Rain or shine: 8 places to visit as spring begins in the Wilmington area
Spring is fast approaching, and people just can't wait to get outside. The Wilmington area has plenty of outdoor parks and other places to discover as days get longer, and flowers begin to blossom.
But what if it is raining? Here are some of the many places in the Wilmington area that you can visit rain or shine.
N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is an exciting place to visit. Here are three things to see:
Watch the otterly energetic antics of Asta and Ray, mother-son Asian small-clawed otters in Otters on the Edge. These two are keeping things interesting while the other otter family of eight remains behind the scenes, nurturing a new litter of three pups.
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Gaze into the sea turtle conservation habitat where Pip & Scout, the loggerhead hatchlings take turns splashing their way into people’s hearts. Named by the community, these tiny ambassadors were found in nest excavations at Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher and are rehabilitating at the aquarium for the next year when they will be cleared to return to the ocean.
And there's Luna, the albino alligator as she enjoys basking in her habitat and snuggling with her companion, Gantu.
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium's habitat page at https://www.ncaquariums.com/habitats-ff .
The aquarium is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and is located at 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. Please plan your visit ahead of your arrival. Advance tickets are required and available at https://www.ncaquariums.com/tickets-ff.
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, Wilmington
The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site open to the public in downtown Wilmington. Of eight colonial structures remaining in the city, four are located on the property ― three stone buildings, circa 1744, that served as the city jail, and John Burgwin’s 1770 town house.
The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Tours will be starting on the hour at 10 a.m. and the last one departs at 3 p.m. The gardens are free to explore with the self-guided garden tour. There is also an exhibit hall, art gallery and gift shop that are all free to the public.
On Tuesday, March 21, Burgwin Wright will host the Cape Fear Revolutionary War Round Table for a talk about the history of Brunswick Town from its site manager Jim McKee. The public can attend for $5 or they can buy an annual membership starting at $25 on site. Cash or card accepted.
An Art opening, "Palette Prose: An Exhibition of Recent Works" by Jon Cox, part of the Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, will be held 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 24. Free wine and live music.
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is located at 224 Market St., Wilmington.
Franklin Square Gallery, Southport
Spring is the good time to visit Franklin Square Gallery in downtown Southport. Home to over 120 local artists, the gallery features original paintings in a variety of media, along with pottery, ceramic and glass sculpture, all for sale. Admission is free.
The gallery hosts numerous events to which the public is invited, such as its Members Show (exhibiting now through June 22), which features new paintings by local 2D artists; the annual High School Show (exhibiting now through April 6) with artwork by talented Brunswick County art students and a monthly “Featured Artist” show, highlighting the work of various 2D and 3D artists. Also, the annual Kids’ Day Art in the Park event, a hands-on art fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 29 in Franklin Square Park. Children of all ages will be able to try their hands at clay art, spin art, origami, flowerpot painting, jewelry making and more.
The gallery also invites the public to its monthly wine and cheese receptions, often with live music and artist demonstrations, on the First Friday of each month.
Franklin Square Gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and is located at 130 E. West St.
For more information regarding topics, fees and registration, please visit https://www.franklinsquaregallery.com/.
Leland Cultural Arts Center, Leland
The Leland Cultural Arts Center will be welcoming in spring on Monday, March 20 by hosting a spring succulent and flower workshop.
The workshop is for people who want to make living succulent wreaths. The instructor is Nicole Saenz with Rock n' Roots Plant Co. She will provide all of the materials and have an assortment of succulents for participants to choose from. Participants will be able to hang the wreaths from their doors all season long. The registration fee is $35, and a supply fee of $55.
The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. March 20 and April 10. Register at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=Succulent%20Wreath&viewMode=list
The Leland Cultural Arts Center provides a vibrant hub for the arts in Brunswick County and surrounding areas. The community arts educational center is accessible to individuals of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and economic statuses and welcomes all to share their talents and learn new skills.
Missiles and More Museum, Topsail Beach
Visitors are sure to enjoy this seasonal history museum in a former missile plant, which is dedicated to local heritage and military history.
The Missiles and More Museum came to life when a group of citizens were concerned for the future of the historical Assembly Building. The building, constructed in 1946, was used by the government to assemble missiles for a secret missile operation being conducted on Topsail Island. The Missiles and More Museum opened its doors in 1995 in the Historical Assembly Building located at 720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach.
The museum is open for the season, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday.
The Museum welcomes special arrangements for schools, church groups and organizations to tour the museum. For more information and appointments, call 910-328-8663.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
After several months devoted to caring for cold-stuns, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, is open for tours.
The mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is to conserve and protect all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach.
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During the month of March, the center will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors still would need to purchase tour tickets in advance at www.seaturtlehospital.org. Visitors can also visit the gift shop even if they don't want to take the tour. The adoption desk is always open when the center is. With every March adoption you will receive a free copy of our inaugural hospital calendar featuring the very photogenic patients.
In case it isn't raining or isn't too cold, and you want to venture outside, check out this event.
Walking tours
In case it isn't raining, and you want to venture outdoors, the public can stroll through the downtown Wilmington Historic District.
Amanda Leese, a University of North Carolina Wilmington alumni, local historian, architectural enthusiast, and preservation volunteer, offers a 1 1/2-mile stroll on the Wilmington History and Architecture Tour.
Along the route, participants will pass through the historic districts' most notable homes and churches, and learn about Wilmington history, and also this time of year the smells area amazing and everything is blooming.
Leese also does a monthly walking tour at sunset in Southport. The tour features a 1 1/4 route loop along East Bay and Moore streets. The next tour will be Sunday, March 26.
To sign up for the tours, visit https://wilmington-tours.com/.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 8 places to see as spring begins in the Wilmington area, rain or shine
