Headline News
The new 93,000 sq. ft. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher re-opened in 2002 with the theme �Waters of the Cape Fear.� Visitors journey from freshwater rivers and swamps to reefs and the open ocean. The centerpiece, �Cape Fear Shoals,� is a 235,000-gallon tank with sharks, barracudas, loggerhead sea turtles, etc. Soon after it debuted, �Cape Fear Shoals� made a splash on The WB weekly television series �Dawson�s Creek.� Another major exhibit, �Freshwater Wetlands of the Cape Fear,� is housed in a 20,000 sq. ft. conservatory with gar, catfish, alligators and water snakes. Other exhibits in the state-of-the-art aquarium further interpret Cape Fear waters. Available for meetings, weddings, receptions, and events, all or part of the Aquarium can be rented after it closes at 5pm. A medium size conference room, 150-seat auditorium and catering services are available. Location: 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC, 910-458-8257 or 800-832-3474.

The pinnacle of visual arts in Southeastern North Carolina is the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum (formerly St. John�s Museum of Art) which opened in 2002. This new 42,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility--designed by noted architect Charles Gwathmey--features North Carolina and American art from the 18th century to the present, and includes a sculpture garden, café, and museum gift shop. The museum features temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries displaying the color prints of Mary Cassatt and work by the region�s best artists. Its 9.5-acre campus also includes restored Confederate defensive mounds built during the battle of Forks Road. Meeting and reception space is also available. New location: 3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC, 910-395-5999.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site, a Civil War battlefield and museum, announces its restored exhibit hall featuring the attraction�s first new exhibits in 30 years. The centerpiece is a 16-foot state-of-the-art interactive map of the final Battle of Fort Fisher. Other new exhibits include: a diamond-encrusted sword handle crafted by famed New York jeweler Tiffany; a saber belonging to Confederate Maj. James Reilly handed over to Union forces by the Confederates at the fort�s surrender; and a sword used by Charles Fisher--the Confederate colonel from Salisbury N.C. who gave his life in the Battle of First Manassas and for whom the fort was named.

In Fall 2002, the new Cape Fear Serpentarium opened as Wilmington�s newest attraction. The new 6,100 square foot building in Historic Wilmington houses 80 species of snakes (most of them venomous) from around the world, a Nile crocodile and an 8-foot water monitor lizard. In addition to gaboon vipers, king cobras, Austrailian taipans, blue krait, a 23-foot python, and green and black mambas, the facility will feature the world�s largest collection of 30 bushmasters, the rarest venomous snakes on earth. In 1993 owner Dean Ripa became the first and only person in the world to reproduce the blackhead bushmaster in captivity. Ripa has collected snakes for 30 years and has written the only book to date on bushmasters.

Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Comes To Carolina Beach. Scheduled to open in July 2003 is a new 10-story oceanfront Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach. The new 100,000 square foot hotel will offer 144 rooms and a 5,600 square foot conference facility with meeting space for up to 350 people. All rooms will have oceanfront views, nine rooms will feature king beds and Jacuzzi baths, eighteen guestrooms will be oversized two-room suites. Other amenities include an 80-seat restaurant, a large outdoor pool plaza and outdoor café with direct access to the ocean, banquet facilities, a year-round indoor pool with Jacuzzi, exercise facility, sundry shop, rooms with internet access and more. Carolina Beach, NC. www.townofcarolinabeach.com/pages/marriot_project.html

AmeriHost Inn & Suites. This new 2-story, 65-room hotel recently opened with lots of amenities, including indoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, interior corridor guest rooms, electronic door locks, clock radio, VIP upgraded amenities in suites such as microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Non-smoking rooms available. Its 864 square foot meeting room accommodates up to 30 (banquet) or 75 (theater). Located between Wilmington and Carolina Beach.

Four Porches B&B. Four Porches is the newest addition to the downtown Wilmington bed and breakfast scene. Each of the inn�s four rooms is decorated with a different theme: jungle, beach, harlequin and garden. Amenities include high-speed internet connection, TV with DVD player, off-street parking, a fresh gourmet breakfast, and tandem bicycles for touring. Smokers, children and four legged friends are welcome. Wilmington.

Comfort Suites: The new 73-room all-suites inn offers in room microwave, refrigerator, ironing board, and hairdryer, as well as an outdoor pool, continental breakfast and fitness center. Meeting Space for up to 50 people. Wilmington, NC. www.comfortsuitesofwilmington.com

Banner Change: The Holiday Inn Wilmington is open for business. Formerly the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, it offers renovated guestrooms and 7 meeting rooms with internet access and meeting space for up to 250 people.

The Blockade-Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach has completely remodeled and redesigned its meeting rooms and hotel lobby. Its new sleek and uncomplicated design sets the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable stay. This family-owned landmark beach resort invites meeting planners to stop by and enjoy the new teak, mahogany and coconut shell décor and redesigned meeting spaces.

The Graystone Inn, a AAA 4-diamond bed and breakfast inn in Historic Wilmington, has been voted by inn-goers as one of America�s �Top 15 Most Romantic Hideaways� according to Arrington�s Bed & Breakfast Journal 2003 Book of Lists. It has also received a similar distinction from American Historic Inns.

Other Attractions
Wilmington�s RiverWalk celebrates industrial heritage of the riverfront with additional riverfront walkways and improved public access. RiverWalk South, the newest addition to the waterfront, stretches from Dock Street to Nun Street. Visitors can now enjoy the natural beauty of the Cape Fear River as they stroll along the banks of the Cape Fear�s dark, mysterious waters on Wilmington�s RiverWalk.

The Battleship North Carolina, NC�s World War II memorial that is open daily, has a new teak deck and a new orientation video narrated by veteran actor/local resident Pat Hingle.

Beach Trolley-Greenleaf Carriage and Trolley Co. offers narrated tours of Pleasure Island aboard a genuine vintage trolley. Theme tours also available. (April - September; charters year-round).

New Tours
Canoe Tours of Greenfield Lake. Guided nature canoe tours of Greenfield Lake offered by Cape Fear River Watch. Learn about indigenous birds, plants and wildlife. Tours by Cape Fear Riverwatch.

A WWII trail brochure with Cape Fear area WWII historical sites will be available in 2003.

Holiday Lights Tour. During weekends in December, the Wilmington Trolley Company offers holiday light tours through some of Wilmington�s most festively decorated neighborhoods.

The Haunted Pub Crawl. Local actors and historians from the popular Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington guide nightlife-seeking adults into Wilmington�s most haunted pubs during a fun-filled night of levity & libations.

For info on guided/self-guided tours, call the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau: 1-800-222-4757.

Events News
100 Years In Flight. Several events to commemorate 100 Years in Flight are planned in Historic Wilmington & NC�s Cape Fear Coast as part of a statewide World Flight 2003 aviation commemoration. Among the events taking place is the 100th Anniversary of Flight Coastal Carolina Air Show 2003, held in conjunction with the NC Dept. of Transportation Div. of Aviation. The Coastal Carolina Air Show will feature aircraft exhibits, flight demonstrations, special guests, vintage aircraft, car and boat exhibitions, live entertainment and more. The spectacular air show will take place April 12-13 at the Wilmington International Airport off North 23rd Street in Wilmington. More events and exhibits are scheduled at area museums. For a complete list, please contact the Communications Manager at cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us

1st Annual Wilmington African American Heritage Festival. The Wilmington Journal�s first annual Wilmington African American Heritage Festival was held August 10-11, 2002 in Robert Strange Park. The festival featured performances by national and local artists, food, merchandise vendors, exhibits, a kids pavilion with children�s games and activities, storytellers, magicians, clowns and more. Robert Strange Park, Wilmington.

�What�s Cookin� in Cape Fear� Exhibit. Cape Fear Museum�s latest exhibition is a celebration of food and history, exploring culinary traditions of the Cape Fear and revealing the way people of the Lower Cape Fear lived in the 19th century. Exhibit runs through Sept. 1, 2003. Special events planned throughout the run of the show. 

1st Annual Airlie Arts Festival. Airlie Gardens provides a colorful backdrop for a weekend celebration of the arts featuring artists from the Carolinas and across the nation. Folk musicians and dancers perform on the main stage and throughout the gardens as part of the Cape Fear Folk Festival. An interactive children�s art studio will be set up at the Airlie Stables, along with storytellers, jugglers and actors presenting children�s tales. Children can create their own art while adults enjoy the artistic selections and lovely gardens on display. The Airlie Gardens Arts Festival will be held May 3-4, 2003. For more info, please call Wendy Knowles at 910-793-7531.

1st Annual Airlie Gardens Holiday Light Show. Airlie Gardens will stage the first annual Airlie Holiday Light Show, a spectacular month-long light display with lighted holiday scenes, theatrical landscape design, and special events from November 28-December 31, 2003. For more info, please call Wendy Knowles at 910-793-7531.

Downtown Wilmington Antique & Art Walk. In September 2002, Downtown Merchants and DARE hosted the first annual downtown Wilmington Antique & Art Walk along Front Street. Plans are for this to become an annual event.

Endless Summer Beach Blast. The first annual beach music and shag dance event was very successful during Labor Day Weekend 2002 and has become an annual event.

Celebrate the Arts Festival. A new Labor Day weekend festival in the park to celebrate the region�s arts and culture with music, food, arts, crafts, demonstrations and more.

Jazz in the Gardens. After last year�s inaugural success, live summer jazz returns to Airlie Gardens on Friday eves.

For a 2003 Calendar of Events with hundreds of event listings, call 1-800-222-4757 or www.cape-fear.nc.us. 

Film-related
�Dawson�s Creek� (the WB television series) films its sixth season on the Cape Fear Coast from July 2002-April 2003. The CVB offers a Dawson�s Creek FAQ Sheet with an updated self-guided tour of Dawson�s Creek locations. The Cape Fear Coast (a.k.a. �Hollywood East�) ranks as a top location for U.S. film production.

Screen Gems Studios. In addition to its weekend movie studio tours, Screen Gems now offers a behind the scenes special effects makeup demonstration (Film Gore Galore & More) between tours for an additional charge. Weekends April through September and for groups by appointment.

Group Tours
New Group Tour Guide for Historic Wilmington & NC�s Cape Fear Coast. Call 1-800-222-4757 to get a copy!

Meetings/Events
Courtyard by Marriott Comes To Carolina Beach. Scheduled to open in July 2003 is a new 10-story oceanfront Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach. The new 100,000 square foot hotel will offer 144 rooms and a 5,600 square foot conference facility with meeting space for up to 350 people. All rooms will have oceanfront views, nine rooms will feature king beds and Jacuzzi baths, eighteen guestrooms will be oversized two-room suites. Other amenities include an 80-seat restaurant, a large outdoor pool plaza and outdoor café with direct access to the ocean, banquet facilities, a year-round indoor pool with Jacuzzi, exercise facility, sundry shop, rooms with internet access and more. Carolina Beach, NC.

AmeriHost Inn & Suites. This new 2-story, 65-room hotel recently opened with lots of amenities, including indoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, interior corridor guest rooms, electronic door locks, clock radio, VIP upgraded amenities in suites such as microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Non-smoking rooms available. Its 864 square foot meeting room accommodates up to 30 (banquet) or 75 (theater).

Banner Change: The area�s newest Holiday Inn on Market Street was formerly the Four Points Sheraton. It offers 7 meeting rooms with meeting space for up to 250 people.

Simmons Wright Wine & Fine Art Gallery (1502 Market St., Wilmington) is a new art gallery located in the city�s mansion district. Its mezzanine is available for small meetings, functions and parties.

For more information on a wide range of established meeting and convention facilities in Historic Wilmington and NC�s Cape Fear Coast, please contact the Communications Manager at 1-800-222-4757. 

Outdoor Recreation
Golf Digest (2002) ranks the Wilmington Metro region as the 8th Best Metro Golfing Area in the Country for Value, Accessibility and Quality. Find out more about area golf courses and values by contacting the Communications Manager at cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us.

Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier in Wrightsville Beach was recently rebuilt as a state-of-the-art all-concrete pier with lots of amenities. It is North Carolina�s only all-concrete, steel-reinforced pier.

Salt Marsh Kayak Company. The area�s newest kayak outfitter offers sales/rentals, instruction and tours. Sunrise and sunset and custom tours are available.

For information on these and other recreational activities and outfitters, please contact the Visitor Center at 1-800-222-4757.

Packages
Shoulder Season Lodging Value Packages are available in Historic Wilmington and NC�s Cape Fear Coast. From the river to the sea, enjoy shoulder season value packages designed to suit every whim and budget. Year-round attractions, festivals and events add to the excitement. For more information call the Cape Fear Coast CVB at 1-800-222-4757 or online at www.cape-fear.nc.us.

Golf Packaging Companies: Coastal Golfaway (www.coastalgolfaway.com); Fore Travel (www.fore-travel.com); Platinum Golf (1-800-767-5338).

Shopping/Dining
Experience the shopping and dining renaissance that�s taking place in Historic Wilmington and North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast. New upscale restaurants and retailers to suit every whim and taste have opened to rave reviews. For more details on shopping and dining in Historic Wilmington and NC�s Cape Fear Coast, please contact the Communications Manager at 1-800-222-4757 or cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us.

More than 35 art galleries are located in Historic Wilmington & NC�s Cape Fear Coast with several recent gallery openings. Among the new galleries is the SimmonsWright Wine and Fine Art Gallery(1502 Market St., Wilmington), which is located in the city�s mansion district and features local, national and international art. The Wilmington location of Chase Gallery (1127-C Military Cutoff Road) features contemporary art by national and international artists, as does the Boston location. Gallery Mia Tyson (271 N. Front St., Wilmington) is located in the Historic District and features works by over 120 nationally and internationally known artisans. For more information on area art galleries and events, please contact the Communications Manager at cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us.

Winery
Silver Coast Winery. Southeast NC�s newest winery opened in 2002 about 35 minutes outside of Wilmington. Enjoy winery tours, wine tastings, classes and an art gallery/gift shop.

For a free Cape Fear Coast Visitors Guide or a complete calendar of events, please contact the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-222-4757 or via email at info@cape-fear.nc.us. Also, check out the destination�s newly designed website and press room at www.cape-fear.nc.us.

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Media:
Connie Nelson
Communications Manager
(910) 341-4030 or
(800) 222-4757
Cape Fear Coast CVB
cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us