Day 30:  Wrightsville Beach and the Oceanic Restaurant:   http://oceanicrestaurant.com/

Not only is Wrightsville Beach one of the prettiest beaches in the Cape Fear Region, but another special treat you don't want to miss is dining at the Oceanic Restaurant.  You can dine ocean front or in good weather eat out on  the Crystal  pier...weather permitting you may even have music.....Watch the sunset, watch the rolling waves gently hit the beach  as you dine of the great menu choices....this is heaven.    After, lunch or dinner take stroll on the beach.......and while you are at it....check out the live web cam .http://www.surfchex.com/...NOTE:   WE WILL BE ON A HIATUS UNTIL 5/31/10...STAY TUNED...WE WILL BE BACK.

Day29:  Leon and Dicks Rib Shack on Market Street - Now this is one great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether or go solo, with your partner, in-laws, grandkids or your friends, there is something on the menu for everyone.    There are tables or booths, a cozy fireplace, pleasant staff and best of all you always get  a very personalized visit from the owner. On my last visit there on Mother's Day, we were given a carnation. Now that was special and a nice touch.   We'll have to see what they have in store on Father's Day.   Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I love their breakfast choices.   Prices are so affordable.   When you drive up Market Street,  the car automatically acts like a magnet and magically you end up at a table eatin' some  good old home cookin'......see ya'll  there.

Day 28 Lewis's Nursery and Farm - This is one location you will want to visit time and time again.   Blueberry season has just begun, pick your own at $2.50 per pound.   The strawberries this year were sweet and delectable.   I am still savoring some in my fridge.  This is such a wonderful place to visit and is great for the whole family. Purchase your berries already picked, or join in on the fun.   Check out  Lewis Farms on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Lewis-Farms/393609419364?ref=ts

And pay special attention to the photos. They are so good looking, they will make your mouth water.    Now they also have herbs, perennials, fresh produce and best of all "homemade ice cream".  It gets crowded there so go early to be the rush!!  Either way you look at it you will have a "BERRY" nice time!!

Day 27:   Battleship North Carolina - Walk in the shoes of those who went before you.   I took the tour with my hubby who was in the Navy and listened to his stories along with information about those who served on this ship during World War II.  This beauty sits on the Cape Fear River across from the downtown river front. They have a wonderful web site for you to visit:  http://www.battleshipnc.com/page1.php   What I noticed and my husband confirmed was the close living quarters. Now if you were an officer, you were awarded with a little more room.  This is a must see attraction in the Cape Fear Region. Some say there are ghosts on this ship. There are been some paranormal experiences according to the following web site: http://www.hauntednc.com/investigation_ussnc.htm

Check it out and read about their investigations!!   Very interesting and ghostly....its sends chills up your spine.......... This will be one BOOOO tiful experience not matter which way you look at it.....through the eyes of history....or through the paranormal happenings!!

Note: Images are Copyrighted by Historylink101.com and can be found at Battleship North Carolina page.

Day 26: Coastal Hobby and Raceway -  http://coastalhobby.com/.....Did you know there was a raceway in the heart of Wilmington? (Sorry for the delay in uploading this.  It was uploaded with photos and all, but seems to have disappeared....this has been a week of technology challenges).  

This is a must stop in Wilmington and definitely something fun to do.  Located on Market Street, you will find a full service hobby shop that specializes in remote control cars, truck, beach buggies, boats, planes and more.   They have a repair service and extensive inventory for the hobbyist and aficionado.   Adults and kids will love this shop and best of all, outdoors they have an oval clay raceway.. More info can be obtained by visiting their web site or calling the store directly.  They are open most days 10am to 6pm, closed on Sunday and Tuesday and open 10am to 5 on Saturdays. The race track is open at 11am on Saturday. Fun, Fun, Fun for  the whole family.........no matter what age you are.---

Day 25:  Take Your Dog to the Beach:  I wasn't thinking about doing another beach post....but this one is a keeper.  Think about the dog days of summer.....Wilmington has beaches for dogs.   Some allow them year round, some don't.....we love to take Clayton to Freeman Park (see earlier post about Freeman Park) ..no dog restrictions there or at Topsail Beach year round.....The other beaches have restrictions in and out of season ....you can take pets year round either on the lease or under voice control....now Clayton needs a leash because "COME" is not in his vocabulary....he tried a jaunt down the beach once and was a bit confused....so Leash is the name of the game with him.....so why am I talking about pets at the beach.....a friend of mine sent this video on you tube......http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pkPNa4DBFHI

This one will put a smile on your face, cheer you up....and you will watch it over and over.....but keep in mind....wonderful Wilmington and its beaches and parks are pet friendly and your pet can have just as much fun as those in the video.    Please also visit our fan page at 365 Things to do in Wilmington and the Cape Fear Region  to let everyone know you "LIKE THIS."

Day 24: Greek Festival -  We are jumping forward with Day 24... Tomorrow night these tents will be empty and will be coming down.   Don't miss one of the most exciting events in Wilmington - The Greek Festival !!  http://www.stnicholasgreekfest.com/ If you don't get there tonight or tomorrow afternoon, you will have to wait another 365 days for this event.  I'm sure you've seen the signs all over town.   Great food, music, a tour of the church, a marketplace, more great food and desserts.  Local in Wilmington look forward to this each and every year.  If you have ever had the opportunity to visit the Greek Isles, you will agree that this experience brings warm memories back to you.   And if you're not a local, our Mayor is Greek....so you may get an opportunity to say ‘hello.' Mosey on down to College Road....there is plenty of parking and shuttles....plus the newspaper has a $1 off coupon on your admission....my favorite you ask.......the almond cookies and Greek Wine and I'm partial to stuffed grape leaves and baklava.........oh I love it all!!  

Day 23: Cape Fear Serpentarium:  Well this is one place, not for the faint of heart. This is a one of a kind experience to see rare and dangerous reptiles. There snakes, large lizards and more...over 100 species There are also some parrots for those who don't want to spend much time with the snakes. This is a very education experience and something you will want to visit on your Wilmington journey.  They have a feeding show and you can experience touching  or holding a real live snake.  Schools have taken a trip here for a field trip, and they even hold birthday parties here... Whoa who would have thought????   Check out their web site for all the scoop http://www.capefearserpentarium.com/ This is one interesting thing to do in Wilmington. Saturdays and Sundays seem to be the recommended day to see this exhibit. They do not take credit cards, so you will  need cash.

Day 22:  Golf and Have Lunch at Castle Bay and the Kings Table....a short drive up the coast from Wilmington you will find a Links Course. This 18 hole golf course is great, scenic and lots of fun.  Best of all, there always seems to be a breeze....now that can be nice on a hot day, but can raise havoc with your golf ball.  Take a quick glance as you drive along the paths and you might see a hawk, turtle, Canadian geese and other lovely wildlife.  Of course, I love playing this course, but  driving over the wooden bridges is reminiscent of earlier days. The sound  of the golf cart crossing the bridge sounds like horses hooves click and clacking on and old wooden bridge or cobblestone road. .....there is also a whistling in the wind....I found this course a little easier than most because of the wide open spaces and best of all "few lost balls."  Lunch and a quick drink at the turn was very nice and the staff pleasant all around.   This is one course to put on your list!!

 Day 21 Tour Old Wilmington:  A dear friend of mine contacted me about the Tour Old Wilmington today and what perfect timing.   With his permission we are sending you on this journey and it is one you won't want to overlook.  You can discover Wilmington's hidden history and a lost time as we travel to Wilmington during the Victorian Era (1837- 1901). There is a very  colorful history in Wilmington  during the Civil War, customs and traditions of the day, sea tales, folklore , ghosts and more. And believe me when I tell you we have ghosts....I experienced it first hand showing a property downtown....I still can't stop thinking about that day....not that was an experience.....You will definitely want to learn about Old Wilmington during our 365 journey through the Cape Fear Region and Wilmington.! Walking tours start at the foot of Market and Water Streets, look for the Victorian couple! http://touroldwilmington.blogspot.com/2010/04/tour-old-wilmington_16.html

 

Thanks Rusty Rose for he suggestion and permission to use your information on this endeavor of "365 Things to Do in Wilmington and the  Cape Fear Region.