This Weekend is BUSY in downtown Wilmington

So this weekend is really busy. The NC Azalea Festival is kicking off their year with a "Fall" garden party. The purpose of the party is to unveil this year’s artwork. I know its clear on the other side of the county, but the Festival is in gear and the committees are already hard at work. And you all know how big an impact the festival has on downtown.

That leads to downtown, here is a snapshot of what's happening, and I'll probably miss something ... so come downtown and snoop around.

Tonight, my very good friend Lee Hill is having an art opening. Lee is a commercial realtor, fellow pirate, a board member with Wilmington Downtown, and an all around awesome lady. She has been quite an accomplished photographer for some time, but now she is going commercial and having a big show. Come down to Montage Gallery on North Front Street tonight as part of the monthly 4th Friday Gallery Walk.

On the Fourth Friday of every month, there is a great Gallery Walk with the art galleries in downtown Wilmington. There is always a great crowd, the chance to meet with artists, and the gallery owners dole out a little wine and cheese sometimes.

Tomorrow morning, come down early, park in the parking deck, and just leave your car there. You have a whole day already planned for you. Start early at the Farmers’ Market. Only a couple of months left to get your fresh produce, jams and jellies.

Tomorrow is the bi-annual Downtown Wilmington Wine and Beer Walk. Couples tickets are $25, and you get regular portion drinks at many of the venues. At last count, almost 20 venues are serving up the vino and ale, stroll downtown and enjoy the many shops, bars and restaurants. You can get your tickets at the Front Street Brewery, Bottega Art Bar, and the City Club.

Also Saturday is Museum Day, so the Cape Fear Museum is FREE. Check out the Wilmington native Michael Jordan Room. Many of the exhibits have been updated, and the experience is great for families and others.

Saturday night offers a really cool experience for you military buffs. Battleship Alive is an interactive experience with re-enactors doing the daily duties and chores that kept the Showboat running in tip top shape. This is really cool, and your kids and grandparents will love it. Plus the Battleship has a really cool green screen that you can have your family’s photo taken with the Battleship in the background.

Sunday, after you shake off the cobwebs and wine walk you can drag out your grandmother’s armoire and head down to Bellamy Mansion. There is an antique appraisal fair going on Sunday called “What is it Worth.” The Bellamy is very well kept, and this is a good opportunity to see a marvelous home in great condition.

So I'm sure I've missed something, but come downtown and enjoy the weekend. I'll be here, I hope to see you too.