Issuu

Alex and Terry Piscitelli

Celebrate the Art of Living Well

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Expert Contributors

BIO HAZARD CLEANING

PuroClean of The Cape Fear 910-477-3800

4819 Port Loop Road SE Southport, NC 28461 bsoots@puroclean.com

HEALTH BENEFITS

Mary Ameling, Advisor

Ganey, Byrd & Dunn Insurance Group 910-550-3142

1110 New Pointe Blvd Unit 110 Leland, NC 28451 gbdinsurancegroup.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

PORCH CONVERSION

Taylor Waddle, Owner/President 6821 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 910-777-3363 porchconversion.com

REAL ESTATE

Daigle & Boisvert

Debby Daigle, CLHMS Mobile 910-443-3199

Alan Boisvert, CLHMS Mobile 617-828-0157 Choosetheballoon.com

Elizabeth Leake, Owner LUXE Home Interiors

2013 Olde Regent Way #270 www.luxewaterford.com

MORTGAGE SERVICES

American Security Mortgage

Regional Vice President

Mobile: 910-471-1617 pat@patholsten.com pholsten.com

ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Joseph B. Norris, MD Advanced Orthopedics 910-641-8670

509 Olde Waterford Way Suite 102 Leland, NC 28451 crhealthcare.com

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Weather Shield Rooﬁng

For a FREE Quote

Dave Karimi, Owner 630-854-2815

Sonny Karimi, Owner 847-873-2771

Sean Karimi, Owner 630-201-5232 weathershieldroofers.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Deb Pickett, Signature Wealth Strategies, RJFS 910-371-0366 1022 Grandiﬂora Drive, Suite 110, Leland, NC 28451 signaturewealth.com/leland-ncﬁnancial-advisors/

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PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Debby Daigle

Content Coordinator

Doreen Sargente

Contributing Writers: Judy Royal, Bex Helton

Designer: Amanda Capehart

Contributing Photographer: G. Frank Hart Photography

ADVERTISING

Contact: Debby Daigle Phone: 910-443-3199

Email: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions?

We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

HOA SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Are you on the communication committee for your neighborhood? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to your neighbors.

HelloFriends and Neighbors!

By now you have carved the pumpkins, polished o the last of the Halloween candy, and planted your fall owers. November, the very best month of the fall season, o ers crisp air, cozy sweaters and the smell of cinnamon and cloves in the air. Whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, you will nd something ful lling to do in November.

If you are an outdoor person, take a trip to an apple orchard, corn maze or a local fall festival. Maybe pack a lunch and go on a picnic? If spending time indoors is more your thing, invite a friend over for co ee and pumpkin bread, get involved with the food pantry or your local church. There are so many opportunities to o er your time, especially this time of year. After all, you don’t have to wait until the fourth Thursday to give thanks, make every day a day of thanks and giving!

Speaking of giving “Thanks” I would like to thank Alex and Terry Piscitelli for being our November Feature Family and our third Home of Distinction. Not at all a surprise, our Homes of Distinction features have become a tremendous hit with the community. Who doesn’t want to look at a beautiful home? Stay tuned as we continue to bring you stories about our remarkable residents as well as extraordinary photos of homes recently built in our community. Lastly, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving (or maybe Friendsgiving!), take a moment to re ect on all that makes you grateful. We truly are blessed to live in Brunswick Forest along with the wonderful people who are our neighbors, our family and best of all, our Friends. Ciao!

Debby

Daigle Publisher ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

HelloNeighbors!

As we step into the beautiful month of November, traditionally a time to embrace gratitude, I nd myself with a deep sense of appreciation. This moment o ers me a wonderful chance to extend my thanks to each and every one of YOU – our cherished readers who support our magazine.

As we navigate the cozy days of autumn and prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it's essential to pause and re ect on the many blessings that grace our lives. While we gather around tables adorned with delicious feasts and share moments of togetherness, let us not forget to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have sel essly dedicated their lives to protect the freedoms we hold dear. This November, I hope you will take a moment to thank a Veteran, for it is through their sacri ces that we continue to enjoy the liberties we often take for granted.

In this season of re ection and thanks, may your hearts be lled with an abundance of gratitude for the countless blessings in your lives.

Until next time, stay warm, stay safe and stay healthy.

Doreen Sargente

Content Coordinator

dsargente@bestversionmedia.com

Discovering THE HUMPHRIES LAW FIRM

From

are attorneys Jacqueline Cajigal, Justin Humphries and Russell D. Nugent

Nurturing Relationships, Building Community

BY DOREEN SARGENTE

The Humphries Law Firm, P.C. was founded in 2009 and has been proudly serving Wilmington, NC, and its surrounding areas ever since. When asked about what brought him into the eld of law, Attorney at Law Justin Humphries shared his journey. He has always been involved in the service industry and found a strong passion for the problem-solving aspect that the legal profession brings. This dedication to serving others has been a driving force behind his career in law.

At The Humphries Law Firm, P.C., their philosophy is simple: they believe in a service-based approach to the legal profession. They understand that accessibility is imperative for clients, which is why they maintain a physical reception area, ensuring that clients can always reach them with ease, without the frustration of navigating a phone tree. The rm places a signi cant emphasis on client satisfaction and nurturing lasting client relationships. In addition to their commitment to

client service, The Humphries Law Firm, P.C. leverages modern technology to streamline processes, such as using tools like DocuSign and wire transfers to simplify closings. The rm also prioritizes security, heavily investing in computer network security, implementing multiple layers of cybersecurity, and maintaining cyber insurance to ensure the safety of sensitive information. Furthermore, they are dedicated to putting out informative content through podcasts, blogs, and social media, sharing their legal expertise with the

Our team of attorneys and legal professionals are here to help you with routine matters as well as sophisticated niche areas of the law. When you choose Humphries Law Firm for your craft legal solutions, our dedicated team is ready to work for you.

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right

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community. Additionally, they support local organizations, such as Wilm Biz Entrepreneur, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them. When asked what is his biggest inspiration in life, Justin didn't hesitate. The biggest inspiration in his life and work is the everchanging nature of his profession. He nds inspiration in the fact that each day brings new challenges and opportunities. The legal eld keeps him on his toes, allowing him to constantly learn and grow. This dynamism is what he enjoys most about his work, as it presents him with fresh chances to collaborate with others and tackle unique challenges.

Justin sees his role not just as a legal professional but as a partner to the community. He believes in celebrating the successes of others within the community and nds great meaning in being able to share in their achievements. This message re ects his commitment to building a stronger and more interconnected community in Wilmington, NC.

If you like cookies, (and who doesn't) you may be interested in a truly delightful aspect of Justin's law rm, which is their annual sta holiday cookie competition. This event not only fosters a sense of camaraderie among the sta but also invites clients to participate as judges. It's a fun and unique way to engage with clients and build lasting relationships outside of the typical attorney-client interaction.

Apart from his work, Justin recently welcomed two rescue puppies into his family, Axel and Atlas. He enjoys spending time boating, engaging in sports, and savoring live music performances. These

FORWARD MOVING YOU

activities provide a well-rounded balance to his professional life and help him stay connected with the Wilmington community on a personal level.

For those interested in contacting The Humphries Law Firm, P.C., you can reach them via email at contact@humphries rm.law or for matters related to closings at closings@humphries rm.law. You can also connect with them on social media platforms: Instagram (@thehumphrieslaw rm), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ Humphries rm), and YouTube (@humphrieslaw rm4778). To learn more about their services and expertise, you can visit their website at www.humphries rm.law.

•

makes a Striking Statement Casual Elegance

BY JUDY ROYAL

Terry andAlex Piscitelli’s decision to build a home in the Cape Fear National neighborhood posed challenges for them and their builder from the start, but they worked together to 昀椀nd creative solutions.

The result, Terry says, is everything they had envisioned.

“It still takes my breath away when I see our house,” she says. “To have it come together in the way we imagined it is very rewarding. Building a house is something we did for the very 昀椀rst and last time, and we’re very happy with the results.”

The biggest obstacle stemmed from the orientation of the lot, which has a private alleyway, making it necessary to situate the garage in the rear of the home. The Piscitellis interviewed many local builders before deciding on Liberty Homes of Leland. Together they got to work on a plan.

Photos by G. Frank Hart

“Liberty allowed us to change many things,”Alex says. “Once they agreed to put the garage in the back, that opened up the possibilities for us.”

Liberty had no plans designed for a rear-loaded lot with the garage in the back, so they started by turning the Copperwynd 昀氀oor plan upsidedown and working from back to front, says CeCee Poe, the Liberty builder representative who worked with the Piscitellis. The home also has elements of two other Liberty 昀氀oor plans: Palmetto and Duval.

“We learn a lot from the lots we’re dealt,” CeCee says. “It’s up to us to either run screaming off into the night or make it work.”

She says she loves the 昀椀nished product, which moved a bedroom to the front of the house along with the front-facing dining room and study, allowing the Piscitellis to take full advantage of the view from that direction.

“It was just a team collaboration of ideas,” CeCee says. “It took a while, but it 昀椀nally all came together. I think we’ve achieved a good look on their home.”

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Over the years I’ve been asked to share my recommendations for every imaginable real estate need. I have also watched how overwhelming & stressful moving can be, so I’ve implemented a complimentary moving concierge service for my

from

& packing

cleaning services, utility transfer help, etc., please consider giving me a call so I can take the stress off your

Whether you’re selling or buying; as a local proven Realtor, I can assure you that your transition will be as seamless as possible.

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The Piscitellis, who came to the area from New York, had been living in Brunswick Forest’s Shelmore neighborhood since 2016 but soon realized the model home they purchased lacked some of the features they desired, such as space for entertaining, an outdoor pool, a three-car garage and plenty of natural light. They bought the lot in fall 2020, started construction a year later and completed the home in December 2022.

Upon entering the four-bedroom, threeand-a-half bath home from the large front porch, the most noticeable feature is the double-height foyer entryway with its 18-foot ceiling. High ceilings are also on display in the great room and lanai.

The 昀椀rst level has white oak 昀氀ooring in all spaces except the tiled bathrooms. Chandeliers in many of the rooms add an element of elegance.

“We thought doing beautiful and unusual lighting 昀椀xtures was a very big part of this,” Terry says. “We really felt that it made the home unique and allowed my husband and me to express ourselves.”

Among the other prominent features on the 昀椀rst level are a cast stone 昀椀replace that the Piscitellis sourced themselves, two large wine coolers, an Italian gas stove from Bertazzoni 昀氀anked by an archway and a large kitchen island made from a single piece of granite the couple found in Raleigh.

The Piscitellis also gave the same attention to detail to their master bath, which has double sinks with a black forest granite vanity and a shower of marble-looking ceramic tile that was able to be made larger in lieu of including a tub.

Upstairs the home offers a breakfast bar, a media room and a guest suite with a living area, bed and full bathroom inside.

Back downstairs, there is a lanai offering a cathedral tongue-andgroove ceiling and abundant natural light leading out to the pool deck, which features an outdoor kitchen and a dining table that can seat up to 12 people. There is also a shower and powder room outside.

“We wanted to really be able to go from the outside to the inside of the home so there is very easy access from the pool deck to the lanai area and into the main house,” Terry says. “It really is very open from the front of the house to the back.”

The Piscitellis say Liberty did a fantastic job helping them bring their dreams to life.

“Hats off to them for working with us in creating this unique home,” Terry says. “We really can’t thank them enough for everything they did.”

Special Thanks to LUXE Home Interiors for staging and G. Frank Hart Photography for providing the photos. Additional photos can be seen on Facebook @Brunsick Forest Living Magazine

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Enchanting Escapes

Sophisticated advice delivered simply

Live well. It’s a simple goal, but sometimes life gets complicated. With more than 140 years of combined 昀椀nancial experience in investments, tax planning, and wealth management, the Vestal Financial Group of Truist Investment Services, Inc. understands how to make sense of what can appear to be complex. We know that every 昀椀nancial decision intertwines with family dynamics and tax and legal consequences—and ultimately in昀氀uences your ability to live well. That’s why we’re here: to take the complicated and make it understandable and, more importantly, actionable.

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REAL ESTATE STATISTICS - SEPTEMBER 2023

PENDING

BestVersionMediadoesnotguaranteetheaccuracyofthestatisticaldataonthispage.Thedatadoesnotrepresentthelistingsofanyoneagentoragencybutrepresentstheactivityof therealestatecommunityinthearea.Anyrealestateagent’sadappearinginthemagazineisseparatefromthestatisticaldataprovidedwhichisinnowayapartoftheiradvertisement.

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A Perfect Day for Giving

BY BEX HELTON

The dawn of October 2nd ushered in Carolina blue skies, low humidity, a soft breeze and temperatures in the upper 70’s. It was a perfect day for giving and the Caridad Classic Fundraiser at Magnolia Greens Golf Club. Participants of this second annual event included 124 registered golfers, 43 sponsors and numerous volunteers. Months of preparation culminated in golf competitions including a Hole in One and Longest Drive contest, a silent auction, lunch and an after party featuring music by Flashback. And, while this was fun and games for the participants, the money raised from the event will go toward empowering single mothers to become self-su cient.

Carmen Schloner, founded Caridad, a 501C3 organization, in 2002 while working in the Maryland/DC area. After relocating to Leland, Carmen began assembling a group of volunteers to extend support, guidance and encouragement to single mothers in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Employment, housing, child care and transportation are paramount to achieving self su ciency and at a time when many single mothers are faced with impossible choices, Caridad steps in allowing families to continue moving toward their dreams.

Carmen’s goal for Caridad is to be able to reach out to more single mothers. As the organization continues to grow the need for a Board of Directors has become a priority. Currently, Caridad is seeking community leaders with backgrounds in organization governance to ll the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Development Chair, Grant Writer, Events Chair, Volunteer Coordinator and Executive Board Members-at-Large. Interested persons are encouraged to visit caridadincnc.org for further information.

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AT A TIME One Life

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a young 3-year-old 52lbs pup who is a bit nervous at rst but once she gets comfortable, she will be the most playful, sweet, and loving girl. Cinnamon has a lot of scars, and it may take some time. However, she hopes her new forever home can help her heal.

Gouda is our longest resident here at Paws Place. Gouda is an active, a ectionate and one of the goo est pups you will ever meet. Gouda is a young 3-year-old, 63lbs hound mix who is ready to nd his forever home!

This month's pet photos were provided by Paws Place Dog Rescue, a no-kill shelter operating entirely on donations, volunteers, and an unending love for animals. (910) 845-7297

Photos and Article provided by Dominique Rainwater, Adoption Coordinator

SMUDGE

Smudge has one of Paws Place’s newest pups. This 4 year old, 37lbs u ball is ready to show his new family his goofy side. Smudge is heartworm positive but do not worry he has completed his treatment and is ready to live his best life! Smudge loves to go on walks and get all the pets!

GOUDA

CAPE FEAR NATIONAL

CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT

By Tom Egan

Cape Fear National held its rst Annual Corn Hole Tournament on September 19th which was held at Shuckin’ Shack Leland.

8 teams participated in the event which included 3 qualifying rounds and a nals competition to gain the winners’ prizes. The Finalist teams were Denny Argus and Tommy Evans versus Jack Mosco and Je Warner.

Jack and Je were the winners of this year’s tournament.

Photos by Tom Egan

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Photos provided by Nicole Weller

NIC'S TIPS GOLF ADVICE TO HELP OR NOT TO HELP?

By Nicole Weller

Golfers are very giving people, especially with advice. Sometimes advice is helpful and other times it’s not. But this holds true for life as well, doesn’t it? Some golf-advice relationships work well but for those who need help with uber-advice, here are some ideas I use with golfers that come straight from Fred Shoemaker’s book Extraordinary Golf: The Art of the Possible, which is a great book I suggest putting on your reading list. A sought-after coach, Fred has many solid ideas about being relaxed enough to swing, with some great before-and-after pictures of what happens when his students do (especially after his famous club-toss drill!). I wish I could type up his entire opening to this section but it would be a bit long (pp. 111-115)!

“Golf is a wonderful game to share with someone you care about... here are three ground rules to make advice work the way people want it.”

Coach only when asked. This is of utmost importance. Never, never coach someone unless you are asked to. The goal in any instructional situation is not the coaching but the learning, and people do no learn unless they are ready and receptive. Coaching must be initiated by the student. “What did I do wrong” is not necessarily an invitation but an exclamation. The language to request coaching must be clear and agreed upon beforehand.

Coach only what you are asked to coach. The agenda/coaching is determined by the student. The coach must stick to that

agenda and must do it in an objective way. It’s important to understand that the coach has no interpretive powers and is only a mirror to re ect reality, responding with what was seen, that’s all. When people step outside these bounds and make judgments and suggestions, things can start to fall apart.

Coach only for a speci c amount of time. The coaching-student relationship is good for certain situations, but if it hangs on and spills over outside the golf relationship into other areas, it can be a real problem. Setting a time limit allows both people to get back to their own games and relationships. It removes the necessity for one person to ask the other to stop, which can often result in hurt feelings. As coaches, we’re hired for suggestions but the ultimate decision and action comes from the student. Like going to a physician and deciding whether to follow the prescription, the golfer ultimately controls what he or she believes from the discussion and results. One way I provide feedback to students is by using a rating system on a scale of 1-5 (5 being accomplished and 1 not accomplished), to help with the understanding of what I see happening. Did I see a student interact with the ground well through the impact zone? 2 out of 5 (not really but a little). Other times I’ll provide cues like my favorite Red Light/Green Light game which, when working on aim for example, lets someone know s/he is set up correctly. Green light means go and red light means no and then x it until you learn what a

green light means. I don’t provide any other feedback usually (maybe a Yellow Light if close) so the student can move and learn / self-discover what it means to be set (aimed) properly.

Being told something is less powerful in many instances than guring it out for oneself (works with young golfers as well, more importantly so, to discover how THEY can do it… there are many ways to do something that works). Find the best way to receive and provide advice with another golfer… stay in your lane unless asked. We all want to be helpful, hopefully these ideas make it more fun and e ective when asked for advice!

As a resident of Brunswick Forest, I base my instruction at Compass Pointe Golf Club and am happy to be your duo-LPGA/PGA local Leland resource for anything golf instruction or improvement! For more information and golf tips, please visit www.nicoleweller.com.

LPGA / PGA INSTRUCTOR PRIVATE LESSONS CLINICS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting 5:30 pm WILMINGTON

Start the holiday season with style and plenty of community spirit by attending the annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting in the heart of Wilmington. This annual event is a community celebration that features plenty of music, refreshments, and a

opener to the festive spirit of Wilmington during the holidays.

and is a

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Cape Fear Kite Festival

Kure Beach

With fall winds at their peak, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be awed by a colorful display of kites of all varieties. Held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the Cape Fear coastline, this impressive event is always a crowd pleaser, with an unforgettable overhead show that will make everyone look to the skies. The event begins with a Friday night ﬂy from 7:00-9:00 pm at Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Taste of Wrightsville Beach

Bluewater Grill Parking Lot

Wrightsville Beach

The Cape Fear area has its own unique style when it comes to food and fun, and visitors can get a big helping of this food-centric atmosphere by attending the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach. Celebrating its 11th year in 2023, this festival that is perpetually growing in popularity features dozens of samples, tastings, contests, and more, which allows newcomers to dive into the local Wrightsville Beach food scene with gusto.

This year’s event takes place in the heart of Wrightsville Beach, and the evening event will have plenty of ways for visitors to satisfy a big appetite. Events and activities that are on the schedule include dozens of booths dedicated to food, beer and wine tastings of all varieties, a “People’s Choice” contest for an

array of categories, and judging on various foods and drinks by a panel of celebrity judges. Proceeds of the far-reaching event go to an array of local and regional charities including Weekend Meals on Wheels, Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project, Hope from Helen Foundation, The Harbor Way Garden, The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, and many more deserving community organizations.

Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Cost: $25-$75

Visit: www.eventbrite.com for details and ticket purchase

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

St. Stan's Polish Festival

4849 Castle Hayne Rd

Castle Hayne

The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to o er.

Time: 11:00-5:00

Cost: FREE admission

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Latin Festival

7069 Market St.

Wilmington

There’s a world of fun to discover at the Festival Latino, which is an event that celebrates a multicultural atmosphere with a wealth of food, music, and entertainment. From special activities designed for kids to dancing lessons and live music, this lively event is a great way to discover the unique global ﬂavors and inﬂuences that are found right in the heart of the Cape Fear area. Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Cost: FREE admission

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Wilmington Walk to Defeat ALS

Long Leaf Park

Wilmington

Join our very own Brunswick Forest Team, 'Walk Forest Walk' to help defeat ALS. This year's theme is 'Back to the 80's', with special events planned most of the morning. Water and Gatorade will be provided and a food truck will be available. Time: Walk Check-In 8:30 am; Walk Begins at 10:00 am

Cost: FREE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

LUXE Waterford Home Interiors

Fall Series

Holiday Decor, begins @ 5:00 PM Cost: FREE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15THSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

Cucalorus Film Festival

Wilmington

The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for more than 25 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast. Visit: www.cucalorus.eventlive.org for tickets

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH - MONDAY, JANUARY 1ST

Festival of Trees

Kure Beach

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

Cost: Included with online Aquarium Admission. Ticket information unavailable at time of publication.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18THSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH

Holiday Market

Kure Beach

Holiday shopping is a whole lot more fun with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market combines a stellar location with

a delightful mix of locally crafted and truly one-of-akind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Held during Thanksgiving week, with music, food, and more enticements for visitors, the Kure Beach Holiday Market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while simultaneously getting a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Cost: FREE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24THTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

Enchanted Airlie Gardens

Wilmington Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear. Visit: www.airlliegardens.org for ticket information

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH

Lighting at the Lake

Carolina Beach

Once the Thanksgiving feasting and festivities are complete, head over to the heart of Carolina Beach for this annual tradition that signiﬁes the beginning of the holiday season for Pleasure Island residents and visitors alike. The Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake celebration lives up to its name as the o cial light-up ceremony that starts a long season of celebration in Carolina Beach and miles beyond.

Time: 7:00 pm Cost: FREE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

Winterfest

Southport

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a dayslong festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to o er. Call 910-457-7927 or visit www. downtownsouthport.org Cost: FREE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Time: 6:00 pm Cost: FREE