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Category Archives: Wilmington
Your Complete Guide to Holiday Events in Wilmington NC
The holiday season is upon us and we’re looking forward to a month of cheer! Below is your complete guide to holiday events in Wilmington NC!
bread & lights gingerbread & lantern festival
Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, presents bread & lights gingerbread & lantern festival featuring a display of gingerbread creations by all ages as well as artist-made lanterns.
Monday through Sunday, running until Sunday, December 6th. Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Admission is $6 to $12.
For more information visit the Cameron Art Museum website.
The Christmas Train & Light Spectacular
Enjoy a fantastic display of lights and toy trains and enjoy an appearance from Santa each night!
Fridays and Saturdays through December 26th, 6PM to 8PM.
Admission is $5.00 per person.
For more information, visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum website.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Greenfield Tree Lighting (& Movie Night featuring Elf!)
Watch the tree light up, participate in an elf costume contest and catch a live screening of Elf at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Santa will be visiting after the lighting ceremony and will have gifts for the first 500 children! Concessions will also be available for purchase during the film.
Thursday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event page on Facebook.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
Enchanted Airlie
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC, presents Enchanted Airlie, where visitors can take a self-guided tour through the gardens that are featuring festive lights and holiday displays. Santa Claus will be making an appearance and guests can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.
December 4th-6th, 10th-13th, 16th-22nd. Viewing times are 5pm-7pm.
Various ticket options are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Airlie Gardens website.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Island of Lights Christmas Parade
Enjoy festive floats and gain some holiday cheer from the annual Island of Lights parade in Carolina Beach. The parade runs from Atlanta Avenue up Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza.
Friday, December 4, 2015 at 7:30 PM.
For more information, visit the Pleasure Island website.
Carolina Beach
Atlanta Avenue and South Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Boats and lights! Get into the Christmas spirit by the water with wonderfully lit boats. The boats cruise from Snow’s Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.
Saturday, December 5th, at 6PM.
For more information, visit the Pleasure Island website.
Carolina Beach Yacht Basin and Marina
216 Canal Drive
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Christmas by the Sea
Celebrate the holiday season by the sea on the Carolina Beach boardwalk. Enjoy hot chocolate at the Welcome Center, a fire pit with story telling, caroling, holiday themed movies at the Gazebo, puppet shows, and arts & crafts.
Saturday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event page.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
13th Annual Holiday Parade
Enjoy the 13th Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Wilmington filled with floats and fun! The parade begins at North Front and Walnut Streets and moves south on Front Street, ending at Church Street. View the parade route here.
Sunday, December 6th at 4:55PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event website.
North Front Street and Walnut
Wilmington, NC 28401
5th Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting
Oak Island’s 5th Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Middleton Park (next to Town Hall) features Rabbi Paul from the Temple of Israel and music.
Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 4PM.
Admission is free.
Middleton Park
4700 East Oak Island Drive
Oak Island, NC 28465
Pet Photo Night with Santa
Let fluffy and spot share their wishlist with Santa and get a great photo op.
Sunday, December 6th from 6PM to 8PM.
For more information, visit the Independence Mall website.
Independence Mall
3500 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
A Christmas Stroll Through the Past
Join the Burgwin-Wright House, Bellamy Mansion Museum and St. James Episcopal Church as they stroll through the past with period decorations, costumed interpreters, entertainment and refreshments! Enjoy a trolley ride or a candlelit stroll through Downtown Wilmington as you go from one location to another!
Saturday, December 12th, 4PM to 7PM.
Admission is $20 for adults. Children 15 and under are free.
For more information, visit the event website.
503 Market Street
Wilmington NC 28401
Wilmington NC 28401
Wilmington Ballet Company Presents: The Nutcracker
Wilmington Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at the Cape Fear Community College Humanities & Fine Arts Center in downtown Wilmington, NC. The event features Master of Ceremonies WWAY news anchor Daniel Seamans and stars Keaton Thomas, a Marine Corps Prior Active Duty Captain, as the beloved Nutcracker. Robin Dale Robertson portrays the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer while the role of Clara is danced by Sydney Jones, a 10th grader at Laney High School and student at the Wilmington School of Ballet. Professional guest dancers include Stacey Slichter of North Atlanta Dance Theater as Sugar Plum Fairy and Adam Schiffer of Carolina Ballet as the Cavalier.
Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20 at 3pm.
Admission is $35 per person.
For tickets and more information, visit the Cape Fear Community College website.
Admission is $35 per person.
For tickets and more information, visit the Cape Fear Community College website.
CFCC Humanities & Fine Arts Center
200 Hanover Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Where to Shop Small in Wilmington, NC
Can you believe that it is December already? While we can’t believe it, we are also incredibly excited to start our holiday decorating and shopping.
We love the shop small movement, which was created to encourage shoppers to support their local businesses. In Wilmington, we have so many fantastic small stores and shops that offer perfect holiday gifts. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local Wilmington vendors and businesses.
Our Favorite Vendors in Wilmington, NC
AlfaGraphics
Rick and his team at Alfagraphics do such a phenomenal job and offer several print services including business cards, brochures, invitations and digital and traditional marketing materials.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Randy and the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are fantastic for plumbing repairs and hot water heater installations.
Kenny Fowler Heating & Air
We don’t know what we’d do without Kenny. Enough said!
Grant Brand Instrument Repair
Faith and Josh are the best in town for musical instrument repairs.
Luxe Home Interiors
There is always something amazing to find at Luxe and the friendly staff always makes our visits a great experience.
Seagate Baptists Church
Brad Southerland, Insurance Sales at Senn Dunn
Some of Our Favorite Stores and Services in Wilmington, NC:
We’re lucky to have several great hair salons in Wilmington, NC! Here are some of our staff favorites:
Property Management in Wilmington NC
Looking for Property Management in Wilmington NC? See the difference that Dianne Perry & Company offers!
Halloween & Wrapping Up October
October is coming to a close this weekend and we are looking forward to a great Halloween. Here in the office we have a cat, two mice , a deer, a fairy godmother, Danny Zuko and the most beautiful little princess.
In addition to our Wilmington weekend Halloween picks, below are some guidelines to being safe on Halloween and while Trick or Treating:
- Trick or Treat on blocks with well-lit houses and remain on house porches.
- Most safety councils and city officials recommend Trick or Treating from 6pm to 8pm.
- Children should travel in groups accompanied by an adult or adults.
- Bring treats home before eating them and perform a quick check of your child’s candy before they indulge.
- Use flashlights where necessary!
- Be mindful when crossing streets.
- Homeowners should not have any open flames where it may interfere with a child’s costume (such as on a walkway to the home) or where it may present a potential fire hazard.
- Do not leave jack-o-lanterns with an open flame unattended.
If you’re still in need of a pumpkin, head to Wesley Memorial Church to pick one up from their office. Our office gets our pumpkins there every year and the proceeds support their youth group!
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month and at Dianne Perry & Company breast cancer touched our lives in a way we will never forget. In December 2012, our agent (and daughter, sister, and friend!) Amanda Perry was given the report of breast cancer at the age of 27. As a perfectly healthy women in her twenties, she was taken by surprise at finding a lump. Please read her personal journey on her blog and help educate other women of all ages on breast cancer awareness.
It’s never too early to be prepared and support others. Amanda is a brave, compassionate person and her journey has made her a stronger person than ever!
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we invite you to take a moment and perform a self exam. While many of us feel invincible, it is important to begin regular examinations at age 20.
How to perform a self exam: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-self-exam
ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF: if you find a lump, no matter your age, go to the Doctor (don’t put it off) and require them to do an ultrasound or mammogram. If you are young, they will likely believe it to be a common cyst, which it most likely but it is, but it is far better to have peace of mind. It Breast cancer in young women goes untreated it often becomes very aggressive and can spread. Insurance or not, there is funding for these tests.
We hope you have had a wonderful month and we look forward to what November brings!
10 Tips to Make Your Move Easier
Are you moving soon? While I have yet to meet anyone who describes moving as fun, ending up in your dream home or in a great new city always makes the process rewarding. Packing boxes and moving furniture can be tedious, so below are 10 tips to make your move easier!
1. Set a budget for moving!
First, set a budget for your move. Are you going to use movers? If so, remember that you may need to factor in the cost of gas and tips for the movers. Call local companies for a quote so you can get a ballpark idea of the cost. Most companies will have you fill out a list of items and furniture in your home to provide a more accurate quote.If you are looking to just rent a truck, you will also want to call in advance for a quote. Many companies have busy moving weekends and require a reservation. If you wait until the last minute, you may also be quoted a higher rate.Moving can have unexpected costs (like bubble wrap, new home items, and pizza) so set aside funds prior to moving and allow for some flexibility to your budget.
2. Talk with your family or roommates about your moving plan.When you make your reservation, be it for movers or just a truck rental, it is a good idea to try and also plan the following:
- The amount of time you will need to take off from work, if applicable.
- Who will be driving the truck rental and who will drive your family or personal vehicle.
- What route you will take to your new home. Some trucks have to avoid certain roads and/or parkways.
- What time you plan to leave and what time you plan to arrive.
- How you will transport your furry friends (if you have them).
- The amount of time you will need prior to moving and the day of moving. Don’t forget to factor in time for cleaning your rental or home prior to leaving for your new place!
3. If your travel time will take multiple days, purchase a lock for your truck or trucks to keep your personal items secure.
4. If you have to take any furniture apart, put nails and screws into a small plastic bag with a post-it note enclosed inside that notes what item it goes with. It may also be helpful to take photos while de-assembling furniture to remember how to reassemble.
5. Use garbage bags and rubber bands to quickly pack up your closet. Tie your hangers at the top while your clothes are still hanging and then cover with a garbage bag and tie at the top. I used this trick when moving recently and it definitely saved some time when unpacking my closet!
6. Label your boxes! Label what room each box is going t0 and note the contents where you may need to. (I.e. “Kitchen: plates and cups” and “Kitchen: pots and pans”. You will probably want to get your dining ware out first!). Label the sides AND the tops of the boxes so that you can quickly see the what the contents hold from any angle.
7. Create a “First Day” moving box or boxes. Keep this box in your car or right at the end of the truck for quick access. Fill the box (or boxes) with everything you will need for the first 24 hours. This will usually include snacks, paper plates and utensils, towels, shower curtain and bath and hygiene products. You may also want to pack coffee and your coffee maker in these first day boxes, or know where the nearest coffee shop is near your new home! If you have pets, be sure that you have their supplies easily accessible as well.
8. You may want to pack your first day essentials in a clear plastic container so there is no chance of it getting shuffled with the other boxes.
9. Each individual who is moving should also create an overnight bag. This should include a pair or two of clothes, any medications, personal documents and cell phone chargers!
10. Remember to breathe! Moving isn’t easy and takes time! Remember that it will all get done and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to get everything perfect right away.
Wilmington Weekend Guide: October 23rd – 25th
The weekend is here again! Fall and the Halloween season are in full swing here in Wilmington. Our Wilmington Weekend Guide is below to help you navigate this weekend’s happenings!
Folkstone String Band at Flytrap Brewing
Enjoy this live bluegrass band and Flytrap’s delicious cold brews on Friday evening, starting at 8pm. Pepe’s Taco Truck will also be serving food.
Friday, October 23rd at 8:00 PM.
Admission is free.
More information can be found on Flytrap’s website.
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Museum of Nightmares at The Museum of the Bizarre
(Image via Museum of the Bizarre’s Facebook)
For the month of October, Museum of the Bizarre is featuring special effects and giving us the heebie jeebies with their Museum of Nightmares event. The effects are courtesy of Tony Rosen, a local movie artist known for films like The Conjuring.
October 1st through October 31st, 6pm to 12am.
Admission is $20.00.
For more information, visit Museum of the Bizarre on Facebook.
Museum of the Bizarre
201 South Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Halloween Ghost Trolley and Haunted Barn
(Image via Horse Drawn Tours’ website)
Enjoy a tour fit for the Halloween season! The Halloween Ghost Trolley and Haunted Barn will feature ghost stories (kid friendly) and treats for children.
Friday October 23rd and Saturday October 24th, 6pm to 9pm.
Admission is $5.00 – $12.00
For more information, visit Horse Drawn Tours’ website.
Horsedrawn Tours
Market Street Between Front and Water
Wilmington, NC 28401
14th Annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival
(Image via Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival website)
In need of a libation? Head to North Waterfront Park to enjoy more than 200 craft breweries and wineries, live music, food, and free taxi rides home.
Saturday October 24th, 12pm.
Tickets are $13.00 to $75.00. VIP and Designated Driver tickets are also available.
For more information, visit Lighthouse Beer and Wine’s website.
North Waterfront Park
1000 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Haint Blue All Hallows Masquerade
(Image via Poplar Grove’s website)
This 21+ event promises to be a chilling time! Poplar Grove hosts a Halloween masquerade party with music from the Phantom Playboys, wickedly delicious candy apple Martinis, a variety of appetizers & an oyster bar (raw & steamed) from the Crab Shack, cigar bar from Brookelynn Premium Cigars, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 parade & costume contest with gift certificates from Spirit Halloween, black and white horror films, and music from the 20th & 21st centuries spun by Cape Fear Entertainment. Plus, be sure to visit your past, present and future with an onsite tarot card reader!
Saturday, October 24th at 7pm.
Tickets are $50.00.
For tickets and more information, visit the Poplar Grove website.
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Hwy 17 North
Wilmington, NC 28411
27 Views of Wilmington Book Launch
(Image via Pomegranate Books’ website)
The 27 Views of Wilmington Book Launch features Wilmington author and poet contributions and that capture the past and present of our city. 27 Views of Wilmington is the eighth and final book in Eno Publishers’s popular 27 Views local literary series.
Saturday, October 24th, 2pm.
Admissions free.
For more information, visit Pomegranate Books’ website.
Pomegranate Books
4418 Park Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403
Family Friendly Farm Days at Legacy Farms
There are plenty of great farm festivals this month, but be sure to catch the Farmily Friendly farm days at Legacy Frams in Wallace! Legacy’s farm days will include hayrides, a corn maze, face-painting, inflatable slides, animals, games and more.
October 24th and 25th
Tickets are $8.00 -$15.00. Children one and under are free.
For more information, visit Legacy Farms’ website.
Legacy Farms
7494 Highway 41 West
Wallace, NC 28466
Relocation Services to Wilmington NC
Are you relocating to Wilmington, NC? We are here to help make your transition process as smooth as possible! At Dianne Perry & Company, Wilmington, North Carolina is our home. We have raised a family here, gone to school here, worked here, and have enjoyed sharing our passion for our community with others.
In addition to our familiarity with the community, we have over 30 years of experience in real estate sales, rental properties, and property management in the Wilmington area. We will find you the perfect home or rental that meets all of your needs. We will also share our insight on neighborhoods that have a great school district, the best beaches to be near, and what the locals are doing on the weekend.
To find out more about our relocation services to Wilmington NC check out our relocation guide and services brochure below.
Dianne Perry & Company Relocation Guide and Services
Ready to move? Give us a call today at 910-332-0736!
Wilmington Weekend Guide: October 16th – October 18th
The weekend is upon us yet again and the weather forecast looks beautiful and cool. Our Wilmington Weekend Guide is here with great events to make it a perfect fall weekend!
Airlie’s Annual Oyster Roast!
(Image via Airlie Garden on Facebook)
The annual Oyster Roast at Airlie Gardens along the banks of Bradley Creek returns as a celebrated tradition rooted in Airlie’s history. Tickets include appetizers, steamed oysters, BBQ, fish fry, two spirituous drinks. A cash bar will also be available and live entertainment will be provided by Heartbeat of Soul & The Sea Pans. Proceeds from this event support Airlie’s Environmental Education Programs.
Friday October 16th, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Tickets are $85.00 per guest. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit the Airlie Gardens website.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde Silent Film with Dorothy Papadakos
(Image via Wikipedia)
If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit,, stop by St. Paul’sto catch the silent film of Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde accompanied by Dorothy Papadakos, a celebrity organist and composer.
Friday, October 16th, 7:00 PM.
Tickets are $15.00 to $20.00. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s website.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
16 North 16th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Seaglass Salvage Market
(Image via the Seaglass Salvage Market website)
Enjoy this indoor & outdoor market full of recycled and repurposed furniture, art, candles, home décor, and local goods!
Friday October 16th – Sunday October 18th. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday; 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit Seaglass Salvage Market’s website.
Seaglass Salvage Market
1987 Andrew Jackson Hwy
Leland, NC 28451
Salty Paws Festival
(Image via the Pleasure Island website)
Looking to hang with your furry friends this weekend? Bring them to the 7th Annual Salty Paws Festival at Carolina Beach! The festival includes music and entertainment, pet contests, raffles, and pets available for adoption.
Saturday, October 17th at 11am
Tickets are $7.00. Children 10 and under are admitted free. For more information visit the Pleasure Island website.
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Atlanta Avenue
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Gatsby Lawn Party
(Image via Jess James’ website)
Step back in time to the 1920s and celebrate Jazz Age style with dancers, big band music, Bella Rose photography, tintype portraits with Harry Taylor, tarot card reading and fashion vendors. The event is hosted by Jess James (Fashion Editor at Focus on the Coast) and Kusek Financial Group.
Saturday October 17th, 11am to 4pm
Tickets are $30.00 to $99.00 and can include a picnic basket for two from Little Pont Caterers. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Jess James’ website.
Home of Paula Corbett
6604 Spring Garden Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Wilmington Seafood Festival
Three words and our three favorite things- Wilmington Seafood Festival! The event will feature an abundance of fresh North Carolina seafood, live music, cooking demonstrations, and shopping.
Saturday October 17th from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, October 17th 11am to 6pm
Parking note: Limited parking is available on-site for $10.00 Off-site parking is available at Barclay Center (3147 and 3151 South 17th Street) with shuttle service.
Admission is free! For more information, visit the event website.
Events at Watermark Marina
4114 River Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
One Year Anniversaries: FlyTrap Brewery & Burne Mill Creek Billards & Wine Bar
(Images via TripAdvisor and Facebook)
Two great local beer and wine spots in Wilmington are celebrating their one year anniversary! Flytrap will have live music and food trucks and Burnt Mill will have food by 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, and live music.
Saturday, October 17th. Begins at 12pm at Flytrip Brewing and 7pm at Burnt Mill Creek Billards & Wine Bar. Admission is free to both events.
Burnt Mill Creek Billiards & Wine Bar
2101 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
10 Cold Weather Preparedness Tips for Your Home!
While it still feels like summer, the cooler months of fall and winter are almost upon us! These seasons tend to sneak up on us, so we’ve compiled a checklist for cold weather preparedness. By preparing now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when the seasons change. (Because yard work and shoveling will take enough of your time).
Check your windows!
- Close your storm windows and be sure to replace all screen windows.
- Check your HVAC Filters. It may be necessary to clean or replace filters prior to the winter months. Just like your car needs regular check ups, regular maintenance on HVAC systems will help ensure that everything is working properly and can even help reduce your energy bill.
- Flush your hot water tank to remove any debris and check the functionality of the pressure release valve.
- Trim any overgrown branches. Cut back any overgrown bushes or branches, especially where they may interfere with wires, damage the roof of your home, or become a potential hazard to your property.
Trim any branches that may damage your property or wires on your property.
- Check your storm drains. The drains should let out far enough away from your home to avoid foundation problems.
- Clean your gutters. Build up of debris in gutters can lead to ice dams that can prevent proper drainage.
- Examine the windows and door frames in your home for leaks that could lead to heat loss. If you find any leaks, weather-strip or caulk the area.
- Be cautious of pipes bursting or freezing! Be mindful of the temperature outside and water pressure in your home. Keep your home well heated and disconnect any garden hoses.
- Make sure that all smoke alarms and carbon dioxide alarms are working.
- Be sure you have necessary supplies for any snowfall, like shovels, salt, and ice scrapers. Keep emergency phone numbers on hand and saved in your phone in the event of a bigger storm.
Additionally, if your home is in an area that tends to be affected by fall and/or winter storms, it also does not hurt to have a few preparations on hand in case of a power outage or emergency. The Centers for Disease Control has a recommended checklist for cold weather preparedness, which includes batteries, a battery powered radio, flashlights, extra blankets or mylar blankets, drinking water, and canned goods.
Do you have any additional tips on how to get your home ready for fall and winter? Be sure to share them with us below!