Water project gets funding

According to news sources, Carolina Beach has received a $100,000 grant from the state to go toward buying a .287-acre parcel that will become part of the Ocean-to-Sound Access Park and future home of the NC Aquarium Pier.

The grants are meant to help towns and counties restore streams, improve stormwater collection and benefit other water resources.

Now if we can only do something about the foul-smelling water ...

Report: Snakes, Venus fly traps and pirates - oh, my!

A nice piece from the Miami Herald about the Cafe Fear Coast.

We thought we’d done every “trail” imaginable, from wine trails to art trails to birding trails. But...a Venus flytrap trail? Sure enough, Wilmington has 12 sites devoted to this carnivorous plant, since this city is the only place in the world, they say, where you can see the Venus flytrap in its native (boggy) environment. That attraction alone was enough to draw us to Wilmington, a city that’s never been on the top of our “must-see before you die” list.

Our young traveling companions were skeptical. “Plants?” Raevin, 7, asked. “Seriously? We’re going to look at a bunch of plants?” She gave us a look that said “Totally lame!” We promised her we’d make a trip to the beach after we visited the flytrap trail at Carolina Beach State Park.

Once Raevin saw the bug-eating plants, with their teeth-y leaves, she was captivated, busily snapping photos. When we decided to check out some other walking trails at the park, there were no complaints from Miss Raevin.

It turns out that Wilmington had other surprises. Far from a snooze, we found Wilmington to be wildly kid-friendly.

Among the highlights were, naturally, the beaches.

The Cape Fear Coast has 31 miles of beach, and they’re a big draw. Everyone raves about Wrightsville Beach, but we found it full of co-eds in teensy bikinis. (What Mom needs that? We were here to have fun, not to feel self-conscious about the muffin-tops sprouting under our tankinis!) So we spent most of our beach-time at Carolina and Kure beaches — especially the fishing pier at Kure Beach, one of the oldest on the East Coast. We didn’t fish ourselves, but it was fun to see what other fisher-folk were pulling out of the water. Carolina Beach has a retro-looking boardwalk (circa 1896) with carnival rides (in season), Trolley Stop Hot Dogs, a local landmark, and Britt’s, one of the top donut shops in the U.S. What’s not to like?

Metered parking costs to go up

Beginning today, it will cost $1.25 an hour to park in CB metered spaces from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., according to WECT.

Parking on the island will still be free after 7 p.m.

There are several pay station lots to make parking more convenient. Those stations accept $10, $5, $1, nickels, dimes and quarters in addition to Visa and Master Card.

[See a detailed map of parking lots and spaces at Carolina Beach (PDF)]

Freeman Park passes will also cost a little more starting April 1. They could be purchased for $60 until the end of March, they jump to $100 in April.

Just know that if you rent Our Beach Place and just hang out and relax, parking isn't a problem.

Don't let the rain and cold weather fool ya: Summer's on its way!

Yes, it's somewhat abnormally cold and dreary, but don't let that trouble you. Summer (and warmer weather) is on its way.

How do I know that?

Britt's Donuts is open!

Life is good.

Freeman Park passes have doubled

People are lining up to get their passes to Freeman Park in Carolina Beach. Last year the town agreed to increase fees after March, so beachgoers are rushing to pay the lower price, according to WECT.

Town officials Freeman Park pass sales have more than doubled compared to last year. This time last year, Carolina Beach sold 1,655 passes. This year they've already sold 3,491.

"We've had a big rush for people who want to get in and save that $40," said Dennis Barbour, owner of True Value in Carolina Beach.

Passes can be purchased for $60 until the end of March. After April 1 the price rises to $100.

Bike Week coming? Maybe. Wing Fling? Definitely

Update: OK, so looks like no Bike Week in CB after all.

Danny Swinson, a Carolina Beach citizen, requested that council consider hosting a Bike Week in Carolina Beach, but withdrew his proposal after a public outcry against it.

The concerns in the community centered around the congestion and potential crime associated with an event of this kind. Council voted not to endorse bike week.

There's some chatter about a Bike Week in Carolina Beach, according to WECT.

Carolina Beach Town Hall will vote [tonight] whether or not to host the motor-friendly event.

Danny Swinson is the man behind the idea, and he said it's not meant to be a replacement to the Myrtle Beach Bike Week that has had problems in the past.

Swinson's event would be more like Shallotte's Bike Week, which has become a refuge for bikers wanting to escape the Myrtle Beach hassle.

Carolina Beach already has a couple biker clubs populating the boardwalk area, and the local businesses WECT spoke with said they're ready for more bikers. ...

If residents are worried about rugged, hard-nosed bikers rolling into town, Swinson said they have the wrong idea of bikers. The three biker clubs he plans to invite to the event are Rolling Thunder, The Blue Knights and The Red Knights, which include retired servicemen, police officers and fire fighters, respectively.

One thing that is definitely coming to CB is Wing Fling, again according to WECT.

After some controversy and confusion, it appears the Wing Fling festival will take place in Carolina Beach.

Organizers were recently turned down for an ABC permit to hold the event in downtown Wilmington. Weeks before, they had been turned down by New Hanover County leaders to hold the event at Hugh McRae Park.

In the 11^th hour, Carolina Beach leaders gave the organizers their approval. The event will be Saturday, March 26^th at Cape Fear Boulevard. Tickets cost $15 and must be bought in advance. Bringing your own alcohol is not an option.

Vendors at Freeman Park?

Freeman Park has long been revered for its unspoiled simplicity. But that could change.

"Town leaders in Carolina Beach are looking for ways to enhance the beach experience," says WECT.

Town council members are expected to talk about allowing push cart vendors at Freeman Park this season. A discussion about the topic is set for a special meeting Tuesday.

Last year the town allowed the delivery of beer from the Brew Thru.

What are your thoughts? Will this "enhance" the beach experience? Or just clutter it?
(Image from foreveryoungphotos)