Wilmington NC: Memorial Day Weekend, Fun, Food, Friends, "Fido", and Fabulous Weather

What a great Memorial Day weekend in Wilmington NC! Fun, sun, friends, "Fido" and fabulous weather!

Our holiday weekend got off to a great start late Friday morning with the much anticipated visit to Wilmington by Anita D. one of my dearest friends who lives and loves life in the Big Apple.

The two of us drove away off from the airport by 11am, and headed to my home for a relaxing lunch on the back porch where Anita had the pleasure of meeting our precious Bella for the first time, since it had been 2 years since her last visit here. They hit it off right from the start!

The Carolina Blue skies were manifested in all their glory and a gentle breeze provided an ideal weather environment for any or all outdoor activity. We chose to center our around activity around food for the time being.

After lunch Anita, Bella and I were off to the Lewis Nursery and Farms to pick up baskets of fresh picked blueberries and farm fresh zucchini and green onions. We made our next stop the Fresh Market, one of the newest additions to the fabulous Mayfaire Town Center Shops and loaded up with some home made fresh edibles for a relaxing dinner on the back patio.

While my friend relaxed, or should I say napped, (she was exhausted from traveling and a 5am wake up) I prepared the salads and veggies, to go with our previously prepared Chicken entrée. Roger joined us after an afternoon of showing homes to out of town clients who had scheduled a trip here at the last minute. We all enjoyed a leisurely meal, then we were off to join the crowd celebrating the kick off Concert in the " Music On the Town" Mayfaire Town Center Summer Concert series.

An estimated 1200 folks of all ages, from infants to eighties, came out to enjoy the sounds of summer. There was laughter, music, dancing, spirits, and lot's of puppy dogs under a canopy of clear, dry Carolina blue evening skies! What a lovely night. Anita was tired so we skipped our usual Friday night stargazing trip to the beach and headed back home to our desserts of ...what else... fresh strawberry shortcake with a touch of fresh blueberries and whipped cream! What a topping to a lovely day!

After a leisurely breakfast on Saturday we honored our Vets by placing flags around our property and in planters, while saying prayers for those who served and serve our country. Then we headed back to the Mayfaire Town Center for a free Memorial Day Concert hosted by NC Signature Magazine featuring one of Wilmington's most popular bands the Blues Rockin' Tommy B and the Stingers. We enjoyed sampling a variety of munchies under a tent was set up by local vendors offering yummy free food samples and prize drawings. We bought a picnic lunch with us of chicken, potato salad, fresh fruit salad and rolls.

After a couple of hours we packed up and headed downtown to take in the sights of Historic downtown Wilmington. As we strolled down the cobblestoned streets, my friend was charmed by the delightful array of historic homes, enchanting Bed & Breakfasts, and alluring local gardens.

Downtown was bustling with visitors from all over and I heard a variety of accents including European buzzing about us. A beautiful day became an enchanted evening as the sun gave way to a quarter moon which illuminated the Cape Fear River. Clear skies gave us a good show of Venus in the Western sky.

We stopped for a NY Style Pizza, then took a free trolley ride tour around town. A little sweet treat at the popular Kilwin's Candy shop on Market Street capped a wonderful day!

Sunday Wiilmington repeated its fabulous weather show and we enjoyed some RR on the back deck before heading downtown for Church services, and after to take in the annual Wilmington Arts-Fest featuring local artists and craftsmen. As we walked to the location on Princess St via Market Street we were awed by the many historic churches, the native Live Oaks with their spidery chandeliers of Spanish moss, and the recently restored fountain by the Bellamy Mansion.

Our next stop was the Cotton Exchange between Front and Water St. a Landmark building of historic significance now lovingly converted into an eclectic collection of charming shops and restaurants.

After we headed back to our house to enjoy a BBQued London Broil, salad, roasted potatoes, and farm fresh zucchini and were off again to catch the sunset on beautiful Wrightsville Beach.

What a glorious evening on the beach! The gentle island breeze and perfect temperatures made a winning combination under the Carolina Blue Skies. The sun set softly under the risen moon and then the stars showed themselves one by one in glorious splendor. Venus shone bright and lined up with Mercury and Saturn a rare astronomical event.

We walked by the shore got our feet wet and felt the soft sand in our toes. We sat there by the ocean's edge for a long time in silence, comforted and strengthened by the rhythm of the crashing tide, and awed by the wonder of our galaxy. We would have liked to stay all night! It was simply heavenly!

We topped off the night back at the house with more home-made strawberry shortcake layered with ice cream, blueberries, and whipped cream. A sweet end to a delightful day!

On Monday we woke again to a spectacular day! My friend had to catch an early morning flight back to NYC since that was all that was available when she booked her trip.

After we dropping her her off at Wilmington International Airport we set off for an early trip to Wrightsville Beach. We were on the Beach by 9 am.

What a great time to arrive. The holiday crowds had not yet made their way there and we thoroughly enjoyed the serene atmosphere! The soft summer skies and open sands welcomed us. Surfers, Sailboats, Jet Skis navigated the gentle waves. Moms jogged with their baby carriages, and children dug their way to China. What a morning!

After leaving the beach we headed home for a very relaxing afternoon, can you say long nap?? Did a little gardening and laundry, dined then headed back to Wrightsville Beach for another glorious sunset and starry night. And of course home for more strawberry shortcake!

All in all a wonderful Holiday weekend in wonderful Wilmington, our Hometown! Life is great in our town where others love to vacation!!!

Read more about life in Wilmington NC

Thinking about moving here or buying a vacation home in Our little Corner of Paradise?

Contact us for a free Wilmington NC Relocation Package!

By Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor