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.

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.

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!

Local Holiday Gift Ideas for Pleasure Islanders

Uh oh...did you know there are only 12 shopping days 'til Christmas!? Not to worry! We've got some great holiday gift suggestions for Pleasure Islanders that might help you finish crossing off your list. From baskets of fresh fruit to local restaurant gift cards to unique hand made items only found on Pleasure Island, we're pretty sure you'll find something that will bring a smile to your friend's or family's face!

Jonny Lang and Samantha Fish Headline 23rd Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival

The 23rd Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival is excited to announce the musical headliners for 2016: Jonny Lang and Samantha Fish!

The Pleasure Island Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival will take place at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area on October 8th and 9th this year. As expected, the Festival organizers are again bringing two internationally renowned artists on both Saturday and Sunday.

Don't Miss Your Last Chance for the Kure Beach Market!

While fall brings with it enjoyable cooler temperatures, quiet beaches, and patio fire pits, it also means the weekly Kure Beach Market comes to a close for the season.

Tuesday, August 30th is your last chance to shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, hand crafted goods, jewelry, cooking sauces and spices, fine art, and much more, at the Ocean Front Park. Visiting the open air market is a favorite activity for visitors and residents alike.

From mid-June to the end of August, the Kure Beach Market is open every Tuesday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Shoppers can browse products from more than thirty vendors while taking in the amazing Atlantic Ocean views at the popular Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Local farmers and culinary professionals sell fresh baked goods, local wine, fresh peaches, watermelon, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and a variety of other fresh, seasonal produce to encourage and promote locally grown, sustainable, healthy eating. North Carolina artisans are also on hand with their homemade crafts, jewelry, pottery, painted glass, textiles, and metal art.

The Kure Beach Market brings awareness to our southern history of agriculture, supports the local economy, and promotes the spirit of community. Admission is free, and the venue is pet-friendly and family-friendly. The park itself features a playground, benches, swings, raingardens, and a “tot lot” playground for small children. So come help support our local growers and artisans. Don’t miss out on the last chance of the season! On August 30, visit the market as you take in the fresh air and breathtaking water views while you shop, wander, and enjoy!

For more information, please visit the Kure Beach Market’s Facebook page here.

Art Appreciation Along Pleasure Island…

Many are often surprised to discover that Pleasure Island is a mecca for artists and those in search of artistic pursuits.

Test Your Pleasure Island IQ!

1. In what year was the high-rise bridge built over Snow’s Cut to connect the island to the mainland?

1959
1962
1964

2. What local dancer is credited with developing and popularizing the dance known as the “shag”?

Chicken Hicks
Shaggie Smith
Rooster Parker

3. Kure Beach takes its name from one of the first families to visit and buy property in the area. It is pronounced “Cure-ee” and the family was originally from:

Minnesota
Denmark
Germany

4. The man, Robert Harrill, who became known as the legendary Fort Fisher Hermit was originally from:

Athens, GA
Gaffney, SC
Lincoln, NE

5. In its heyday during the Civil War, Fort Fisher was known as:

The Gibraltar of the South
The Sand Castle Fortress
The Iron Mermaid

6. When the Astor Hotel burned to the ground in 1985, it was how old?

42 years
69 years
120 years

7. Kure Beach boasts its own natural wonder. What is it?

An artesian well
A coquina outcrop
A rocky sea cave

8. Which hurricane did the most recent damage to the Kure Beach Pier?

Dianne
Fran
Bertha

9. Which Native American tribal group predominately populated the area now known as the Cape Fear Coast, which includes Pleasure Island?

Shawnee
Tuscarora
Blackfoot

10. What is the name of the albino alligator at the Fort Fisher Aquarium?

Jack White
Luna
Elsa



(answers: 1962, Chicken Hicks, Denmark, Gaffney, SC, Gibraltar of the South, 69 years, coquina outcrop, Bertha, Tuscarora, Luna)

20th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off Restaurant Contestants Named

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to officially announce the contestants of the 2016 Chowder Cook-Off!

Congratulations to all the contestants! 

Buzz's Roost CB
8 Pavilion Avenue South on the Boardwalk
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant
1 North Lake Park Boulevard
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910-458-2822

Take the Pleasure Island Plunge and Try Something New!

Have you heard the old saying, “Variety is the spice of life?” We couldn’t agree more and believe that springtime is an excellent time to try something new and different. You can always blame it on spring fever! There’s another saying that we like in these parts: “Do something that’s a little bit dangerous every day.” Of course, should you choose to take a walk on the wild side, we encourage you to proceed with caution while maintaining your sense of adventure. Finally, to provide you with that extra nudge, here is a quote from Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

So there will be no excuses, here’s a handy list of possibilities to get you started:

* The world is your oyster! Common culinary lore holds that oysters should be consumed only in those months that contain the letter "R." With March and April on the way, it’s high time to get your fill before the season is over. In the quest to try something new, consider consuming a raw oyster with just a dot of Texas Pete or Sriracha. The truly brave ones in the bunch could opt for a popular new underground trend-oyster s’mores! We thinks these folks can help you out: http://www.theshuckinshack.com/

* Experience the natural beauty of Carolina Beach State Park. Spring’s warmer weather and longer days means it’s the perfect time to pitch a tent, hike, bike the trails, fish or kayak. Have you ever tried the 25-ft hike to the top of Sugar Loaf Trail? It’s a great vantage point for bird watching and spotting vessels of all shapes and sizes making their way through Snow’s Cut.

Plan Your Winter Escape to Pleasure Island

Are you someone who thinks that the only time to enjoy a trip to the Cape Fear Coast is during the warm months of summer? Well, if that is the case, we’d love to let you in on a little secret: an off-season wintertime visit to the beach can take you a world away from the stressful daily grind. You may be surprised with how rejuvenating just a weekend getaway can be. Please look over the following suggested itinerary and see for yourself…

Race into Spring on Pleasure Island!

Cold weather got you down? Have you already fallen behind on those New Year’s goals to get in shape? With Pleasure Island’s breathtaking coastal backdrop, brisk, sunny days and several noteworthy sporting events on the horizon, it’s time to borrow Nike’s catch phrase and "Just Do It." So, whether you’ll need track shoes, Polar Tech clothing, a wetsuit, paddle or iPod, gather your gear and get ready! Best of all, these activities will get you through those dark winter days and in perfect shape for summer! Here’s what you have to look forward to:


12th Annual Polar Plunge - Saturday, February 13th
Make like a polar bear and take a refreshing wintertime dip in the invigorating waters of the mighty Atlantic! A number of other activities will be on tap to coincide with this frosty fun including live music, a silent auction and the always popular costume contest. With the plunge set for 3:00 in the afternoon, there are also two excellent warm up activities: a 5K and 1-Mile Walk, both at 1:30 pm. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk will serve as the official event hub. Of course, you will be “Freezin for a Reason," as all proceeds benefit New Hanover County Special Olympics. For all of the details including registration information, please use this link: http://www.plungenhc.com/Polar-Plunge/polar-plunge.html

Now’s the Time to Start Planning Your Summer Vacation on Pleasure Island

As we become more deeply settled into the long, often cold and dreary months of winter, it helps to have something to look forward to! For many Americans, the activities that go into planning summertime getaways start as soon as the holidays are over. The time between those seasonal start and finish dates of Memorial Day and Labor Day feels woefully short. Those that plan ahead know it’s the best way to squeeze in the maximum amount of fun from every precious day! More positive points about getting an early start on your summer getaway plans is that it frequently means you’ll have your choice of dates and sometimes, better prices.

Whether you’re interested in a Pleasure Island family vacation, romantic getaway, special occasion or just carving out a plan for a little “me-time”, we have some suggestions to get you started.

Upcoming Holiday Events on Pleasure Island

We can not take the credit, however, for the past few days the unseasonably mild temps and gorgeous blue skies are certainly what could be called, “Chamber of Commerce Weather”. The warm temps are predicted to last for a few more days and will make it easy to take in the holiday sights and sounds along beautiful Pleasure Island. Along with all of the holiday goings-on, there are fun and funky shops, outstanding restaurants and cafes, high-rise hotels, charming inns and cottages. It’s an idyllic place any time of year, but especially during the holidays!

Sometimes taking advantage of what an area has to offer requires a little extra planning, so here are a few ideas to consider for your holiday fun:

The Kure Beach Christmas Show

• Saturday, December 12th, 6:30-8 pm

This FREE event is a local favorite, especially among the younger crowd! From 6:30 until 8 pm, on K Avenue, right next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, costumed holiday characters will be performing seasonal tunes sung by an all-local cast. There will also be appearances by Frosty, Harriet the Hippo, the Grinch, Olaf, Anna, Elsa and Rudolph! Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand with a group of their most talented elves. For utmost in enjoyment, please bring a chair and wear appropriate clothing, because it always seems to snow during this very special event. Call 910-458-8216 for more information.

Shop Pleasure Island and Discover Unique Gift Ideas!

If you stop a moment and consider last year’s holiday gifts, both the ones you purchased and received, are there any standouts? Chances are, you’ll be hard pressed to recall just one memorable item! Finding unique presents for friends and family is tough, especially in this age of online shopping. However, sometimes the solution to finding a few “wow factor” gifts is right in your own backyard. This year, please consider buying local and supporting many of our valued chamber members. Not only will you save on time, money and gas, you’ll also find a wonderful selection of unique things to choose from!

Pleasure Island Branch Library Grand Opening

You are cordially invited to the grand opening of the Pleasure Island Branch Library on Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please feel free to join our community celebration during any or all of the day.

PICC Photo Contest

Do you have a favorite photograph you want to share with the world?

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is holding a photography contest to showcase our beautiful and vibrant beach community! Whether you're a pro or just learning, this contest is open to all skill levels.

Details

All images must be of the Pleasure Island area, meaning images taken in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach or Fort Fisher. Images can include events held on Pleasure Island.

Plan a Holiday Getaway on Pleasure Island

Some beach communities roll up the streets after Labor Day, but nothing could be further from the truth on Pleasure Island!

The holiday season is a magical time here, and if you’re planning a late-season visit to Pleasure Island, you’ll find a whole host of activities that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. Use this handy guide to plan the perfect holiday getaway to our cozy beach towns.

Holiday Craft Show

The American Legion Post 129 Auxiliary presents the 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Show! The event will take place November 14, 2015 from 9 am until 4 pm at the Post 129 Events Pavilion, 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, Carolina Beach. Come enjoy snacks, beverages, door prizes and of course plenty of fantastic holiday crafts to get you in the spirit of the season!

CVS Vaccine Clinic

Have you been putting off getting your flu shot? Come down to the Flu Vaccine Clinic next week to get protected against the nasty influenza virus and enjoy giveaways and shopping passes!

The CVS Health Flu Blitz will take place Monday, November 9th and Thursday November 12 at the CVS located at 901 Dow Road in Carolina Beach.

Hours for both clinics are 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, with a closing from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm for lunch.