April 2020 - Be counted in the 2020 Census - page 10 - Celtic Creamery
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April 2020
Carolina Country
Adventures
Starting on page 14
Published by
Power from
poultry waste
page 6
Should you replace
drafty windows?
page 29
PERIODICAL
Be counted in the 2020 Census—page 10
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URBAN GETAWAY | WILMINGTON
Diversions Port City
Soak up the sun over a weekend in Wilmington
By Craig Distl | Photos courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB unless otherwise indicated
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Carolina Beach Boardwalk
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
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Celtic Creamery Facebook page
epicexcursionsnc.com
VisitNC.com
Marsh paddleboarding Surfer’s Special from Celtic Creamery Fort Fisher
The port city of Wilmington beckons North Carolina travelers with the rare combination
of historical significance and contemporary relevance. Throughout this city of 120,000
residents—and extending to adjoining surf communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach
and Wrightsville Beach—vacationers discover an abundance of activities, many of them
budget-friendly.
Museums and historic districts tell the coastal breeze in bench swings Department of Natural and Cultural
the tales of swashbuckling pirates, stationed along the way. Resources. It has been named a top
colonial pioneers, Revolutionary Foodies rave about two sweet treats aquarium in the U.S. multiple times
patriots, the largest land-sea battle in Carolina Beach, one more than 80 by Trip Advisor and has more than
of the Civil War and a shipbuilding years old and another that opened 2,500 animal residents, including
industry that propelled our nation to two years ago. Luna, a beloved albino alligator.
victory in World War II. Since 1939, Britt’s Donut Shop Fort Fisher played a prominent role
Modern attractions include the on the boardwalk has been producing in the Civil War. The Confederate
acclaimed Wilmington Riverwalk, a delectable doughnuts that sell out fort protected trading routes to the
million-gallon wave pool, a nationally as fast as they can make ’em. Celtic port of Wilmington, the last Atlantic
recognized aquarium, an emerging Creamery, a few blocks away in the Coast port to fall to Federal troops.
culinary scene and sunset cruises downtown district, serves extra- An epic land-sea battle for Fort Fisher
along the Intracoastal Waterway. velvety Irish ice cream and sundaes included the largest Naval bombard-
It’s hard to fully experience the sprinkled with warm mini doughnuts. ment of the 19th century. Historical
Wilmington area in three days, but The owner imported the recipe from reenactments take place on site and
here’s an itinerary that hits many of McCarthy’s Ice Cream in Ballybunion, a new exhibit this year focuses on
the high notes (without costing your Ireland, and even had Joanna the life and experiences of African
family too many C-notes). McCarthy fly over to oversee American soldiers at the fort during
the early days in 2018. the Civil War.
Day 1: Quintessential A couple miles west of the board-
beach town walk lies Carolina Beach State Park. Day 2: Back in the port city
Get those toes in the sand at Carolina This fee-free park has several hiking Wilmington’s transformation over the
Beach, a friendly town known for the trails. One of the most popular is the last two decades is impressive. It has
Carolina Beach Boardwalk, named wheelchair-accessible Flytrap Trail, a simultaneously preserved its 230-plus
one of America’s Most Awesome half-mile loop where folks scan spot the block historic district and naval ship-
Boardwalks by Budget Travel. Venus Flytrap in its native habitat. This building past, while developing a
The oceanside boardwalk, reno- carnivorous plant is notable because it vibrant city with things like the 1.75-
vated and extended a few years ago, catches and eats small insects. mile Riverwalk hugging the city’s edge
has stations to wash your feet as you Just south of Carolina Beach is along the Cape Fear River.
enter from the beach. It’s the perfect Kure Beach, home to the North The Wilmington Riverwalk has
place to take a break from the surf Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher increased daytime and evening activ-
and sand. Test your skeeball skills at and the Fort Fisher State Historic ity with shops, artist galleries, visitor
the arcade, enjoy the thrill of clas- Site and Museum. activities and top-notch restaurants.
sic amusement rides or just sway in The aquarium is a jewel of the NC
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Experienced surfers know Wrightsville
as the birthplace of NC surfing and one
of the best surf towns on the East Coast.
Other fun for thrill seekers includes kite
boarding, scuba diving and sailing.
For those seeking softer adven-
ture, Epic Excursions provides
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier stand-up paddleboarding tours
through serene marshes. Epic also
A great starting point is the park. Water features operate from offers evening cruises, as does
Bob Jenkins Riverfront Visitor June to September, while Jungle La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises.
Information booth at Market and Rapids’ indoor portion, with activi- Kids get the chance to be a swash-
Water streets. Helpful staffers can ties like bumper cars, mini bowling, buckling pirate for a day with a
direct you to Segway tours, horse- laser tag and a climbing wall, oper- treasure hunt aboard Wrightsville
drawn carriage rides, guided walking ates year round. Beach Scenic Tours.
tours, live music and craft breweries. Across the road from Jungle Rapids, A great free attraction is The Loop,
Just across the Cape Fear from the don’t miss the weekly Wilmington a 2.45-mile paved trail around the
core of the island. Easily accessed
riverwalk, take the family on a history Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
from the Loop is the Wrightsville
adventure at the Battleship North Co-op. Every Saturday from 8 a.m.
Beach Museum of History, an
Carolina. The legendary warship, to 2 p.m., the market offers fresh
old-school beach cottage that
which fought in every major naval seasonal produce, meat, eggs and tells the story of beach vacations
offensive in the Pacific Theater of more from local producers. through the years.
World War II, takes visitors into the A great way to cap off any day in the Of course, the beach itself beckons.
daily life of the crew in 1942 by explor- city is via a scenic sunset cruise on Enjoy the last day of your getaway
ing several areas of the ship, including the Cape Fear River or Intracoastal soaking up rays, fishing from Johnnie
the galley and engine room. The battle- Waterway. Check out options at Mercer’s Pier and dining outdoors
ship frequently offers kid-friendly wilmingtonandbeaches.com. at the Oceanic Restaurant on the
programs and events, so check its Crystal Pier.
website for the latest schedule. Day 3: Surf ’s up at
A few minutes inland from the Wrightsville Beach Craig Distl is a Belmont-based freelance
battleship is Jungle Rapids, a Sooner or later, you have to succumb writer and proud native of North Carolina.
million-gallon wave pool that offers to “pier pressure,” and there’s no
nearly every water park feature better place to do it than Wrightsville carolinacountry.com/extras
imaginable. Take on as much, or Beach. This laid-back beach town, Check out the online version of this article
as little, water excitement as you once a hangout for Jimmy Buffet, is for links to more information about all of
wish at this Taj Mahal of a play awash in ocean adventure. the mentioned sites and locations.
Adobe Stock
Battleship North Carolina Wilmington Riverwalk Sunset river cruise
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