Azalea Festival Wilmington NC - Historical Home Tour

A Historic Home Tour put on by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. will take place during the Azalea Festival. Self-guided tour throughout some of Wilmington's finest homes. Saturday, April 9 from 1 pm - 6 pm and Sunday, April 10 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Tickets are $25 each. Groups of 10 are available for $22 each. Children 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult. Come and see Wilmington's finest historical homes on tour...

historical homes wilmington nc

WILMINGTON, NC - Homes for sale - Market Update

Market update for September, 2011

Decrease in homes inventory of 176

Total homes on the market - 5391 Strong buyers market

Listing inventory of over 14.2 month supply.

.2 Change from the previous month

Average list price - $ 365,898.

Decrease in seller s concessions to 23.5%

Average days on the market - 134

List to sold ration is 93% and is down .60% from last month; this number needs to get better.

The number of houses that sold in 15 days or less continues to remain very low, 13.8% of September sold homes.

The 30 year fixed rate mortgage averated 4.27 % with an average 0.8 points for the week ending October 7, 2010. We are now hitting historic lows in mortgage rates.

What a great time to buy a house.

Data submitted by David Flory of Cunningham Mortgage on Oleander Drive in Wilmington, NC. Call him for your best rate...

WILMINGTON NC TREAT FROM MOTHER NATURE

Usually in the Springtime I plant both of my planters in front of my house with flowers but upon closer examination of my planters I saw a little clump of twigs. It was a tightly formed circle and inside were 5 little blue eggs. I couldn’t disturb this hardworking Mom so I just waited. It was easy to watch the goings on as I hid behind the window at my front door and watched the mother sitting on her soon to be brood undetected. I watched and waited and soon enough along came these tiny babies. They were scrawny and all bones. But in a matter of a few days feathers started to appear. They were there 8 days growing, with mom coming in with food and tending to the babies. Then one day one jumped out and started moving around the planter. I must have missed the flying lessons because the very next day the nest was empty. They had flown the coop. But these chickadee babies survived and are now flying around my yard enjoying this gorgeous spring day. Thanks for the Treat Mother Nature!!!

Wilmington, NC 2010 Azalea Garden Tour Homes

The Garden Tour is one of my favorite things to do during the Azalea Festival. It is wonderful to see the gorgeous gardens, the flowers and bushes and fountains, the southern belles in their gowns. It is a snapshot of the Old South way of life. The home tours are a must and here are the homes on the tour so you can go yourself. You can buy tickets for the tour at each home:

Kyle McIntyre ( ribbon cutting

1938 S Live Oak Parkway

Bryan and Carol Anne Durham

1117 Windsor Drive

Jon and Michelle Carne

2502 Market St

Chuck and Karen Root

602 Dundee drive

Monika and Richard Williams

2325 Ocean Point Drive

Charles and June Sweeny

311 Summer Rest Road

Terry and Steve Clark

403 Summer Rest Road

Bellamy Mansion

503 Market street

Richard and Marcia Moore ( Graystone Inn)

100 S. Third St

Airlie Gardens Saturday only

300 Airlie Road

Lower Capre Fear Hospice and Life Care Center ( Sunday only)

1414 Physicians Dr.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON - THE HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Situated a few short blocks from the Cape Fear River is the Wilmington Historical area. It is comprised of single family homes, churches, some commercial offices, bed and breakfasts, rental homes and homes subdivided into apartments. Houses range from early 1800's to early 1900's. This area is closely controlled by Wilmington Historical Zoning Dept which closely reviews every change planned for each home. They are very interested in perserving the Historical nature of each home in this district. This historical area is within 2 blocks of the river and runs approximately 7 city blocks deep and 12 - 15 blocks long.

Historical zoning personnel are very involved in any change planned for a house. They review house colors, trim and main colors, roof styles and colors, window changes, any modern updates planned and the like. They are mainly concerned with ensuring each individual realizes the historical value of each property and is willing to practise conservation methods approve to ensure the historical value is perserved of each home. They even have the power to fine a property not in conformance with the guidelines set forth for this historically designated area.

Many of these homes have been used in movies. The yellow Queen Anne above was used to film the movie Cape Fear - a good part of the movie was filmed on its porch. Right around the corner John Travolta filmed a movie at St. Mary's school. A Bed and Breakfast downtown has wallpaper that Oprah picked out for it.

A great number of these homes are plaqued and named with original owners name and date the home was built. One homeowner told me that all the materials for his home came into Wilmington via boat. The materials were delivered up the hill from the river to the property by horse and flat carts.

These homes are desireable not only because they are old but there is a strong sense of community in this area. Homeowners participate in home tours by allowing the public to see their homes during the Azalea Festival that Wilmington is known for and also the Historical Candlelight Tour a benefit for the Historical Society that takes place the 1st weekend in December. A secret garden tour is usually in the fall when you can see private gardens not open to the public. Also there is a kitchen tour where owners who have done innovative renovation to their kitchens open them up for a benefit kitchen tour. Horse drawn carriages give tours of the area daily. Most everyone knows their neighbors, there are sidewalks and wine tastings. People can walk downtown from their homes in this district to restaurants, shops, bakeries, and all the festivals Wilmington has going on downtown.

You just can't help love the live oaks and the lively colors of these wonderful Grande Dames of yesteryear still around for us to enjoy.

What's Happening this Weekend in Wilmington NC

Garden Show at CFCC downtown

2010 Wilmington Garden Show
Saturday, Feb 13 9:00a to 5:00p
at CFCC Schwartz Center, Wilmington, NC
Spring Comes Early To Wilmington In The Form Of “The 2010 Garden Show!"
The dates are Saturday, February 13, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 14th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The show will take place at the Schwartz Center at 411 North Front Street at Cape Fear Community College. read more
Price: $7.00 per person under 12 free
Phone: (910) 798-7670
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: garden show speakers lectures gardening flowers spring
Cape Fear Community College. Being at this venue means more space for over fifty exhibitors that will bring us the first look at products and services for the upcoming spring gardening season. This year the Garden Show is truly a one-stop event-it's where the public can find a hint of spring in the displays, the plants and decorative items. In addition, attendees can save time, money and gas by coming to the one event where they will see gardening products, gain information face to face with experts and listen to informative and interesting talks on a variety of topics. Returning favorites as well as new vendors will be on hand for the event. We’re sure there will be something to tempt home gardeners in the Wilmington area.
Event Website
Categories: Talks & Lectures, Home & Garden

February 12 Heart Art Show Jonkheer Jewelry Art Studio

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Locally crafted new work by artists: Jeff Bridgers - forged iron, Clair Hartmann - paintings, Julia Jensen - glass beads, Mitzy Jonkheer - jewelry, Tuki Lucero - mixed media, Sandra Siemering - pottery

WHEN: Preview Party - Friday, February 12th, 4pm-8pmSale - Saturday, February 13th, 10am-6pmWHERE: 4410 Wrightsville AvenueWHY: Last-minute Valentine"s Day shopping for one-of-a-kind, locally made treasures.

February 12 & 1356th Annual Bargain Sale

WHAT: The Junior League is hosting their annual Bargain Sale featuring new and gently worn clothing, childrens toys, furniture and houseware from local retailers and from the homes and closets of Junior League members.

WHEN: Preview Sale - Friday, Feb 12 from 6:30pm-8:30pmBargain Sale - Saturday, Feb 13 from 7:30am - 1:30pmWHERE: National Guard Armory / 2221 Carolina Beach RoadWHY: It' Fabuless! Check out the JL'sStyle Challenge: Can Style Girl find a Bargain? in the Star-News.WANNA GO?: Preview Sale is $6 / Bargain Sale is $3 / CASH ONLY!

What's Happening in Wilmington and Its Beaches

Lots happening here in Wilmington and its Beaches weekend...

Beach to Battleship Triathalon - all day Saturday - will cut off traffic starts at Wrightsville Beach and then heads downtown to Battleship. They expect city traffic to be backed up all day. Watch out for runners and bikers.

11th Annual Festival Latino will take place Saturday at Hugh McRae Park from 11-8. Food, fun and entertainment.

Sports Resale at Legion Stadium - all day 9-8pm. $1.00 to attend.

WineTasting at the Cape Fear Museum Benefit - $ 65.00. See

www.capefearmuseum.org.

Soup for the Troops will take place at Mayfaire Town Center from 11 - 3 pm.

$2.00 to attend.

Kite Festival at Wrightsville Beach all day Saturday and Sunday. Great event - huge kites of all kinds of things....

CONTEMPORARY HOME - Gorgeous Setting - 5 Minutes to WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Here is my new listing in the upscale, million dollar + neighborhood just 5 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, NC. The house is a 3 Br and 3 full Bath home with 2235 sq ft. It was built in 1975 by the present owners father.
Home has vaulted ceilings, many windows, open floor plan, handsome stone fireplace, 3 br and 2 full baths, master on 1st floor with walkin closet, eatin kitchen, living room with lots of glass and huge deck off living space. New paint, new carpet. 2 bedrooms upstairs with bath and office. Large tree lined lot. Watch horses at horse farm across the street from the breakfast nook. City services. Gated entryway. Gorgeous setting.

Wildlife Events this Weekend in Wilmington NC

Lots of wildlife stuff to do in Wilmington, NC this weekend March 21 and 22

There is the wildlife expo at the Cape Fear Schwartz Center at Cape Fear Community College this weekend. It is Sat and Sun from 9 to 5 pm. It will showcase all kinds of outdoor events including - hunting, fishing and boating and the equipment to support all these sports.

Time Warner Cable will have live animals at their store at Independence Mall for people to see including snakes, lizards, tigers and leopards. Great opportunity for kids to see exotic animals up close and personal.

WILMINGTON NC WEEKEND Adventures

Lots of happenings this weekend in the Port City:

Celebrating black history month there will be a narriative about a slave that lived in the Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market Street. A total of 9 slaves lived and worked at this house, Hear about their lives and the lives of free blacks this weekend at the house. This will take place between 10 am to 1:30.

Summer Camp Fair - will be held at the UNCW Warwick center. Will have displays of area camps for kids including day and residential camps.\

Chocolate Festival - Senior center - 30 different booth with all kinds of candy and chocolates.

Sat and Sunday. Will be delicious.

Chocolate, Candy, Fudge, Truffles - YUMMY!!!- Wilmington Chocolate Fest.

Come to theWilmington NC Chocolate Festival at the New Hanover County Senior Center on February 7 and 8. Bring the whole family to sample and purchase tasty treats like Chocolate Bon Bons, Chocolate Crepes, Fudge, Truffles, Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Pies, Fondue, Popcorn, Smoothies, Ice Cream and much more!! Enjoy spotlight demonstrations by featured exhibitors. Learn how to prepare great tasting treats from area food professionals and see the latest ideas in food and entertaining. Shop the booths for innovative Valentine gift items. Tickets are $5 in Advance and $8 at the door. Proceeds support the Independent Life Services programs provided by the New Hanover County Dept. of Aging. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 798-6400. The admission fee allows you to visit the exhibitors and sample their sweets. Proceeds benefit the county's Independent Life Services program. Come and have a SWEET TREAT!!!

9 Horticultural Events Planned for Southeastern US

2009 is off to a great start with many plant friendly events planned for this spring. If you love to plant plants now is your time in the sun. Explore all kinds of events to whet your appetite for garden delights. Here is just a capsule of the events:

Wilmington Garden Show - Jan 31 and Feb 1 - Cape Fear Community College.

The 59th Annual Tidewater Camellia Club Show - Feb 28, Arab Shrine Club, 4510 S. College Road, Wilmington, free admission.

P Allen Smith at Charlestons International Antiques Show - March 20 at the Omar Shrine Temple, 176 Patiots Point Road in Mt Pleasant, SC.

Master Gardener Plant Sale mRch 26 - 31 at the New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington.

Popular Grove Plantation's 2009 Herb and Garden Fair March 28- 29, 10200 US 17, Wilmingoton.

56 Annual Azalea Garden Tour - April 2,3 and 5 - Something Old, Something New, all over Wilmington - part of the Azalea Festival activities.

Biltmores Annual Festival of Flowers - April 4 - May 19 - at the gorgeous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Secret Garden Tour - Sept 18 and 19 - benefits the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society - various sites all over Wilmington.

Art at the Arboretum - Oct 9 - 11 at the New Hanover County Arboretum on Oleander Drive in Wilmington.

As you can see - there is a lot to do and see in our neck of the woods. If you would like any more information on any of the events planned in Wilmington, NC - I would be happy to help you. Just drop me a line.

We've got the Spirit on 17 th St in Wilmington NC

They've got the spirit in Wilmington, NC.

Lots of lots, lots of characters. The Holidays are

here. This is 17 Th in Wilmington.

WILMINGTON NC BY CANDLELIGHT TOUR TONIGHT

Explore the historical homes in the coastal city of Wilmington, NC today and tomorrow. The Latimer House on 3rd Street is where you can buy tickets for this tour called - Old Wilmington by Candlelight - Silver Bells and Oyster Shells, A Carolina Christmas by the Sea. If you go to the Latimer House website all the houses on the tour are shown with their addresses. You can buy tickets at the locations show on their website or at Latimer House. Tickets are $ 30 today and tickets can also be used tomorrow. These homes dating back to early 1800 have significance in Wilmington as they were the residences of ship captains and merchants and built in the style of the day. There are even slave homes to view. Queen Anne style homes, Craftsman style and tudor style homes are represented on the tour. The tour is today 4-8 and tomorrow 2-6. It will be a great opportunity to take in the significant historical sites of Old Wilmington. The Latimer website address is www.latimerhouse.org to idenify homes on the tour and buy tickets.

Enchanted Airlie - Spectacular Holiday Event at Wilmington NC Gardens

Don't miss this holiday family spectacular event - Enchanted Airlie opening this week at the beautiful Airlie Gardens. The lighting displays including the bottle house and the lighted bottle trees are too tempting to miss. The sensational displays will include 5 trains. The whole garden comes to life at night. There will be hot chocolate and cookies to keep you warm. Tickets must be purchased separately at the gardens' website - http://www.airliegardens.org/. The event is on Thursday, Fridays and Saturday nights til Christmas. Don't miss this special event!!