Burchetta Press Releases - Wlmington NC Appreciation Day Sunday, March 1 2009

Residents Appreciation Day
Sunday - March 1, 2009

WHEELING AROUND:Take advantage of bike and other specialty product rentals in Carolina Beach at Wheel Fun Rentals and rediscover Pleasure Island.

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN HOMETOWN
Rediscovering what to love about New Hanover County
By: encore Staff - February 24th, 2009

Not everyone who resides in Wilmington has had the distinct pleasure to visit every tourist hotspot about town. Sure, we may have given directions to said places umpteen times, even suggested them to many flocks of people who ask for the “best places to see in Wilmington.” Then comes along the Cape Fear Visitor’s Unless of course that one time of year rolls around beckoning our attendance for free, nonetheless. Thanks to the Cape Fear Coast’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CFCCVB), “Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown” offers a great chance for Wilmingtonians to get off their hides and check out the numerous places that make our region significantly adored. Taking place March 1st, 2009, below destinations will be offering their services/tours for free to all New Hanover County residents, with I.D. (All photos and descriptions provided by CFCCVB; www.capefearcoast.com/hometown )

Airlie Gardens • 300 Airlie Road • 910-798-7700
Hours: 9am-5pm
Guided tours available at 1pm and 3pm. Stroll through the winding paths of this century-old garden by the sea.

Arboreteum at New Hanover County Co-Op Extension • 6206 Oleander Drive • 910-798-7660 Hours: 8am-6pm
Explore six-plus acres of demonstration and trail gardens to discover the newest and best plants for area landscapes and gardens.

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA • Hwys.17/74/76/421 (on the Cape Fear River across from downtown) • 251-5797
Hours: 8am-5pm
Come aboard the NC, and imagine yourself at sea during WWII, searching the sky for enemy aircraft, anticipating what may happen next. History comes alive. Last boarding 4pm; closes 5pm.

Bellamy Mansion Museum • 503 Market Street • 910-251-3700
Hours: 1-4pm
Visit the formal areas and kitchen in the basement of the mansion, hear historical information about the original slave quarters and its restoration in the rear garden, and peruse the gift shop.

Blue Moon Gift Shops • 203 Racine Drive • 910-799-5793
Hours: 12-5pm
Over 100 eclectic shops feature works by artists and craftspeople. Tastings and craft/vendor demonstrations.

Burchetta Glassblowing Studio and Gallery • 201 Red Cross St. • 910-399-7614
Hours: 10am-5pm
See live glassblowing demonstrations and tour the gallery.

Burgwin-Wright Museum • 224 Market St. • 910-762-0570
Hours: 12-5pm
The house will not be open; however, visitors may tour the historic gardens and visit the Colonial kitchen and the former jail. A self-guided garden tour is available, with layout, historical facts, plant identification, etc.

Cameron Art Museum • 3201 S. 17th St. (corner of Independence Blvd. and 17th Street) • 910-395-5999
Hours: 11am–5pm
View four exhibitions: Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton, Bob DeYoung: Installation {phantasm}, Bearden to Ruscha: Contemporary Art from the North Carolina Museum of Art and Toy Crazy. At 2pm, experience our exhibitions through the eyes of an artist. Enjoy our monthly series Artists in the Galleries with an informal tour and discussion with local metal sculptor Breta Carnes.

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science • 814 Market Street
910-798-4350
Hours: 1-5pm
Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear in the museum’s newest exhibit, Cape Fear Volunteers: highlighting a century of service from the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill • 4240 Market St. (behind “17”