United Beach Vacations Blog

They Swim With Their Homes On Their Backs/Update 7/10/09

2009-07-03T10:29:00.001-07:00

If you're like me your knowledge of sea turtles comes from those exciting scenes in "Finding Nemo," where the surfer dude turtle cruising the EAC (East Australian Current) marvels at his rambunctious young son, Squirt.

But sea turtles have an even more fascinating life than even Hollywood could imagine.

Consider these facts:

> Female loggerhead sea turtles lay an average of 120 eggs in each nest and may nest up to 7 times in one season.

> When resting, sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours.

> Sea Turtles reach sexual maturity around 25 years.

> Sea turtles swim speeds that can reach up to 35 mph.

> Female sea turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their nests.

For information about sea turtles in the Carolina Beach and Kure Beach area, please visit www.seaturtleproject.org

To see a sea turtle "boil" (hatchlings), please visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO1zV4cYFbo

JULY 10, 2009, SEA TURTLE UPDATE -- On Wednesday, July 8, a rare leatherback sea turtle plodded onto the sands of Carolina Beach to lay her eggs. The endangered leatherback, whose shell is not hard like a loggerhead's, is about half the size of a Volkswagon Beetle, according to Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Busovne. "Since our project began in the 80s, we've never seen evidence of a leatherback. This is truly remarkable."

4th of July Weekend: Blivet! Will Rock Tangerine Caribbean Grill

2009-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

The site: Tangerine Caribbean Grill in Carolina Beach (covered outdoor deck)
The Date: Sunday, July 5
The Time: 3pm-7pm
The Band: Blivet!

If you like the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, the Beastie Boys, Creedence, the Doobies, Stones, Johnny Cash, the Grateful Dead, Sheryl Crow, the Doors, Keb Mo, Styxx, Norah Jones, the Police, Skynyrd ...

The list goes on and on. Put simply, Blivet! is a fun band that plays something familiar for everyone. Visit the song list at the band's website -- www.blivetband.com

Grab a brew, dance barefoot, and rock with Blivet!

Carolina Beach/Kure Beach Vacation: Smoke-Free in 2010

2009-06-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Cough! Hack! Cough! Hack!

No more.

Even in the cradle of Tobacco Road, it's finally happened -- North Carolina legislators recently passed a bill prohibiting smoking in all bars and restaurants, effective January 2, 2010.

There are those who will whine about this law, but I am not one of them. On the contrary, I applaud it and will most likely go out to eat and drink more because of it. Most sensible establishments have already gone smoke-free anyway, so this was a fait accompli.

Learn How to Handle Rip Currents

2009-06-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

A vacation to the sunny shores of Carolina Beach or Kure Beach might include rip currents, which are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from the beach. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. If you find yourself in a rip current, do not panic. There is a tried and true method to extract yourself from a rip current.

Click here for further tips on how to handle these dangerous surf phenomenon.

That Police song

2009-06-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'll send an s.o.s. to the world
I'll send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

Turns out one turned up in Kure Beach recently. Richard Vieregge came across a message in a bottle while he was roaming the beach during a break from painting.

The note was dated May 11, 2009, and was sent by a group of Florida residents from a boat off the Canary Islands. That's just off the coast of North Africa, so the bottle travelled quite a distance in a month.

Nicholas Sparks would be proud.

Hey Chowder Head! Michael's Seafood Restaurant Competes on National Stage

2009-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Michael and Shelly McGowan of Michael's Seafood Restaurant in Carolina Beach are in Rhode Island this week for the Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off. The couple have been invited to compete in the Newport event before, but have always declined.

This year, though, "Captain M's Seafood Chowder" will compete at a major cook-off that expects to attract 30,000 people.

Each entrant is expected to bring at least 120 gallons of chowder, but just to be sure the McGowans decided on 200. Mike and his team prepared chowder for four consecutive days and built a custom cooler to fit in the back of his truck.

The heaviest load they'll carry, however, is the hopes and dreams of the entire state of North Carolina. Congressman Mike McIntire called to offer support, State Senator Julia Boseman drove from Raleigh to give them a state flag to fly at the contest, Governor Perdue sent a letter, and the state Senate issued a proclamation.

Talk about a pressure cooker.

Kure Beach Bocce Ball Court Opening In Time For Summer Rush

2009-05-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought the Cape Fear area couldn't get more fun, in comes this long overdue announcement:

"Come be a guest of the Kure Beach Parks and Recreation Committee for a dedication ceremony of the new Bocce Ball Court at Joe Eakes Park.

The ceremony will take place this Saturday, May 30th at noon. Attending will be Kure Beach Commissioners, County Commissioners and lots of enthusiastic bocce ball players anxiously awaiting the official start of the bocce ball season in Kure Beach.

Joe Eakes Park is located on K Avenue at the corner of 7th Street in Kure Beach."

Bocce is from the Italian for "bowl" and has been popular in Europe since ancient times. The game has been transplanted overseas and is common in various areas in the US. The game is played on an outdoor court with multiple, colored balls. Players take turns throwing a smaller ball after which they bowl the larger ones as close to the smaller one as possible. The sport is much like curling, the game played on ice and made popular in the last few Olympics.

Carolina Beach boardwalk is hoppin' in 2009

2009-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Carolina Beach boardwalk is on its way to going from the outhouse to the penthouse. Check out all the action this summer here. Music, rides, bingo, family night, fun, fun, fun. Best of all, it's all FREE (except bingo).

Rip Van Winkle syndrome?

2009-05-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

There's so much new on our small island, it feels almost like we woke up from a nap in 1980.

Here are just a few recent events and additions to grace Carolina Beach and Kure Beach

> Carolina Beach was one of 12 municipalities across the state to get a bicycle and pedestrian planning grant from the DOT. Last week, the N.C. Board of Transportation awarded $315,850 to 12 municipalities for bicycle and pedestrian planning. Carolina Beach gets $20,000.
> The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher introduces an albino alligator on May 29.
> The new Kure Beach Boardwalk will be completed by Memorial Day.
> The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is undergoing a facelift that includes amusements for the summer. Indeed, rides are already being installed.
> New(ish) restaurants include Havana's Fresh Island Seafood, Harbor Masters, The Dive, The Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, and Tangerine Caribbean Grill.
> A Brew-Thru opened recently and we're awaiting a new (and larger) ABC Store.

One of the country's oldest beach music festivals comes to Carolina Beach June 6

2009-05-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Carolina Beach is the cradle of beach music, and on Saturday, June 6, the town comes alive with its distinct tunes and rollicking dances with the 24th annual Carolina Beach Beach Music Festival. The all-day event features five of the best beach music bands in the south, including Jim Quick and Coastline Band, Sammy O'Banion with Mardi Gras, Holiday Band, Craig Woolard Band, and Mark Roberts & Breeze.

Tickets are $10 in advance (visit here to buy stubs) and $15 at the door. Beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase. No coolers and no pets, please.

A trip to Carolina Beach State Park

2009-05-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." -- Frank Lloyd Wright

Okay, ditch the cell phone, hide the Blackberry, and cancel all appointments. We're heading to Carolina Beach State Park today to walk in the unique maritime forest among long leaf pines, turkey oaks and live oaks. Behold the stately trees and look closely because wings are everywhere: there's a warbler ... and a finch ... do I hear a woodpecker? As we move closer to the shore we pass dense shrub swamps populated with loblolly, sweet bay and pond pines. Look! Up in the air … is that superman? No, it’s a pelican. The prehistoric looking brown bird thrives in this rich coastal environment. He must be between meals, taking time off from dive-bombing fish in the Atlantic.

The soil becomes boggy and muddies our shoes, but onward we march in search of that oxymoron of nature -- the carnivorous plant. Actually, there are several species in these parts, because they love the damp and acidic rich soil. There's a pitcher plant and a bladderwort, both of which trap and ingest various insects. But we are on the hunt for the spectacular Venus flytrap, and -- lo! -- there it is! Its leafy death trap is a deep green on the outside, and reddish inside with little hairs. Not too inviting for your basic arachnid.

Carolina Beach State Park is a great place for hiking, camping, and picnicking. It’s also a treat for the family pet, with wonderful well-marked trails. Be forewarned though, if your dog happens to be a hound with a healthy prey drive, like my Rhodesian Ridgeback, keep your eyes open. A deer or fox could walk by, and the dog might bolt after them. Please keep all dogs on leash in the park.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach to hold beauty pageant

2009-04-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Lots of folks outside of the Cape Fear area will probably not know that Miss USA 2009 is right here from southeastern North Carolina. Kristen Dalton, a native of Wilmington, is a veteran beauty pageant winner and took home the big prize a few weeks ago.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach will stage its own pageant, a dazzling display of local lovelies who might one day follow in Ms. Dalton's footsteps. The Miss Pleasure Island Beauty Pageant is scheduled for May 15. Please call 910-798-6405 for details.

Stimulus money coming in to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach

2009-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Carolina Beach is scheduled to receive $3.3 million in federal stimulus money – the most of any community in the state. The loot will be used to build two stormwater ponds to help with runoff in the Wilmington Beach area and replace old sewer lines along U.S. 421 through its central business district.

Kure Beach was awarded nearly $620,000 to replace approximately 6,500 feet of sewer line along U.S. 421 around its commercial corridor.

Rides! Cotton Candy! Hot Dogs!

2009-04-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's official: The Carolina Beach Town Council this week approved a proposal for putting amusements on the Boardwalk -- beginning this summer. Rides will be open till 11pm on Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Click here to see a layout of where the rides will be set up.

Time your Ferris Wheel ride right and you could see fireworks from a most enviable location. Fireworks displays in Carolina Beach are scheduled for Friday, May 22, every Thursday beginning June 4 and ending Aug. 27, plus 4th of July (Saturday), and Friday, Sept. 4.

13th Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off

2009-04-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, April 18, 11:30am
Where: Carolina Beach Lake
How much? $5 (ages 6 & under Free)
Logistics: Free parking at Federal Point Shopping Center (3rd traffic light after bridge; free trolley to and from venue)

Hard to believe it's been over a dozen years since the first Chowder Cook-off, but the annual event has just gotten better and better. Speak truth to chef as area cooks show off their best in rich, creamy chowders -- clam, oyster and seafood! For just $5 you can sample all you like, and then vote for your favorite.

The party includes live music, games, face painting, balloon art, and the obligatory inflatable slide. Join Mad Science of Coastal Carolina in interactive science experiments that could include that working volcano last seen on The Brady Bunch.

Don't care for chowder? Fret not. The day also features hot dogs, fudge, funnel cakes, soda, beer and wine. Sorry, no coolers and please leave Fido at home.

Daytripper 101: The Charms of Southport

2009-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Southport, the old fishing village just across the river from Pleasure Island, is the type of town that is inevitably called quaint. Fortunately, it lives up to the description. Situated along the west bank of the Cape Fear River’s mouth, Southport is reachable by ferry from Fort Fisher and is a great day-trip for Carolina Beach and Kure Beach vacationers.

Steeped in American history, the town has always attracted sailor types. In fact the earliest settlers arrived shortly after Columbus, in 1524. The first European vessel constructed in the New World was built on these banks. Other firsts include North Carolina’s first fort (Fort Johnston, 1754). In 1795 the soldiers at the fort fired 13 cannon shots to honor the 13 states, thus celebrating one of the earliest known 4th of July celebrations.

Today, Southport’s July 4th festivities are a blowout 4-day event and popular throughout the Cape Fear region and Southeastern North Carolina. Southport’s shopping includes funky little stores and antiques galore, the restaurants are varied and welcoming, and the old homes are remarkable (check out, for example, the Captain Thompson Home, an intriguing peek into the life of a genuine Civil War blockade runner).

Hollywood has not been immune to Southport’s charms, filming several movies in the last few decades, including 1986’s “Crimes of the Heart," starring Diane Keaton, Jessica Lang and Sissy Spacek.

Perhaps the best part about Southport? Unlike other communities in the area, public parking is free -- and it’s a great place for bike riding.

Fort Fisher Hermit was among NC's most popular tourist attractions

2009-03-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Robert Harrill was born in South Carolina in 1893. His mother and two brothers died of typhoid fever when he was a young boy, perhaps portending a life lived on the boundaries of mainstream America.

Harrill worked as a farmer and mill worker, and found employment as a laborer during the Depression under the government’s Works Project Administration. He married Katie Hamrick and fathered five children.

After a series of setbacks including failed jobs and unsatisfying work, plus a crumbling marriage, he was committed to a mental institution.

In 1955 at the age of 62, Robert Harrill escaped confinement and the restrictions of modern American life. He moved to Kure Beach, NC, and became the legendary Fort Fisher Hermit.

Harrill set up his new life in an old WWII bunker in the woods, and he lived there until his death in 1972. He lived off marine life and a small vegetable garden he maintained nearby. Along the way, he became North Carolina’s second most popular tourist attraction, trailing only the USS North Carolina Battleship for number of visitors.

The term hermit is a classic misnomer, since Harrill greeted curiosity seekers with great enthusiasm. His guest registry included more than 100,000 people from all 50 states and 20 countries.

Although the Fort Fisher Hermit’s death was officially declared a heart attack, many believed he was murdered. His legacy remains today with The Hermit Society, which was formed in 2002. Two years later The Fort Fisher Hermit, a documentary film, received several independent film awards.

The Fort Fisher Hermit’s bunker is still standing and can be reached by hiking the Fort Fisher Hermit Trail on the outskirts of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

Ferris Wheel Returning to Carolina Beach Boardwalk?

2009-03-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Carolina Beach vacations may have gotten more thrilling -- and retro at the same time!

Our friends at Snow's Cut Monthly report the following:

"It almost happened two years ago. Local bussinessmen Brett Keeler and Adam Higgins worked tirelessly to set the stage for a small summertime amusement park to come to the beach, but it just didn't work out. There are a lot of logistics to work out and the amusement company decided not to come.

Now the amusement company has had a change of heart and they want to set up this summer. This Monday (March 23) the town Technical Review Committee will look at the plans and then it will go before the Planning Commission on April 9 and the Town Council on April 14. If everything works out they could be open in May."

Ghostly Gator Greets Guests at NC Aquarium

2009-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Was it Essau in The Bible who was albino? And what about Johnny Winter of rock and roll fame? (he also played a show in Carolina Beach last year). I think there’s a Chinese model who’s hair is pearly white.

Now, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is getting in on the no-hue action, recently introducing an as-yet-to-be-named all-white alligator. The 5-foot specimen features a typically topographical backside, teeth sharper than a puppies, and freaky pink eyes -- a rarity indeed.

The Aquarium is having a contest to name its newest reptile. Please visit online at www.ncaquariums.com during the months of April and May. The winner will be announced in June.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours are 9am to 5pm daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for ages 6 through 17. Free admission for children under 6, registered groups of N.C. school children, and NC Aquarium Society members.

Sandy Paws: Dogs at the Beach

2009-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. -- Roger Caras

Ah, dogs. Any human who's ever had the pleasure of having one own them will happily tell you the fascinating con game their four-legged friend embodies. What? It's 4 o'clock and I usally eat at 5? Time to walk meaningfully around my friend until he succumbs to my charms, and more importantly, to feed me. Huh? Watching TV without scratching my ears? May as well walk back and forth, making faint whiny noises until I get pleasured. What's that noise? A car passing the house? Time to bark like a burglary is imminent.

The truth is more and more people can't live without their pet dogs. And that means more and more are taking vacations with four-legged friends in tow. The problem is many places either don't accept pets (although this is changing with demand), or impose restrictions on pets in public places.

The following is a short publication about leash laws in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, courtesy of a friend:

THE POOCH POST

As fellow pet-lovers, we at United Beach Vacations would like to welcome you and your dog to Pleasure Island! We have lots of tips and great advice to ensure that you and your pet have a great time. First, let’s get the not-so-fun stuff out of the way. There are places dogs can’t go at certain times of the year. But don’t worry, because we’ll follow that up with some great places that dogs CAN enjoy!

CAROLINA BEACH-Dogs are allowed on the beach from November 1 until February 28. During these times, your dog MUST be on a leash, and you must have in your possession a container to pick up dog waste.

KURE BEACH-Dogs are allowed on the beach only from October 1 until March 30. During these times, your dog MUST be on a leash, and you must have in your possession a container to pick up dog waste.

OK-now that we have that out of the way, see below for some great places that you and your pooch can enjoy together:

FREEMAN PARK: This area is located at the north end of Pleasure Island. With a $10.00 day pass, you can bring your 4-wheel drive vehicle (and your dog!) onto this beach. Dogs are required to be on a leash from April 1 to Sept 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off leash as long as they remain under voice command and the owner is within a reasonable distance from the pet. For more please visit http://www.carolinabeach.org/site_new/pages/FreemanParkRegistrationForm.htm

FORT FISHER STATE PARK: This is a state-owned park located at the southern tip of Pleasure Island. A $10.00 day pass and a 4-wheel drive vehicle gives you access to beach fun for you and your pet. Dogs are allowed at all times but must be on a six-foot leash.
For park hours and more info: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/fofi/home.html

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK: This is a beautiful 700 acre park with miles of trails through many different natural habitats for you and your dog to explore. There is no cost to hike in the park, and doggie waste bags are provided for you to use. Dogs MUST be on a leash at all times. For park hours and more info go to http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/cabe/home.html

OFF-LEASH FUN: There are two off-leash dog parks in the area where your pooch can make new friends:
In Carolina Beach, check out the fenced in dog park located in Mike Chapell Park on Dow Road. For more info call Carolina Beach Parks and Rec at 910-458-2977. In Kure Beach, check out the Gurney Hood Barking Lot located on the corner of K and 7th Ave. For more info go to http://www.ghbarkinglot.org/aboutus.htm

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Pooch Post, and have a great time here on Pleasure Island with your best buddy! If you have any questions, please call our office.

New places to eat for 2009 season

2009-03-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Can Carolina Beach take all this excitement? First it announces that the ABC Store is doubling in size, then we hear about a Brew Thru opening at a place conveniently located right before the central business district (but on the left side heading into town).

New restaurants are popping up as well. Havana's will open in the space formerly occupied by The Cottage Restaurant. Actually a lot businesses have occupied this space, located at the corner of Lake Park and Cape Fear. The structure was built nearly a century ago for a businessman (back then he might be called a tycoon, or a robber barron) who worked for the New Hanover Transit Authority, the primary developer of Carolina Beach.

The building has also had turns as the Ogburn House, The June Inn (1948-81), The Cottage, and most recently, the short-lived and not-so-lamented Zorba’s. Havana's opens next week.

Tangerine Caribbean Grill is also getting some buzz, and you can't miss it -- the big orange building taking up a large lot near the marina, but still on the main road (North Lake Park Blvd).

Harbor Masters, at 315 Canal Drive, is also fairly new and is eager to please. It's changed its young menu a few times already but offers decent specials.

CAPE FEAR QUIRK: Unseasonable, unreasonable cool temps continue

2009-03-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting winter here in Carolina Beach, and in the Cape Fear region and Wilmington, NC area in general. And by interesting, we mean "colder than a witch's thorax." While the mercury zoomed up to 70 last Friday, we were treated to rain (which we need) all weekend, and temps plummeted again to sub-freezing last night.

Because this latest cold snap came with a threat of snow (which would be our 3rd experience with the white stuff this year), area schools had delayed openings. That's probably a quaint idea to those in the northern part of the country. Just the threat of snow, and even just a dusting, can close schools. Can you imagine if accumulations were more like half a foot, or nine inches? Kids would be idle for days, mucking up parents' carefully calibrated schedules. And the local hardware stores would sell out of their 2 or 3 snow shovels in a matter of minutes. Pelicans at Carolina Beach State Park might get little ice cubes in their next mouthful of fish.

Fear not, though. Before you can say "hazy, hot and humid," we'll be basking in the warm glow of spring and summer sunshine. The only question remaining is: When will it be warm enough to swim in the ocean without a wetsuit? Last year, I swam comfortably on May 10. Can it warm up enough for that date again this year? Stay tuned.

By the way, the long range forecast according to the revered Farmer's Almanac calls for temperatures above normal through June, with temps below normal and precipitation above normal July through October.

Annual running race set for March 14

2009-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Nearly 350 people have signed up for the The 5th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lotide Run 2009, which is one of the best organized races in the area — fun, competitive, and for a good cause. The course winds through Carolina Beach, around its small lake, and ends with a short jog on the beach.

Be sure to read the heartbreaking yet inspiring story behind this unique event (click on “Race History”).

Continued drought is bad for area, good for visitors to Carolina Beach

2009-02-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

From The Wilmington Star-News, a report that most likely means lots of sunny days ahead for visitors to the area:

"The Wilmington area and the rest of the state are now back in drought conditions.

The designation by the U.S. Drought Monitor comes as the region endures La Nina conditions, a weather pattern prompted by a cooling of the waters in the equatorial Pacific that generally means drier conditions in the Southeastern United States.

Through Thursday, the National Weather Service had recorded 2.95 inches of rain at the Wilmington International Airport for 2009. That’s more than 4 inches below normal precipitation levels for the first 50 days of the year."

Brew-Thru coming to Carolina Beach

2009-02-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

BREW-THRU -- If you’re not familiar with these Outer Banks phenomena, they are drive-thru beer, wine and soda stores. You pull into a garage surrounded by refrigerated shelves not unlike what you see in the beer aisle of a grocery store. Order a 12-pack, and a nice brew merchant will fetch it for you and even put it in the trunk.

It’s totally American in its simple convenience, and I’m amazed it hasn’t caught on here before.

Open for business in May, 2009.