Wilmington NC & Jacksonville NC Real Estate News & Trends | Century 21 Sweyer & Associates Blog » Around Town

A Treasure Found In Kure Beach, NC…

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:05:58 +0000

Kure Beach, NC is a truly amazing place to work and live. I love that I get to sell ” a small piece of paradise ” every time I sell a home here and know the new buyers are going to love it as much as I do.

Many of you know that I love to walk each day. As I was walking a couple of weeks ago along Kure Beach, I came upon this seal trying to get back in the water. I couldn’t get my phone out quick enough to try to take a picture. It was really an amazing feeling. It is just another reminder of why I do love to live here at the beach.

When the weather gets warm, the beach comes alive with beach goers, tons of fun events, fireworks, live music and relaxing summer nights. But, Kure beach truly is a year-around destination. During the winter months you can explore indoor attractions like the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, browse local shops and restaurants, or venture to nearby Wilmington, NC. Two signature events take place in February, the NC Jazz Festival and the Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival.

Everyone who moves to the beach quickly becomes part of the community, and more importantly part of the beach family. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, wave at cars passing by, walk to local restaurants, piers and shops, and most importantly live the island life!

Once here, you will not want to leave this quaint beach with tons of small-town charm!

Article by: Chris Oliver

Chris is a real estate professional with CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates and works out of our Monkey Junction office.Similar Posts:

Day 21: Singing the night away

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:49:24 +0000

Head to the Post Office in downtown Wilmington, NC, tomorrow and sing the classics. Starting at 6pm join a group of carolers and entertain open businesses and restaurants with festive tunes! Bring the kids and spread some holiday cheer to you neighbors and frinds. For more information, visit WahtsonWilmington.com.

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Day 14: Toys for Tots in Southeastern NC

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:29:59 +0000

We at Century 21 Sweyer would like to thank everyone who donated a toy for the 2011 Marine Toys For Tots. Our box was overflowing, which shows what a great community we have throughout Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. There is nothing greater than to see the smile on a child’s face when opening presents on Christmas morning, and thanks to our generous donors, there will be a lot of smiles throughout Southeastern NC this year!

Toys For Tots is a local toy collection campaign that typically starts in October and lasts until mid December. Members of the Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas dropped of new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes at the Century 21 Sweyer real estate offices located in Wilmington, Jacksonville, Hampstead and Monkey Junction. Today we had coordinators come pick up the toys and they will be storing them in a local warehouse. While in the warehouse, the toys will be sorted by age and gender. When Christmas rolls around, local community members will distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community. The program is successful thanks to the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate.

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Day 11: Happy Holidays from the Sweyer Sales Staff!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:43:58 +0000

The Sales Staff for Century 21 Sweyer in Southeastern NC would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

Video was shot in Wrightsville Beach, NC.Similar Posts:

Day 8: Wreaths for Fallen

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:10:17 +0000

A great article from WHQR.org about a Wilmington, NC resident and the Wreaths Across America program…

Wilmington resident Norma Luther is riding in a caravan of about 20 trucks and busses for the Wreaths Across America program.

WHQR’s Michelle Bliss caught up with Luther who started the journey last week when the caravan picked up more than 90,000 wreaths from Maine for a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Saturday.

Luther is the national president of the American Gold Star Mothers, a group for women who have lost a child during or as a result of military service.

She’ll be laying a wreath on her son’s grave in Arlington tomorrow. Army Captain Glen Adams, Jr. died in 1988.

“When he graduated from West Point in ’84, he decided to fly helicopters—that’s what his service was. And he was serving in Germany and had a crash on a foggy mountaintop and lost his life there.”

This year, more than 330,000 wreaths will be laid in 25 countries for the Wreaths Across America program. There will be ceremonies at more than 700 cemeteries across the US, including Wilmington.Similar Posts:

Day 6: O’ Christmas Tree!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:53:16 +0000

It’s time to take the family and friends on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.

With tree lots stretching from Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, NC, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your home. Once the tree is up, then comes the fun part (after figuring out which pesky strand of lights is causing the rest to not work) …DECORATING! Whether you prefer traditional ornaments that have be hand-made by your children, or decorations you have cumulated throughout the years, it’s always fun to see how different trees are decorated! For those who are looking for a fresh design this year, check out some pictures below from freshome.com for inspiration.

And remember, if you buy a live tree this year please water it daily!Similar Posts:

Day 4: A yummy holiday treat, and Festival of Lights

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:24:23 +0000

As our Countdown to Christmas continues, we bring you two festive goodies today:

Hosting a Christmas Party? Or looking for something festive to serve with dinner? We have the perfect festive drink recipe to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

Candy Cane Cooler:

Infusion:

Thoroughly wash 2 cups of mint leaves and place them in a decanter or jar. Empty one bottle of quality vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days-longer if you want a stronger taste.

For cocktail:

1 tbs. crushed candy cane or peppermint candy

1 1/2 oz. mint-infused vodka

1/2 oz. B&B (Benedictine and brandy)

1/2 oz. half-and-half

Ice

Peppermint stick

Mint sprig for garnish

Place crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add vodka, brandy and half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig. Visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/candy-cane-cooler-recipe/index.html for the full recipe!

Also, don’t forget….

Come out to Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights (located at 1600 Haw Branch Road, Beulaville NC 28518) just minutes from Jacksonville, NC tonight for a fun night of Christmas lights and hayrides! Tickets go on sale everyday (all the way up until Dec. 23rd) at 5 PM, and the hayride starts at 6 PM. Tickets are $8 per person ages 5 and up, kids 4 and under are free! Check out their website for more information.

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Day 1: Island of Lights & A Christmas Carol

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:55:57 +0000

Have nothing to do this brisk Friday night?? Well now you do!

If you are in Wilmington or the surrounding areas, gather the family, grab your jackets, and head on down to Carolina Beach, NC for the Island of Lights Festival: Christmas Parade!

The parade will start at Atlanta Avenue heading down Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza. Starting at 7:30 PM, enjoy floats, bands and a special visit from the man himself…Santa Clause. And best of all, it’s FREE! Click Here for more information!

For those of you in the Jacksonville, NC area we have a perfect night for you as well! Get in the holiday spirit with A Christmas Carol presented by the Legacy Theater Company.

The show starts at 7:00 PM tonight at the Kingdom Life Fellowship, and tickets range from $12 for students under 17 and $15 for adults. You will want to get your tickets in advance because this show sells out! Contact 910-545-2296 for more information and to get your tickets. Click Here for more information!

Enjoy a night on the town with family and friends, and stay tuned all this month for exciting holiday events and tips!Similar Posts:

25 Days of Christmas-From Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, NC

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:43:54 +0000

With the stress of the holidays coming up (and coming fast!) CENTURY 21 Sweyer is here to be your holiday hotspot.

Starting tomorrow through Christmas Day, we will be bringing you festive and fun events, decorating tips, gift ideas and recipes from Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, NC (and everywhere in-between!).

Whether you currently live in southeastern NC, or will be visiting family in the area, we will be your one stop shop for all that is festive this holiday season.

Stay tuned for daily updates…

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“The Rocks”- Another Treasure of Southeastern NC!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:59:26 +0000

If you have ever been to Fort Fisher, south of Wilmington, NC, you can’t help but notice a rock jetty that stretches across the water. “The Rocks” as most people call this unique location, is a prime spot for fishermen and adventurous onlookers. Around high tide, many species of fish cruise the wall including spotted seatrout, gray trout, and occasionally bluefish, sheepshead, red drum, and flounder.

Many people have walked out on the jetty, which runs along the river. You must be careful during high tide when the wall becomes wet and quit slippery. Even my parents took on “The Rocks” as adventurous teenagers. They walked the entire distance of the rocks (which can take up to an hour to walk to the island), barely making it back across before being swept away by the rising tide.

Before “The Rocks” became an outdoor adventure for families and a prize fishing spot, the location was used to aid navigation by stopping shoaling in the Cape Fear River. The rock jetty was built in the late 19th century, and was completed in 1881. The Rocks closed the former New Inlet, once used by Confederate blockade-runners to avoid the U.S. Navy, and created a lagoon, now called “The Basin”. Today, The Rocks and The Basin are part of the Zeke’s Island component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, and 1160-acre area of outstanding estuarine and ocean resources with extensive marshes and tidal flats. (ref.-N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation)

If you have not been to the rocks yet, I strongly urge you to take the family or your favorite fishing buddy to check out this historic gem. The Rocks are located at the end of Route 421 (take S College Rd. to Carolina Beach Rd. and continue to the very end).

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Parks, Parks and more Parks

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:11:44 +0000

Just one of the many parks to come…..

As with most things in my life it comes down to accomodating kids or dogs. Poor Thom is on his own. Kids are nearly all grown and out and about on their own and so it is me and the puppies. One puppy actually and one rather stodgy matriarchal terrier mix with an attitude. The puppy entered our lives last April as an ill thought out replacement for Jackson who had passed ( the best big headed dog ever! ) . Hank was a deceitful puppy from the start – he seemed all lazy and mellow and friendly and cute. He is now 65lbs of energy and snarkiness toward other canines which has gotten us thrown out of many parks – and why I am writing this particular blog post. It is my perpetual mission to find places where I can take him to “socialize him”. I began to realize that there are so many parks in Wilmington – and I had only been going to one or two. It is my mission to at least visit every New Hanover County Park – and share my findings…

I will start with Halyburton Park on 17th Street.

One of the really great things about Halyburton Park is the walking /biking trail that runs along the perimeter. It is 1.3 miles around – the perfect distance so that you feel like you actually accomplished something but not so long that you have to break a sweat or get bored. It also connects with the Cross City Bike Trail which is another great feature. The dogs love to walk it because it winds through the woods and there are a lot of cool things to sniff ( for them ) and handy doggie do bags discretely placed throughout (for me ) For the record, I apologize to anyone reading this who might have passed us in the past few weeks. I swear that Hank is attending puppy classes and will have better manners in the future.

As far as other features in Haliburton – there is a large playground that is really active in the late afternoon, several picnic shelters, a nature center that offers classes, event space rental and clean restrooms! www.halyburtonpark.com is the link – you can access all of the class schedules including yoga, pilates and nature programs. There is even space rental for special events, business groups etc.

On the whole I have to give this park a big thumbs up – although I wish they would fix the doggie water fountain that along the trail. The park is user friendly, lots of parking and not overwhelming. Next week…Ogden Park. Completely uncharted territory for me!

Lois Potratz is a real estate professional with CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates who found her niche in real estate after working in many different fields. She was a theatrical designer in New York City, an agent with Ford Models Inc., a spokesperson for Oil of Olay, and a creator, host and producer for WWAY-TV3. She couldn’t be happier about calling Wilmington home with her husband and 2 daughters. Lois is involved in the community and enjoys spending time outdoors with her pup. Learn more about Lois at LoisInWilmington.comSimilar Posts:

Your Guide to 4th of July Events in Southeastern North Carolina

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:58:17 +0000

Southeastern NC is sure to please with its array of 4th of July events. Stunning firework shows, parades and life entertainment, to name a few, can be found throughout the holiday weekend. Here in Southeastern NC, we remember the real reasons for celebrating so be sure to visit one of our many beaches and historic downtowns on this holiday weekend. Whether it’s shopping, tempting cuisine, local history or the scenic water views—there’s something for everyone!

photo by Sj Photography

In Wilmington NC:

15th Annual Battleship Blast- Monday, July 4th at 9:05 pm; this year’s display will take on new forms that have never been seen in the Port City before! Head to historic downtown Wilmington for the best seats in the house!

In Carolina/Kure Beach:

Independence Day Fireworks on the Beach- Sunday, July 3rd; enjoy live entertainment and a spectacular firework show near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

In Jacksonville NC:

Annual 4th of July Freedom Festival- Monday, July 4th at Onslow Pines Park in Jacksonville from 2:00pm – 9:15pm; Families are welcome to come out and picnic in the park. Vendors, children’s rides, petting zoo, food, karaoke, fossil dig and a live band are on hand for entertainment. Fireworks go off at 9:15 p.m.

July 4th Celebrations with America’s Heroes- at W.P.T. Hill Field; enjoy a night of free entertainment featuring the Crystal Coast Choral Society and the 2nd Marine Division Band topped off with a fireworks display. Kid’s activity area opens at 5:30 p.m.

In Southport:

N.C. 4th of July Festival- Tons of events, live entertainment, a televised parade and of course, fireworks will take place all weekend in Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation’s independence. The festival attracts 40,000 to 50,000 people each year. Visit NC4thofJuly.com for more information.Similar Posts:

10 Things to do in Wilmington NC Besides the Beach

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:10:38 +0000

Let me tell you about something that I did this morning that got me thinking about all of the other wonderful things to do in Wilmington during the summer. Firstly, I have two dogs – and one is a puppy so that means I am always trying to figure out ways to wear him out. So when I had to be downtown this morning to oversee the hanging of a sign on a new listing (check out www.HistoricRiverLot.com), I thought, why not bring the dogs? Why not indeed…

Signs looked great so off I went on my own personal Downtown Tour with my pooches. With all those great smells and new people fussing over them, they couldn’t get enough! The River Walk is terrific in the morning with a lovely breeze off the Cape Fear River. We turned up past The Cotton Exchange and walked down Front Street. JavaDog on Front has a water bowl outside for passing puppies and The City Market also welcomes canines and serves up some cold water to visiting dogs.

It seems that it always takes doing something out of my normal routine to remind me of all the other things that I love to do around town but forget about. So here you are– my Top 10 Picks for Fun Things To Do in Wimington Besides the Beach:

1. By all means, check out the Downtown Sundown Concerts Series on the river on Friday evenings. They usually feature cover bands of various musical genres – it is free and they sell beer and wine. And the music is usually really really good! You will see everyone from tots to Grammas to walking billboards for Body Ink – it is all good, safe and fun!

2. The next morning head back downtown for the Farmer’s Market on the corner of Market and Water. It is not overly large but there is a good assortment of locally grown fruits, veggies, seafood, flowers and bread…finish up by grabbing a cup of coffee at one of our downtown coffee shops or my favorite Huevos Rancheros dish at Dixie Grill!

3. It’s summer and that means Britts Donuts!!!! These flaky, sugary, crispy, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth donuts are absolutely the best in the southeast and only open May through September. It is worth the drive to the boardwalk in Carolina Beach to dive into a dozen or so of these caloric- laden beauties.

4. Can anyone say ‘Rooftop Bar’? To my knowledge there are only two – Level 5 and Reel Cafe. Nothing particularly upscale but the view at night in Wilmington is magic itself.

5. Jungle Rapids: Take advantage of the 1/2 price tickets after 4 pm. It is great for the kids but don’t kid yourself – everyone loves a Lazy River.

6. Get on the water! Beg, borrow or rent a Kayak and slow down and paddle around the waterways of our lovely coastal town. Boating here does not have to be a speedboat down the ICW—although that is fun too. Most of the rental places offer great tours, which I really recommend if it is your first time out there. For the more adventurous – and toned – give paddle boarding a try!

7. Johnny Mercer’s Pier: Step back in time- This pier has been here forever – rent there or bring your own fishing pole, walk on out to the end of the pier, drop a line and trade stories with the locals…

8. If you have kids to entertain who have seen it all…bring them to the Serpentarium on Orange Street. Particularly gruesome at feeding time, this is not for the faint of heart but is a huge hit with the 8-12 year old boys out there.

9. Airlie Gardens: It just goes without saying that these gorgeous gardens are here waiting to be enjoyed. Make sure you go to at least one evening concert there this summer!

10. And speaking of concerts – Mayfaire offers free Friday night concerts in the summer also.

11. Ok I am over my limit but just a few more..If you are craving the cold…take a break from the heat at the Wilmington Ice House! You can rent skates and have some great fun! Nothing like Hot Chocolate in July!

12. Haunted Pub Crawl— Ghosts Stories and Beverages, need I say more?

13. One last thing….there is a wonderful State Park off of Dow Road in Carolina Beach with miles of walking trails, campsites and a beach (again a great place for the dogs ) and even a marina. Go check it out!

For me, this summer was about making a few resolutions. These include but are not limited to 1. Biking the Cross City Trail. I might go slowly and stop often but I will do it. 2. I will learn to surf. Or try to anyway. Jo Pickett has surf classes for adults and what the heck, better late than never!

See you around town!

Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:46:20 +0000

Southeastern NC is a hub for tourists and beach lovers during the three day holiday weekend that marks the start of summer. What better way to spend the weekend than relaxing on the beach, perusing the local shops or visiting the aquarium in Fort Fisher. Check out our list below of some of our favorite things to do for Memorial Day Weekend…

1. Battleship 46th Memorial Day Observance- 5:45-6:15 p.m. Monday at Battleship North Carolina, One Battleship Road N.E., Wilmington. Event includes a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a commemorative memorial wreath. A Field of Honor will stand in Battleship Park with 400 American Flags as tribute to the men and women who served. Free. Details: 251-5797.

2. Americana Music Weekend on Bald Head Island- The Americana Music Weekend event at Bald Head Island in North Carolina features three days of live music, arts & crafts, songwriters’ workshop, boat show, ghost walk, product demos and more. Live music provided by the Red Clay Ramblers, Susan Savia, Catesby Jones, Big Al and John Fonveille, and Jeanne Jolly.

3. Music at Bluewater- The Waterfront Music Series at Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach, NC occurs every Sunday through October. This week’s band is Overtime, which features a repertoire spanning classic rock and beach music. HOURS: 4-8pm.

4. Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market- The Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market meets Mondays through Sept. 5 and features a group of about a dozen vendors offering fresh and local produce, plus flowers, bread and other baked items, herbs, dairy products, meat and seafood, treats for dogs and more. HOURS: 8am to 1pm.

5. Carolina Beach Film Series- The Carolina Beach Film Series occurs every Sunday evening at Carolina Beach Lake Park through Sept. 4. Bring lawn chairs, picnics and coolers. Popcorn, cotton candy and sodas for sale. Please bring a non-perishable food donation to help the less fortunate. Call (910) 458-8434.

6. Memorial Day Parade in Jacksonville- The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Onslow Drive, near Rose Bros. Furniture, and end on Henderson Drive, near New Market Square. For more information, call 910-382-7062.Similar Posts:

The Biggest Parade of the Year… the Wilmington NC Parade of Homes!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:57:04 +0000

All of the holiday parades are great; you sit on the sidewalk and watch all the entrants go by you. It lasts a few hours and is quite entertaining.

There is another parade that happens once a year, but it actually has entrants that stay in place and all the spectators travel to create the “parade” through each location. This is the Wilmington NC Parade of Homes, hosted by the Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association each year. This year, there are over 40 homes on parade, and will be open for viewing for 2 weekends – May 14-15 and May 21-22.

Builders put their all into showcasing homes for these two weekends. The day before the parade, all the entrants are judged and compete for awards in several different categories. Some of these include green building, best feature, best floor plan and best in show.

This yearly event is a way for builders to get the word out about new projects they are working on. It allows them to show off their product and gain exposure for their brand. Some of the homes on parade already have an owner, or are custom built, while most are available for sale.

These two weekends are fun for the public who like to see new homes as well as buyers looking for the perfect new residence. A fun tour often taken by real estate agents, but actually available to the public also is called “Neighborhoods on Parade” and you take a bus around to participating entrants. There’s often food, drinks and prizes throughout the day, and it’s a fun way to get through some of the homes. (Tickets are $10 and available through Bryan Sartin at the WCFHBA – 910-799-2611.) The real estate community has a ball during these two weeks, as there are many fun events planned to get them into the properties and get them excited so they can spread the word to their buyers.

Around Just Perfect!, we always get excited about this time of year! We love showcasing our client’s homes and highlighting their features – not just for buyers to see but the entire community for these two weeks. We have three properties underway that we are staging for this year’s Parade of Homes. It is so fun to be able to work with parade homes, as we often stage the entire house and can be a little more creative with them (especially custom ones). Our client’s have always won awards in the past, and we look forward to the tradition continuing this year. It’s inspiring to see all of the entrants, the new things going on in architecture and construction, and the trends in our area for the year.

The Parade of the Home’s… it’s the fashion show of new construction. Don’t miss the best parade of the year – you’re sure to be inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!

Look for the insert in the Star News for more details!!

Jessica Pirone is the President of Just Perfect! ® Home Staging + More. She is on a mission to make a significant impact on the world of real estate in eastern N.C. and to benefit as many people as she can in the process. A leader in her field, Jessica works hand in hand with real estate agents to help homeowners and buyers get where they want to be, faster. You can learn more about Jessica and Just Perfect! at JustPerfectHomeStaging.com.Similar Posts:

Countdown to Christmas Day 5: Apple Crumble

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:20:38 +0000

Ready for your new favorite dessert? If you’re tired of the same old apple pie, try an apple crumble instead!

Ingredients
• 5 apples
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 2 tbsp. apple juice or orange juice

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking pan or a casserole of the equivalent size, then dust it with flour. Peel, core and slice the apples, and arrange them in the pan.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend the oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, salt and allspice on low speed until it forms a coarse meal. Crumble the mixture evenly over the apple slices and sprinkle with the juice. Bake for 35 minutes. Makes 6 servings.Similar Posts:

Countdown to Christmas Day 4: Downtown Holiday Stroll

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 13:00:36 +0000

My favorite thing to do during the holidays is strolling the cobblestone roads in downtown Wilmington, taking in the lovely holiday decorations. Beautiful old homes display glittery lit up Christmas trees while downtown merchants decorate their stores with large wreaths and lights. Stop by one of the many businesses participating in the 2nd Annual Trees for Charity and see the themed Christmas trees and enter the raffle. Proceeds benefit the charity. After perusing the shops, grab some hot cocoa and walk along the scenic Riverwalk. There’s nothing better than a crisp winter day in downtown Wilmington, breathing in the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Valerie Carr is the Marketing Coordinator at CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates. Most of the time you will find Valerie laying on the beach with a good book and soaking up the rays. She freelance writes for several local magazines and finds it exciting to research the latest trends in home décor as well as just about any other topic you can imagine.Similar Posts:

Countdown to Christmas Day 3: Enchanted Airlie

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:04:23 +0000

It’s almost time to put on those winter coats and take a stroll through Enchanted Airlie! The Sixth annual show, a Wilmington Family tradition, began the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until the Tuesday before Christmas. A family tradition started in 2005, Enchanted Airlie is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole family together to share in the joy of the season. Enjoy beautiful holiday flowers, festive lights, trains, live musical entertainment, and more! New this year, LEGOS! Come see what wild things you can build with the colorful building bricks. Then stroll through this whimsically lighted display at your own pace, soaking in the beauty. There are two display times per evening, 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Click here for details and to purchase tickets.Similar Posts:

Countdown to Christmas Day 2: Santaland Diaries

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:00:12 +0000

Head to the City Stage in downtown Wilmington for a hilarious play based on David Sedaris’ essay, which details his account as an elf in Macy’s elaborate Santaland display. Dec. 3rd -5th & 10th-12th. Call (910) 264-2602 for reservations.Similar Posts:

Spooky Halloween Suggestions & a Fall Field Trip

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:42:52 +0000

“They can’t touch me, they can’t touch me, they can’t touch me”~ this is what I said to myself over and over as I squeezed the life out of Konni’s hand while making our way through the much talked about haunted attraction, Panic Attack! Located in an 11,000 square foot warehouse, the originators of the concept have invested a reported $500,000 in what can only be described as an incredibly detailed attempt to scare the daylights out of you~ around every corner. I have a bit of a weak stomach and I am certainly NOT a fan of all things horror but I have to admit, this was very entertaining. If you enjoy Halloween, grab some friends that are good conversationalists and brave the long line. One last suggestion… happy hour prior-to is probably not a good idea. (Bento Box in the Forum or Yo Sake downtown would be great spots to unwind, post Panic.)

Interested in something seasonal, family oriented, & age appropriate? Check out Wrightsville Beach Elementary’s Fall Festival. Extremely well done every year, this is traditional, old school family fun complete with costumes, face painting, games, etc. If you don’t fill up at the festival, head over to Vito’s Pizza or Tower 7. The Wrightsville Beach Elementary Fall Festival is Friday, October 29th from 4-7pm.

Last but not least, if you are looking for some leaf peeping opportunities, set your sights on Asheville! At a little more than 5 hours away from Wilmington NC, there is no better place to take in the beauty of the mountains. For the more adventurous souls, an exciting way to get up close and personal with your surroundings is on a zip line tour! While I just returned from a short jaunt to Asheville, I did not have the benefit of this information during my trip or I would post a photo of myself zipping through the forest. However, my parents gave this a whirl 2 weeks ago and they are raving about it!

My all time favorite place to stay while in Asheville is the Grove Park Inn. It feels very New England’y’ and even a bit reminiscent of ‘Maineiac’ Stephen King’s Shining. Not in a totally creepy way, just cool ambiance provided Jack Nicholson is not roaming the halls. Several years ago we spent Thanksgiving there and it was AWESOME! The grand foyer was filled with people playing chess, drinking hot toddies & hot chocolate~ the enormous fireplaces were ablaze and the Christmas trees adorned. Coupled with a candlelight tour of the Biltmore, this was a holiday my boys still talk about. A little snowstorm on the eve of our departure provided ammunition for the ensuing golf course snowball fight! We returned home just in time to snuggle up and head down the street to watch the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Flotilla. Can’t say how many times I thought about how lucky we are to live in the beautiful state of North Carolina~ from the snow covered mountains to a boat parade at the beach….all in one day. Nothin’ could be finer.

TTFN, have a great weekend, be safe & Happy Halloween!

Lisa Sledzik is a real estate professional with CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates and can best be described as passionate about all things real estate! Family & friends, travel and culinary delights complete the circle. Energy, Enthusiasm & Experience that cannot be beat. To find out more about Lisa, click here.Similar Posts: