Island of Lights Christmas Parade and Flotilla

It's almost time for some of the most beloved Pleasure Island holiday traditions...the Island of Lights Christmas Parade and Christmas Parade! Don't miss these events that are filled with holiday cheer and fun for the whole family. Gather with friends, bring some hot chocolate, and sit back to enjoy the show.

Carolina Beach Christmas Parade 2013

The Parade heads down Lake Park Boulevard beginning at Atlanta Ave near the Carolina Beach Lake and ending at the Federal Point Plaza. Watch unique and entertaining floats, dance to the sounds of the marching bands, and keep an eye out for Santa Claus as he'll be there to welcome in the holiday season!

Friday, December 6th 2013
Starts at 7:30 pm

Carolina Beach Christmas Flotilla 2013

The flotilla, a unique coastal tradition - essentially a parade on the water, runs along the canal from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. See elaborately decorated boats and their enthusiastic crews lit from bow to stern by festive holiday lights.

Saturday, December 7th, 2013
Starts at 6:00 pm

Island of Lights 2013 Card & Ornament Available

The 2013 Island of Lights Christmas Card and ornament are now available for purchase at the following businesses on Pleasure Island:

• Touche ~ 201 N Lake Park Blvd
• Jeanne's Jewels ~ 1009 N Lake Park Blvd
• The Checkered Church ~ 800 St Joseph St
• Island Tackle & Hardware ~ 801 N Lake Park Blvd
• Carolina Beach Furniture ~ 1021 N Lake Park Blvd
• Nautilus Art & Frame Shop ~ 1009 N Lake Park Blvd

Ornaments are $14 each and cards are $10 per pack of twelve.

Whether you're adding to a collection or starting a new tradition, don't miss the chance to add this lovely ornament to your tree! 

And friends near and far are sure to love receiving a handwritten note on one of these beautiful cards.

Give Thanks on Pleasure Island

Wondering where you're going to put all those relatives coming to visit for Thanksgiving? Why not head to Pleasure Island for a fun filled, family getaway at some of the most beautiful North Carolina beaches?

Rent a house with room for everyone to spread out (or choose from many other accommodations options!)

Whether you're visiting for the holiday or are local there are lots of area businesses ready to help you create a feast to remember this year.

Preparing the big meal at home (or at the home away from home you've rented for the holiday)? Find the ingredients, drinks, and special touches to add to your menu at The Veggie Wagon, Island Wellness Market, or Brew Thru Carolina Beach (this is sure to be the easiest on your list of errands!)

Order pies or other desserts (as well as some bagels or pastries for breakfast the next morning) from Big Apple Bakery.

Will you be a guest at someone else's house this Thanksgiving? Find the perfect host/hostess gift at one of Pleasure Island's great boutiques such as Checkered Church Gift Shop, Jeanne's Jewels, or The Shoppes at Squigley's.

After that delicious Thanksgiving dinner the last thing you'll want to do is head back in the kitchen (except maybe for some of those yummy leftovers!) Explore the many wonderful Pleasure Island restaurants to keep the great eating going strong all weekend long...with someone else slaving over the stove & doing the dishes!

Pleasure Island Shopping Spree 2013!

Support Pleasure Island and keep the benefit of your dollars local, while getting a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Pleasure Island Shopping Spree on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

The shopping spree takes place at the following shops and businesses from 10 am to 6 pm:

• Jeanne's Jewels & Fashions
• Majik Beanz Coffee Shop
• Artful Living Group
• Island Wellness
• Checkered Church
• Island Chic
• Primrose Cottage
• Nautilus Art & Frame
• Island Roast Coffee
• Brew Thru
• Footprints
• Big Apple Bakery

Shop and Win!

Shop Saturday, November 23 at any of the participating stores listed, make a purchase of $10 or more, and be qualified to win a $75 Gift Basket at the Raffle Party on Sunday, November 24th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Casa Matta Italian Restaurant. Each participating store will be raffling a Gift Basket valued at $75 or more. Receive one raffle ticket for every $10 worth of purchases from a participating store. Must present receipts at the Raffle Party to receive raffle tickets and must be present to win.

The Raffle Party at Casa Matta will also include:

• Free Appetizers!
• Entertainment from DJ Mike Worley
• Drink, appetizer, and dinner specials.

For additional information call any of the participating businesses or Jeanne's Jewels and Fashions at (910) 707-0316.

5th Annual Christmas By The Sea

It's almost time for the Carolina Beach Boardwalk to be transformed into a coastal holiday wonderland! Come enjoy the lights, and fun activities and events for the whole family. The little ones will be thrilled to pay a visit to Santa at his workshop.

Dates for the 2013 Christmas by the Sea in Carolina Beach will be:

November 29 & 30
December 7, 14, & 21

Don't forget that your favorite North Carolina beaches are a wonderful place to visit during the holiday season!

Spotlight on Business - Pleasure Island Tatoo

Pleasure Island Tattoo is a locally owned business that strives to have a reputation that exceeds the rest. We want to continue to provide great service, a relaxing atmosphere and art you can be proud of. Bottom line we just want to color the beach rad.

A fun and welcoming staff will make you feel like you belong. Three experienced artists with a wide range of styles. Make your next tat-too beautiful for years to come. Whether you are a local customer or just here on vacation Pleasure Island Tattoo can offer a wide variety of small or large tattoos upon the customer's request. We aim to be an avid part of Carolina Beach and surrounding areas taking part of the laid back atmosphere associated with island life. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service with competitive prices that will give people the option to stay on the beach. We also offer cosmetic tattooing with state-of-the-art equipment, hospital sterilization, and health department approved. All of the staff is blood borne pathogen certified.

Do not forget to check out all of our new custom apparel. Stop in for a free consultation to discuss your options available if you have a tattoo that you want fixed or covered up. We are open seven days a week Monday through Saturday from 12 to 9 and Sunday 12 to 6. Appointments preferred, located in Pleasure Island Plaza 1009 North Lake Park Blvd. Friend us on Facebook at Pleasure Island Tattoo and Gallery for discounts, specials, openings, and extensive portfolios. Call 910.262.7036

Get a Head Start on Planning Next Year's Summer Vacation

Though the summer has just ended it's not too early to start thinking about your Pleasure Island beach vacation for Summer 2014! While family and friends are together for the holidays it's a great time to brainstorm, dream about summer days filled with sand and surf, and get a week set aside on the calendar. 

Maybe you'd even like to surprise the family with an amazing holiday gift of a Carolina Beach/Kure Beach vacation for next summer. Think how exciting that would be to find under the tree!

Here are a few steps you can take to get started:

1. Look at the Events
   Would you love to be here for the Carolina Beach Music Festival or the Chowder Cook Off? Check out what's on tap for 2014 to help you pick a date. The full 2014 event calendar hasn't been finalized yet, but dates have been selected for many of the biggest events and festivals.
2. Check out Accommodations
   Looking for a beach house with room for a big crowd? Want a condo with a view of the ocean? How about a hotel with lots of amenities for a low stress vacation? It's all here on Pleasure Island, and when you book early you're likely to find plenty of availability and maybe even some special deals.
3. Make your vacation Wish List.
   Take a look at the great restaurants, shops, and activities you'll find here and start planning which you don't want to miss on your trip. Pleasure Island has been getting a lot of attention in the National media lately - check out which hot spots are becoming famous via our Island Press Board on Pinterest.

And of course there's no need to wait until next Summer to come to Pleasure Island - it's a great place to come for a day, weekend, week, or more - anytime of year! Hope to see you soon!

Fall Fishing Report

Fishing enthusiasts are thrilled that fall fishing has returned to Pleasure Island. Whether you head to the piers, fish the surf from the beach, boat just offshore, or venture out to the gulf stream it's a great time of year to enjoy fishing!

Here is a list of a few of the types of fish you might find biting near Carolina Beach & Kure Beach in the fall:

• Spanish Mackerel
• Bluefish
• Flounder
• Red Drum
• Pompano

Wondering what to do with that fresh catch once you get it home? A squeeze of lemon and a few minutes in the pan or on the grill is often all it takes for a delicious meal - but here are a few other ideas:

• Fish Tacos (Recipe from Coastal Living)
• Cioppino Seafood Stew (Recipe from Saveur)
• Fish Cooked in Parchment (Info & Recipes from Cooking Light)