The below image was take from the side of I40, eastbound, somewhere between Wallace and Wilmington. I was so struck by the beauty of these wildflowers- a sea of pink and red on a backdrop of lush farmland -that I just had to pull over and snap a photo. Never mind the semis and cars whizzing by behind me! Got to love North Carolina in the spring!

I don’t know about you, but this is my favorite time of year in Wilmington. The weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors- from running the loop at Wrightsville Beach to riding bikes around Greenfield Lake. And, of course, springtime in Wilmington would not be complete without mention of the North Carolina Azalea Festival!

Founded in 1948, the Azalea Festival has emerged as Wilmington’s premier spring event- an annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. Festival highlights include the Queen’s coronation, a three-hour parade, two-day street fair, the circus, home and garden tours, and concerts.

Please keep on reading for a summary of events happening this weekend during the festival. I hope to see you there!

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Tomorrow is free admission day at Airlie Gardens for New Hanover County residents. If you’ve never seen the gardens, this is a great opportunity. Guided tours are offered as well as a bird walk and other workshops. Please visit the Airlie Gardens website to learn more. Below are images from my visit to the garden last year around this time.

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about Art of the Table, a fund-raising event that I’ve had the pleasure of helping plan at the Bellamy Mansion. During February 22 – 24, thirty artfully themed tabletops created by local designers will be displayed throughout 12 of the mansion’s period rooms. It’s a great opportunity to explore the mansion’s beautifully restored antebellum architecture and get ideas for creating your own memorable tabletops at home. The weekend schedule is as follows:

Table designers include:

Proceeds from the event will go towards the mansion’s ongoing operations and restoration. Please click here or call 910-791-7813 to reserve your tickets. I hope to see you there!

Taste and Travesty: Costume Designs by William Ivey Long closes October 14th after 5 1/2 successful months at the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum. If you haven’t had a chance to take a tour (or if you’re like me and just can’t get enough), make sure to reserve your seat for the going-away party next Saturday. This is your chance to support the arts and view the exhibition one last time before its gone!

DATE: Saturday October 13
TIME: 7:30 – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Cameron Art Museum
(3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington)
COST: $35 members; $50 non-members

Guests will dance the night away to DJ Scott Huckstep while noshing on appetizers and enjoying cocktails. For your convenience, you can click here to buy tickets or call 910.395.5999 x 1005.

If you can’t make the Curtain Call party, make sure to catch a tour at 11:30AM or 2:00PM Tuesday – Sunday (closing day).

I hope to see you Saturday!

If you’re an investor in Wilmington - whether seasoned, green or aspiring - make sure to take advantage of meetings offered by the local chapter of the National Real Estate Investors Association. The Coastal Carolina REIA has been gathering in Wilmington since 2002!

Meeting agendas vary from education topics to discussions and networking. There’s even a “state of the union” market update that’s given by our fearless team leader, CB Johnson, during the 1st 10 minutes.

If you’re a flipper, make sure to hit up the Rehabbers Subgroup that meets with Jonathan Swanson the 3rd Monday of every month. Swanson often meets with members at homes under renovation for hands-on discussions. In this town, investors are on deals like bees on honey. Often, the best way to find a great property is to look outside the MLS by networking with agents and residents. REIA provides a no-pressure, non-bias platform in which to do this.

The next general REIA meeting is August 9th 6-8PM at the UNCW Executive Center on Military Cutoff Rd near Eastwood Road. Generally, they meet the 2nd Thursday of each month. It’s $15 at the door or $150/year for unlimited access. For more information, visit CoastalREIA.org or call Penny Myers at 910-409-9511.