Blood Drive at Carolina Beach Police Dept - Tuesday, May 4th

Give the gift of life by donating blood at the Carolina Beach Police Department Blood Drive, Tuesday, May 4th from 12:30 - 5:00 pm. The American Red Cross will be holding the drive in the training room.

Squeamish? Wondering if you're eligible? Want to know what happens to the blood you donate? Learn more from the American Red Cross.

For an appointment call 254-4483, or just drop in.

Carolina Beach Farmers Market Opens Saturday, April 24th

The eagerly anticipated Carolina Beach Farmers Market will be open for the first time on Saturday, April 24th from 8 am to 1 pm. Come to the Lake on Lake Park Boulevard to find locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, fresh meat, and cheeses, as well as local arts and crafts.

Stop by the information table to pick up a list of local shops offering 10% discounts for market attendees. There will also be a ribbon cutting held by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at 10:30 am to officially kick-off this great addition to the community.

Whether you are just in town for a few days or a longtime resident make sure you include the Carolina Beach Farmers Market in your weekend plans this spring and summer!

Kure Beach Street Festival - Saturday, April 24th

Kure Beach Street Festival viewed from the beach.

Head to Kure Beach for their fourth annual Street Festival on Saturday, April 24th. The fun starts at 11:00 am in front of the Kure Beach Pier and continue until the fireworks at dusk. There will be live music, carnival games and inflatable bounce castles for the kids, arts and crafts vendors, and a car show. That great festival food will be available including fried chicken, funnel cakes, gyros, hot dogs, fudge, and cotton candy.

Live Music Schedule:
The Sandy Bottom Boys
Mako Band
Sea-Cruz

Please, no coolers or pets. For more information visit www.townofkurebeach.org

And the winners are...

Great weather, great people, and great chowder made the 14th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off a huge success on Saturday, April 17th in Carolina Beach. More than 2000 ballots were submitted voting for People's Choice. An enthusiastic crowd cheered on the following contestants as they were awarded their prizes:

Surf House Cafe & Shop - People's Choice
Lazy Pirate - Judges Choice
FishBites Seafood - Best Decorated Tent
Lazy Pirate - Most Spirited Tent

Congratulations!!

3rd Annual Island Women Yard & Bake Sale Saturday in Carolina Beach

On Saturday, April 17th the Island Women will hold their 3rd Annual Yard & Bake Sale from 7 am - 1 pm. Stop by 206 Fayetteville Ave in Carolina Beach on  your way to the Chowder Cook-Off to find some great deals! The proceeds are dedicated to improving life on Pleasure Island.

For more information on the Island Women visit www.islandwomen.org.

The 14th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off Is Just One Week Away!

This favorite Pleasure Island Event for locals and vacationers alike is almost upon us. On Saturday, April 17th the Chowder Cook-Off will be held at the Carolina Beach Lake.

Gates open at 11:30 am, you will be able to start sampling the competitors' amazing seafood chowders at noon. The contestants, Fish Bites, Harbor Masters, Lazy Pirate, RuckerJohns, Surf House, Tangerines Caribbean Grill, Treehouse Bistro, and Beau Rivage, all serve some pretty delicious food so we expect the competition to be fierce! Don't forget to vote for your favorite - judging ends at 4 pm with the awards being presented at 5 pm.

The Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off also includes live music; a Kidz Zone featuring face painting, balloon art, and a giant inflatable slide; and other food and drinks for sale such as hot dogs, funnel cake, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

If you just happened to schedule your Carolina Beach vacation for the weekend of the Chowder Cook-Off you are in luck! This is something people look foward to all year round!

Admission is just $5 and children 12 and under get in free. For more information call the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at 910-458-8434.

Headed to Wilmington for Azalea Fest? Stay in a Carolina Beach hotel or vacation home!

Photo by Michael Turner

People from all over are headed to Southeastern NC this weekend for the 63rd Annual North Carolina Azalea Fest. Come join the fun, but when you're finished exploring all this great festival has to offer escape the crowds and relax on Pleasure Island.


Just an easy 20 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher offer white sandy beaches, great restaurants, and comfortable accomodations. For a couple or small family the island has wonderful Carolina Beach hotels - including several on the oceanfront. If you are coming with a crowd you might want to consider renting one of Pleasure Island's many vacational rental homes.


While you won't want to miss the Azalea Festival parade, street fair, or fireworks, make sure you save some time to relax on the beach, grab a doughnut at Britts, and visit the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

25th Annual Pleasure Island Beach Music Festival - June 5, 2010

All of the bands have been booked for the 25th Annual Beach Music Festival to be held on June 5th, 2010. This year’s line up is really exciting. There is also a “Pre-Festival Kick Off” starting on Friday, June 4th so please go to Pleasure Island for more information on this fabulous event.

Event Details:

• What: Pre-Festival Kick Off
• When: Friday, June 4, 2010
• Where: The Gazebo on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Admission: Free

Event Details:

• What: Beach Music Festival
• When: Saturday, June 5, 2010
• Where: On Carolina Beach
• Time: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Admission:
  
  
  
  • Tickets in Advance: $15
  • At the Gate: $20

For more information call (910) 458-8434 or visit www.PleasureIslandNC.org/beachmusicfestival.asp.

Touch of Class Charity Auction

The 10th Annual “Touch of Class” Charity Auction is coming up on Friday, May 7, 2010.

This year, the Pleasure Island Foundation for a Sustainable Community is excited to announce that Step up for Soldiers will be the beneficiary for this year’s event.

Event Details:

• What: Touch of Class Charity Auction
• When: Friday, May 7, 2010

For more details contact Gail at (910) 458-8434 or visit www.PleasureIslandNC.org/charityauction.asp

Charlie’s Boardwalk Subs Now Offers Indoor/Outdoor Seating

Come and see some of the changes at Charlie’s Boardwalk Subs.

Charlie’s offers:

• 8” subs, 
• 12” subs, 
• wraps, 
• salads,
• pizza and,
• hot dogs. 

Charlie’s Boardwalk Subs is located at 8 Pavilion Avenue South on the Boardwalk.

For more information go to http://www.charliesboardwalksubs.com/.

Courtyard Marriott on Carolina Beach OceanFront Completes Renovations

The Courtyard Marriott, a popular Carolina Beach hotel for visitors to Pleasure Island, has been completely renovated with new carpet, vinyl, and paint throughout the guest rooms, public spaces, corridors, and meeting rooms. The rooms now have 32 inch flat screen TVs, and the lobby has a new contemporary design, including a touch screen information board, media stations, a business library, and several flat screen TVs.

The Courtyard Bistro now offers an array of sandwiches, soups, salads, and snacks, and they now proudly serve Starbucks Coffee!

With its ideal location on the Carolina Beach oceanfront, and its beautiful new look, The Courtyard Marriott is the perfect place for a North Carolina beach vacation. Visit http://www.courtyardcarolinabeach.com/ or call 800.321.2211 to learn more or to book your visit to Carolina Beach!

Celebrate Easter with an Egg-cellent Brunch on Pleasure Island

Many of the area's finest restaurants are offering special brunch menus for Easter Sunday, April 4th. Locals, visitors, and vacationers alike are sure to be tempted by these delicious sounding dishes. Skip the trip to the grocery store and the hours in the kitchen - get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather forcasted for this weekend and then take the family out to Easter Brunch on Pleasure Island.

Beau Rivage
Just a hop, skip, and a jump off the island, Beau Rivage is more than an award winning golf course. This residential and resort community also has a fabulous restaurant which is open to the public.
Easter Brunch Details:

10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Menu will include Ciabatta-French Toast, Strawberry Glazed Goat Cheese Filled Crepes, Fluffy Omlets made to order, Assorted Pastries, Artisan Breads with Whipped Honey Butter, Crab & Spinach Lasagna, Veal Madiera, Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib, and a variety of salads and desserts among other amazing culinary creations.
There will also be live music and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny!
Prices: Adults - $29.95, Seniors - $24.95, Children 4-12 - $14.95
Reservations are required so please call 800-628-7080 ext 2.
Beau Rivage is located at 649 Rivage Promenade in Wilmington


Tangerine Grille
This caribbean influenced local favorite is offering Easter Day Specials. Tangerine Grille is known for excellent seafood, a fun atmosphere, and it's amazing location on the canal in the heart of Carolina Beach.
Easter Special Details:
Brunch - Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Menu will include Crab Benedict & Eggs Benedict served with dessert & a complimentary Mimosa (for guests over 21) for $15.

They are also offering Easter dinner specials from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm such as

• Prime Rib with Sweet Potato Mash, Pecans, and Asparagus
• Rack of Lamb with a Mint Demi Glaze, Sweet Potato Mash and Asparagus
• Slow Roasted Fresh Ham served with Roce, Beans, and Asparagus
• each entree is $20 and includes salad, dessert, and a complimentary glass of Champagne (for guests over 21)

Call (910) 707-0202 for more information. Tangerine Grille is located at 300 North Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach.