On Wednesday night at 9:00 pm there will be a New Year’s Eve Party Cruise aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat.  The cruise along the Cape Fear River includes a heavy hors d’ouevre buffet, entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast.  To learn more about the New Year’s Eve party cruise or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

If you were out shopping yesterday, the “day after” Christmas, you may have expected long lines or rude people and you were probably very surprised how smooth it went at most stores in the Wilmington area.  Area stores offered great bargains, had their staff ready to assist and it made for a very pleasant shopping experience.  The return lines moved briskly and the wait times were eliminated.  I was actually able to get my husband to shop with me, maybe it was the bribe of lunch at La Costa?  To learn more about shopping in Wilmington or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

 This incredible showcase home is set on one of the most premier locations on the east coast, oceanfront on Figure Eight Island, a beautiful and exclusive private retreat.  The panoramic view of the ocean from the beachfront deck is unparalleled, and the front decks have unobstructed views of the endless marsh leading to the Intracoastal Waterway.   

When the owners of 310 Beach Road North decided to build a beach house on Figure Eight Island, they wanted it to feel like a beach house - a classic beach house.  You won’t find plush carpeting or ornate fixtures.  The floors and walls are gorgeous hardwood, the feel is casual, and the focus is on enjoying the outdoors and maximizing the views. 

The initial plans for the house did not include wrap around decks, but the homeowners changed the plans to provide more emphasis to the outdoors.  You will likely note that all three upstairs bedrooms have access to decks and also have their own private bath. 

One of the most striking things about the kitchen is the 50’s style vintage refrigerator.  It looks old but is new, and adds to the nostalgic feel of the home.  The kitchen was decorated using the refrigerator as the basis.

The wooden floors have also generated a lot of discussion.  The wood is from Cape Fear Riverwood, reclaimed heart of pine dredged out of the Cape Fear River. 

There are two master bedrooms, upstairs and downstairs.  Each bathroom is unique, and the upstairs master bath was modeled after a hotel in Paris.

There has recently been a room added to the bottom floor, in the middle of the carport.  The bottom floor is heated, has recently been tiled and a bathroom has been added, but due to flood rules it is not included as living space square footage.  It could serve as a playroom or storage. 

To learn more about this oceanfront, Figure Eight Island home or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

This weekend is the 25th annual Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach.  The festival in the park will be on Saturday from 10 am until 4pm.  There will be an Arts & Craft Show, performing artists, children’s rides, entertainment and other attractions.  Trot Nixon will also be at the park between 1 and 2pm signing autographs.  There will be plenty of food and refreshments.  At 6pm a fireworks volley will kick off the parade and the boats will begin their procession.  After the show their will be a traditional fireworks display.  To learn more about the NC Holiday Flotilla or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my webiste at www.livingbythecoast.com.

It is hard to believe that Thursday is Thanksgiving!  The weather looks like it will be a little bit warmer and the sun will be shining!  On Wednesday I will be working at the Angel Tree at Independence Mall from 12-2pm, stop by and see me and adopt an angel while you are at it!  To learn more about Wilmington Weather or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

There are two new restaurants at Mayfaire Town Center.  Panera Bread opened their doors this week and they were really busy every day.  Also, busy was the other new restaurant, Brixx Woodfired Pizza.  Panera is located near Harris Teeter next to Ruby Tuesday and Brixx is located by the movie theater.  The next restaurant to open at Mayfaire will be The Melting Pot.  Mayfaire Town Center is located on Military Cutoff at Eastwood Road.  To learn more about Mayfaire Town Center or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.