From Southern California to the northern states it’s been a couple of rough and cold weeks for much of America. By contrast, here in the Cape Fear Region, spring has already arrived. With several days hitting the low 80’s, it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy your surroundings. Here are some recommendations from the JFB team. You’ll understand why it feels like we Live On Vaction Everyday.
Attention Anglers
Few other areas can compete with the variety of fishing that can be found in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Not only are there a wide array of species to try and hook, there are so many different styles to go after them. What’s your pleasure? Deep sea fishing, pier fishing, beach fishing, underwater spare fishing, fresh water fishing in lakes, streams or rivers? All of them can be found within minutes of downtown Wilmington. And if you’re still craving more, then take a weekend road trip to western North Carolina for some of the nation’s best fly fishing, The King Fish in this photo here was reeled in by JFB agent Eric Badalov. He recently spent a Saturday casting off the Oak Island Pier.
A Father and Son Camping Trip
JFB Broker-In-Charge Scott Saxton and his son Wiley are outdoors people. Father and Son like to pitch a tent, go on a long hike, and hang out by the camp fire at night. Here is what Scott wrote about his up coming plans. “The great thing about living in southeastern North Carolina is the lack of a harsh winter. This month, I will be camping with my son at Lake Waccamaw, which is about 45 minutes outside of Wilmington. You can also camp at Carolina Beach State Park, but we like to go to Lake Waccamaw for the views on the pier. It’s very peaceful. We camp a lot with my son’s Cub Scout troop and he loves it here. He can walk around with his friends and is never too far away from camp. The prices are also very reasonable for overnight camping. It’s great for a quick overnight adventure out of town.”
A MARCH DOWNTOWN TO MEMORY LANE COMMICS
By contrast JFB office manager Doug Wahl and his son are not outdoors people. They are city folks. Every spring the pair venture to downtown Wilmington for a morning at Memory Lane Comics. The store has such a wide variety of memorable publications and it is located in two buildings across the street from each other. “Personally, comics and superheroes are not my thing,” said Wahl. “When you have a son you think they are going to be little Mini-Me, that they will like what you like. And then you discover that they have their own interests that sometimes can be drastically different from your own. If you’re a fan of your children, you find yourself becoming a fan of what they’re into. Our trips downtown are some of the best moments we spend together. I get to watch him in his element!”
In the Evenings Head Back Indoors for a Show at Thalian
The crown jewel of downtown is Thalian Hall. Built in 1855, it is the brain child of famed architect John Montague Trimble, and is the only one of his theaters that survives to this day. Trimble set out to build something large and grand enough to be both the government and cultural center of Wilmington. Today it still operates as Wilmington’s City Hall and Trimble’s 1,000 seat opera house is still host to several theatrical productions, including local and traveling shows. JFB’s Jennifer Reinholt is a frequent visitor. “Obviously, you can enjoy Thalian year round, but there’s something special about seeing a show in the spring,” said Reinholt. “When its colder, or in the heat of summer, you may take in a show, and then get in your car and go home. In spring Thalian becomes part of an entire evening downtown. You get dinner, go to the theater, maybe have get some wine or a dessert afterwards. Anything that gets you downtown needs to be celebrated.”
