Kathy Knight, BROKER/REALTOR, ABR, CRS, GRI

Yeah it is finally happening. Something fun, something for the family just for 4 months is coming to Carolina Beach - an amusement park with rides, food and some games. This will be set up with in a month on some empty lots on the recently upgraded Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Food will be provided by one the restaurants in the area. This is exciting news as this will provide some entertainment for kids on cloudy or boring days and give them something to look forward to on their beach vacation at Carolina Beach. The town certainly was smart to encourage this venture to set up for the summer months. This will be a win win for everyone.. Happy Beachin' it....

This huge sailing ship is docked at the foot of Market Street on the Cape Fear River. It has been docked here for over a month. It was hand made 20 years ago and is a sight to see. With its huge masts and very thick mahogony rails it is amazing to see such handiwork. If you are in town during the Azalea Festival this weekend it is a worth a look. You can walk the gangplank and enter the ship and take a tour. See the old fashioned bed on the aft end and see the incredible mast system on the port side. The handiwork on the boat is incredible. The crew is a religious sect - some family members that work the ship together. They are a communal group where the work, food and living quarters are all shared. It is certainly worth a look. The ship is expected to be docked in Wilmington through the Azalea Fest and until April 10, 2009.

Carolina Beach's Island Hardware got a new and very attractive facelift. The owners of this "we have everything" hardware store are Dennis and Wanda Barber. They have recently put a new face on their hardware store in Carolina Beach. The store will now have everything for a day of fishing or a day at the beach. It carries tackle, bait, all kinds of reels, sunglasses and with its new addition will be adding clothes. Just bring your toothbrush when you come to Carolina Beach because you can find everything you need right here for your vacation. Grand opening will be Wednesday March 27,2009. The mayor of Carolina Beach will be on hand to welcome all the residents to this attractive new store. Good luck Dennis and Wanda!!

Lots of wildlife stuff to do in Wilmington, NC this weekend March 21 and 22 There is the wildlife expo at the Cape Fear Schwartz Center at Cape Fear Community College this weekend. It is Sat and Sun from 9 to 5 pm. It will showcase all kinds of outdoor events including - hunting, fishing and boating and the equipment to support all these sports.

Time Warner Cable will have live animals at their store at Independence Mall for people to see including snakes, lizards, tigers and leopards. Great opportunity for kids to see exotic animals up close and personal.

Hilary Duff and Toby Keith To Star in Wilmington NC Movie

Wilmington, NC Screen Gems studios announced a new movie will begin filming soon. The production offices open for the upcoming filming of "Provinces of Night" starring Toby Keith and Hilary Duff. There will be a 5 week production schedule. This will support the local film economy which banks on production work coming to town to keep all its staff and people employed. Another bit of good news for the area film crews is One Tree Hill will be extended for another year. That also employs a good crew of people in its production. This is good news for our town... http://www.screengemsstudios.com/nc/