What's New for 2009

(Part 1 of 2)

There's always something new to pique your curiosity in Wilmington & North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast, an affordable destination that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. New attractions, accommodations, and exciting events are in store for visitors in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville Beach. Curious journalists are invited to read on to learn more about What's New in 2009....

HEADLINE NEWS:Wilmington, North Carolina, a Dozen Distinctive Destination. In February 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Wilmington, NC is included among its list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations® because of its commitment to preservation, history and an authentic visitor experience. The designation has no expiration date. Built along the storied Cape Fear River, Downtown Wilmington's 230+ National Register Historic District offers historic homes, a scenic Riverwalk, and more than 200 shops, restaurants, attractions, tours, and cruises, all within easy walking distance. More than half the area's 45+ attractions are historical and/or cultural, providing visitors with a unique heritage tourism experience. (http://www.preservationnation.org/)

Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Receives National Lifesaving Award. Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue recently received the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Award, given in recognition of outstanding efforts since 2003 for the public safety awareness program initiated for visitors of the Wrightsville Beach strand. North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast beaches (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach) are known for excellent ocean rescue programs and lifeguard patrol beaches (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Convention Center Update: The construction of the riverfront Wilmington Convention Center is now underway and is expected to open in spring/summer 2010. It is anticipated that features of the 95,000 square foot convention center on Nutt Street will include approximately 50,000 square feet of meeting space with an exhibit hall, ballroom, and breakout rooms. The project will include greenspace along the river, as well as a 581-space parking deck. A privately funded full-service 157-room hotel will be located adjacent to the center. Contact: Malissa Talbert, City of Wilmington PIO malissa.talbert@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Wrightsville Beach Celebrates 110 Years! Incorporated in 1899, the Town of Wrightsville Beach celebrates 110 years in 2009. To celebrate, beginning February 1 through March 31, 2009, visitors can register online for a "110 Nights in Wrightsville" contest whereby 55 winners will be awarded free 2-night stays on the island. The contest site, http://www.110nightsinwrightsville.com/, launches on February 1, 2009.

EUE/Screen Gems Studios-Wilmington N.C. broke ground in September 2008 for "Dream Stage 10," a 37,500 square-foot super stage with a 50-foot indoor tank. When the new stage opens in Spring 2009, it will be the 3^rd largest indoor production stage in the U.S. www.screengemsstudios.com/#/text/northcarolina.

The N.C. Azalea Festival celebrates its 62^nd year, April 1-5, 2009. On September 9, 2008, U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre asked the Congress of the United States to recognize the long and important tradition of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, held each year in Wilmington. This statement of recognition of the N.C. Azalea Festival was hereby recorded in the proceedings and debates of the 110^th Congress, Second Session.

Wilmington, NC Re-designated as a U.S. Coast Guard City. On July 26, 2008 Wilmington, NC was re-certified as a U.S. Coast Guard City during a "2008 Coast Guard City, USA" ceremony. Wilmington first received this honor from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2003. The designation of "Coast Guard City, USA" recognizes a community's effort in meeting the needs of local Coast Guard personnel through its many actions, activities and events, while maintaining a robust, on-going relationship between the community as a whole and the local Coast Guard units. Wilmington, the fifth city to become a U.S. Coast Guard City, remains the home port for the USCG Cutter DILIGENCE (since 1792). Docked along the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington, free tours of the DILIGENCE are offered daily when the ship is in port. www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cutter/diligence

The Hannah Block Historic USO / Community Arts Center reopened in summer 2008 following extensive renovations and restoration. An architectural treasure, the building is one of the few remaining USO buildings still standing in the country. One of the building's new features is a Wartime Wilmington museum exhibit in the lobby. Owned by the City of Wilmington, the building also serves as the city's community arts center and headquarters for Thalian Association, one of the nation's oldest community theatre troupes. www.thalian.org

1898 Memorial Park: Moving Forward Together. Dedicated in November 2008, the 1898 Memorial Park provides a new gateway to Wilmington with a 16-foot bronze monument that symbolizes social progress and harmony. Located at the corner of North Third & Davis Streets, the monument designed and installed by sculpture artist Ayokunle Odeleye (from Atlanta GA) honors the African-Americans who lost their lives in the 1898 riot. The park provides a space of beauty and a site for reconciliation. www.ci.wilmington.nc.us/Home/TodaysHighlights/tabid/324/ItemID/279/View/Details/Default.aspx

The 2^nd Annual Beach2Battleship Full and Half Iron Distance Triathlon will take place November 7, 2009. Due to the success of the inaugural race in November 2008, the Beach2Battleship is becoming an annual event. Races begin at Wrightsville Beach and end at the storied Battleship North Carolina, located on Eagles Island, across from Downtown Wilmington. Both events fall under the name Beach2Battleship, a name that derives directly from the unique course the triathletes will take, as well as, the premier visitor experience and amenities available to competitors, their families and friends. Registration began Dec. 8, 2008. http://www.beach2battleship.com/

ATTRACTIONS

A new WWII Homefront Heritage Museum with WWII exhibits and artifacts opened in July 2008 in the lobby of the Hannah Block Historic USO Building. http://www.thalian.org/

The Battleship North Carolina recently opened a new exhibit on the new fast attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777).

Airlie Gardens recently paved 3 miles of gravel walkways in anticipation of future tram service. Two 14-passenger trams are planned for Spring 2009.

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts will begin renovations of its historic Main Stage theatre in 2009. http://www.thalianhall.com/

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk Makeover is an ongoing campaign to improve the historic Boardwalk area, bringing together the town of Carolina Beach, Boardwalk property owners, and other island businesses and residents. (http://www.boardwalkmakeover.org/)

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, located in the historic Myers cottage, will reopen following renovations in late January. The beach cottage turns 100 years old in 2009.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher recently unveiled its new outreach vehicle that transports marine invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians to schools, libraries, camps, and community groups. The van allows educators to bring NC's coastal environment to NC students who live in the mountains, piedmont, and coastal plain. http://www.ncaquariums.com/

Wilmington's Riverwalk recently opened a 900-foot section behind the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. By spring 2009, a steel bulkhead at the foot of Market Street will be installed and renovations and expansion of the seasonal riverfront visitor information booth will be completed.

NEW EXHIBITS

Cameron Art Museum will feature "Charles Gwathmey: Inspiration and Transformation in Modern American Architecture" (June 23, 2009-January 10, 2010). Gwathmey is the architect who designed the Cameron Art Museum. This intimate exhibition focuses on the architectural process found in five of Gwathmey's projects, each inspired and informed by art. Other exhibitions in 2009 include: "Toy Crazy" (thru Feb. 1, 2009); "Bearden to Ruscha: Contemporary Art from the NC Museum of Art " (thru May 24, 2009); "Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton" (thru April 5, 2009); "Bob de Young's {phantasm}" (thru April 26, 2009). www.cameronartmuseum.com

The Children's Museum of Wilmington announces Teddy Bear Hospital (opened fall 2008) which introduces children to the doctor's visit experience in a fun and educational setting. A waiting area, exam table, medical equipment, a lab, surgery and x-ray stations allow kids to role-play as a health professional and to diagnose and care for their teddy bear patients. http://www.playwilmington.org/

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science exhibitions in 2009 include: "Toy Time" (May 8-Sept. 14, 2009), an exhibit of old-timey toys that spin, walk, twirl on good old-fashion laws of physics. Toy Time blends craft, culture, history, science and play. http://www.capefearmuseum.com/.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site announces a new temporary exhibit on Civil War photography and Timothy O'Sullivan (opens Jan. 17, 2009). Timothy O'Sullivan is recognized as one of the most important field photographers of his era. His haunting images reveal the devastation wrought upon Fort Fisher by the Union naval bombardment.

Cape Fear Attractions Alliance continues with its Cape Fear Explorer Passport Program to facilitate discovery of the history, science and culture of the 4-county Cape Fear region. Passports will be available online and at participating attractions and visitor centers. (Source: www.capefearexplorer.com)

TOURS/TRAILS

Orange Street Landing on Cape Fear , a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom located on Wilmington's Riverwalk at Orange Street, will unveil a new interpretive marker in 2009. One of the largest known escapes in Wilmington's history occurred at this site. www.nps.gov/ugrr

New nature tours include: Audubon NC's Tours of Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area (2-hr hike/birding tour-Wrightsville Beach); Hook, Line, and Paddle (kayak fishing excursions, guided tours).

Money Island Pirate Adventure Cruise. Join a costumed pirate storyteller on a 2 ½-hour narrated voyage of Money Island on the Intracoastal Waterway in Wrightsville Beach. Tour meets on Thursdays at 3:30pm (Spring/Summer) at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Private parties available by reservation year-round. (http://www.capefearnaturalist.com/)

A new Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Group Tour Guide is now available.

ACCOMMODATIONS

NEW:

Country Inns & Suites, opened a 74-room property at 4712 New Centre Drive in August 2008.

Fairfield Inn & Suites (303 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington) opened a 122-room hotel with 41 suites, indoor pool, and a 240-sq.-ft. meeting room in December 2008.

Four Porches Bed & Breakfast Inn, a pet-friendly B&B located in Wilmington's historic district is once again welcoming guests. Abbie Spire is the proprietor and Doug Zieschang is the Innkeeper. www.fourporches.com

Hampton Inn-University Area/Smith Creek Station (190 Old Eastwood Rd., Wilmington, 910-509-1725) opened in July 2008 with 125 sleeping rooms and 900 square feet of meeting space.

TownePlace Suites (305 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington, 910-332-3326) opened Spring 2008 with 111 rooms, and lots of amenities including all-suites, indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, lounge, Hi-speed/wireless Internet, exercise facilities, meeting rooms, and more. www.cmchotels.com/tpswilmington.html

Value Place, an extended-stay hotel (Carolina Beach Rd. & Shipyard Blvd.), opened a 121-room hotel in summer 2008.

RECENTLY RENOVATED:

Best Western Coastline Inn , located on the Cape Fear River in Downtown Wilmington, recently renovated its guest rooms.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort, a family-owned oceanfront hotel in Wrightsville Beach, recently renovated its guest rooms. http://www.blockade-runner.com/

Hilton Wilmington Riverside recently completed its $10 million renovation of rooms and public areas. Wilmington's largest hotel and conference center now features a Starbucks counter, Innovations restaurant with outdoor seating, and a new state-of-the-art fitness center. In June 2008, a Ruth's Chris Steak House opened in the hotel. The Hilton also welcomes new G.M. Chris Green. For information about the Hilton please contact Stephen Williams, Director of Sales at 910-763-5900. http://www.wilmingtonhilton.com/; http://www.ruthschris-wilmington.com/

Microtel Inn & Suites Carolina Beach recently implemented the chain's "Dream Well with Microtel" slogan with new soft bedding and color schemes.

Shell Island Oceanfront Suites in Wrightsville Beach is renovating guest rooms, balconies, the hotel entrance, lobby, elevators and indoor/outdoor pool areas. Renovations will be complete in March 2009. www.shellisland.com

COMING SOON:

* Seaview Properties/Russ Maynard recently broke ground for a 191-room Hilton Garden Inn with a ballroom that will seat up to 350 at the north end of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. A 2,800 square foot rooftop pavilion will overlook the ocean. 85 of the 191 rooms will be suites. The project is slated for completion in 2010.

*CN Hotels announced plans to construct a 7-story, 125-room Courtyard Marriott hotel in Downtown Wilmington at the corner of 2^nd and Grace streets. Construction is set to begin in second quarter 2009, with a projected opening of summer 2010.

NEW MANAGEMENT/AMENITIES/AWARDS:

*Clarendon Inn (117 S. 2^nd Street, Wilmington), a Downtown B&B in a former Catholic school building, is under new management with updated rooms. Amenities include a business center & meeting space; http://www.clarendoninn.com/

*Castle Resort Inc. is the new name for Century 21-Castle Realty in Carolina Beach. www.castelresortrentals.com

*Hampton Inn-Medical Park (2320 S. 17^th St., Wilmington) now offers a Weekend Kids' Corner, a play area for children. Also new is a nightly manager's reception and a Tuesday night Social Club that features catering by a different restaurant each week. www.wilmingtonmedicalpark.hampton.com

*Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort (Wrightsville Beach) received the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) 2008 Torchbearer Award, the company's most prestigious award. The Wrightsville Beach hotel is one of only 53 properties chosen from the IHG system of more than 3,800 hotels for achieving the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation. http://www.wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com/

*Palm Air Vacation Rentals & Sales (Kure Beach) has expanded into real estate and property management. www.palmaircottages.com

EVENTS NEWS

The 2^nd Annual Beach2Battleship Full- and Half-Distance Triathlon will take place on November 7, 2009. http://www.beach2battleship.com/ [See also Headline News section]

World-renowned child prodigy artist George Pocheptsov has been selected as the artist for the official commemorative art for the 62^nd Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 1-5, 2009). Born in Philadelphia to Ukranian parents, George and his mother moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in the late 1990s. Completely self-taught, George began sketching as a toddler. Today, at 15, George is often hailed by the press as a young Picasso or Chagall, and his paintings now command up to six-figures. http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/; http://www.georgepocheptsov.com/

The Cucalorus Film Festival, (Nov. 11-14, 2009), a 4-day festival of independent films, celebrates 15 years in 2009.

For a complete 2009 Event Calendar with hundreds of event listings, visit http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/and click on the Events icon.

ARTS & FILM-RELATED

Porch Theatre Company is a new theatre company that stages interactive dinner theater at Roudabush Restaurant, located Downtown at Dock & Front streets.

Greenfield Park Amphitheater , built in 1962, recently celebrated $1.2 million of renovations to include a covered stage and updated concessions/ticket booth building, walkways, landscaping, stage house, and backstage areas. The amphitheater hosts events such as Shakespeare on the Green festival (each June), concerts, and more. www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Departments/CommunityServices/ParksRecreationDowntownServices/RecreationPrograms/GreenfieldAmphitheater.aspx

Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center reopened in July 2008. An architectural treasure, the building is one of the few remaining USO buildings still standing in the U.S. Owned by the City of Wilmington, the building serves as our Community Arts Center for theatrical/musical productions, rehearsals, arts festivals and events. www.thalian.org

New theatre venues in Wilmington: Red Barn Studio Theatre (3^rd & Marstellar streets, owned by performers Broadway/TV/film actress Linda Lavin and husband, Steve Bakunas); Brown Coat Pub & Theater (111 Grace St., home of Guerilla Theatre group); Roudabush Café (S. Front & Dock sts.).

Wilmington, NC ranked number 6 among MovieMaker magazine's (Winter, 2008) 8^th annual list of "10 Best Cities to Live for Moviemakers." Rankings were determined on the availability of local production facilities, educational centers, screening venues, cost of living, among other factors. A city's financial incentives for moviemakers were also taken into account, as was its green friendliness.

The CW television series "One Tree Hill" (starring Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, and Sophia Bush) returned to Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast for a 6^th season in Summer 2008. The show airs at 9pm on Tuesdays. Filming takes place at EUE/Screen Gems Studios and at Wilmington and area beach locations. A free ONE TREE HILL FAQ Sheet is available at www.cape-fear.nc.us/press/Stories.asp?id=145.

Burchetta Glassblowing Studio & Gallery recently relocated to 201 Red Cross Street in Downtown Wilmington. Features include an art glass gallery, glass-blowing lessons and events, and a tour of their glass-blowing facility. http://www.burchetta.com/.

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts will begin renovations on its historic Main Stage in 2009. www.thalianhall.com

MEETING SPACE UPDATEConvention Center Update: The construction of the riverfront Wilmington Convention Center is now underway and is expected to open in spring/summer 2010. It is anticipated that features of the 95,000 square foot convention center on Nutt Street will include approximately 50,000 square feet of meeting space with an exhibit hall, ballroom, and breakout rooms. The project will include greenspace along the river, as well as a 581-space parking deck. A privately funded full-service 157-room hotel will be located adjacent to the center. Contact: Malissa Talbert, City of Wilmington PIO malissa.talbert@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort Wrightsville Beach continues to operate as a family-owned beach resort. Guest rooms were recently renovated. http://www.blockade-runner.com/

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Wrightsville Beach received the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) 2008 Torchbearer Award, the company's most prestigious award. The Wrightsville Beach hotel is one of only 53 properties chosen from the IHG system of more than 3,800 hotels for achieving the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation. www.wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com

Hilton Wilmington Riverside recently completed its $10 million renovation of rooms and public areas. Wilmington's largest hotel and conference center now features a Starbucks counter, Innovations restaurant with outdoor seating, and a new state-of-the-art fitness center. In summer 2008, a Ruth's Chris Steak House opened at the Hilton. For information about the Hilton please contact Stephen Williams, Director of Sales at 910-763-5900. http://www.wilmingtonhilton.com/; http://www.ruthschris-wilmington.com/

Hampton Inn -University Area/Smith Creek Station (190 Old Eastwood Rd., Wilmington, 910-509-1725) opened in summer 2008 with 125 sleeping rooms, inside corridors, courtyard, pool, wireless internet, and a large meeting room with 900 square feet (40 theatre; 75 classroom; or can be separated into 2 small rooms).

Towne Place Suites (305 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington) opened Spring 2008 with 111 rooms, and lots of amenities including all-suites, indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, lounge, Hi-speed/wireless Internet, exercise facilities, meeting rooms, and more. www.cmchotels.com/tpswilmington.html

Fairfield Inn & Suites (303 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington) opened a 124-room hotel with 41 suites and a 240-sq.-ft. meeting room (max. capacity 12) in December 2008.

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts will begin renovations of its historic Main Stage in 2009. http://www.thalianhall.com/

The Wilmington Art & Event Gallery is a new event venue/art gallery located in the J.W. Brooks building (18 S. Water St.) in Downtown Wilmington. The Wilmington Wine Shoppe manages the 1,200 sq. foot space for up to 100 ppl. 910-772-2077

Greenfield Park Amphitheater, built in 1962, recently completed a $1.2 million renovation to include a covered stage and updated concessions/ticket booth building, walkways, landscaping, stage house, and backstage areas. The amphitheater hosts events such as Shakespeare on the Green festival (each June), concerts, and more. www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Departments/CommunityServices/ParksRecreationDowntownServices/RecreationPrograms/GreenfieldAmphitheater.aspx

Coastline Conference and Event Center is the new name of the former Coast Line Convention Center. Management team remains the same. www.nccoastalevents.com/

Captain Bill's Event Facility/Musser's Catering is renovating a vacant restaurant located at 4238 Market Street. When complete in Spring 2009, the space will be available for parties, weddings, family reunions and more. www.captnbills.com/catering.php Erin Musser: 910-762-0111.

A new Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Meeting Planners Guide is now available.

For more meetings /convention info, contact the Communications/PR Director at 1-866-266-9690. Continued, see What's New in 2009-part 2 of 2:

http://www.cape-fear.nc.us/press/article.html?submitparam=Search&idparam=376