Unwind & Focus:

Mindfulness with Sharon Salzberg

Take a break with a guided meditation followed by a Q&A session on meditation and mindfulness. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation teacher, NYT best-selling author & co-founder of Insight Meditation Society.

When: Friday, February 26 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, February 27, at 9:30 AM
Admission: $20.00
For more information and buy tickets through the event website.

Where:
Friday:
Warwick Center – UNCW
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC  28407

Saturday:
Church of the Servant – Episcopal
4925 Oriole Drive
Wilmington, NC  28403

Writer’s Unblock Workshop

The Writer’s Unblock Workshop at Pomegranate Books is led by award-winning writer Christine Moughamian and features fun activities designed to let the creative juices flow. All levels welcome. Participants may bring a challenging paragraph or sentence.

When: Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28th at 10:00 AM
Admission: Free.
For more information and to register, visit Pomegranate Books website. 

Where:
Pomegranate Books
4418 Park Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403

 

Bring the Kids:

4th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration

 The 4th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration at the Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington, NC, features magicians, face painting, king cake cutting, and more.

When: Saturday, February 27, at 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free.
For more information visit the Cotton Exchange’s website.

Where:
Cotton Exchange
Front and Grace Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401

240th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

The 240th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge in Currie, NC celebration is the weekend! The anniversary recognized the first Patriot victory during the War for Independence. The two day celebration will feature musket and cannon demonstrations, in addition to colonial demonstrations like blacksmithing, candle dipping, spinning, cooking, gardening, powder horn making, and colonial toys and games.

When: Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28th at 10:00 AM
Admission: Free.
For more information visit the Park’s National Park Service page.

Where:
Moores Creek National Battlefield
40 Patriots Hall Drive
Currie, NC 28435

 

Music:

Chamber Music Wilmington Concert

The Chamber Music Wilmington Concert at Beckwith Recital Hall on the campus of UNCW features the Magnolia Baroque, which began as a biennial baroque music festival at Old Salem’s Home Moravian Church, joining brilliant early music performers from the Oberlin Conservatory, Vivaldi Project, DC’s Handel Baroque Orchestra and NCSA artist faculty. This all-Bach concert features Cantata No. 51  for baroque trumpet and soprano; B minor Suite; and Washington, DC’s Handle Baroque Orchestra’s principal violinist, Christof Richter, who performs one of Bach’s beautiful Violin Suites.

When: Sunday, February 28, 2016  at 7:30 PM
Admission: $15.00 – $30.00
For more information visit the event website.

Where:
Beckwith Recital Hall at UNCW
5270 Randall Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

Wilmington Symphonic Winds Concert

The Wilmington Symphonic Winds Concert at Kenan Auditorium at UNCW features “Dancing the Night Away” including works by Shostakovich, Bernstein, Tschaikovsky, and Sousa.

When: Sunday, February 28, 2016  at 7:00 PM
Admission: $8.00 – $12.00
For more information and tickets visit the event website.

Where:
Kenan Auditorium at UNCW
515 Wagoner Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

 

Art & Film:

An Evening on the Red Carpet

The Cucalorus Film Festival presents An Evening on the Red Carpet at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, NC, featuring Oscar ballots, auctions, nibbles and drinks, and a live viewing of the Academy Awards.

When: Sunday, February 28th at 7:30 PM
Admission: $100.00.
For more information visit the Cucalorus’ website.

Where:
Screen Gems Studios
1223 North 23rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28405

Art Exhibit: All Student Show

The All Student Art Show at the Boseman Gallery on the campus of UNCW features more than 75 pieces including drawings, watercolors, oils, photography, acrylics, ceramics, sculptures and experimental media.

When: Through April 1st. Monday through Friday, 7am to 11pm; Saturday, 10am to 11pm; Sunday, 1-11pm.
Admission: Free.
For more information visit the UNCW Boseman website.

Where:
UNCW Boseman Gallery
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403

 

Have a Laugh:

Live Standup: Barry Crimmins

Get some laughs this weekend with Barry Crimmins at the Dead Crow Comedy Room. Crimmins is a renowned political satirist and author and former Air America Radio writer and correspondent.

When: Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Admission: $18.00
For more information and showtimes on Dead Crow’s website.

Where:
Dead Crow Comedy Room
265 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Top o’the Mornin’ to Ya!

TheatreNOW presents dinner theater with Penny Kohut’s  Top o’the Mornin’ to Ya! featuring Faith and Beggorah,  morning talk show hosts direct from Ireland. This Irish “Hoda & Kathie Lee” are taking every last “pun”ditty they can in this hilarious take on the American electoral race. Enjoy the show with or without dinner.

When: Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, at 7:00 PM
Admission: $20.00 – $34.00
For more information and tickets visit TheatreNOW’s website.

Where:
TheatreNOW
19 South 10th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

 

Bites & Sips:

Wine & Beer Walk

The semi-annual Wine & Beer Walk is a self-guided tasting tour of restaurants and drinking establishments in downtown Wilmington, NC. The walk starts at Ziggy’s By The Sea, where you present your ticket, or if the event has not sold out, purchase a ticket. A Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk ID and a map of participating establishments will be presented to you. Patrons receive two samples per venue.

When: Saturday, February 27, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Admission: $16.00 – $27.00
For more information and tickets, visit Ziggy’s By The Sea’s website.

Where:
Ziggy’s By The Sea
208 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

 14th Annual Full Belly Feast

The 14th Annual Full Belly Feast at the Coastline Convention Center in downtown Wilmington, NC, features an evening of international cuisine, live music with the world beats of Axiom, and a variety of live and silent auction items from all over the world. WECT’s Ashlea Kosikowski serves as Mistress of Ceremonies. Proceeds benefit The Full Belly Project.

When: Saturday, February 27 at 6:00 PM
Admission: $50.00
For more information and tickets, visit the Full Belly website.

Where:
Coastline Convention Center
501 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Cape Fear Paint & Wine

River to Sea Gallery  hosts a Cape Fear Paint & Wine class taught by exhibiting gallery artist Connie Wilkerson-Arp of Crooked Crow Studios. The class includes wine, a sunset view, and you can take your finished painting home.

When: Saturday, February 27, at 5:30 PM
Admission: $40.00
For more information visit the Gallery’s website.

Where:
River to Sea Gallery
224 South Water Street, Suite 1A
Wilmington, NC 28401

 

Break Out Your Green Thumb:

Tidewater Camellia Club Show & Sale

The Tidewater Camellia Club Show & Sale at the New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington features hundreds of prize-winning blooms grown by club members and local residents, plus camellia care workshops and demonstrations, and tours of the Arboretum’s camellia garden.

When: Saturday, February 27, at 1:00 PM
Admission: Free.
For more information visit the Arboretum’s website.

Where:
New Hanover County Arboretum
6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

Pruning Workshop

Improve your green thumb with The Pruning Workshop at the New Hanover County Arboretum. The workshop will discuss pruning tips for all kinds of garden plants.

When: Sunday, February 28th at 2:00 PM
Admission: Free.
For more information visit the Arboretum’s website.

Where:
Moores Creek National Battlefield
40 Patriots Hall Drive
Currie, NC 28435

 

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Panthers Gear

Please note that many stores have had an increase in sales and it may be harder to find what you are looking for!

Omega Sports
3501 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Dick’s Sporting Goods
816 S College Rd or 6810 Parker Farm Dr in Wilmington.

 

Where to Get Your Snacks

Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Fresh Market stores all offer great platters from cold cuts to wings. Due to the high demand on Superbowl Sunday, most stores recommend placing an order at least 24 hours in advance.

Katy’s Grill & Sports Bar will have wings available for take-out, but recommends placing large orders in advance.

Islands Fresh Mex Grill will deliver buffet-style, build-your-own service featuring tacos and enchiladas for $10 per person and taco salads and fajitas for $11. Orders must be placed by the night before game day, and you can waive a $15 delivery fee by picking it up.

Most of your favorite Pizza and Wing spots will be delivering on Superbowl Sunday, however, expect longer wait times!

Bottom’s Up Alcohol Delivery will be delivering on game day but recommends ordering at least 30 minutes in advance, as they predict high volume the day of.

 

Special Events & Giveaways

Panthers Pep Rally at Independence Mall

Get in the Panthers Spirit before the game at Independence Mall! The first 75 people in line will receive a Super Bowl 50 T-Shirt and everyone will receive a Rally football (while supplies last)! Don’t forget to wear your Panthers gear- the most spirited fan will take home a special prize!

Saturday, February 6th from 2pm to 4pm at the center court.
For more information, visist their Facebook page.

The Husk

Enjoy drink specials like $2.00 domestics and win prizes at The Husk. Prizes will be given away every quarter and a brand new tv will be raffled off during the game!

Sunday, February 7th at 6:30pm.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Carolina Ale House
Carolina Ale House will be screening the big game with no cover at the door! They are also offering a chance to win a flatscreen tv!

Sunday, February 7th.
For more information, visit their website.

Dig & Dive
Dig & Dive is hosting a tailgate party before the big game with a cornhole tournament and drink specials!

Sunday, February 7th. 2:30 – 5pm
For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Superbowl Party at Morning Glory Coffee
This family-friendly and dry Superbowl celebration is great for all ages and includes a potluck dinner party!

Sunday, February 7th, at 5pm.
For more information, visit their Facebook event page.

 

While Wilmington is not expecting any accumulation of snow from Winter Storm Jonas, there will be rain, cold temperatures, and a strong possibility of icy conditions.

Residents should not be worried, but they should be cautious. We’ve done a post before on preparing for a storm and we encourage our tenants and owners to brush up on these tips just in case! Below are some important takeaways for stormy weather:

• Know where your main water shut-off is in the event of an emergency.
• Make sure that you have some bottled water and non-perishable food on hand.
• Have sufficient food for your pets and keep their collars on. Have their leashes handy too!
• Fill your car with gas and take out some cash prior to the storm.
• Have important contact numbers written down.
• Keep your electronics plugged in and charging in case you lose power.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
• Gather blankets in case you lose heat. You can also invest in mylar blankets or a generator.
• Avoid driving during heavy rain or icy conditions.

 

Thinking about an investment property? An investment property can be a great source of additional income, but purchasing an investment property does not come without responsibility. Before you buy an investment property, you should thoroughly examine all of the potential benefits and drawbacks. Below we’re sharing seven questions to ask yourself (and even your realtor!) before you buy.

How do I choose the right property?

Choosing a property you like is important, but you also need to consider the neighborhood and market trends. You should be familiar with the area you are interested in, or do thorough research to learn about the local market, demographics, and even crime in the area. You should also consider the condition and age of the property and how much work (if any) the property may need.

Have I considered the schools and amenities in the area?

When you are looking into investment properties, consider the local schools and amenities in the area. Is the property close to preffered schools? Area attractions? Stores and nightlife? If a property is close to popular schools or attractions, it’s perceived value will be higher and it will likely be more desirable to prospective tenants. This could help you rent it out faster, but it might also put you at a disadvantage if the nightlife near your property is noisy.

Have I accounted for all the costs?

Consider any initial or ongoing work you may need to do to the property, including painting, cleaning, and renovations. You should also factor in utilities, funds for emergency repairs, management fees if you are looking for a property management and any homeowner’s association dues (if applicable).

Is this something I can truly afford?

After considering all the costs, determine whether or not the property will be a good investment for you. Remember, the monthly income may not always be consistent! Before making a commitment, speak with your realtor or financial advisor about the investment and return on investment.

Have I accounted for unexpected maintenance?

Maintenance issues will occur no matter what. Sometimes they are simple fixes and other times they can be costly. Be prepared for maintenance issues by setting some funds aside.

Am I truly going to be comfortable with tenants?

Will you truly be comfortable with other individuals living in your property? If you will be unable to trust others in your space, or if you are unwilling to compromise, this could lead to tension between parties, or even legal issues. Consider all possible scenarios before making a decision.

Should I use a Property Management company?

This decision is yours alone to make. If you belive you can successfully manage the property on your own, or if you have previous experience managing properties, it may be easy for you to handle your property yourself. However, if investment properties and rentals are a whole new world to you, a property management company could be a great choice. Property management companies will have experience marketing and renting, be aware of legal issues, and will have familiarity handling maintenance requests.

 

Are you looking for an investment property or property management company? At Dianne Perry & Company, we are realtors and property managers. We have longstanding experience in the community and can help you find and maintain a great investment property. Learn more about us here and give us a call at 910-332-0736 to see what we can do for you!