Boogie in the Park Concert Series Returns This Sunday!

Kure Beach's popular annual concert series, Boogie in the Park, returns in 2017 with a fantastic line up of musical acts. The series kicks off this weekend with Selah Dubb, a surf/reggae group performing on Sunday, May 7.

Dog-Friendly Spots on Pleasure Island

It can be tough leaving your furry family member behind when you go on vacation, but that doesn’t have to be the case when you visit the beautiful coastal towns on Pleasure Island in North Carolina. With a variety of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and activities in our area, your family dog can enjoy a beach vacation too.

Hotels

Pleasure Island offers an abundance of classic beach-style hotels and cottages on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean or with close beach access that are pet-friendly. TheBeacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast is one such hotel that’s located just a across the street from the beach at 715 Carolina Beach Ave N. The Beacon House Cottages welcomes a maximum of two pets in each cottage. Drifters Reef Motel, located in the heart of Carolina Beach also welcomes two dogs per room. Both hotels have pet fees and may have breed and size restrictions, so be sure and inquire when making your vacation plans.

Vivian Howard Book Signing at Go Sauce Yourself

Popular NC-based chef Vivian Howard of the award winning PBS show, "A Chef's Life," will be signing copies of her new cookbook, "Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South" at Go Sauce Yourself in Carolina Beach. The book signing event will take place Friday, June 30 from 4 pm to 6 pm. 

Tickets are required for this event and are $40. The cost of the ticket includes a signed copy of the book. You may purchase a ticket at Eventbrite.com by searching "Vivian Howard book signing." A limited number of tickets will be sold so hurry and reserve yours today!

Go Sauce Yourself is located at 11 Boardwalk Suite 130.

Volunteers Needed for Kure Beach 70th Anniversary Celebration & Street Festival!

The Town of Kure Beach is turning 70 years old! To help celebrate this great milestone, the Town of Kure Beach is looking for volunteers to make the event extra special. If you or someone you know might be interested in donating some time and offering a helping hand, please review the details below and contact the organizers via the phone number and/or email address provided.

What: The Town of Kure Beach is turning 70 and with that comes a town-wide celebration! Extra hands are needed to help bring this event to life - if you're willing to lend a hand, we'd love to have you!

When: Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Where: Ocean Front Park (105 Atlantic Avenue in Kure Beach)

How: Provide your contact info and availability via email at parks@tokb.org or via phone at (910) 707-2015

32nd Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival

Are you ready to get summer started? Then get ready for the 32^nd Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival on Saturday, June 3, 2017. The beach strand at the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk in Carolina Beach will come alive with the most popular beach music bands in the South at one of the longest running Beach Music festivals in the United States. This multi-generational family-friendly event is guaranteed to bring out the ‘shagger’ in everybody with a lineup of bands bringing their laid-back style of rhythm and blues to the beachfront including Band of Oz, Black Water Rhythm & Blues Band, and Jim Quick and Coastline.

Planning a Pleasure Island Beach Wedding?

Who doesn’t dream of a beach wedding? Couples and their families from all over the country come to Pleasure Island to tie the knot because of our beautiful white sand, stunning sunsets, majestic sea oats in the dunes, and of course, the Atlantic—all are the perfect backdrop for that very special day. Our Pleasure Island business community has everything you need to plan and design your ocean-side nuptials.


Whether it’s Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, or a Fort Fisher Beach wedding, all are easily accessible for your guests, as well as vendors.

In Case You Missed It - Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off is CANCELLED

The 21st Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off is officially CANCELLED.

In case you haven't heard the news, the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off, originally scheduled for April 8, 2017, has officially been cancelled. It is with a sense of pride, remembrance and sorrow that we announce the end of this signature spring event after 20 great years.

The Chowder Cook-Off celebrated delicious area food, great music and fun for the entire family. Chefs from southeast North Carolina's finest restaurants each brought their own unique chowder recipes - seafood or otherwise - and invited guests to sample and judge the selections. Attendees were able to sample a true taste of Cape Fear during this friendly chowder competition, held each spring at Carolina Beach Lake Park in Carolina Beach. Kids were able to play in the park's playground and the Kidz Zone, with face painting, a giant inflatable slide, laser tag and more. The sounds of live music filled the air all day as the children played and the grownups enjoyed a few adult beverages along with scrumptious chowder.

Although the event was much loved by the local community, after careful consideration, the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors decided to officially end the annual event. Unfortunately, the Chowder Cook-Off became a victim of the increasingly high cost of seafood, lack of restaurant participation and the growing complexities of outdoor events.

The Board will be meeting very soon with the assistance of the local restaurant community to determine a future culinary-based event (or events) to showcase our area's restaurants and food purveyors.

In the meantime, the 2017 season will not be without fun events, great food and lively music! The first ever Spring Pleasure Island Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival will be held at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area on Sunday, April 23, with 12 great bands on two stages with plenty of seafood, face-painting, laser-tag, crafters, artists, beer and wine, and fun for all ages. This inaugural Spring event will feature headliners Jonny Lang and Samantha Fish along with ten other bands overlooking the banks of the might Cape Fear River in Kure Beach, NC.

For more information, please feel free to contact the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at (910) 458-8434.

Don't Forget, Public Safety Day is March 25!

Police Cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and games! If you’re looking for something to do along the family fun lines, Public Safety Day in Kure Beach on Saturday, March 25th offers adults and kids of all ages an interactive opportunity to learn about the public safety initiatives and resources in the Pleasure Island community.


Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Police Departments are partnering together to host a fee community event at the Ft. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area for the whole family to educate, create community interest, raise awareness, and build relationships with first responders. And of course, to have fun! This is your chance to meet the police offers, paramedics, and firemen—in a non-emergency environment—who keep our community safe, and learn about the resources and programs that each offer in New Hanover County.

Public Safety Day at Fort Fisher

Enjoy a FREE family fun day exploring the emergency service agencies in our area at Public Safety Day on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

This event features local police, fire, ems, military branches and other supporting organizations as they connect with the community and share their role in how they protect and serve the citizens of New Hanover County. There will also be demonstrations, food, vehicle displays, a free kids area with fun activities, and more!

Town of Kure Beach to Hold American Cross Blood Drive

Donating blood is a way to give back. Whether you’re donating for a friend or a family member, or just because you feel it’s the right thing to do to help someone else out, giving blood can be a rewarding experience; knowing that you’ve helped change or save a life. Not to mention, blood is something most people have to spare, so when you give blood you’re helping keep blood on the shelf for those who need it an emergency. And if that’s not enough, donors get free juice and yummy cookies!

Kure Beach to Hold Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification Class in March

Now is your chance to learn how you can save a life. The Town of Kure Beach will host an Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid certification class on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Community Center. 

The class will run from 10:30am until 3:30pm and provide the opportunity to earn an American Heart Association certification. Kure Beach’s State Fire Instructor, Jim Dugan, who has over 30 years of extensive experience, will teach the class.

This training and certification is incredibly valuable for a variety of careers and circumstances. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, flight attendant, security guard, lifeguard, personal trainer, police officer, childcare provider or babysitter, a coach, a teacher, or a parent; just about everyone can benefit from learning how to perform CPR, use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and understand basic first aid. 

Mobile Hazwagon Comes to Carolina Beach

Sometimes it’s not always easy to do the right thing when it comes to doing what’s best for the environment — like properly disposing of household chemicals and other toxic products. It can be tempting to pour solvents and hazardous liquids down the drain or on the ground, or toss them in the trash, but these waste products can be harmful to our health and to the environment if they are absorbed into the ground or into our water supply. Fortunately, New Hanover County Environmental Management and UNCW’s Sustainability Committee have partnered to bring residents a more convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste, making it easier to do what’s right.

Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival Annual Art Auction Dinner

Come enjoy the spirit and spectacle of Mardi Gras while supporting the arts in Pleasure Island!

The Annual Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival Art Auction is a fun- and art-filled event to help support the overall Festival. With costumes, music, appetizers, raffles and opportunities to bid on fantastic works of art from all around the country, it's no wonder the event has already sold out of advance tickets! But don't worry -- tickets will still be available at the door.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in Carolina Beach 2017

We're officially in tax season, which means it's time to get your official IRS documents, income statements, receipts, deductions and any other financial documentation together to file your yearly tax return. Although it's not the most fun time of year, some residents of Carolina Beach may be able to take advantage of New Hanover County's free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program.

The VITA program offers tax help to low- and moderate-income people with a focus on those 60 or older, completely free of charge. Through this program, IRS-certified volunteers provide free, basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in New Hanover County. VITA volunteers are able to inform about special tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Pleasure Islanders

Looking for a way to express your tender feelings for that special someone in your life? Pleasure Island has a wide assortment of boutiques, restaurants, and fun activities to make your Valentine's Day extra sweet. Here are a few of our suggestions:

A Gift Basket from The Veggie Wagon

The Veggie Wagon in Carolina Beach has way more than just delicious, fresh produce. Did you know they can put together a beautiful assortment of wine, chocolate, cake and soaps to delight the senses and make your sweetie swoon? Their Valentine's Day gift baskets are artfully arranged to include some of their best wines, as well as locally-made items like delicious Cape Fear Rum cakes, Wilmington-based Three Little Bird soaps and Black Mountain chocolate from Winston-Salem, NC. To add a finishing touch to one of the larger basket options, they'll include a lovely candle to set the mood for your romantic evening.


An Assortment of Hand Made Fudge from The Fudgeboat

You might be thinking, wait a minute - isn't The Fudgeboat closed until spring? Well yes, they are. BUT - did you know you can order their drool-inducing goodies online, year round? Better place your order quick if you want your sweets in time for V-Day! They've got several amazing flavors to choose from. From Peanut Butter (made with creamy Jif peanut butter) to Rocky Road to Red Velvet and more, you're sure to find something that will put a smile on your sweetheart's face. And by the way, they don't just do fudge; try the chocolate covered pretzels for a little bit of sweet and savory, or the chocolate dipped strawberries are always a Valentine's Day favorite!


A Gift Box from Island Roast Coffee

If you're looking for something a little less sugary and a little more bold, wake up your darling's senses with some freshly ground coffee from Island Roast Coffee in Carolina Beach. They have two different gift boxes - one that includes 3 of your hand-picked coffees to give to that special coffee geek in your life, and one that includes the "most popular coffee maker in the world," the French Press, plus one hand-selected bag of coffee. They offer a wide assortment of coffees here so picking out the ones you want will be half the fun! From Island Time Breakfast Blend to Organic Espresso to Mocha Java, and more, you'll want to come back to try them all. And for coffee lovers who also enjoy a little sweetness, they've got you covered with Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, Southern Pecan and Chocolate Coconut flavors.


A Gift Certificate to Jeanne's Jewels & Fashions

If your special someone loves to shop, why not let them pick out their own Valentine's Day gift at Jeanne's Jewels & Fashions in Carolina Beach? This lovely shop has fine jewelry, on-trend beach apparel, sumptuous bath and body products and more. And did you know they also offer a selection of gifts for kids? If you want to give your little one a Valentine gift, check out their adorable girls' jewelry, coloring books, educational games and toys - and most are at prices drastically reduced from retail!

The Veggie Wagon at Carolina Beach Now Offering Loose Leaf Tea Bar

Local specialty grocery store and fresh produce delivery company, The Veggie Wagon, is serving up more than fruits, veggies, seafood, North Carolina brews, healthy take and bake comfort foods, and homemade products in the Pleasure Island community—and just in time for the cooling winter temps.

Come experience the Veggie Wagon’s new organic loose leaf tea bar. They have a variety of 8 flavor profiles—including a unique Mexican Chocolate and a classic English Breakfast—there’s something to satisfy every palate. Once you’ve picked your favorite flavor, choose how you would like it served: a cup on the run that’s steeped in house, or ounce and half-ounce quantities to take home and brew yourself. They’ll even throw in some tea bags for home steeping.

Even if you think you’re not a tea drinker, maybe you’ve never tried a good loose leaf tea before. Now is your chance. Let one of the knowledgeable staff help you find a tea that’s right for you. They’ll let you sample them all before you decide.

The Veggie Wagon supports local farming families by purchasing North Carolina produce and products. And now they’re purveyors of amazing organic loose leaf teas. They are located at 608 S. Lake Park Blvd. in the heart of Carolina Beach. So stop by and try their new delicious organic tea bar. For more information, visit their Facebook page here. 

Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks Seeking New Members

Do you love the outdoors? Are you considered a nature enthusiast by friends and family? Do you have a soft spot for the Pleasure Island community? If you answered yes to all of these questions, why not volunteer with Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks and help support and promote our two local state parks - Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

Missed Pleasure Island Pageant 2017

Mark your calendars for the return of the Missed Pleasure Island Pageant on Friday, February 10 at the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach!

This hugely popular event features a full pageant for "woMEN" to show off their skills and get in touch with their feminine sides! Contestants will don full pageant gear featuring swimwear, evening attire, and will even have the chance to perform a talent. Only one woMAN will take home the crown!

Attendees can enjoy watching the pageant, as well as a cash bar, gift basket raffle featuring great baskets with items and certificates for local businesses, and more! Purchase your raffle tickets in advance to save!

Want to learn more about this year's pageant? Check out the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Missed-Pleasure-Island-Pageant-1028207940541331/

Tickets for this event are only $20 per person and go to support the Island Women and Island Men 501C-3 organizations. Island Women and Island Men are groups committed to making life better on Pleasure Island through various efforts. Want to learn more about them? Check out their websites:

• Island Women
• Island Men

Surfrider Foundation to Hold Dune Re-Building Event Jan. 28

For the past several years, the Surfrider Foundation has spearheaded a cheap and resourceful way to help rebuild our area dunes: recycled Christmas trees. On Saturday, January 28, The Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, is coordinating with the town of Carolina Beach and a slew of volunteers to partake in the fourth annual dune rebuilding program using the discarded trees.

Tickets Still Available for Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival (Rescheduled for April 23, 2017)

As many of you know, Hurricane Matthew forced us to reschedule the wildly popular Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival originally scheduled for November 2016. Now, the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 23, 2017 and tickets are still available. But HURRY, as this event is very likely to SELL OUT!

Tickets are $50 each (plus $4 service fee if buying online). You can purchase tickets to the 23rd Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival through Eventbrite or you can buy them at one of several local businesses, including Island Tackle & Hardware, Olde Salty, Gravity Records, Southern Sign Company, The Silver Dollar, Carolina Beach Furniture, Bank of America at Carolina Beach and of course the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce office.

Remember, this event will most likely SELL OUT, so buy your tickets soon! For more information, call (910) 458-8434 or click here for details on the festival schedule, rules and band lineup.

2017 Special Olympics Polar Plunge

The 13th Annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge, 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk (aka the 5K Run-N-Plunge) will take place in Kure Beach on Saturday, February 11, 2017. This fun, family-friendly event encourages contestants to brave the cold conditions of the Atlantic Ocean by plunging into the shore after completing a 5K (or 1 Mile Walk) that winds through the beach.

Contestants are also encouraged to come to the event dressed as their favorite super hero, with an awards given for the day's Costume Contest. And did we mention this event is dog-friendly? In fact, there will be a special "Pooch Plunge" just for brave Plungers who want their canine companions to participate, too!

Contestants can opt for the 5K Run-N-Plunge, the 1 Mile Fun Walk or just the plunge. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time supporting the Special Olympics of New Hanover County!

Take a look at the following schedule for an overview of the day's events: