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.

Wilmington NC - Azalea Fest Schedule

Azalea Fest starts this week. It is the biggest festival in Wilmington and the one most attended.

I have included the schedule of events so you don't miss out on anything:

Official site of the N.C. Azalea Festival
Azalea Festival dates are April 7-11 (Wed.-Sun.). For complete schedule, or tickets, visit http://www.ncazaleafestival.org

Wednesday, April 7
Queen's Coronation: 5-6 p.m. April 7, Riverfront Park. Free.

Thursday, April 8
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 8-10; 1:30 p.m. April 10-11; 4:30 p.m. April 11 on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport. Activities include elephants, fearless flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycles, animals, acrobats and The Human Cannonball. Tickets: $17, $12 children and seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.

Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.

Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.

Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.

seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.
Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.
Street Fair: Hours: 6-11 p.m. April 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 10 with fireworks at 9 p.m., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 11. Main Stage is at Market and Second streets. No pets allowed.
Montgomery Gentry: 8 p.m. April 9, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Saturday, April 10
Amateur Boxing Tournament: 2:30-6 p.m. April 10, 2-6 p.m. April 11, at Williston Middle School, 401 S. 10th St. Five age groups include boys and girls, ages 8-16, and men and women, ages 17-34. Free admission.
Coin Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 10 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11 at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive. Children of all ages can pan for gold, and dealers will be available to buy, sell or trade. Free admission. Details: 297-5860.
Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Fireworks: 9-9:30 p.m. April 10 along the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. Free.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-6 p.m. April 10, 1-5 p.m. April 11. Tickets: $25, available at Harris Teeter and other area outlets; the Azalea Festival Office; the Historic Wilmington Foundation, 516 N Fourth St.; and at each home site the days of the tour. $22 for groups of 10 or more. Details: Historic Wilmington Foundation, 762-2511; Azalea Festival Ticket Office, 794-4650; or www.historicwilmington.org.
Horse Show: Noon April 10 and 11, Shingleton Farms in Hampstead, 12919 U.S. 17 South. Rain dates are April 17 and 18 respectively. Free admission, $5 for parking. Details: (910) 619-7104; ShingletonFarms.com.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See April 9.

Parade: 9 a.m. April 10. See map, page 10. Free. Details: 794-4650.

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Azalea Festival dates are April 7-11 (Wed.-Sun.). For complete schedule, or tickets, visit http://www.ncazaleafestival.org
Wednesday, April 7
Queen's Coronation: 5-6 p.m. April 7, Riverfront Park. Free.
Thursday, April 8
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 8-10; 1:30 p.m. April 10-11; 4:30 p.m. April 11 on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport. Activities include elephants, fearless flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycles, animals, acrobats and The Human Cannonball. Tickets: $17, $12 children and seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.
Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.
Street Fair: Hours: 6-11 p.m. April 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 10 with fireworks at 9 p.m., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 11. Main Stage is at Market and Second streets. No pets allowed.
Montgomery Gentry: 8 p.m. April 9, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Saturday, April 10
Amateur Boxing Tournament: 2:30-6 p.m. April 10, 2-6 p.m. April 11, at Williston Middle School, 401 S. 10th St. Five age groups include boys and girls, ages 8-16, and men and women, ages 17-34. Free admission.

Coin Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 10 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11 at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive. Children of all ages can pan for gold, and dealers will be available to buy, sell or trade. Free admission. Details: 297-5860.

Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Fireworks: 9-9:30 p.m. April 10 along the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. Free.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-6 p.m. April 10, 1-5 p.m. April 11. Tickets: $25, available at Harris Teeter and other area outlets; the Azalea Festival Office; the Historic Wilmington Foundation, 516 N Fourth St.; and at each home site the days of the tour. $22 for groups of 10 or more. Details: Historic Wilmington Foundation, 762-2511; Azalea Festival Ticket Office, 794-4650; or www.historicwilmington.org.

Horse Show: Noon April 10 and 11, Shingleton Farms in Hampstead, 12919 U.S. 17 South. Rain dates are April 17 and 18 respectively. Free admission, $5 for parking. Details: (910) 619-7104; ShingletonFarms.com.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See April 9.

Parade: 9 a.m. April 10. See map, page 10. Free. Details: 794-4650.
Shag Contest: 1-6 p.m. April 10 at Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center with DJ David Sessoms. $3 per person, cash only at the door. Details: 794-4650.
Sunday, April 11
Amateur Boxing Tournament: See April 10.
Azalea Cake Challenge: Noon-4 p.m. April 11, Cape Fear Community College, Schwartz Center, 610 N. Front St. Bakers will construct “centerpiece cakes.” Categories include professional and amateur. Event ticket-holders can judge in various people's choice categories. Admission: $5; advance tickets: 4 for $15. Details: 794-4650; AzaleaCakeChallenge@gmail.com.
Coin Show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See April 10.
Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30 p.m., See April 8.
Festival of Cultures: Begins at 1 p.m. April 11 and 12 at Bailey Park on Front Street. Activities include performance groups representing music, dance and ethnic pageantry of each culture.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-5 p.m. See April 10.
Horse Show: Noon. See April 10.
Juried Art Show: Noon-4 p.m. See April 9.
Variety Show: Noon-6:30 p.m. April 11 at the Main Stage, Market and Second streets.

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!

Cucalorus Film Festival This Week in Wilmington NC

Cucalorus Film Festival starts tommorow in venues all over Wilmington, NC. Over 1000 films were submitted for the 15 year old festival. However 150 made it in the festival. You can buy tickets at the door for most films however the season passes to all films are sold out. Many new movies are featured here including international films. A full schedule of events is available on Cuculorus Film Festival website http://www.cuculorus.org/. Some of these good films are only $ 10.00.

One hugely anticipated movie Precious will be shown during the festival. It will be a good opportunity to see some good indie flicks...

Whats Happening this Weekend in Wilmington, NC

Festivals, Festivals and more festivals are what's going on in Wilmington NC and its surrounding area....

Saturday and Sunday there are competing festivals - the brand new Italian fest that will be held in Leland in the Cross Creek Commons in front of Walmart. There is to be food and more food, games, and music.

I am sure you can even find a bocce game to play too. You can find our more information about this event at www.capefearitalianfestival.com

Also in Hampstead there is the Spot Festival. The spot fish is served at this event and although I have gone and not eaten the spot - people really tend to enjoy it. There will be all kinds of food, entertainment and crafters. This is on Hwy 17 in Hampstead where there will be lots of parking. You can check out more information at www.ncspotfestival.com.

Tonite in downtown Wilmington is the local 4th Friday Gallery Nights from 6- 9 pm. Downtown art galleries and studios open themselves to the public in a self guided after hours tour of the local arts community. This is a free event and the galleries participating can be found at wwww.fourthfridayswilmington.com.

What's Happening this Weekend in Wilmington , NC

This weekend there is a lot to do in Wilmington.

The Downtown Wilmington Artwalk will take place along Front Street. The artists will set up along Front Street from 10 am to 5 pm. It is a great chance to see some very talented artists in town and enjoy this great day along the river.

On Sunday the Sunday Scene Arts and Crafts Fair will take place with new hours 12 pm to 6 pm along the river. Food vendors and arts and crafts.

For a hilarious time stop by City Stage at 21 N Front St to see "Grey Gardens". The story of a mother and daughter in the Jackie Kennedy ear. Edie Bouvier Beale was a cousin to Jackie O. see their crazy escapades brought to stage.. Sept 11-12, 18 - 19 at 8 pm.

Sailing Ship to Remain in Wilmington, NC until April 10

This huge sailing ship is docked at the foot of Market Street on the Cape Fear River. It has been docked here for over a month. It was hand made 20 years ago and is a sight to see. With its huge masts and very thick mahogony rails it is amazing to see such handiwork. If you are in town during the Azalea Festival this weekend it is a worth a look. You can walk the gangplank and enter the ship and take a tour. See the old fashioned bed on the aft end and see the incredible mast system on the port side. The handiwork on the boat is incredible. The crew is a religious sect - some family members that work the ship together. They are a communal group where the work, food and living quarters are all shared. It is certainly worth a look. The ship is expected to be docked in Wilmington through the Azalea Fest and until April 10, 2009.

David Cook 2008 Idol Winner to Headline Azalea Fest Concert

David Cook the very popular rocker winner of 2008 American Idol competition is scheduled to headline a concert to be performed as part of this years Azalea Festival. The Festival scheduled to take place in April 1-5 to welcome the spring blooming of the Azaleas in the Port City is one of the state's most popular attractions. Over 100000 people come to town to participate in the events which include a parade, a garden tour, a house tour, concerts, a Queen and her court, garden parties and many other events.

It is a welcome herald to spring. Come and see for yourself!!

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.

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!!

Latino Fest on Saturday - Wilmington, NC

Experience the annual Latino Festival this weekend in Wilmington, NC. Held in Hugh McRae Park on South College Road, you can enjoy Spanish food and drink. This is where you can savor the real heritage foods not normally found in restaurants. This festival will take place in the park setting where the colors are just changing and you can dance your heart out to Hispanic beat from 12pm to 8 pm.