April is probably the start of my favorite time of the year. The weather is not only just right, it’s consistent. In March one day could be cold, the next very warm- you never know what to wear. By the time April rolls around you feel safe in packing away your cold weather clothes until the holidays. It’s time to break out the shorts, the spring dresses, and flip flops and get outdoors. Here are some recommendations from the JFB team on things to do in late April. You’ll understand why it feels like we Live On Vacation Everyday.
For the Faithful Easter Means a Sunrise Service at the Beach
This is an unofficial count, but according to social media posts and advertisements we’ve seen, no less than two dozen churches throughout the Cape Fear region hold annual outdoor, sunrise services at one of the area beaches. Easter has long been a mix of the secular and the sacred, of candy, flowers, colored eggs and bunnies, combined with the spiritual celebration of a new life. For the faithful worshipping on Easter morning, while watching the sun peaking up over the Atlantic, is the ultimate sign of a new beginning.
Time to Plant those Gardens
On average the frost-free growing season in Wilmington starts at the end of March and goes until the middle of November. Which means April is the perfect month to get your hands in the soil and start planting your favorite fruits and vegetables. Gardening is the single most popular hobby in America. People are drawn to it because they learn about nature, sustainability and the way of life. This picture was taken by our Office Manager’s stepdaughter. This year she is planting arugula, basil, bell peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. You can see her two-year-old son at the top of the photo already developing his green thumb.
You Can Stroll through the Middle of the Woods, While Being in the Middle of Town
For dog walkers, runners, and cyclists in Midtown Wilmington, the Halyburton Nature Trail is one of the best parts of the spring season. Measuring 1.3 miles the trail winds its way through a secluded wooded area that wraps around a large pond. It really does feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, even though you’re in the center of town. Birdwatchers are frequently seen along the path looking for dozens of different species that call the area home. The nature trail is just one part of a 60 acre park that is operated by the city. It is open year round, but in April walkers can go either before or after work and still have a comfortable stroll.
New option for those with a sweet tooth
And after you finish that stroll through town, you can cash in those burned calories for a great new dessert option. This picture comes from a recent trip to The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. This dessert stop recently opened along Oleander Drive near Independence Mall. It took us weeks to get there, because there’s been a line out the door almost every day. Now that it’s settled down, we got the chance to try the treats. It was worth the wait! Make sure to pack an appetite, because as you can see the milkshakes are large and come with a lot of ingredients! Crazy Mason is a franchise, but there are less than a dozen across the country and the cool thing here is that Wilmington is among the first to host this business (along with Charlotte and Myrtle Beach).