sand and enjoy the
water and waterside activities. Emerald Isle,
Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path and Indian Beach
all have fishing charters, kayaking, parasailing, boat rentals and more.
For more information, contact:
Crystal
Coast Tourism Authority
at (877) 206-0929. (www.crystalcoastnc.org)
Topsail Area Beaches
If you like your beaches quiet, the Topsail area is made to order. This 26-mile long
barrier island is perfect for a laid-back vacation. Accessible by two bridges, one an
old-fashioned swing bridge and the other a modern high-rise bridge, the island consists of
three towns; mostly residential North Topsail Beach,
active Surf City and quiet Topsail Beach. Along with the mainland towns of Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge, they make up the Greater Topsail
Area. There’s also Hammocks Beach State Park
accessible by ferry from Swansboro, (http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/habe/home.html).
When you’re tired of resting in the sand and surf, you’ll find lots to do
here. Take a scenic cruise on the Intracoastal
Waterway or learn about the area’s history from pirates to the space program at
the Missiles and More Museum (http://topsailmissilesmuseum.org).
Tour nearby Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base,
play golf on one of the area’s excellent courses, or visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
Center (www.seaturtlehospital.org)
and check out the Topsail Turtle Project. Be
here the second weekend in August for the Sneads
Ferry Shrimp Festival, a delicious annual event, or try your luck fishing from one of
the island’s three piers.
For more information, contact:
Onslow County Tourism (www.onslowcountytourism.com)
for Hammocks Beach and North Topsail Beach or Pender
County Tourism (http://www.visitpender.com)
for Surf City and Topsail Beach.
Cape Fear Coast
Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville comprise North Carolina’s Cape
Fear Coast.
Wilmington’s burgeoning film industry, edgy galleries and chic restaurants provide
texture and energy to the port city. In this
part of the state, beautiful beaches layer with great shopping, historical sites, museums,
and the EUE Screen Gems Studios (www.screengemsstudios.com)
where you can take a tour and go “star” gazing.
This narrow cone-shaped peninsula of land was first discovered in 1524 and settled in
1729, so you’ll find a many antebellum homes in downtown Wilmington on the Cape Fear River. You’ll also find shopping,
dining and nightlife at Chandler’s Wharf,
along Front Street and at the Cotton Exchange (www.shopcottonexchange.com).
In April, the city puts on its colorful clothing for the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival (www.ncazaleafestival.org).
Directly across the peninsula from Wilmington on the Atlantic side is Wrightsville Beach, a destination for weekend
getaways and annual family vacations for generations. Sunning, beachcombing and fishing
(both surf and pier) are all popular activities as is surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing,
parasailing, kayaking and sailing.
Both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are located on Pleasure Island, south of Wilmington on Highway
421. Carolina Beach offers an old fashioned boardwalk with ice cream shops and beach gear,
a pier and an arcade. Quiet Kure Beach has the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned
wooden fishing pier in North Carolina. South of Kure Beach you’ll find Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/fofi/home.html)
and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
(www.ncaquariums.com/ff/ffindex.htm)
For more information, contact:
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention and
Visitors Bureau (877)
406-2356 (www.gocapefearcoast.com)
Brunswick Islands
Five islands, six beaches, three mainland towns and more than 35 golf courses make up
the Brunswick Islands. History, attractions, shopping and antiquing abound—in
addition to boating and fishing.
The 45-miles of south-facing Brunswick Islands, the southernmost of all of the North
Carolina beaches, have one thing in common; you can watch the sunrise and the sunset over
the water, but that’s where the similarities end. Each island is different, each
beach unique. Find whole sand dollars on the broad expanse of Sunset Beach or watch ships enter the Cape Fear
River from Caswell Beach. Oak Island with its parks, canoe- and
kayak-friendly areas and recreation trails is an ideal haven for active nature lovers,
while Holden Beach has long been known as a
fisherman’s paradise. Serene Bald Head
Island, renowned as a safe haven for wildlife, waterfowl and loggerhead turtles, can
be reached only by private passenger ferry with no cars allowed. Ocean Isle Beach offers marinas, shopping and the
wonders of the Museum of Coastal Carolina (www.museumofcc.org).
In October, Brunswick County plays host to the North
Carolina Oyster Festival.
On the mainland, Shallotte is the commercial
and shopping hub for the area while Southport
offers antiques shops, historic homes and the North
Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport (www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime).
Calabash, the “Seafood Capital of the
World,” has over a dozen restaurants featuring local seafood delivered fresh off the
fishing boats.
For more information, contact: www.ncbrunswick.com.
###
