| Wilmington,
NC – January 2010 – Looking for a romantic winter getaway that won’t
break the bank? Consider Wilmington
and North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast, where affordable romance-theme
specials and packages are available. Value-minded visitors will find endearing
Valentine specials and packages for hotels, B&Bs, attractions, and
restaurants online at www.cape-fear.nc.us/specials/Valentines.html.
Whether living the high
life or traveling on a budget, your romantic winter escape awaits in Wilmington,
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. From brisk walks along
the beach and quiet strolls along the Riverwalk to birding tours, sweetheart
cruises, garden events, and
horse-drawn carriage rides, there are plenty of ways to experience a romantic
weekend. February strikes a sweet note with the Wilmington
Chocolate Festival (Feb. 5-7), the North
Carolina Jazz Festival (an STS Top 20 Event, Feb. 4-6), and garden
and flower shows.
With Valentine’s Day on
Sunday, couples can celebrate the entire weekend. Board a nostalgic riverboat
for a lunch or dinner
cruise (Feb. 13-14) along the Cape Fear River. Hold your honey tight
during special
ghost walks and haunted pub crawls (Feb. 11-13). Or, splurge on a private
horse-drawn
carriage ride (Feb. 12-14) through Wilmington’s historic district.
What could be more romantic than spending an evening at the theatre or
at a live concert? Or spending the weekend antiquing and gallery-hopping?
There’s also a special
“That's
A Moray” Valentine dinner for couples at the aquarium. When it comes
to dining, there are restaurants to suit every palate and pocketbook. You
will also find dozens of fine accommodations in all price ranges, including
cozy bed-and-breakfast inns. To learn about Valentine/romance packages
and specials, visit www.cape-fear.nc.us/specials/Valentines.html.
Here's a Sampling of Romance-Inspired
Events during the Month of February:
FEB. 4-6: 30th ANNUAL
N.C. JAZZ FESTIVAL. More than a dozen traditional jazz artists perform
in a cabaret-style setting. Admission charge/advance reservations. Hilton
Wilmington Riverside. 910-793-1111;
www.ncjazzfestival.com
FEB. 5-7: 8th ANNUAL WILMINGTON
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. Chocolate makers demonstrate & sell their sweet
treats. Chocolate Gala Fri. 7pm-10pm ; Festival Sat. 11am-6pm & Sun.
11am-4pm. Admission charge (AC). Senior Center, Wilmington. www.wilmingtonchocolatefestival.com;
910-798-6402.
FEB. 11-13: HOLD-YOUR-HONEY-TIGHT
HAUNTED TOURS. Guides tell tragic love tales. Ghost Walk at 6:30; Haunted
Pub Crawl at 7:30. AC. Reservations required. 910-794-1866; www.hauntedwilmington.com/ValentineTour.htm
FEB 12-14: VALENTINE HORSE-DRAWN
CARRIAGE RIDE. Moonlit ride with rose, chocolates, private coach. Admission
charge. Reservations required. Downtown Wilmington. 910-251-8889; www.horsedrawntours.com/id2.html
FEB. 13-14: SWEETHEART
CRUISES ABOARD THE HENRIETTA III. Cruise, buffet meal, and cash bar
aboard NC's largest riverboat. Dinner/dance cruise: Saturday (6:30-9:30pm);
Lunch cruise: Sunday (12-1:30pm); Sweetheart Supper cruise: Sunday
(4-6pm). Boards one-half hour prior to cruise. Admission charge. Advance
pre-paid reservations required. Cruises depart at Dock & Water sts.,
Downtown Wilmington. 910-343-1611; 800-676-0162; www.cfrboats.com
FEB. 13-14: WILMINGTON
GARDEN SHOW. 50+ exhibitors with products and presentations. 9am-5pm
(Sat.) & 11am-4pm (Sun.). Admission charge (AC). Schwartz Center, Wilmington.
910-798-7670; www.gardeningnhc.org
FEB. 13: BIRDING TOUR.
Join
ornithologist Dr. James Parnell. 8am. AC. Oakdale Cemetery. www.oakdalecemetery.org
FEB. 14: THAT'S A MORAY!
VALENTINE DINNER. Couples-only 4-course dinner and dancing surrounded
by the magic of the ocean. 6:30pm. Admission charge; advance reservations
required. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. 910-458-8257; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/rent-the-aquarium/thats-a-moray
FEB. 27: 60th ANNUAL CAMELLIA
SHOW & SALE.12noon-5pm.
Free. Shrine Club Building, 4510 South College Rd., Wilmington. 910-392-1803;
www.tidewatercamelliaclub.org
That’s not all. February’s
arts and cultural activities include theatrical productions, concerts,
and events that commemorate African-American History. For a complete Calendar,
visit www.GoCapeFearCoast.com/events.
For a free Visitors Guide, call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.GoCapeFearCoast.com.
Media:
Wilmington
/ Cape Fear Coast CVB
Connie
Nelson
Communications/PR
Manager
(910)
341-4030 ext. 120, or
(866)
266-9690
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The
New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington/Cape
Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing
organization of New Hanover County that stimulates economic development
through the promotion of travel and tourism.
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