
An absolutely beautiful October weekend is upon us, and the excitement is in the air as one of the Wilmington NC area's most popular events takesplace this weekend! Get ready for The Annual Riverfest Celebration! This year celebrating it's 30 years of Fun for all ages!
The Riverfest was born of the vision of a group of Wilmingtonians, interested in drawing people to the historical downtown area, decided to feature some artist, provide activities of interest to bring people to the downtown area in an effort to help revitalize business. Over the years the idea blossomed as the downtown area was revitalized and restored...
Riverfest has supported the Cape Fear Community College "Marine Technology Scholarship Program and has donated over close to $100,000.00 in an effort to assist students in various study programs. More than 200,000 attendees enjoy the festivities which bring awareness to the ecological importance of the Cape Fear River.
RIVERFEST 2008 HIGHLIGHTS
Extreme Skateboard Competition
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Bands perform Friday from 8-11pm, Sat: 11-11pm, Sunday 12 N -5:30
Other Attractions:
FIREWORKS: 9:05 pm on the River in Downtown Wilmington Saturday
Something for Everyone! Hope to see you there!
©Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist

Wilmington NC has once again made the top ten list of America’s best performing cities in a study from the prestigious Miliken Institute an economic “Think Tank” based in California.
The judging criteria are based on cities job creation and ability to sustain employment. The calculations are based on five years and one year measurements of employment and salary growth.
The Raleigh-Cary Area of North Carolina also made the list at # 2
The top 10 cities for 2008 are:
1. Provo-Orem, Utah
2. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
4. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
5. Huntsville, Alabama
6. Wilmington, North Carolina
7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
8. Tacoma, Washington
9. Olympia, Washington
10. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
Wilmington NC was also on the Miliken Top ten List in 2007!
Florida and California cities are significantly down this year in most part due to the slowdown in the housing market and construction industries. Michigan and Ohio had 9 of the 10 lowest performing cities as the Midwest area continues pn a long-term decline.
.More about the Miliken Institute From the Miliken Institute Website:
“The Milken Institute is a publicly supported, nonpartisan, independent think tank whose work makes a difference in the lives of people worldwide by helping create a more democratic and efficient global economy.
Wilmington NC Employers List ( top 25 Employers)
Good News for the Wilmington NC Real Estate Market
Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Relocation Specialist your source for Wilmington NC Real Estate.
My tribute to those who were lost in the 911 attacks, and to those they left behind. We lived in NY on that awful day. A friend lost his son in the twin towers, and a close friend was with the NYFD and in charge of recovering the remains.
I wrote a couple of songs in honor of that day. This one is about a widow of one of the heroes of flight 93.
We will never forget.
SEPTEMBER SKY

There was a bright September sky that day
They hugged so tight before he flew away
How could she have known
On that beautiful morn
They’d say their last goodbye
She thanks the Lord that she was there
When his call came in from the air
There was trouble on the plane
Life would never be the same
How could she have known that day
They’d say their last goodbye
He left behind precious memories of
Of the joy he gave his family
The photos of his radiant smile
Remind her of his love
And as the tears fall heavily,
Her heart is crushed
And yet it’s free
Knowing they held each other tight that day
When they said their last goodbye
So hold your dear ones close each day
Don’t let your chance to love slip away,
You never know when will come the day
You‘ll say your last goodbye

©Ginger Sala
image courtesy of stock.xchange.com
Independence Mall will once again play host to this years Cape Fear Habit for H
umanty Oktoberfest Family Festival.
If you haven't attended before come on out this year for a wonderful time and support of a terrific cause!
The Festival features fun for all ages including a 15-piece Oom Pah Pah Band, authentic Bavarian cuisine & imported beer and wine. The festivities kick off on Friday Night October 18th at 5pm.
Dine on fabulous Bavarian goodies and dance to music by the popular Harbour Towne Fest Band.
Time Warner Cable sponsors the childrens area with fun rides & entertainment on Saturday only 11am-6pm.
Volunteers are Needed ! Committees Forming Now!
To volunteeer: Call Julie Hale, at 762-4744 or julieth@capefearhabitat.org
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Annual Oktoberfest
When: October 17th 5pm - 9pm, October 18th 11am - 9pm
Where: on the rounds of Independence Mall Oleander Drive
Hope to see you there!

One of the criteria important to us when we were considering our relocation destination was finding a town with cultural vibrancy, charm and ambiance, that offered a variety of activities, and fun ways to spend a day or evening.
We were very attracted to Wilmington NC because of its riverfront location, historic homes, cobblestones streets, quaint shops, art galleries, theaters, music locales and fine restaurants and beautiful area beaches and the more we learned the more we fell in love, even from a distance. The Historic Riverfront City of Wilmington has a charm and ambiance that is hard to resist.
Now that we are living in our new Hometown we are even more enamored of all that our downtown area has to offer. I have put together a summary of a few of the highlights of the Historic Downtown are of Wilmington for those who might be thinking of Wilmington NC as a relocation destination. Spend a day or spend a week, you won't run out of fun things to do and see!
Here are just a few of the fun ways to pass the day in Historic Downtown Wilmington NC, "The Port City."
Start of the day with a stroll down The Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, and enjoy the view of the waterfront graced by fine restaurants, charming shops and impressive historic buildings.
Stop for lunch or dinner at one of the area's fine restaurants such as Elijahs, Pilot House, The Riverboat Landing, The George or Circa1922.

How about taking in the charm of the Historic homes about town. Start at Third St, where you will be greeted by stately Bed and Breakfasts flanked by Live Oaks nestled high on a hill overlooking the Cape Fear River. You will pass a majestic 19th century former Governor's mansion, ante-bellum homes and unique iron gates that will draw you back to another era.


Wilmington is often called the city of churches and for good reason. You will be awed by the eclectic architectural styles and formidable size of the city's historic churches that seem to dot every corner. One Exquisite example is St Mary's Spanish Baroque Church pictured here.
If your feet feel tired and you would like to tour on wheels, what better way than a good old fashioned horse drawn tour with Carriage Tours of Wilmington departing from Water and Market streets.
Feel like cruising? Board the Henrietta II, for a sunset or moonlight cruise on the River and take in the local scenery. Dinner Dances and Theme Cruises are also available as well.

The Azalea Festival comes to town every April, drawing big stars and big c featured music artists. The street Fair, Parade and garden tours draw large crowds so If you plan on attending be sure to book your reservations early as the town is overflowing with visitors.
History Buffs will not want to miss a tour of The Battleship North Carolina, dedicated to veterans of World War II, it was the first modern U.S. battleship that made history in the combat zones of the Pacific from 1941 to 1945. Located across the river from downtown is the Battleship is open every day year round and on summer evenings plays host to a spectacular sound and light show. The complex includes a gift shop, seasonal snack bar and riverside picnic area.
Care to enjoy play or musical performance while your about town? Thalian Hall, is the home of the country's oldest community theater and currently hosts national touring companies as well as numerous local theater companies. Built between 1855 and 1858 the impressive building has a theater and city hall, it continues to operate both capacities.
A great selection of museums for children and adults alike include the Wilmington Railroad Museum, which hosts exhibits from the important "rail era" of the city's history. Once the largest Railroad in the world, the Wilmington Railroad was the major contributor to Wilmington's economic development in the mid-1800s.
The Cape Fear Museum displays an interesting nautical exhibit and provides information about the social, cultural and natural history of the region. Changing exhibits and weekend programs offer diverse entertainment. The Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery named after the famous NBA basketball player, who was the star player at Laney High School here in Wilmington, offers a hands-on exploration of southeastern North Carolina where you can feed a Venus' flytrap or crawl through a beaver lodge.

The Bellamy Mansion, at Fifth Avenue and Market Street, is a Spectacular example of Ante Bellum architecture is restored structure that was built right before the Civil War. Tours and changing exhibits on history and the design arts are offered with 22 rooms open to the public.
Steps from the Riverwalk across from the Riverside Hilton you'll find The Cotton Exchange, which was once the home of one of the world's largest export companies. Eight restored historic buildings, connected by open-air courtyards, brick walkways and heart-pine beams, house an eclectic collection of specialty shops and restaurants for all tastes and price ranges.
Still need help finding your way around? Guided tours of Wilmington include Haunted Pub Crawl, Wilmington Ghost Walk, and Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington.
These are just a few ways to spend a day in historic Wilmington NC, a fun place to visit, a great place to live!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved