Wilmington Weekend Guide October: 9th – October 11th

The weekend is here and we’re excited not only because there is less rain in the forecast this weekend, but because there are a ton of amazing events going on in the Wilmington area! Check out our Wilmington Weekend Guide below.

An Evening with Devils Backbone Brewing Company at Fermental

(Image by Christina Haley, via Port City Daily)

Fermental, a great local beer shop with an outdoor beer garden, is showcasing the Devils Backbone Brewing Company from Lexington, Virginia. The event will feature samples, giveaways, live music, and the Funky Fresh Food Truck.

Friday October 9^that 6:00 PM.
This is a free event with food and beverage for sale.
For more information, visit Fermental’s website.

Fermental
7250 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28411

Paranormal Ghost Tour at Poplar Grove Plantation

(Image via WhatsonWilmington.com)

The Paranormal Ghost Tour at Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington, NC is led every Friday in October. Ghostly activity is abound in the Manor house, particularly in the dining room, upstairs hallway and the children’s room. Tours also feature tales of true crimes of passion!

Tours are held every Friday in October and begin on the hour and last from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Tour groups are limited to 15 people and are $15.00 for adults. Reserve your space in advance by calling Felicia Green at 910-686-9518 x103.
For more information visit the Poplar Grove website.

Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 Us Highway 17
Wilmington, NC

Back Door Kitchen Tour

(Image via Wikipedia)

Itching to get a look inside of some the beautiful homes in the historic downtown? This Saturday is your chance to get a glimpse! The Back Door Kitchen tour is a self led tour that allows the public to visit nine distinguished kitchens in the historic downtown area. Some of the kitchens include a Fifth Avenue mansion, a 1898 bungalow, and a Front Street home once occupied by President Woodrow Wilson.

Saturday, October 10^th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and can be purchased online here.
For more information visit the Residents of Old Wilmington website.

Various locations in the historic district, see website for details.

Taste of Wrightsville Beach

(Image via Wrightsville Beach Foundation)

Enjoy local food, beer, and wine from over 30 local businesses celebrating the unique tastes of the Wrightsville Beach area!

Saturday, October 10^th at 5:00 PM
Tickets are $25.00 to $100.00.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation website.

Oceanfront by MarineMax
130 Short St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Port City Rumble Car Show

(Image via Port City Rumble on Facebook)

Don’t miss jalopies, choppers, cars, bikes and more at the Port City Rumble Car Show. All the featured vehicles are built before 1967!

Saturday October 10^th, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, check out the event page on Facebook.

Between Princess and 2^nd Street in downtown Wilmington.

Star Wars Day at The Northeast Regional Library

(Image via Northeast Regional Library)

Kids and their families are invited to dress up and enjoy Star Wars Day at the Northeast Regional Library featuring games, crafts, and activities.

Saturday, October 10^th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the Northeast Regional Library’s website.

Northeast Regional Library
1241 Military Cutoff Road
Wilmington, NC 28405

A zombie, a vampire, and a werewolf walk into a bar… Presented by TheatreNow

(Image via TheatreNOW)

Is it panic, pandemonium and mayhem when these high powered ladies of the night go out for a night on the town? Not really. Try trivia, karaoke and a bachelorette party? These ladies of the evening are sure to show you the meaning of “eat your heart out” in more ways than one. This performance is recommended for mature audiences only. Join TheatreNow for this fun performance complete with a Halloween themed dinner!

October 9^th – October 31^st (Fridays and Saturdays only). Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show begins at 7PM.
Tickets are $20.00 (dinner excluded) to $34.00.
For more information, visit TheatreNow’s website.

TheatreNOW
19 South 10th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

The 22nd Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival

(Image via Pleasure Island on Facebook)

Enjoy nationally recognizes Blues and Jazz performers, coastal cuisine and fun for all ages at this festival. In addition to the several amazing artists, the festival will also have some shopping, wine tasting, and magicians, face painting, and inflatables for the kids.

October 10^th – October 11^th, gates open at 11:00 AM.
Tickets range from $25.00 to $100.00 with two day and single day offers.
For the musician lineup and for more information, visit the Pleasure Island website.

Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area
118 Riverfront Road
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Our Favorite Fall Decorating Ideas

There’s nothing we love more than celebrating the arrival of fall with sweaters, hot coffee, pumpkin everything, and of course, fall decorations. We love coming home to a house highlighting the beautiful golden and maroon hues of fall and the rustic feel of a cool autumn day. There are so many creative ways to showcase the season and below we’re sharing some of favorite fall decorating ideas.

Corn Stalks

(Image via Homes.com)

Corn stalks are an elegant addition to any home entrance! We love them paired with a bold pot or with a seasonal pop of color like this fall garland above. Plus, their height is a great way to provide a grandiose feel.

Flowers in Pumpkin Pots

(Image via Iheartnaptime.com)

Iheartnaptime has a great DIY for pumpkin flower pots using faux pumpkins, however you can carve out a real pumpkin as well. We think having several pumpkin pots lining the stairs to a home entrance would provide a great fall look, but we also love them paired with an urn, as shown above.

White Pumpkins and Light Color Palettes

(Image via designdininganddiapers.com)

We can’t get enough of the simple yet modern look that white pumpkins and cool tones provide. Pair with wood pallets or simple plants and you have a clean and stylish spread.

…Or White Pumpkins and A Contrasting Tone

(Image via centsationalgirl.com)

Another great pairing for white pumpkins is a contrasting tone or tones. We love the regal feel Centsational Girl created with the purple hues above. White pumpkins would also pair well with some deep red flowers and plants. You could even do a black and red theme for a modern Halloween or gothic inspired look.

Burlap Wreaths

(Image via OurSentiments on Etsy)

This wreath is easy enough to DIY and provides a fun shabby chic look. We love the monogram added here, but this wreath could also fit the season with faux fall leaves or flowers. This wreath could also be dressed up for the winter holidays with Christmas tree bulbs, pine, or faux poinsettias.

What are your favorite ways to decorate for fall? Is there one decorating essential you can’t live without? Share with us below or on Facebook! And be sure to tag us in any fall inspired decor on Instagram!

Wilmington Notices and Closures: October 2nd – October 4th 2015

The rain has already begun in Wilmington and the it looks like we can expect quite a bit more rain over the weekend. A flood warning is currently in effect and road closures and delays are already being reported. We’ve gathered the latest information on Wilmington notices, the forecast, road conditions, school dismissals and local events below.

Flooding:

Wilmington is expected to receive 7-10 inches of rain this weekend.
A flood warning for New Hanover County has been issued from October 2^nd beginning at 9:55 AM lasting until October 5^th, at 1:27 AM.
New Hanover County Officials say Storm Surge, Overwash, and Coastal Flooding will impact the area’s beaches.
New Hanover County has declared a state of emergency effective at 6:00 PM, today, October 2nd.

(Image via readync.org)

Schools:

All Columbus County schools will be released early today, October 2nd. The early dismissal will be at 12:00 PM.
New Hanover Schools are operating on regular hours.
Whiteville City Schools will be released early today, October 2nd. The early dismissal is scheduled for 12:30 PM.
Pender County Schools will release students two hours early, today, October 2^nd.
Brunswick County Schools are dismissing students early today, October 2^nd. The high school is releasing students at 11:45 AM, middle school students at 12:00 PM and elementary school students at 12:45 PM

Roads:

“Turn around, don’t drown” public service announcements are airing. Avoid driving in flooded areas.
New Hanover County: The 6200 block of Murrayville Road is flooded and is being reported as currently impassible. The 6700 block of Amsterdam Way and 500 block of Old Mill Road in Castle Hayne are reportedly flooded, but open. An earlier accident on northbound College Road at the MLK intersection is reported to be cleared. Leland traffic is reportedly backed up heading into Wilmington.
Brunswick County: Dorsey Lane, Jamestown Road, Ash Little River Road, and NC 133 (River Road) near the Olde Fort Golf Course are currently reported as flooded.
Pender County: Flooding has been reported in the Stag Park area, on Highway 50 near the Pender-Duplin County line, in the 1500 block of Highway 210, on Shaw Highway near 210 in Rocky Point, and in parts of Herrings Chapel Road

Stay up to date with traffic conditions and road closures through North Carolina Department of Transportation and local media and news outlets.

Events:

Riverfest has been postponed.
Run for the Tatas has been postponed to Saturday, October 10^th.
Art in the Arborteum in Wilmington has been postponed until October 9-11.
Beach Sweep at Carolina Beach has been postponed until October 17^th.
Family Fun Day at The Children’s Museum of Wilmington has been postponed until May.
The Garden Party at Greenfield Lake in Wilmington has been postponed.
The Salvation Army Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to October 19^th.

More event closures and postponements in the area can be found here.

Anything we missed? Share with us in the comments below and on our Facebook Page. We hope everyone stays safe and dry this weekend.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

By now, we’re sure that you’ve heard about Hurricane Joaquin and how the storm will impact the weather in Wilmington this weekend. While the hurricane path is still being tracked, it looks as though Wilmington will see heavy rain and winds from the storm.

(Image via WWAY.com)

Development on the storm can be found online at The National Hurricane Center or locally at WWAY Hurricane Center. As of 1:00 PM today, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina.

In addition to keeping an eye on the storm, below are some hurricane and storm preparedness tips:

Make sure you have any emergency supplies you may need. We suggest bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a battery operated radio and extra batteries. Ready.gov has a basic disaster supply list here and readync.gov offers local information and preparedness tips.

Move lawn, patio, or balcony furniture indoors or to an area where it will not be impacted by high winds.

Fill your car’s gas tank prior to the heavy weather.

Make sure you have some cash on hand.

Pick up any medications prior to the storm.

Keep your phone plugged in before the storm hits to have full battery life if the power goes out.

Have important contact numbers on hand and saved in your phone.

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting so that food will last longer if the power goes out.

Check and secure rain gutters.

Close your windows, doors, and shutters.

Gather supplies for your pets too! Be sure their collars are on securely and that their leashes are close by. It is best to take your pets with you, so make sure to have a plan that includes them in an event of an emergency.

Know your evacuation route (if you have one) and listen for any evacuation instructions from officials. Do not drive during the storm or if your area is experiencing dangerous winds or flooding.

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!

National Coffee Day: Our 6 Favorite Local Coffee Shops in Wilminton, NC

Grinders Caffé

Tucked away on Wrightsville Avenue, Grinders Caffé is a great spot for unwinding or for crunch time. Grinders brews a different coffee flavor each day and also offers coffee ice cubes in their iced beverages! They also offer a 10% discount for students and Cape Fear Hospital employees with a valid ID.

Grinders Caffe is located on 5032 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
(Image via Facebook).

Luna Caffé

We could spend every rainy day at Luna Caffe on Castle Street. Luna features great espresso drinks, coffee, and some bottled drinks and snacks. The large windows are perfect for people watching, but the tables also have games like connect four to enjoy with friends.

Luna Caffee is located at 604 Castle Street Wilmington, NC 28401. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
(Image via Facebook).

Folks Café

Folks Café has locations on Princess Street and N 4^th Street in Wilmington and features organic and fair trade coffee, with the beans roasted in house! Both locations offer warm service, smooth coffee, and delicious bites.

Folks Café is located at 1201 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401 and 706 N 4^th Street Wilmington, NC 28401. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
(Image via Facebook).

The Post Café

The Post Café is a new addition to the Wrightsville Beach area and is the epitome of cute beach café. The Post Café offers several coffee options and specializes in locally roasted, organic, and fair trade coffees. They also offer a selection of baked goods, snacks, wine and beer. Go for the coffee, stay for the great service and beach views.

The Post Café is located at 708 S Lumina Ave Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
(Image via Facebook).

Java Dog

Java Dog has a fantastic location in The Cotton Exchange and is just a few minutes from Riverwalk, making it a great place to grab a cup of coffee before taking a stroll downtown. The interior is cozy but quaint with brick and a vintage Wrigley’s Gum print on the wall. Stop by today for National Coffee Day and enjoy a medium coffee and a muffin for only $3.00, or a medium mocha latte for only $3.50!

Java Dog is located at 303 N Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
(Image via Facebook)

Beau’s Coffee

We’re excited to add Beau’s Coffee to our list of favorite coffee spots in Wilmington! Opened in 2016, Beau’s Coffee not only serves up delicious coffee but also provides job opportunities for adults with disabilities. We’re grateful to have such a wonderful place in our community and we’re not the only ones taking notice- Beau’s was recently featured on the Rachel Ray Show!

Beau’s is located at 4414 Wrightsville Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403. Check out their website for more information.
(Image via Beau’s website)

And if you’re ever visiting our office, don’t miss out on our own Welcome Coffee Bar!

Wilmington Weekend Guide: September 25th – September 27th

It’s Friday, fall is here and we are ready for the weekend! There is a lot going on in Wilmington and the surrounding areas, so we’ve rounded up some of the activities and events that we are most excited for. Check them out below!

NC Spot Festival

Don’t miss the live music, inflatables, food, and arts at this festival! Admission is $3.00 and children 12 and under are free. Spot Dinners are $8.00 and include two spot fish (one of the area’s best-tasting and most popular fish), hush puppies, fries and coleslaw.
For more information, check out the NC Spot Festival website and Facebook page.

Friday, September 25^th 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, September 26^th8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, September 27^th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

14221 U.S. 17
Hwy 17 Across from Deerfield
Hampstead, NC 28443
(Image via Facebook)

Cirque Italia

Cirque Italia is a water based circus (no animals) with a custom designed water stage that features 35,000 gallons of water! Performers include Laser Man, Hair Hang, High Energy Juggling, Chinese Pole and Slinky Act. Tickets are $10.00 – $50.00, depending upon seating level. See their website for more details and tickets.

Friday, September 25^th 7:30 PM
Saturday, September 26^th 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
Sunday, September 27^th, 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Wilmington International Airport
1740 Airport Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28405
(Image via Cirque Italia website)

Fall Festival & Corn Maze

If you’ve already had one too many pumpkin spice lattes, then don’t miss the Fall Festival and Corn Maze for all things autumn. Enjoy a corn maze shaped like our state, hay rides, farm animals and giant slides. Perfect for kids. Admission is $7.00 – $30.00 with several packages available. See their website for more information.

Friday, September 25^th 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 26^th1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 27^th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Located at Hubb’s Corn Maze
10444 US Hwy 421 North
Clinton, NC 28328 (About a 1.5 hour drive from Wilmington, NC)
(Image via whatsonwilmington.com)

Ceviche’s 1 Year Anniversary Party

If you haven’t had ceviche from Ceviche yet, you are missing out. Stop by on Sunday and enjoy live music, free samples, and t-shirts. If this is your first visit, don’t miss the Los Camarones ceviche or the BLT Arepas.

Sunday, September 27^th beginning at 12:00 PM

Ceviche
7210 Wrightsville Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28405
(Image via Ceviche)

How To Boost Your Mood At Home

You unlock your door and take a huge sigh as you enter your home. There are some dishes left in the sink, mail scattered across the countertops and to do lists and post-its swallowing your desk. Instead of being a welcoming oasis after a long day at work, it is just more stress. Does this scene sound familiar? You’re certainly not alone, but there are plenty of good ways (and some scientific ways!) to make your home more relaxing. Below we’re sharing the science of home decor and a few of our personal tips for relaxation at home.

Contain the mess. While we can all agree this is usually easier said than done, keeping a tidy home will help you feel more organized and relaxed. Try making a schedule for cleaning or complete chores as soon as you get home to get them out of the way. If organization is a recurring problem, look to Pinterest or Home Decor sites for home organization ideas.
Add a scent. Adding a scent to your space can reduce stress and even lift your mood. If you’re worried about candles, essential oils and diffusers are a great alternative. Lavender and vanilla are great scents for relaxation, but we recommend searching for a scent that appeals most to you.
Fresh air. When possible, opening the window is a great way to improve the circulation in your home and clean out any unwanted scents. Plus, we can’t think of anything better than sitting by a refreshing breeze.

Do you have any tips for decorating or relaxation? Share them in the comments! We would love to hear them!

3 Things to Consider When Finding Your Dream Home

So you’ve decided to buy your dream home. Congratulations! You’ve been pre-approved, know your budget, and have a list of what you’re looking for. Here are three other tips to help you make the right investment:

1. Do Your Research on The Neighborhood

It is easy to be swayed by a beautiful house with all the right features, but don’t forget to investigate the neighborhood. Are you close enough to everything you need, like grocery stores and pharmacies? Or if you want peace and quiet, are you far enough away from noisy streets? Consider what kind of neighborhood you would like to be in before you begin your search so that you can be sure you love where you live

2. Know the Age of the Property

You’ve found the cutest house of your dreams, straight out of an old Hollywood movie. But, does it need some TLC? Will certain aspects of the house need to be brought up to date? Be aware of the age of a property and any necessary work that may need to be completed. It is also important to consider if modern upgrades will truly be feasible in the home. Determine how much work you are willing to do and what you want to have move in ready.

wood-trees-house-branches
3. Consider Size & Space

Be realistic about how much space you want and need. Having enough space is crucial, but having too much space can be overwhelming. If you know that you will have visitors frequently, be sure that the property has enough space so that you don’t feel crowded. If you are trying to downgrade, make sure that you can easily manage maintenance and cleaning of the property. If there is too much space, the upkeep may become difficult or costly. Be realistic about what kind of space you want -inside and outside- and you will be perfectly content in your new home.

Have any tips we missed? Sound off in the comments!