Monday, July 23, 2012

Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens in Wilmington NC invites visitors to explore 67 acres of beauty that includes picturesque walking trails, historic sculptures and breathtaking scenery. From azaleas and camellias to a 467 year old Oak tree, you can really relax and enjoy the old fashioned pleasures of nature as you explore these incredible gardens by the sea. In addition, Airlie hosts spectacular Wilmington events throughout the year. Check out the unique tours and Airlie sites listed below and visit our website for a list of upcoming Airlie Gardens events.

Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Upcoming Airlie Gardens Events
910-798-7700
www.airliegardens.org 


Airlie Gardens Tours & Tram
Airlie Gardens is primarily a self-guided, walking tour experience. The walking tour is .9 miles, and an unimproved nature trail adds an additional .3 miles, for a grand total of 1.2 miles. It takes most visitors an hour to an hour and a half to complete the leisurely walking tour. While admiring the beautiful scenery, visitors can stop to rest at the benches and picnic tables located throughout the gardens. In addition, Airlie offers a nine-passenger accessibility tram service and wheelchairs can be checked out on a first come, first serve basis.

Airlie Gardens TV & Movie Sets
Movie and television producers are attracted to Airlie's beautiful scenery and ideal filming locations. As visitors stroll through the gardens, they will have the chance to see spots from some of their favorite movies and television shows including One Tree Hill, Dawson's Creek, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song, 28 Days, Black Knight, and more.

Airlie Gardens Butterfly House
The Airlie Butterfly House is the region's first permanent butterfly house. It is home to 11 native species of butterflies and allows Airlie to provide visitors with a hands-on, face to face experience with some of nature's most delicate and ephemeral creatures. As visitors explore the butterfly house, they will learn about the lifecycles of butterflies, and find out how they can help provide the environment butterflies need to thrive in our area.  

Minnie Evans: The Artist of Airlie
Airlie Gardens was the inspiration for the vibrant, colorful, and intricate paintings of Minnie Evans. She painted her delicate scenes as a result of a divine vision when, in a dream, God told her she must paint or die. She once said, 'God has some 600 shades of green, and He dressed the world with them'. Local artists created a memorial sculpture garden within Airlie in her honor.

Airlie Gardens Membership
Membership at Airlie Gardens offers excellent benefits and it helps to support the important programs and services they provide to the community. Members get free admission to the Gardens whenever the grounds are open to the public, and also receive advance notice of special events.

Airlie Gardens Gift Shop
At the end of a spectacular trip through the gardens, visitors are encouraged to stop by the gift shop where they can find books and DVDs about Airlie Gardens. The gift shop also features works by local artists, great garden inspired gifts, and educational items.

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Attractions in Wilmington NC

Wilmington, North Carolina activities and attractions feature the fascinating history, beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, vibrant community, and pristine beaches that make Wilmington such a remarkable city. You name it, Wilmington's got it! Take a look at the various types of attractions that Wilmington has to offer and visit Wilmington NC Events for a list of local favorites.

Beaches
The Cape Fear Coast is home to some of the most popular attractions in Wilmington, NC. Explore six amazing beaches that feature breathtaking views and activities that will entertain the entire family. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, fishing and more at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Bald Head Island.

Family Fun Parks
Seaside amusement parks and local water parks entertain adults and children alike with exciting rides, games, water adventures, and more. Enjoy delicious treats, challenging games, and thrilling rides at Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. Then spend a day at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park to experience Wilmington's water slides, mini-golf, laser tag and more.

Museums
Explore Wilmington mansions, houses, and plantations to take a step back in time and experience Wilmington's fascinating history. Tour these incredible attractions to learn more about life in Wilmington during the 1800's. Admire the beautiful architecture and historical exhibits at these Wilmington museums. Wilmington is home to one of America's oldest peanut plantations and one of North Carolina's best examples of antebellum architecture. People of all ages and interests will enjoy the fascinating museums that Wilmington has to offer.

Outdoor Recreation
From local interest groups to the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon, there are outdoor recreational activities for people of all skill levels and interests. Take a guided kayak tour or embark on a camping adventure with Mahanaim Adventures. Looking for things to do at Wilmington beaches? Swim, fish, fly a kite or soak in the sunshine at one of Wilmington's six incredible beaches. Challenge yourself by signing up for a 5K, triathlon, or full marathon. Create wonderful memories and go on fun filled adventures with your entire family in this beautiful coastal city.

Performing Arts
Get your tickets today for Wilmington's upcoming concerts, ballets, comedy shows, theatrical performances, and more. If you are hoping to laugh, cry, dance, or sing along, Wilmington has a show or event designed for you. Sit in suspense as a murder mystery unfolds before your eyes or watch your favorite musician perform live in Wilmington. 

Sports
Cheer for Wilmington's local sports teams including the Wilmington Hammerheads Soccer Team, the Wilmington Sharks Baseball Team, and the Wilmington Sea Dawgs Basketball Team. Keep an eye out for their mascots Sledge, Sharky, and Salty Dawg at the games.

Tours
Wilmington, North Carolina tours explore stately mansions, museums, Civil War Shipyards, TV & movie locations, and more. Enjoy a romantic cruise along the Cape Fear River or a Wilmington Trolley Tour with your entire family. Interested in learning about Wilmington's spooky past? Take a walking ghost tour or hop on a haunted pub crawl to hear the tales of murder and mayhem that cause many to consider Wilmington, NC one of the most actively haunted cities in the world.

Wilmington, North Carolina attractions entertain people from all over the world, year after year. Visit our Wilmington Attractions page for a list of favorite Willmington NC tourist attractions so that you can start planning your next adventure today!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

July 2012 Wilmington North Carolina Events

Wilmington NC is looking forward to concerts, sporting events, fireworks and more this July 2012. Plan to spend time with family and friends at these exciting upcoming Wilmington events. Visiting from out of town? Visit our website to find places to eat, sleep, and play while you spend time in Wilmington, NC.

Classy - Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market
The summer's premiere car show takes place on Saturday, July 14th at Poplar Grove Plantation. The Classy - Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market offers vintage cars and trucks, the chance to compete for top awards. With lots of shade and grassy lawns, the show is minutes from beaches, restaurants, and hotels. Visit the Poplar Grove Plantation website for more details.

4th of July Events
Celebrate Independence Day in Wilmington, North Carolina and attend special holiday events that will entertain the entire family. Interested in a quick July 4th getaway? Celebrate this July holiday in Columbia, South Carolina or Charleston, South Carolina. Click on the city of your choice to find a list of their 4th of July events and book your reservation today!

Fireworks in July
If you love to watch fireworks, Wilmington is the place to be during the month of July. Wilmington will be celebrating Independence Day with exciting July 4th events and fireworks, but the fun does not stop there. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk will have a fireworks show every Thursday during the month of July. Enjoy these spectacular fireworks at the 2012 Boardwalk Blast and FREE music entertainment at the Gazebo.

Live Music
Wilmington, North Carolina is bubbling with live music this month. Between the Airlie Concert Series, Jazz at the Mansion Series, and Mayfaire's Music on the Town Summer Series, Wilmington concerts will have music lovers entertained all month long. Check out this list of exciting upcoming live music events and start making plans today: 

Mayfaire's Music on the Town July Concerts:
  • July 6, 2012 - BLP (Dance Rock / Blues)
  • July 13, 2012 - Blivet (Eclectic Rock)
  • July 20, 2012 - Bald Fury (Party Rock)
  • July 27, 2012 - Uncle Hairy (70's, 80's, 90's Classics)
Jazz at the Mansion July Concerts:
  • July 13, 2012 - Teddy Burgh Group
Airlie Concert Series July Concerts:
  • July 6, 2012 - The Imitations
  • July 20, 2012 - Bibis Ellison

Theatre
Thalian Hall presents A Chorus Line during the month of July. Watch as each of the usually anonymous chorus members steps into the spotlight to tell their story, share their ambitions, and put themselves on the line to land a job. Also during the month of July, Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews presents Porch Theatre Company's classic interactive, dinner theater comedy extravaganza: Clue! Participate in a life size board game and watch as well-known Clue characters come to life in Clue - The Play Murder Mystery.

Happy July Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Sunday, July 1, 2012

2012 Wilmington NC 4th of July Events

Wilmington, North Carolina July 4th Celebrations include cruises, live entertainment, delicious food, fireworks shows, and more. Check out these exciting things to do on July 4th and start making plans with family and friends today. If you are visiting Wilmington from out of town, enjoy excellent discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners. We look forward to seeing everyone at these wonderful 4th of July Events in Wilmington, North Carolina! 

4th of July Cruise 2012
July 4, 2012 at 6:30PM
Hop aboard HENRIETTA III and celebrate Independence Day with a 4th of July Cruise on North Carolina's largest riverboat. This holiday cruise includes a buffet dinner that features baked seasoned chicken, Carolina style BBQ pork, southern style green beans, baked beans, cole slaw, dessert, and more. Boarding begins one half hour prior to the cruise at the food of Dock Street. Tickets are $59.00 for adults and $39 for children (age 2 - 12). Visit www.cfrboats.com for additional information.

4th of July Sail
July 4, 2012
Take a sailing trip on 'Jammin' and experience the beauty, charm, and stunning scenery of this historic port city on an unforgettable 4th of July tour. Enjoy this spectacular cruise with family and friends and then watch the Battleship fireworks shortly after. Visit www.sailwilmingtonnc.com or call 910-538-8884 for additional information.

4th of July Riverfront Celebration
July 4, 2012 at 5:00PM
Check out the Riverfront Celebration street fair along Water Street in historic downtown Wilmington. Music will be provided by L Shape Lot in Riverfront Park. At 9:05PM, visitors are invited to look across the street and watch the 2012 Battleship Blast fireworks show. There will also be live television coverage of the fireworks beginning at 9:00PM on WECT. Visit www.wilmingtonnc.gov for additional information.
    
Battleship Blast 
July 4, 2012 at 9:05PM
Join the USS NORTH CAROLINA for the 16th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks show. Noted as Coastal Living's 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society's award of Top 20 things to do in July, this is the place to be on July 4, 2012. Start out at the Riverfront Celebration that begins at 5PM to enjoy live entertainment, food, music and more. At 9:05PM, look across the river from downtown Wilmington to watch the 16th Annual Battleship Blast fireworks show. Visit www.battleshipnc.com for additional information.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events