Additionally, Brunswick County demonstrated some strong real estate growth with June registering the highest total dollar sales month for 2011. The total dollar sales rose by 9 percent for the first half of the 2011 compared to 2010.

Finally, average prices rose by 7 percent for the area served by the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors–New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties–sales rose by 3% in June compared with a year earlier, while average price increased by 1 percent and the dollar volume of homes sold increased by 4 percent.

Details from many local developments, which typically don’t report sales data to area Realtor associations demonstrate some strong growth for top master-planned communities. Those that continue to market to the Baby Boomer demographic are realizing continued sales growth, with marketing success principally coming from online activities. To learn more about coastal North Carolina top master-planned communities visit www.CarolinaOceanLiving.com.

Carolina Ocean Living is please to announce the addition of Porter’s Neck Plantation to our collection of fine coastal North Carolina communities. Located just minutes to the historic river front downtown of Wilmington, NC, Porters Neck Plantation encompasses 650 acres of unspoiled coast land adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. Offering residents a myriad of attractive resort-like amenities, including an acclaimed Tom Fazio private golf course, residents’ club house, and top tennis facilities. Learn more about Porter’s Neck Plantation.

Carolina Ocean Living is please to announce the addition of Spring Mill Plantation to our collection of fine coastal North Carolina communities. Spring Mill Plantation is conveniently located in Calabash, North Carolina just minutes to the exciting attractions, shopping and entertainment of Myrtle Beach and the pristine beaches of southeastern North Carolina, including Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. Spring Mill Plantation residents enjoy a host of quality amenities, including outdoor pool, private residents’ club house, lounge, fitness room, walking trails and more.

Community News & Events

Compass Pointe

Special Visitation Package

Compass Pointe is offering a special visitation package, including 4 days/3 nights with accommodations at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Additionally, guest may enjoy breakfast each morning, horse & carriage ride through historic Wilmington, Wilmington area tour, developer hosted cocktail party and personalized tour of Compass Pointe, all for $199.00. Available August 25^th- 28^th only! Make Your Reservation

Compass Pointe is Bringing North Carolina To You

Compass Pointe is coming to a town near you. Join Compass Pointe for one of their fall private receptions being held in Hauppauge, NJ and Red Bank, NJ. Make Your Reservation

Sunset Ridge & The Retreat

Fall Sales Event

Join Sunset Ridge and The Retreat October 22-23, 2011 for their fall sales celebration. Join Sunset Ridge and The Retreat this fall and take advantage of a special pricing and purchase incentives, including a choice 1 year paid golf membership, boat storage paid for one year, or one year fitness club membership. Those attending may enjoy lunch, dinner, drinks, tours of the islands and area, free golf or fishing charter, and tours of both Sunset Ridge and The Retreat at Ocean Isle Beach. Learn More

Ocean Ridge Plantation

Renovating Lion’s Paw Golf Course

Ocean Ridge Plantation announced that in an effort to continue to provide one of the top golf experiences in southeastern North Carolina they will be replacing their bentgrass greens to Mine-Verde Bermudagrass on their Lion’s Paw golf course. The golf course is scheduled to reopen August 30th, in time for a round in the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship.

Area Events

15th Annual East Coast Wahine Surfing Tournament

Aug. 20, 2011 – Aug. 21, 2011

In 2011 the East Coast Wahines will be celebrating 15 years of women’s surfing! Please join us August 20-21 for two days of competition. Divisions will include shortboard, longboard, bodyboard, and novice – all ages, from grooms to goddesses! The contest will be held in the heart of Wrightsville Beach – the downtown business district and one of the best-known surf breaks around, Columbia Street. To lear more call 800-650-8921 or email visit@capefearcoast.com.

NC Oyster Festival Surf Contest-Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Saturday, September 10th

Contest Set-up time 7am, Check in for first heat 7:45am, First event 8am.
Entry Fees are $20 for the first division and
$10 for the second.
Entries must be received by September 6th, 2011. Click here for entry form.

The Wedding Experience

October 25, 2011, 12 Noon

Encounter a bridal expo like no other. You’ll enjoy delectably decadent hors d’oeuvres, passed champagne, dancing and a savvy show of the latest wedding fashions. Designed for having fun while discovering new ideas, amazing vendors, and those special finishing touches that make for a most memorable forever-after day, admission is only $5 per person. Find everything unique and special at Poplar Grove Plantation’s “Wedding Experience”. Call 910-686-9518 x27 or wendy@poplargrove.com

Poplar Grove Plantation

10200 US Highway 17

Wilmington, NC 28411

www.poplargrove.com

Dr. John and The Lower 911

October 5, 2011, 6:00 PM

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime appearance as Dr. John and The Lower 911 make their way to the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. This Rock & Roll hall of fame inductee has received 5 Grammy Awards in his storied career, and is the name sake for the countries largest music festival, Bonnaroo. Tickets available at Gravity Records or online at www.983thepenguin.com

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive

Wilmington, NC 28401

Jazz at the CAM with Frank Bongiorno

October 6, 2011, 6:30 PM

The winter jazz series returns with the collaboration between CAM and the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Hear the best mix of musicians and jazz genres in the area. Admission charged. Series and/or individual tickets are available. Call 910-395-5999 or www.capefearjazz.com

Cameron Art Museum

3201 S. 17th Street

Wilmington, NC 28412

www.cameronartmuseum.com

Riverfest 2011

October 7-9, 2011

When downtown Wilmington’s streets host a family fun festival that winds its way along the Cape Fear River. Continuous live entertainment is featured on two outdoor stages during this festival that celebrates the area’s rich heritage with music, arts and crafts, exhibits, dance performances, contests, children’s activities, food, river events, friendly competitions, fireworks and more. For more information call 910.452.6862.

Downtown Wilmington

Water Street

Wilmington, NC 28401

www.wilmingtonriverfest.com

31st Annual Oyster Festival-Ocean isle Beach, NC

October 15th and 16th

Join the fun for Ocean Isle Beach’s annual fall Oyster Festival. The North Carolina Oyster Festival will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, festival food, a road race, kid’s areas, the Oyster Shucking Championship, and an Oyster Stew Cook-off. To learn more visit www.ncoysterfestival.com.

Oyster Festival Road Race, Ocean Isle Beach, NC

October 16th, 2011

Ocean Isle Beach 5K, 10K
and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Fun Run begins at 8am, 5K and
10K begin at 8:30am

Details:

• Race Photography Will Be Available.
• $1,700 Cash Prizes* (split between winners)
• Dri Wick T-Shirt for 5K & 10K
• Race Medal for ALL Participants
• Free Admission to NC Oyster Festival

For more information visit Road Race or register.

Nick Bradley, author of “The 7 Laws of the Golf Swing” and instructor for PGA Tour professionals including Justin Rose, Kevin Chappell and Brad Faxon, has partnered with former European Tour professional Martin Sludds to open the new academy.

Ocean Ridge Plantation member clinics are set for 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday’s at Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, non-member clinics follow at 11:30 a.m. the same days, junior clinics are set for 3 p.m. Saturdays, women’s clinics are 10 a.m. Mondays, and senior men’s clinics are set for Lion’s Paw at 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Customized packages for individual golfers are planned, with V1 Golf Video analysis available.

Carolina Ocean Living is pleased to announce the addition of Magnolia Greens, located in Leland, North Carolina. Located just minutes to historic downtown Wilmington, shopping, entertainment and area beaches, Magnolia Greens offers a host of top resort-like amenities, including a 27 hole championship golf course, two pools, fitness center, tennis courts, aerobics studio, playground and much more. Magnolia Greens real estate options include single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and custom-home homesites.

Carolina Ocean Living is pleased to announce the addition of Meadowlands, located in Calabash, North Carolina. Located in the quaint port town of Calabash, Meadowlands offers residents a tranquil and natural setting just minutes to area beaches and the excitement of Myrtle Beach. Meadowlands residents may enjoy a 18 hole Willard Byrd designed championship golf course, community club house complete with exercise room, lounge, outdoor pool and more. Meadowlands real estate options include single family custom built homes and custom home lots.

Community News and Events

Brunswick Forest
Leland, North Carolina
Coastal Cottages Offered By Popular Demand
Spring 2011

A limited first release of newly designed single-family homes is scheduled for the spring of this year at Brunswick Forest. The Coastal Cottages at Meadow Park were created following repeated requests from interested buyers seeking a high quality, low maintenance single-family home at a lower price point. Charm is an essential element of the homes. Designed with deep roots in the Coastal South, the elevated homes feature a distinctive coastal cottage architectural style combined with contemporary amenities and conveniences. A cozy front porch, plank siding, metal roofs and other elements evoke coastal cottage elements from an earlier part of the 20th century. The homes are expected to be attractive to a variety of buyers. One category includes the active pre-retiree/retiree looking to downsize from their current home. There’s also a strong second home market, which is especially attractive if those buyers are seeking rental income. Some of The Cottages will be used to house prospective purchasers visiting Brunswick Forest on the community’s 3 day/2 night Coastal Discovery Packages, which will soon include accommodations on-site. Located in the Meadow Park section of Brunswick Forest close to the Fitness and Wellness Center and The Villages medical, professional and retail center, a first phase of only thirteen homes will be released. The first of at least three fully furnished models are expected to be built by mid-year, although sales reservations are set to begin shortly.

Italian Festival
June 4th, 2011

Hosted and organized by Brunswick Forest property owners, join residents as the prepare their favorite Italian dishes for all to enjoy and celebrate the food and wine of Italy. The fantastic turnout from last year is sure to be another great crowd of Brunswick Forest owners, visitors and guest. You only need to bring is your appetite.

Grand Opening of New Community Park
June 11, 2011

Join Brunswick Forest for the Grand Opening of the newest community park. The opening of our newest park, Hammock Lake, is set to begin at 11:00 am and will include a community wide cookout, southern style, with activities, including a 2 man cardboard boat race.

Concert in the Park
June 10-12, July 8-10 and August 12-14, Click to make your reservation

Join Brunswick Forest invites you to celebrate summer with one of their summer concert series weekends. Schedule a visit for these weekends and take advantage of a 3 day/2 night weekend including luxury accommodations, Friday night concert, Saturday night reception and your own VIP tour of Brunswick Forest for just $99 per couple*

Compass Pointe
Northwest, North Carolina
Private Reception May 10-May 11, Click to reserve your seats

Compass Pointe is taking the beach to you . Compass Pointe’s is offering the opportunity for you to learn more about their award winning community by attending one of their private receptions. Compass Pointe will be offer private receptions at two convenient locations including:

May 10th
Conshohocken, PA Philadelphia
Marriott West

May 11th
Warren, NJ Somerset
Hills Hotel

Weekend Getaway
May 19th-May 22nd, Click to make your reservation

Join Compass Pointe at the Holiday Inn Resort on May 19-20, 2011 and learn about the lifestyle and amenities or their resort-style community. Enjoy the beautiful Holiday Inn Resort in sunny Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina for the weekend. Plus, meet Compass Pointe’s developers at a private cocktail reception at the resort’s gathering room on May 20th, 7 pm-until. Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights for just $199 per couple.

Crow Creek
Calabash, North Carolina

Crow Creek announces 40% off their inventory of beautiful golf front townhomes. Crow Creek townhome floor plans range in size from 1,150 to 1,500 square feet and offer 2 and 3 bedroom, screen porches and well appointed kitchens.

Palmetto Creek
Bolivia, North Carolina

Poolside Party June 10, 2011

Join Palmetto Creek for a great evening around our beautiful pool. Friday, June 10, 2011. Meet our great property owners, staff and developers for this great summer evening along North Carolina’s sensational coast!

Carolina Ocean Living is pleased to announce addition of Arbor Landing, located in Ocean Isle Beach and Sandpiper Bay, located in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

News and Events

Rourk Woods

Rourk Woods Partners with Bill Clark Homes

Rourk Woods, Located in Shallotte, North Carolina, announced that it is partnering with the areas top builders to provide quality homes at excellent values. The new home offering includes fantastic values such as a 1,475 sq/ft homes beginning in the low $170s and homes over 3,100 beginning at $237k.

Waterford of the Carolinas

Steven’s Fine homes offers new attractive pricing

Steven’s Fine homes announced drastic price reductions on their current home inventory in Orchid Bay at Waterford, including the Mimosa and Birch plans.

Grayson Park

Special Purchase Incentives

Grayson Park is offering a $10,000 credit to the first 5 home owners in their new Reunion neighborhood in their design studio or toward closing costs. 1,400 sq/ft Energy Star PLUS Certified homes start at just $149,000!

Palmetto Creek

Announces Spring Community Social Events

Join Palmetto Creek of the Carolinas for one of their community social events taking place Friday, April 15 & Friday May 13. Meet the developer, builders and residents. Make your appointment to visit before March 31 and take advantage of their specially priced $99.00, 3 day/2 night visitation package*.

Compass Pointe

Compass Pointe Is Bring the Beach To You

Compass Pointe’s is offering the opportunity for you to learn more about their award winning community by attending one of their private receptions. Compass Pointe will be offer private receptions on two convenient dates including:

• April 12th, West Harrison, NY – Renaissance Hotel
•  April 13th, West Harrison, NY – Renaissance Hotel

Ocean Ridge Plantation

Ocean Ridge Plantation Golf course Ranked at Top

Ocean Ridge Plantation’s Leopard’s Chase Golf Course was ranked #6 in North Carolina by Golf Week for “Courses You Can Play”

Ocean Ridge Plantation

Unveils New Collection of Attractively Priced Homes

Ocean Ridge Plantation pleased to unveil the all new Signature Series Home Collection that is sure to meet today’s market needs. With home prices starting at $309,400, this special collection is destined to strike a chord with buyers as we have combined the superior design and construction quality you demand with the most competitive pricing seen in our market. The Signature Series combines visually striking architecture, an impressive array of upscale amenities and best of all at an incredibly affordable value!

Brunswick Forest

Food and Wine Festival

Reserve your place at the Brunswick Forest Food & Wine Fest and take advantage of special pricing and other home and homesite incentives.

The fastest growing community in the Coastal South is offering home sites beginning at just $75,000 and homes from the $200,000s.

Your four day/three night* getaway for two includes luxury accommodations, a welcome reception, golf at Cape Fear National^®, owner-for-a-day privileges at our Fitness and Wellness Center, boat cruises along Town Creek, a VIP tour of the extraordinary Brunswick Forest community and a full schedule of gourmet food and wine offerings. All yours for just $249 per couple*.

Brunswick Forest

Named Top 10 New Golf Courses in 2010

Congratulations to Brunswick Forest. Brunswick Forest’s Cape Fear National (Tim Cate Design) received the dubious honor of being one the top 10 Best New Golf Courses You Can Play for 2010 by Golf Magazine.

Area Events

64th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival

 Apr. 6, 2011 – Apr. 10, 2011

Wilmington, NC

More information:  www.ncazaleafestival.org

58th Annual Azalea Garden Tour

 Apr. 8, 2011 10:00 AM – Apr. 10, 2011 6:00 PM

Wilmington, NC

 “Picture Perfect Gardens.” Enjoy Southern hospitality amid the glorious color of azaleas and other spring flowers.

The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour© opens Friday with the colorful Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Queen’s Garden Party at Greenfield Lake where the idea of the NC Azalea Festival began.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony opening the 12-garden tour features Summerall Guards, the Citadel’s elite senior drill team, escorting 125 Azalea Belles dressed in authentic antebellum gowns. The Belles will also be in each garden on the tour.

More Information: www.ncazaleafestival.org

Oak Island Lighthouse 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Apr. 16, 2011 8:30 AM – Apr. 16, 2011 12:00 PM

Oak Island, NC

Annual Oak Island Lighthouse Fun Run. The 10K route runs over the Oak Island Bridge through tree lined streets on Oak Island, past the beachfront and Oak Island Lighthouse, ending at the NC Baptist Assembly in Fort Caswell. 5K follows the same route but will begin near Caswell Beach Town Hall. 1 Mile Fun Run for children 10 and under will be held starting & finishing at the NC Baptist Assembly beginning at 9:30 am.

More Information: www.lighthouse10k.com

3rd Annual Brunswick Stew & Que

Apr. 16, 2011 10:00 AM – Apr. 16, 2011 4:00 PM

Shallotte, NC

 Come out and enjoy this one of a kind event! Local craft vendors, live music, kids area, barbeque, pool competition and of course, some delicious Brunswick Stew! Admission is free but you can take part in choosing the best Brunswick Stew around by purchasing a $5.00 tasting ticket. Sawgrass will perform from noon-4:00 pm so bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit back and enjoy the sounds of bluegrass and rock & roll.

A typical objection centered on the fact that they were not golfers and didn’t want to pay for an amenity that they had no intention of using. Naturally, not wanting to pay for an amenity that they wouldn’t use is understandable, however being required to pay additional fees in golf community is a common misconception.

The vast majority of golf communities featured on Carolina Ocean Living are public or semi-private courses, where the support for the course is provided specifically by golfing residents and none residents. Most, if not all, public or semi-private golf communities don’t require residents to join the course or pay additional fees. Families are more likely to pay for pools, clubhouses, and tennis facilities that they won’t use than pay for golf.

Another common concern is the idea that couples would be outsiders because they don’t golf. My experience working in golf communities revealed that approximately 50 to 60 percent of golf community residents don’t consider themselves golfers. Many communities offer a rich variety of activities and aspire to attract families by offering broad lifestyle options.

Furthermore, families from all over the country aren’t drawn to the coastal Carolinas because of the golf courses; there is golf available where they now live. Families are drawn to the Carolinas because it offers beautiful beaches, an agreeable climate, an economical cost of living, and relaxed lifestyle.

Many none golfers are attracted to golf communities because they provide a wonderful aesthetic quality to the community. The lush, manicured fairways provide a greater sense of space throughout the community and the ponds and lakes offer residents attractive views.

A home adjacent a golf hole enjoys a buffer to neighbors, resulting in more privacy and home with a fairway in back feels like an extended backyard. Better yet, the golf course feels like a well maintained backyard that someone else has to mow.

Additionally, the green spaces also serve as a haven for wildlife. With over 200 varieties of birds calling North Carolina home, both fulltime and seasonally, golf courses and the adjacent tree lined fairways, ponds and lakes are welcoming sanctuaries.

The benefits of living in a golf community go beyond just the aesthetics. The golf clubhouses provide the opportunity and convenience for onsite dining, as well as a natural gathering place for residents to meet. In many cases the golf clubhouse is available to residents for special event, banquets and offers catering.

Also, everyone has that son in-law or brother who is mad about golf and can’t wait for a visit to enjoy the beach and some time on the golf links. A golf course creates a greater attraction for family members to visit, and a family trip to spend time with mom and dad becomes more appealing.

Before you decide to exclude golf communities from your real estate search and limit your choices, think about the advantages, and I believe you will realize that there is very little downside where golf participation is optional.

Dear Newsletter Subscriber:

With the beach season in full-swing so are the great buying opportunities from many coastal communities. Enjoy significant savings from communities situated along the Carolina coast and be sure to take advantage of the visitation specials being offered by many communities. Now is a great time to get involved in the Carolina coast and we look forward to seeing you on the beach.

Community News, Events and Updates

The Retreat, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

The Retreat is offering special purhcase incentives for families purchasing in their new Bill Clark neighborhood, including $10K towards upgrades.

River’s Edge Golf Club & Plantation, Shallotte, North Carolina

Celebrate summer by exploring the North Carolina coast and experiencing the beauty of Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation^®. Although anytime of the year is beautiful there, they are celebrating summer July 24th with a specially priced $99 Coastal Experience visit. Learn more.

Brunswick Forest, Leland, North Carolina

Reserve your place with Brunswick Forest for one of there three fabulous Summer Concert performances, along with a final offering opportunity to take advantage of a limited home site release beginning at just $75,000.

Concert Dates: July 9-11, and August 20-22

Your 3 day/2 night $99 getaway* includes luxury accommodations for two, golf, a Saturday evening poolside party, a VIP tour of the fastest growing community in the Coastal South and, of course, a Friday evening concert in the park. Plus limited time home site buyer incentives including up to 90% financing (availability and other conditions may apply), an Annual Golf Pass and special introductory pricing.

Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, Bolivia, North Carolina

Join Seawatch at Sunset Harbor Saturday, July 10th for a special sales event celebrating the completion of the canoe and kayak center. Special purchase incentives will be offered on a collection of beautiful waterfront and water view properties. A specially priced visitation package is available for this weekend sales event.

Ocean Ridge Plantation, Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Join Ocean Ridge Plantation Saturday, July 10th for a their summer sales promotion and take advantage of attractive purchase incentives on specially priced land and home packages. Participating families may tour 2 new model home premiering that weekend and acquire beautiful coastal inspired homes at unprecedented prices.

Additionally, new families acquiring either a beautiful homesite or a land & home package qualify for a 100% paid golf course membership. A specially priced visitation package is available for this weekends sales event.

Waterford of the Carolinas, Leland, North Carolina

Waterford of the Carolinas is offering special purchase incentives in their Orchid Bay neighborhood with the remaining 25 premium pond and interior homesites. Brand new home and homesite packages are starting in the low $200’s. Additionally, through the month of July, they are waiving their homesite premiums and will offer a $5000.00 Design Studio credit towards your purchase.

Compass Pointe, Northwest, North Carolina

Join Compass Pointe July 24-27 and enjoy and ocean view from your room located at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in sunny Wrightsville Beach, NC for just $129* per couple. Plus, meet Compass Pointe’s development team at a private cocktail reception at the resort’s gathering room by the grand terrace, Friday, July 25, 7-9 pm.

Exclusive Getaway Weekend July 22^nd – 25^th

Enjoy a beautiful room overlooking the Cape Fear River while staying at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. Plus meet the Compass Pointe developer at a private poolside cocktail reception, Friday, July 23, 7-9pm.

Palmetto Creek, Bolivia, North Carolina

Exclusive Weekend Getaway

August 5-8, 2010

Join Palmetto Creek August 5-8 and enjoy 4 days and 3 nights in charming Southport, NC for just $129 per couple*. Plus, meet Palmetto Creek’s developers at a private poolside cocktail reception
at Palmetto Creek of the Carolinas clubhouse,
Friday, August 6th from 7–9pm.

 

 

 

Carolina Colours, New Bern, North Carolina

Join Carolina Colours for the 4th of July weekend and celebrate the 300th anniversary of New Bern, NC, North Carolina’s first capitol. Tryon Palace is hosting a series of historical programs on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and is opening its gardens for free on the 4th.

At Union Point Park on the river on the 4th, at 1:00 pm, the largest BBQ sandwich will be unveiled (and eaten). On the 3rd, there will be a guided tour of the historical Cedar Grove Cemetery. At Carolina Colours, property owners are gathering of Friday evening, the 2nd, to start the festivities with a golf skills contest, a drink or two, and dinner. The weekend of the 4th of July is a great time to visit New Bern, and meet the residents of Carolina Colours as well.

Additionally, the front nine of the Carolina Colours Golf Course will open July 29 with a special afternoon of play for members only. Thereafter, guest’s previewing Carolina Colours will be able to play the front nine, and get a tour of our absolutely gorgeous back nine, opening in October.

Area Events

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concert Series – May 28, 2010 , 6:30 pm – September 3, 2010

Join the fun a music each Friday evening at the Museum of Coastal Carolina parking lot located on Ocean Isle Beach. Visit www.brunswickcountync.gov (parks and recreation page) for more information.

Southport, North Carolina

NC 4th of July Festival – Jul. 1, 2010 – Jul. 5, 2010

The City of Southport has celebrated our nation’s independence for over 200 years and this year is no exception. Festival events include: naturalization ceremony, parade, fireworks, over 100 arts and crafts booths, food vendors, 5K Freedom Run/Walk, parade, live stage entertainment, children’s entertainment & games, fireworks, Beach Day events such as sandcastle building, volleyball and Shag contests. Most events are free. Learn more at www.ncbrunswick/events.aspx

Wilmington, North Carolina

4th of July Riverfront Celebration – Jul. 4, 2010 5:00 pm – Jul. 4, 2010 10:00 pm

The City of Wilmington proudly presents the 4th of July Riverfront Celebration featuring the Battleship Blast brought to you by the City of Wilmington and the Battleship North Carolina. From 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm food vendors will be on hand to offer spectators a variety of items and bands will entertain the crowd in Riverfront Park. Fireworks display will take place at 9:05 pm. Learn more at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Cape Fear Blues Festival - Jul. 23, 2010 – Jul. 25, 2010

A 3-day celebration of blues music between the beautiful beaches of the Cape Fear Coast and the historic riverfront of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Events include a Blues Cruise, workshops, outdoor concert, live club shows, and an all-day blues jam. Learn more at www.capefearblues.org

Wilmington, North Carolina

River Front Farmers’ Market – April 17th through December 18th

The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is held from April through the end of December each year in Riverfront Park. The market features local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products offered include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, fudge, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, art, crafts, and more. Learn More.

Special Offers

Seawatch at Sunset Harbor is offering a specially priced $99 per couple* visitation package for those families visiting Seawatch at Sunset Harbor between June 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010. Enjoy 3 days/2 nights accommodations at the new Wingate in Southport, North Carolina, dinner, boat tour, and VIP tour of Seawatch at Sunset Harbor.

Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation^® is offering a specially priced visitation package for just $99 per couple*. Enjoy 3 days/2 nights, a round of golf on their championship Arnold Palmer golf course, and a VIP tour of their beautiful communities and amenities.

Ocean Ridge Plantation is offering a specially priced $99 per couple* visitation package for those families visiting Ocean Ridge Plantation between June 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010. Enjoy 3 days/2 nights accommodations in their handsome golf course front cottages, club house dinning certificate, round of golf for two on one of their championship golf courses, and a VIP tour of Ocean Ridge Plantation.

Brunswick Forest is offering a Coastal Discovery visitation package for just $99 per couple* during their summer concert series sales events. The Coastal Discovery visitation package includes 3 days and 2 nights at the luxurious waterfront Hilton Hotel, golf for 2 on their new Cape Fear National, and a VIP tour of the community.

Grayson Park is offering a specially priced Escape Package for just $99 per couple*, with accommodations located in the downtown Wilmington Hilton Riverside Hotel. Grayson Park is offer a free brick upgrade on their new home packages.

St. James Plantation is offering visitors a 3 day/2 night visitation package for just $149*. Visitors may enjoy a round of golf no one of their championship golf courses, access to their resort-like amenities, a dinning certificate and VIP tour of the community.

* Restrictions apply. call for more details

Published By: CarolinaOceanLiving.com

Vol. 3, Num 43