So I want to end my lease early…….

My lease says I have to give 30 days’ notice to end the lease, is that right?

Not exactly. But you are not alone- this is a common misunderstanding for tenants. Our leases do not have termination clauses available to allow you to end your lease early. The purpose of the lease is to give you and the landlord a planned period of time that the property will be rented.

When can I end the lease?

Your lease states that after the first term of the lease ends (be that one year or 6 months), then the tenant can give the landlord 30 days’ notice that you plan to end the lease. This notice needs to be given before the 1^st of the month and is for the calendar month. (For example, notice should be given May 31^st to end the lease on June 30th).

Can I give more than 30 days’ notice?

Yes, more notice is always helpful for your property manager. If you know 45 or 60 days ahead of time, this will give us more time to plan for a smooth transition.

If you are looking to end or renew your lease, or if you have questions about your lease, do not hesitate to call us!

What if I want to renew the lease?

The lease still requires a 30 day notice to be given to the landlord or agency at the end of the renewal time.

Is there no other way out? What if I have a job transfer or lose my job?

Good and bad things do happen to us all and our team is understanding of life changes. The lease does not allow for early termination but the landlord might. We have a remarketing plan available to assist with life changes if the owner approves. Give us a call to discuss this possibility.

What if I buy a house?

Always check with your property manager first. Most of us do not want to be paying a mortgage payment and a rent payment for very long. Timing is everything in this situation. We are REALTORS so we understand the ins and outs of purchasing a home. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are renting and considering purchasing a home. We are here to help you!

When in doubt call or email us with your concern. We are happy to explain the lease and offer any assistance we can provide.

5 Ways to Keep You Home Warm (That Won’t Drive Your Energy Bill Through the Roof!)

The cooler months are upon us and we’ve finally reached into the back of our closet for our coats and scarves. At least it isn’t snowing, right? It can be tempting to crank up the thermostat at home, even knowing that it might drive up your monthly bill, so we’ve compiled a list of ways to keep the energy bill low and your home warm and cozy.

1. Check your numbers.
In the winter, you can save energy and keep your costs down by setting your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are at home during the daytime. Energy.gov reports that turning your thermostat lower by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours per day will help you see an energy usage reduction of 5 to 15 percent per year on your bill. (Source: centralhtg.com).

2. Add some layers.
Instead of making your home a tropical paradise, grab a sweater and set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, such as 68 degrees, as recommended above. Have a pair of socks and slippers handy too!

3. Utilize your curtains.
During the day, open your curtains to let sunlight in to warm the home. At night, close your curtains to prevent heat from escaping. Thicker curtains will provide more protection than lighter curtains!

4. Check for drafts.
Make sure you caulk and seal any areas such as windows frames where outdoor air might be coming in. Check out this guide for how to do it. You can also weather strip your doors.

5. Check ceiling fans for a “winter” or “reverse” setting.
If your ceiling fans are able to move clockwise, turn them on! Since heat rises, this will help disperse the warm air throughout your home.

How do you stay warm in the winter? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #DiannePerryCo!

Wilmington Weekend Guide: January 15th – 17th

Live Music: Cranford Hollow

Cranford Hollow, a mix of Southern rock, Appalachian fiddle music and American rock and roll, will be playing Friday night at Satellite Bar and Lounge.

Friday, January 15th, at 10:00pm
Admission is free.
For more information, visit Satellite Bar & Lounge’s website.

Satellite Bar & Lounge
120 Greenfield Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Hotel Transylvania 2

Follow the adventures of hospitable monsters with Hotel Transylvania 2, screening at Lumina Theater on the campus of UNCW in Wilmington.

Friday, January 15th, at 7:00pm and 10:00pm
Admission is $2.00 to $4.00.

Lumina Theater
UNCW
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403

Live Standup: JC Coccoli at The Dead Crow Comedy Room

Get some giggles in with JC Coccoli, a writer on HelloGiggles and a regular at the Laugh Factory and Improv!

Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th at 7pm and 9:30pm.
Admission is $16.00 to $20.00.
For more information, visit Dead Crow Comedy Room’s website.

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

STEM Activity Day

Join The MLK, Jr. Community Center for hands-on engineering activities for children of all ages with representatives of Corning, GE Hitachi, Brunswick Nuclear Plant, and the Cape Fear Museum!

Saturday, January 16th, 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Admission is free.

MLK, Jr. Community Center
401 S. 8th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Kids @ CAM

Kids can explore the exhibition Jose Bernal: Obra de Arte and create works of art to take home! All ages are welcome to participate.

Saturday, January 16th, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
Admission by donation.
For more information, visit Cameron Art Museum’s website.

Cameron Art Museum
3201 South 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412

151st Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher

Enjoy historical reenactors, cannons, events, and special tours at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Battlefield in Kure Beach!

Saturday, January 16th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the Historic Sites website.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd South
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Courtyards & Cobblestones

Engaged couples and wedding aficionados will enjoy this self-guided tour of seven ceremony and reception sites in Wilmington. Guest can also meet local wedding professionals and vendors and win special giveaways from Reeds Jewelers, Pressed Cotton and Courtyard by Marriott.

Saturday, January 16, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets are $35.00 in advance and $45.00 at the door.
For tickets and more information, visit the event website.

Bakery 105
105 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

“I’m looking for a rental… but my move-in date isn’t for a few months.”

“I’m looking for a rental… but my move-in date isn’t for a few months.”

We’ve all been there, trying to get a jumpstart on finding and securing a rental before a busy season or personal deadline. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find and secure a rental a few months out. Property managers likely do not yet know if their tenants are planning on renewing or terminating their lease, or may be unsure of the property owner’s plans (such as moving back into the property or putting the property on sale).

As property managers, we get several rental inquiries around this time of year and know how disappointing it is to hear, “We can’t help you until it gets closer to your move in date.” While we can’t provide a definite list of what we will have available, we can usually provide a list of what may be available, so that potential renters can begin to get an idea of different neighborhoods and rental prices. Since we get a few early inquiries, we’ve compiled a list of some tips for those looking to get a headstart on their rental search and have detailed our own rental process for potential renters.

Know your budget.
Sit down and thoroughly examine your income and spending patterns each month to set a budget for rent. Pick a budget for monthly rent that you will be able to pay comfortably each month.

Decide what neighborhoods will work best for you to live in.
Will you be commuting to school or work? Will you have a car or be taking public transportation? Will you be spending a lot of time downtown? When you are looking at rentals, fully consider where it would be convenient for you to live based on where you spend most of your time.

Finalize your roommate situation.
There’s nothing worse than a last minute roommate change but unfortunately, they do happen! Be sure that you and your potential roommates discuss expectations and rooming situations prior to applying for a rental. If there is an individual who seems on the fence about renting with you or your other roommates, have a backup plan if they change their mind.

Check your credit score.
We have a full post on checking and managing your credit score here! Your credit score will be an important factor in the approval of your rental application, so be sure you are aware of your score and work on building your credit prior to submitting applications.

If you have furry friends, look into pet policies and restrictions.
Several property management groups or apartments have certain rules or restrictions when it comes to pets, so it is important to ask about pet policies prior to submitting an application. It will be helpful to have a copy of your pet’s medical history and any references handy during your application process as well.

Organize the documents will you need for your application.
Most rental properties will require you to include proof of income and rental history in your application. Be sure to gather financial documents, any written recommendations, and contact information for your workplace and previous landlords/property managers.

Keep additional costs in mind.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of applications, movers or rental trucks, and utilities! Update your budget as necessary to make sure that it allows for all the costs associated with moving, not just the cost of rent!

Dianne Perry & Company is looking forward to busy spring and summer rental season! While we do not have a final list of available rentals, we would be happy to give you a starting point with rentals that may become available. Give our office a call at 910-332-0736 or email us!

Our Rental Process

We try to make our rental process as painless as possible! Many of our rentals utilize a Rently box, which a lockbox that allows potential renters to view the property on their own at any time, by calling the number listed on the lockbox or signing up on the Rently website to receive an entry pin. (Rently has a $1.00 registration fee).

If a property does not have a Rently box, or if you would like to come by our office, we will have keys that can be checked out with a valid photo ID and refundable $20.00 deposit.

If you like a rental and would like to apply, our rental application can be completed online through our website. We have a $60.00 application fee per person, which is non-refundable regardless of whether or not the application is approved. (If you are not approved for a property, or if another applicant is selected, you do not have to submit another application if you are interested in another property we are listing – we will simply use the same application.)

Once approved, our rental deposit is typically equal to one month’s rent, however, this can vary in certain circumstances.

Our pet deposit is typically $200.00, however, this can vary and not all properties are pet-friendly.

Looking for a rental right away? Check out our current listings!

Wilmington Weekend Guide: January 8th – 10th

Can you believe that it is 2016 already? The New Year is here with some cold weather and the weekend forecast isn’t showing any ideal beach weather for this weekend. Luckily, we’ve got your Wilmington Weekend Guide below full of great indoor options. Check it out and don’t forget to check out our Rainy Day Guide for Wilmington for even more ideas too!

Music & Art at Flytrap Brewing

Flytrap Brewing will have music and arts all weekend with South Carolina folk/Americana band Sweet Sweet performing Friday evening at 8pm with Pepe’s Taco Truck available for eats. They will also be featuring Arrested Development (the Art show), work by self-taught artist David Mercer of Surf City from January 8th – February 29th.

Music begins at 8pm on Friday, January 8th.
Admission to all events is free.
For more information, visit Flytrap’s website.

Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Memphis: The Musical at Thalian Hall

Thalian Hall presents Memphis: The Musical a musical by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The show follows the fame and forbidden love of a maverick white radio DJ, and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.

Performances run through Sunday, January 17th.
Tickets are $20.00 – $29.00.
For more information, performance times and tickets, visit Thalian Hall’s website.

Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Art Exhibit: Obra de Arte

Cameron Art Museum presents the first retrospective of Cuban born-American artist José Bernal (1925-2010). Works curated for this exhibition are from the Bernal family, other private collections as well as ten museums across the US including Cameron Art Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, San Antonio Museum of Art, Tucson Museum of Art and El Museo del Barrio.

This exhibit runs through Sunday, February 21st.
Admission is $3.00 – $8.00.
For more information and for gallery hours, visit Cameron Art Museum’s website.

Cameron Art Museum
3201 South 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412

Live Standup: Sean Patton

Catch Sean Patton at The Dead Crow on Friday or Saturday for some good laughs. Sean is the host of the TV show Best Bars in America and has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer.

Friday, January 8th and Saturday, January 9th.
Admission is $17.00 – $21.00.
For showtimes and more information, visit The Dead Crow Comedy’s website.

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

5th Annual Port City Rip the Runway Fashion Show

Catch some models and local fashionistas, designers, and more at the 5th Annual Rip the Runway, benefits go towards the scholarship in honor of Lillie Ann Heggins, mother of local radio personality Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman.

Saturday, January 9th at 6pm.
Admission is $30.00.
For more information, visit the event website.

Kenan Auditorium
UNCW
515 Wagoner Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

Discover the Dinosaurs

Dig for bones, go on a prehistoric scavenger hunt and catch a ride with a dinosaur at Discover the Dinosaurs at the Wilmington Convention center this weekend! The exhibit features several replicas and animatronic dinosaurs in addition to activities for kids of all ages.

Saturday, January 9th from 9am to 7pm and Sunday, January 10th from 10am to 7pm.
Tickets are $15.00 – $19.00
For more information, visit the event website.

Wilmington Convention Center
515 Nutt
Wilmington, NC 28401

Winter Bridal Expo

Brides to be won’t want to miss the Winter Bridal Expo at the Wilmington Convention Center featuring great local vendors!

Sunday, January 10th from 12pm to 3pm.
Admission is $5.00.
For more information, visit The Wilmington Convention Center’s website.

Wilmington Convention Center
515 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Where to Keep Your Fitness Resolutions in Wilmington

Ah, the holiday hangover, where fatigue from hosting family and regret from eating all of those Christmas cookies sinks in. No matter how hard we try, guilty indulgences and fatigue often find their way into the holidays. But whether you are making fitness resolutions for New Years, or if you are just looking to move your body after a few days of rest, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best places and classes in Wilmington to help you meet your goals

Wrightsville Beach Loop

If you’re looking for a casual walk or bike ride, the Wrightsville Beach Loop is a perfect option. A total of 2.56 miles, this loop offers great scenic views while you stroll or sweat it out. Check out a map here.
Bonus: Close to the beach and you can bring your pup (just remember to pick up after him or her, or you could face a fine up to $250!).

Wilmington Yoga Center

This studio offers a variety of classes from beginner to expert and provides the most relaxing environment in each studio.
Bonus: Wilmington Yoga Center offers a free introductory class for beginners and discounts for new students.

Pure Barre

This ballet inspired workout may look easy but it will truly put you to work. The low-impact workout utilizes a barre and targets your core, legs and arms for a great all-over workout. Check out the Wilmington location and class schedules here.
Bonus: Cute “Pure Barre” socks are available for purchase and the Wilmington location is close to Epic Food Co, which offers healthy bites for a great post workout snack.

Wilmington Latin Dance

For those of you looking to turn up the heat, stop by Wilmington Latin Dance for salsa lessons! The studio offers classes for beginners and for those with experience. Check out their schedule here!
Bonus: They also arrange a salsa evening at King Neptune’s in Wrightsville Beach every Tuesday night as well as a social at Islands one Saturday night every month (and occasionally a day-time social at the Calico Room).

Defy Gravity

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to burn a few calories, head to Defy Gravity trampoline park. Come just to jump around or to one of their special nights, or if you’re looking to increase your heart rate just a little more, try their GravityFit course.
Bonus: Feeling like a kid again.

Crossfit Reignited

There are several places to get your crossfit workout on in the Wilmington area, but this one comes highly recommended to us. This popular workout is high-impact but comes with results- some of our friends and family members have quickly met their fitness goals with a crossfit routine. Check out their services and schedule here.
Bonus: Great staff make this gym highly rated.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Wilmington NC

Parties

Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with a raffle, party favors, a live DJ! A huge beach ball will be dropped at midnight along with fireworks over the beach!

Event begins at 9pm is free to the public.
For more information visit the event website.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

New Year’s Eve Bash at Hell’s Kitchen

Enjoy New Year’s downtown at Hell’s Kitchen with live music from Jack Jack 180, party favors, ice sculptures, and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight!

Event begins at 9pm. This is not a ticketed event.
For more information, visit the event page.

Hell’s Kitchen
118 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Wilmington Latin Dance New Year’s Eve Big Top Bazaar

Party with Wilmington Latin Dance at Islands Fresh Mex Grill with lots of salsa dancing, special performances, party favors and a Champagne toast.

Event begins at 10pm. Admission is $7 to $10.
For more information visit the event website.

Islands Fresh-Mex Grill
260 Racine Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

New Year’s Eve Bacchanalia

TheatreNOW presents a New Year’s Eve Bacchanalia featuring an evening of flame acts, aerial acts, live music, comedy, a four-course meal, party favors and a Champagne toast!

Seating are at 6pm and 9:30pm. Tickets are $85 to $165 and can be purchased online.
For more information visit the event page.

TheatreNOW
19 South 10th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

On the Water

A New Year’s Eve Cruise on Henrietta III

Cruise the river on the beautiful Henrietta III and enjoy a sumptuous buffet of heavy hors d’ oeuvres, entertainment, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight!

Boarding begins at 8pm. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased here.
For more information, visit the event website. The event notes that assigned seating is in place, please contact Cape Fear Riverboats with seating requests.

Cape Fear Riverboats
101 South Water Street
On the River
Wilmington, NC 28401

New Year’s Eve Winner Party Boat Cruise

Enjoy a night of dancing aboard the Royal Winner Princess II with a variety of dance music, a cash bar and a Champagne toast with party favors! Fireworks will light up the night sky at midnight!

Boarding begins at 10:30pm. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling (910)458-5356.
For more information, visit the event page.

Winner Princess Party Boat
100 Carl Winner Drive
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Live Music & DJs

New Year’s Eve with The Phantom Playboys at The Calico Room

Rock out with local rockabilly band The Phantom Playboys and enjoy complimentary champagne and party favors.

Event begins at 10pm. Tickets are $10.00.
For more information visit the event page.

The Calico Room
107 South Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

New Years Eve with Benny Hill & SOP Jazz Band

Come by Burnt Mill Creek Billiards & Wine Bar for New Year’s Eve with Benny Hill & SOP Jazz Band and bites from Catch the Food Truck!

Event begins at 7:30pm with Catch and music begins at 8:30pm. This is not a ticketed event.
For more information visit the event page.

Burnt Mill Creek Billiards & Wine Bar
2101 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Ring in the New Year with the Wilmington Big Band

Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach is ringing in the New Year with The Wilmington Big Band, a four-course dinner, Champagne toast, and party favors!

Call 910-256-8500 for seating times. Tickets are $75 per person.
For more information visit the event website.

Bluewater Grill
4 Marina Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

New Years RES/VOLUTION 2016 at Ziggy’s

DJ Battle and DJ Maxx B will be spinning the night away at Ziggy’s by the Sea with $5 drink specials and a balloon drop!

Event begins at 9pm. Tickets are $15 to $25 and can be purchased online here.
For more information visit the event page.

Ziggy’s by The Sea
208 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Food Events

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Celebration at Blockade Runner

Chow down beachside and dance the night away at Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Music will be provided by a North Carolina party band, Risse, which specializes in Motown classics and beach music. Event attendees can also enjoy a dessert buffet and Champagne toast!

Event begins at 7pm. Tickets are $18 to $300. Contact Blockade Runner Beach Resort for tickets and package options at 910-256-2251.
For more information visit the event page.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort
275 Waynick Blvd
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

The New Year’s Eve Dinner at Sweet N’ Savory Cafe

This New Year’s dinner will feature the restaurant’s dinner menu with some special additions. Reservations are not required but recommended.

Dinner will be served from 4pm to 9pm.
For more information visit the event website.

Sweet N’ Savory Cafe
1611 Pavillion Place
Wilmington, NC 28403

Galas and Fundraisers

Thalian Hall’s New Years Eve Gala

The evening at Thalian Hall will include dinner, drinks, dessert, and a sensational performance of the Broadway Musical, Memphis, produced by Cape Fear Theatre Arts, one of Wilmington’s most respected community theatre ensembles. After the show, ring in 2016 with a live DJ, dancing, and a champagne toast!

Event begins at 7pm. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased here.
For more information visit the event website.

Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

A Great Gatsby Gala at Sir Tyler Terraces

The U’Nique Community Fund is hosting the 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Gala at The Terraces on Sir Tyler featuring dinner catered by Middle of the Island, live music by Sonic Spectrum, an open bar, silent auction, and a champagne toast at midnight. Twenties/Gatsby attire is encouraged but not required.

Event begins at 8pm. Tickets are $125 per person and are required- space is limited.
For tickets and more information, visit the event website.

The Terraces on Sir Tyler
1826 Sir Tyler Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405

New Year’s Eve Gala at Beau Rivage Golf and Resort

This Gala will benefit the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital and features a complimentary drink, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, party favors, a cash bar and a Champagne toast at midnight! Hotel room packages are also available.

Event begins at 8pm. Tickets start at $60 per person.
For more information, visit the event page.

Beau Rivage Golf and Resort
649 Rivage Prom
Wilmington, North Carolina 28412

For Brew Lovers

Brew Years Eve at Flytrap Brewing

Ring in the New Year at Flytrap with special beer releases -Apricot Saison anyone?- live music from Striking Copper and a special food menu by 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine!

Event begins at 3pm, 2 Bros menu begins at 7pm and Striking Copper begins at 9:30pm. This is not a ticketed event.
For more information visit the event page.

Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Fermental

Ring in the New Year at Fermental with good brews, live music from soul-funk-reggae-rock trio DT3 and local folksters, Kyle Lindley & Nick Simon; a champagne toast at midnight; and an appearance by the T’Geaux Boys Food Truck.

Event begins at 8pm. This is not a ticketed event.
Formore information, visit the event website.

Fermental
7250-B Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28411

Comedy

New Year’s Eve Comedy with Chris Fairbanks

Head to the Dead Crow Comedy Club to laugh in the New Year with Chris Fairbanks, who has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel.

Event times are 8pm and 10pm. Call (910) 399-1492 for ticket information.
For more information visit the event website.

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

‘Foreplay’ at City Stage

Enjoy an evening of comedy and improv with ‘Foreplay’ from the Fake Brothers at City Stage along with an open bar, DJ and dance party.

Event begins at 9pm. Tickets are $50 (all inclusive) per person.
For more information visit the event page.

City Stage Co.
21 N Front St, Ste 501
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401

We hope you all have a wonderful end to the year and remember to find a ride if you are enjoying libations while celebrating!

Spread The Cheer with #DPCOCheer!

There are only a few days left until Christmas and our spirit is in full swing! As we share our holiday memories, we invite you to do the same for your chance to win!

Tag a holiday photo with #DPCOCheer on Instagram and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card to K38 Baja Grill! We head to K38 quite often and can’t get enough of the ambiance and incredible salsa.

We’ll be selecting one lucky winner on Monday, December 28th so let those filters fly!

Wilmington Weekend Guide: December 18th – 20th

It’s the weekend! Happy Friday everyone! We are in full holiday spirits here at the Dianne Perry & Company office.

Did you see how we’re spreading the cheer? You won’t want to miss out!

We’ve rounded up great local events for this week’s weekend guide and don’t forget to check out our Complete Guide to Holiday Events in Wilmington for activities and events to help boost your holiday cheer!

Holly Jolly Christmas

Stop by Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts in downtown Wilmington for fun door prizes, refreshments, and holiday festivities!

Friday, December 18, 2015 and Saturday, December 19, 2015, 10am to 8pm.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the Port City Pottery website.

Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts
The Cotton Exchange
307 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Holiday Lights Tours

View holiday lights with the Wilmington Trolley Company presents Holiday Lights Tours, complete with a guide!

December 15, 2015 through December 23, 2015. Tours begin at 6pm and 7:30pm.
Admission is $12 per person.
For more information, visit the Wilmington Trolley Company website.

Wilmington Trolley Company
15 South Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Groove Fetish Christmas Jam

The Groove Fetish Christmas Jam at the Coastline Convention Center in downtown Wilmington, NC, is a two-day event with food and wine, beer from Good Hops Brewing, activities for kids, tye-dye station, face painting, Santa Claus, photobooth, and features live music!

Friday, December 18, 2015 and Saturday, December 19, 2015 12pm to midnight.
Admission is $20.00 to $30.00.
For tickets and more information, visit the event page.

Coastline Convention Center
503 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Polar Express Day

Join the Children’s Museum in downtown Wilmington in your pajamas for a live reading of the Polar Express, along with fun crafts and refreshments.

Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 9am.
Admission is $8.75 to $9.75.
For more information, visit the Children Museum’s website.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Christmas Caroling with Santa and His Reindeer

Take a ride with Horsedrawn Tours and belt your heart out with Christmas Caroling with Santa and His Special “Reindeer.”

December 18, 2015 through December 24, 2015, 6pm to 10pm.
Admission is $5.00 to $12.00.
For more information, visit the Horsedrawn Tours website.

Horsedrawn Tours
Market Street Between Front and Water
Wilmington, NC 28401

Have a great weekend Wilmington!

Is Your Home to Blame for Winter Allergies?

We usually think of allergies in the spring, where the blooming environment brings tortuous pollen with the warmer weather. But allergies exist throughout all seasons, including the winter. While you don’t have outdoor allergens during the winter, there are several indoor allergens that could be culprits of your sneezing or stuffy nose. Below we’re sharing some common causes of winter allergies and how to tackle them!

Dust Mites

Dust Mites are one of the most common indoor allergens and they generally thrive in humid rooms and in temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees. To avoid excess dust mites, clean, vacuum, and dust regularly! Wash your sheets and linens weekly in hot water to remove any dust mites. If you find that dust is lingering, check out GroomedHome’s awesome dusting hacks for super thorough dusting!

Pets

Pets that shed can add to indoor allergies and further agitate the air quality in your home. Bathe and groom your furry friends regularly and be sure to vacuum often!

Dry Indoor Air

Turning on your heat will create drier air and will dry up your nose and skin! If the dry air is particularly irritating, try adding a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Mold

Indoor mold tends to grow in damp and dark environments (such as basements) and can cause allergies and illness. Treat mold with a cleaner containing bleach and consult a professional for larger patches of mold. BUT it could also be mildew! Check out our post on Mold vs. Mildew and how to eliminate both!