Monday, May 21, 2007

May 21, 2007

Father's Day (Sunday, June 17) is a time to celebrate Dad. Why limit the fun to just one day when you can celebrate all weekend at Wilmington, North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast? With three island beaches, a Downtown Riverwalk with more than 200 shops and restaurants, and outdoor recreation at every turn, there's plenty to keep Dad entertained. So, celebrate Father's Day "Cape Fear-style" and treat Dad to a getaway he will always remember. To plan your trip, please call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com and request a FREE Cape Fear Coast Visitors Guide that has information on all there is to see and do in this family-friendly coastal destination. Here's a sampling of activities and events:

June 15-17: Theatrical Productions: "Shakespeare on the Green" Festival (8pm; every Fri., Sat., Sun. through June 24) Dads who dig Shakespeare will enjoy this annual Shakespeare festival that is staged outdoors under the stars. This year's production of "As You Like It," is free (donations welcome) and you're welcome to bring a picnic to the park. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington. 910-762-6393. Or, check out a main stage production at Thalian Hall where the musical comedy "Guys and Dolls" (June 15-17) will be staged at 8pm (Fri, Sat) & 3pm (Sun). Admission charge. Thalian Hall, Wilmington, 800-523-2820; 910-343-3664; www.thalianhall.com

June 15: Hammerheads Soccer Game. Does Dad like sports? Then take him to a Wilmington Hammerheads professional soccer game (7:30pm) when they challenge the New Hampshire Phantoms. Admission charge. Legion Sport Complex, Wilmington, 910-796-0076, ext. 23; www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

June 15: Outdoor Concerts. Outdoor concerts showcase music sure to please most Dads. Airlie Gardens' Concert Series (6pm-8pm) features "Da Howlies," a favorite local band that plays traditional and original Hawaiian music. Admission charge. Airlie Gardens, Wilmington. 910-798-7700; www.airliegardens.org. If blues is more Dad's style, bring your chairs and blankets and check out Pleasure Island's Summer Concert Series (6pm-8pm) where you'll groove to music by regional blues/jazz band Valentino & the Piedmont Sheiks. Free. Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area, Kure Beach, 910-458-8434; www.pleasureislandnc.org.

June 15-17: Scene First Student Film Festival. If Dad's into independent films, he should check out the work of future filmmakers during the nation's only national student film festival, featuring the works of students (from high school through graduate school) from across the U.S. and abroad. Admission charge. Downtown venues include Thalian Hall and City Stage. Downtown Wilmington; www.scenefirstfestival.com.

June 15-17: Narrated Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise 2:30pm-4:00pm. Board an authentic riverboat and treat Dad to a relaxing day on the water during a narrated scenic tour of the Cape Fear River. Boarding begins at 2:00pm. Lunch and dinner cruises also available on Friday and Saturday. Admission charge. Henrietta III, riverfront at S. Water & Dock Streets. 910-343-1611; 800-676-0162; www.cfrboats.com

June 16: African American History Day at Bellamy Mansion 10am - 1:30pm. Dad can step back in time during tours of a historic antebellum mansion. House tours on the hour and special African-American History Tours are offered the ½ hour, with mini-lectures on slavery topics and a kitchen interpretation of African-American slave life and foods of the region. Admission charge. Call 910.251.3700. Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington; www.bellamymansion.org Want to learn more about the area's African-American history? Check out American Heritage Tours' guided sightseeing tours that depart daily from the Hilton: www.amhtours.com

OTHER FABULOUS FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND IDEAS

REEL-'EM-IN: Dad can discover for himself why acclaimed angler and book author Ken Schultz claims that North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast "may well be the kingfish capitol of the East Coast." Choose from pier fishing, surf fishing, or inshore, off-shore and Gulf-Stream charter excursions. Or, book a half-day family fishing adventure and learn to catch fish in area bays, creeks, and waterways. For info on family fishing adventures: www.carolinacoastaladventures.com/show/adventures.html#fishing. For general information about fishing: www.cape-fear.nc.us/visitors/outdoor_rec.asp?search=1.

TEE TIME: If golf is Dad's favorite pastime, he will have more than 50 golf courses to choose from within an hours' drive of Wilmington, including a municipal golf course designed by Donald Ross. If miniature golf is more to Dad's liking, check out the mini greens at Jungle Rapids and Carolina Beach Jungle Mini Golf. Money-saving golf packages can be found online at www.cape-fear.nc.us/Visitors/packages.asp?type=Golf For information on area golf courses: www.capefearcoast.com/Visitors/Golf.asp

MORE OUTDOORS: For Dads who love the outdoors, there are many ways to explore the Cape Fear Coast. Rent a kayak or canoe at one of the area outfitters and paddle around our marshes, rivers, inlets and the Intracoastal Waterway. Watch for birds at one of the NC Birding Trail sites (www.ncbirdingtrail.org) or take a leisurely paddleboat ride on a scenic lake. Ride along the Boardwalk and beach via surrey or bicycle, or cycle along one of our bike paths. Stroll along the Riverwalk, fish from an ocean pier, or charter a boat for offshore fishing. And speaking of parks, there are more than 54 parks with hiking trails, athletic fields, and camping and picnic facilities, including two state parks. Hike the Venus Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park!

ALL ABOARD!: What Dad doesn't like trains? Visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum, a local treasure that recently moved to a new and expanded location in Warehouse B of the historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad buildings. Learn about Wilmington's railroad history, enjoy the outdoor train cars, historic displays, and gift shop. Admission charge. 501 Nutt Street, Downtown Wilmington, 910-763-2534, www.wrrm.org

WWII HISTORY: Dads who are history buffs will want to explore some of coastal North Carolina' WWII-related attractions, including the Battleship North Carolina, a WWII battleship memorial with nine decks that are open to the public. There's also a free WWII guide map with 35 WWII sites that are located in New Hanover County, such as the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the N.C. State Port shipyard, Community Arts Center (former USO building), and Wilmington National Cemetery, among others.

ART EXHIBITION: "William Ivey Long: Between Taste and Travesty" (ongoing through October 14). Dad will be impressed by this premier exhibition featuring elaborate costume designs by William Ivey Long, a native of NC and recipient of four Tony awards for his work on Broadway. Admission charge. Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington. 910-395-5999; www.cameronartmuseum.com You can also visit one of the area's 30+ art galleries!

TOURS DU JOUR: Impress Dad with a guided tour that focuses on Wilmington's history and culture. Downtown tours (admission charge applies) that depart at the foot of Market & Water streets include: Wilmington Adventure Walking Tours (910-763-1785); Cape Fear Riverboats (www.cfrboats.com, 910-343-1611); Horse-drawn carriage/trolley tours (www.horsedrawntours.com, 910-251-8889); Wilmington Trolley Company (www.wilmingtontrolleyy.com, 910-763-4483); Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington (www.hauntedwilmington.com, 910-794-1866); and Wilmington's newest tour, the Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington (www.hollywoodnc.com; 910-794-7177). Just outside Downtown, Dad can see real movie/TV sets during a tour of Screen Gems Studios (www.screengemsstudios.com, 910-343-3433). Weekend (Sat/Sun) tours depart from the studio lot at 1223 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington.

And that's not all. For a complete Calendar of Events, please visit www.gocapefearcoast.com and click on the Southern belle event icon. For a FREE Visitors Guide, call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.gocapefearcoast.com.

Come & Play On The Cape Fear Coast

Wilmington • Carolina Beach • Kure Beach • Wrightsville Beach

Media Contact
Connie Nelson, Communications/PR Director
(866) 266-9690 or (910) 341-4030