Daytrip Three: North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, NC

Whether you are a lover of history, ships, firepower, or rare tours The USS Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, NC is a must see! An easy drive up Highway 17 to 421, the grand ship is a breathtaking sight that holds so many memories of those who were aboard. The guided tours help bring those memories to life.

The Battleship was launched June 14th 1940 and commissioned April 19^th 1941. It was not long before she was put to the test and she and her crew saw battle in WWII. Surviving a torpedo attack during World War II this Battleship participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. “In the Battle of the Eastern Solomon’s in August of 1942, the Battleship’s anti aircraft barrage helped save the carrier Enterprise, thereby establishing the primary role of the fast battleship as protector of aircraft carriers”. On your visit you will hear more tales like this and that of the SOS campaign to save the ship from becoming scrap metal in NJ and returning to its rightful place here in North Carolina.

This tour is a definite “thing to do” while visiting us here at The Sunset Inn and once you step board the magnificent vessel it will be a day you will not forget. For more information about tours you can visit www.battleshipnc.com. Below is a list of events coming up in the next few weeks & months:

Design & Damage Control
May 18, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
$55 per person. $50 for Friends members or active military.

As the first of the 10 fast battleships which served in WWII, NORTH CAROLINA paved the way for those battleships that followed. In this four-hour program, participants will explore the ship and engage with experts on ship design. Topics include surviving a torpedo strike, fires, and loss of power; thwarting magnetism and unwanted waters from flooding; from shoring and shifting fuel oil to triage of casualties and effective communication. An interesting and insightful afternoon awaits inquiring minds.

The tour is limited to ages 16 and older and limited to 48 participants. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Water and light snack provided. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, May 16. Program is $50/$45 for Friends of the Battleship or active military. Call 910-251-5797 for reservations.

8th Annual Memorial Day Observance
May 27, 2013
Time: 5:45 pm
FREE

On Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, at 5:45 pm, people of all generations from across the State will gather together on the deck of the Battleship to pay their respects. An emotional ceremony, preceding and concluding with military musical arrangements provided by an Armed Forces Band, and a 21-gun salute, the Executive Director of the Battleship, Captain Terry A. Bragg and members of the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Commission invite the public to this free event. 

 17th Annual Battleship Blast
July 4, 2013
Time: 9:05 pm

Noted as Coastal Living's 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society's award of Top 20 things to due in July, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA will present the 2013 17th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks.
The celebration will not disappoint and at 9:05pm the Battleship fireworks spectacular will begin. You don’t want to miss this year as the fireworks display will light up the skies of Wilmington.

Best view of amazing pyro technics is from downtown Wilmington as the entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6:00pm and all vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30pm. Therefore, come early and visit the equally impressive Battleship North Carolina before the activities in the evening.

Battleship Alive!
September 28, 2013
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free with Battleship admission

Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. Free with regular Battleship admission. Please call 910-251-5797 for more information.
 

 So if you enjoyed your first day trip to Southport, NC then why not venture just a little farther and explore Bald Head Island. You can catch the ferry from Southport and 20 minutes later you will be transported to an island paradise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, marsh inlets and lush greenery shading the pathways.

This island is special in that you can only explore it by renting bikes, a golf cart, or by walking. Leaving your cars behind when boarding the ferry, Bald Head Island reminds you to slow down, relax, and unwind while enjoying all the island has to offer.

Once on Bald Head Island you can head to the beach, visit the unique stores & art galleries, kayak through the inlets, and/or take in a round of golf at The Club. However, don’t miss the must see landmark,  the Old Baldy Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy is a grand stone work of art that can be toured for only $5.00 along with the small museum beside it. If you are not afraid of heights then climbing the spiral staircase to the very top is a must. The view is like no other. 

So while staying with us here at The Sunset Inn make sure to set aside some time to visit Bald Head Island.  Here are some upcoming events on Bald Head Island to entice you even more:

Saturday, May 11, 2013 Wine & Cheese Gala

Wine and Cheese Gala will take place on May 11th aboard "Patriot". The boat will depart at 5PM from the Bald Head Ferry Terminal. The entertainment will be provided by the New Century Saxophone Quartet and the tickets are $50.00 per person. If you wish to purchase by mail, send you Name, address and check to Friends of Music Society PO BOX 569 Fulton, MD 20759 and the tickets will be promptly mailed to you.

Friday, May 24, 2013 Middle Island Ibis Sanctuary

BHI Conservancy 9am-10:30am Middle Island/Ibis Sanctuary Hike Meet at the Barrier Island Study Center. visiting the Ibis Lake Sanctuary, a protected area of land that is private and only accessible with Conservancy staff. Reservations required. To register, please visit www.bhic.org or call (910) 457-0089 Personal golf cart transportation is required. $15 per person for BHI Conservancy Members $20 per person for non-members. 

Saturday, May 25, 2013 Island Wide Open Houses

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Island-Wide Open Houses Bald Head Island Limited Real Estate Sales presents a variety of homes to introduce you to the many real estate opportunities on the island. Pick up a flyer at the sales office located at 4 Marina Wynd near the ferry landing. 910-457-7400.

Monday, May 27, 2013 Birding BHI

BHI Conservancy 8:30am – 10:30am Birding BHI Barrier Island Study Center. During the summer we are home to a large nesting population of the beautiful painted bunting. The island is also home to hundreds of egrets, herons and ibis as well as dozens of other species. To register, please visit www.bhic.org or call (910) 457-0089. Cost: $15 per person for BHI Conservancy Members, Free for BHI Conservancy Lifetime Level Members, $20 per person for non-members.

Sunday, June 16, 2013 Father’s Day Cookout

Sunday, June 16: 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Father’s Day Cookout The Bald Head Island Club Grille Terrace & Palms Terrace $18.95 plus tax and service charge for adults $11.95 plus tax and service charge for children 12 years and under. Please call 910.457.7300 to make a reservation

Friday, August 02, 2013 Pirate Weekend

Treasure Hunt Starts @ 3 pm Island Wide Game 24 hours to play –only $25 per golf cart! Pirate Booty Auction @ 4:30 pm Tent Pavilion Silent Auction Begins An 1817 coin? Cocktails in Old Baldy? Hawaiian Quilt (handmade by Old Baldy Quilters) & more treasures! Pirate Block Party NO ADMISSION CHARGE! Beer & Wine Truck opens at 4:30pm BBQ, Cash Bar, Live Music with Rusty Cutlass. Party with the Pirates at Tent Pavilion! Pirate Invasion @ 5:30 pm FREE on the Marina Captain Horatio Sinbad Arrives on the Meka II BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

Pirate Weekend

Saturday, August 03, 2013

Kids Schools Sign up for Scalawag or Pirate Artist $20 child Pirate & Pancakes Bald Head Island Club 10:30 am Feasting and songs with Rusty Cutlass! Buy tickets today—it fills fast! Duck Race 2 pm $500 First Prize Adopt a duck for $10 each or 11 ducks for $100 Pirate Ghost Walk @ 7:30 & 8:30 pm By Old Baldy $25 adult/$15 child BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

Pirate Weekend

Sunday, August 04, 2013

Pirate Parade 11:30 am Over the Bridge! Don’t forget to decorate the golf cart & wear a pirate costume! Pirate Costume Contest @ Tent Pavilion Immediately after parade..must be in parade to enter. Pirate Festival NO ADMISSION CHARGE! Noon to 5 pm Pirate Encampment, Sword Fights and Black Powder Guns, Rusty Cutlass Music, Magic Shows, Crafts, Games & more! Yum...Beer & Burgers & Brats @ Grub Ship! Creativity Challenge @ Bald Head Association Friday thru Sunday Cool works of art created by friends and neighbors! Silent auction bids end on Sunday at 4 pm. A great way to pick up one of a kind gifts! All proceeds from Pirates Are Coming support Old Baldy! BUY TICKETS www.oldbaldy.org Or 910.457.7481

 May is full of fun events and festivals! Let The Sunset Inn be your home base so you can soak up some sun at beautiful Sunset Beach and then spend some time enjoying these local festivities:

May 10 - October 11, 2013 - 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

2nd Friday Art Workshop

a different workshop is held each month (Jan—Oct). Details are available at www.oakislandartguild.org. Scheduled so far May 10: Jane Staszak, painting. June 14: Ortrud Tyler, abstract painting. July 12: Vangie Peterson, reed basketry.August 9: Joyce Grazetti/Pat Carney, fish prints.

Oak Island Recreation Center 3003 E. Oak Island Drive,Oak Island, NC 28465

Contact: Jo Ann Staat

joannstaat@gmail.com

May 11th 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mayfest on Main This festival will take place on Main Street In North Myrtle Beach, SC. It includes live music from Grammy nominated John Waite & also The Little River Band! There will be food and craft vendors and street entertainers. You might want to bring a beach chair to enjoy all the entertainment. Best news is the admission is free! Visit http://parks.nmb.us for more information. May 11, 2013 Boiling Spring Lakes Community Fun Day Games, blow ups, vendors, food, entertainment, and fun.  Boiling Spring Lakes City Hall- Corner of Hwy. 87 & Boiling Spring Road, Boiling Spring Lakes & BSL First Baptist Church. Contact: Mary Stilwell 910/845-2762 Admission/Fees: Free May 18th & May 19th 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Little River Blue Crab Festival This 32nd annual festival is a big hit with locals and tourists. They will have live music, food, craft, & art vendors and of course places to buy blue crabs. Hosted on the waterfront in Little River, SC. May 19th 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Oak Island Beautification Plant Sale & Garden tour Plant sale & Home tours start at the retired Oak Island Greenhouse located on Oak Island Drive and 56th Street SE under the watertower. Great way to tour lush gardens and get a few new ideas for your own. Tour fee is $10.00. Contact Lynne Kracht at 910-221-8738 for more information. For more May events in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas visit our web-site at www.thesunsetinn.net/blog

 Day Trip One: Southport

Whether you are a first time visitor to The Sunset Inn or you have been calling the Inn a home away from home for years we thought we might tell you about a few exciting places to visit while staying with us. The first in this series is the charming fishing village of Southport.

Southport is an easy drive from the Inn by just hopping on Highway 17 to Highway 211 and you are there. Once you arrive you will see historic store fronts that house antique shops, old book stores, art galleries, and craft shops. While strolling through town there are great places to stop for a bite to eat, The Pharmacy is a local favorite. From there the scenic waterfront park beckons with glistening blue water and park benches to sit and watch the sail boats drift by. Why not enjoy an ice cream cone or sundae while relaxing, those shops are close by too. 

While visiting this quaint picturesque town you might start noticing some familiar spots. How could a place you have never been to seem so familiar? Perhaps it is because Southport has been captured on film more than once. Author Nicholas Sparks, known for novels like The Notebook, Dear John, & The Last Song, also took to the area and the town has been featured in two of his adapted films. "A Walk To Remember" starring Mandy Moore and the recently released "Safe Haven" starring Julianne Hough & Josh Duhamel. Author Lois Duncan's novel "I Know What You Did Last Summer" also put Southport on the map in movies in 1997. These movies have created such a stir that tours are now being offered to take you around to experience the sights, sounds, and charm that graced the screen along with a history of the area. Tours start May 17th. To book a tour visit www.oldsouthtourcompany.com.

Southport also hosts numerous festivals & events over the year. Here are just a few: 

For more information on Southport and the town's events visit: www.southport-oakisland.com and click on Calendar of Events

Check back soon for our next blog: Day Trip Two: Bald Head Island and visit www.thesunsetinn.net to get more information about our area, see pictures of our rooms, and book on-line. If you would like more information don't hesitate to call us toll free at 1-888-575-1001. We hope to see you soon.   

Various Venues Around Town Wilmington, NC 28401

Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area 118 Riverfront Road Kure Beach, NC 28449

Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC 28403 Website: http://www.airliegardens.org/

A great place to visit while vacationing at The Sunset Inn

La Belle Amie Vineyard

April Music Fest

Saturday, April 20, 2013         Noon - 5 pm
Little River, SC

Enjoy an afternoon of live music from two talented bands.   Plus,  sample the many wine varieties of La Belle Amie, try our flavorful wine slushies, and enjoy the beauty of the vineyard.  The owner will give a vineyard tour (2:30).  Or, browse our great gift shop.   It doesn’t get any nicer than this.  Come share it with us!

MUSIC (12:00 – 5:00pm) BY:  The Mike McCoy Band, and The Necessary Experience

ADMISSION: $8/person. (under 18 or over 80 admitted free) Bring two canned/dry good items for area food banks and receive $3 off admission. Club Members Free.

Food Available From:    Smokin’  Pitt BBQ, and Hunts Lexington Style Cooking

BEVERAGES (Water, Soda, Beer, & Wine) Available From: La Belle Amie Vineyard

SORRY, ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD, BEVERAGES OR PETS ALLOWED INTO THIS EVENT

Remember, bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard.

843/399-WINE (9463)        www.LaBelleAmie.com

SPONSORED BY: Anderson Bros. Bank, and EASY Radio 105.9FM

VINEYARD LOCATION: Hwy 90 & St. Joseph Road (just west of the NMB Middle School.)
GPS ADDRESS: 1120 St. Joseph Road, Little River, SC

REGULAR SHOP HOURS: Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm.
 

The 11th Annual Brunswick Island’s Home & Garden Show will be held April 20-21 at Sea Trail Convention Center in Sunset Beach, NC. 

Last years attendance for the two day event was over 1,000 people. 
The Brunswick Island's Home and Garden Show displays products and services for the home and garden including landscaping, gardening, pool and spas, windows, outdoor grills, home décor, utilities, real estate and financial services, and resources for home construction or improvement. 

 Please join us for this fun and informative event and stay at the Sunset Inn on the island of Sunset Beach, NC.  Five minutes from Ocean Isle Beach, NC and only 20 minutes from North Myrtle Beach, SC. 

9 North Shore Drive East

Sunset Beach, NC 28468

www.thesunsetinn.net

1-888-575-1001

Just in case you didn't know it, there are quite a few 5k and 10k races coming up soon in the area. If you’ve been training all year or are just trying stay in shape, consider entering any or all of them. When you find yourself looking for an Ocean Isle Beach hotel consider The Sunset Inn located close by at Sunset Beach, NC.

We’ll give you a run down of upcoming races that we know of right now.

A Race for the Cure 5K is being held from 8 a.m. to noon on March 2 in downtown Wilmington, NC. The Race for the Cure 5K raises money for the Susan G Koman Foundation. The race will take place in Downtown Wilmington at 2nd and Market Streets.

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day Spirit on March 16, 2013 at the Lucky Leprechaun 5k beginning at The Winds Resort! Wear Green and show your Leprechaun Spirit! The course is flat, fast and beautiful as it parallels the ocean along the east side of the island. Hundreds will come out to participate in the race along 1st and 2nd Streets on Ocean Isle. The crowd is usually a festive bunch, dressed in all shades of green with St. Patty’s Day flair. The race begins at 9am. There are several different race categories and many winners; the overall best time wins a free 2-day stay at The Winds. After the race, participants staying at The Winds are treated to a hamburger and hotdog lunch complete with all the fixings!

The Wrightsville Beach Marathon 5K takes place from 5-8 p.m. on March 16 at Mayfaire Town Center Event Field. The event is part of the exciting Marathon Madness in March. The entire marathon series includes a 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon and Marathon Relay. The 5K starts at Mayfaire Town Center and ends with a Pasta Dinner at the Marathon Expo at Mayfaire (separate admission fee). Registration for the run is $35.00 to $55.00

Whew! We get tired out just thinking about them all. Do give us a call toll free at (888) 575-1001 if you’d like to make reservations at our inn. You'll find our rates to be comparable to an Ocean Isle Beach hotel but our accommodations quite more luxurious. We think you’ll be happy you’ve chosen The Sunset Inn over any Ocean Isle Beach hotel the area might offer.
 

If you’re considering a long overdue Sunset Beach NC vacation consider staying with us at The Sunset Inn where you’ll experience luxury as well as affordability during your stay. We have many different specials going on throughout the year that you can find on our website.

Our midweek special on a Sunset Beach NC vacation when your stay is with us is back for February and March! In February, if you stay Monday through Thursday you get 15% off. We are also running our stay 3 nights and get the 3rd night half off! We normally do not combine discounts, but for February we will combine them if your stay falls within both specials. We do not give a mid-week discount in March but we are running the third night 1/2 off special. Please note that Weekends Do Not Apply. Call toll free 1-888-575-1001 or book on-line today! If you book online, we will adjust your rate and resend a confirmation. Expires 3-21-13

If you’re in the area now you should know the Carolina Beach Polar Plunge takes place on Saturday, February 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The event features brave swimmers taking a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean, plus live music, art, food, silent auction, car show, and more. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Hanover County. New this year: Run-N-Plunge 5K. Schedule is as follows: 11am to 3pm: Live Music and DJ (TBA), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Silent Auction, 1:30 p.m.: Costume Contest, and 3 p.m.: Polar Plunge.
 

The Breakfast By The Sea Marriage Retreat sponsored by JMI Ministries International will take place from February 8-10 at 310 East 1st Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC. This retreat is Part I of the Breakfast By The Sea teaching series, and the theme is “Reignite/Renew/Reinforce and Repurpose”. The principle scripture is Hebrews 13:4.

There will be three sets of dynamic speakers at this marriage retreat. You won’t want to miss it! Apostle Antonio Jones and Prophetess Amichia Jones, JMI Ministries Apostle Jerome Cade and Prophetess Michelle Cade, Behold The Light Evangelist Dalton Carter and Prophetess Patrice Carter, Speak To The World.

The purpose of this retreat weekend is to minister to married couples in the areas of forgiveness, communication, and relationship (intimacy, sex, romance). If you have any questions regarding this, please call Prophetess Patrice Carter at (910) 551-7358.

If you're attending the marriage retreat and you’re looking at Ocean Isle Beach hotels for a place to stay, consider staying at The Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach, NC. Our inn is close to the Ocean Isle Beach hotels in the area and will provide you with a quiet and intimate setting to return to at the end of the day where you can review with your spouse everything you experienced at that day’s marriage retreat gathering. As an alternative to staying in Ocean Isle Beach hotels, you'll find our guest rooms and grand rooms to be both affordable and luxuriously decorated for your enjoyment.

If you’d like to make reservations to stay at our inn you can do so right on our website or by calling us directly at (888) 575-1001. We look forward to speaking with you.
 

More and more people, tired of the high cost of living in the northern states and done with the cold and the snow, are relocating to the coastal region of North Carolina. As the baby boomers reach retirement age, it’s forecasted many will be relocating to the southern states, and we’re ready.

If you’re considering relocating to the Carolinas you should take a trial run to do some exploring of the different coastal communities the area has to offer. When you are looking at Sunset Beach hotels to stay in during this exploration phase, you should consider The Sunset Inn located on the shores of Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Enjoy the views from any of our uniquely decorated guest rooms or grand rooms. You’ll have your own screened in porch complete with rocking chairs to relax in where you can just sit and enjoy the views.

While you can perform online searches to research areas you might want to relocate to, it’s no comparison to visiting up close. When you have a comfortable and accommodating room to return to at the end of the day, it makes your entire visit that much more pleasurable. So do an overall search online but when you’re ready to visit the area and need to make reservations in one of the area Sunset Beach hotels be sure to consider our inn. We look forward to meeting you!
 

The New Year will be arriving shortly and what better way to bring it in than on the sandy shores of North Carolina. If you’re planning on being here and you’re looking for Ocean Isle Beach accommodations where you can stay, consider The Sunset Inn in nearby Sunset Beach, NC. Both our Inn and the Ocean Isle Beach accommodations will provide you with front row seats for any firework displays taking place on New Year’s Eve. We’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy upcoming 2013!

Here are just some of the many events taking place in the nearby area if you decide to venture out for the day.

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC, will open the sculpture garden for a special New Year's Eve event. The Stroll by Candlelight at Brookgreen Gardens event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Monday, December 31. Take a stroll around the gardens beautifully lit up by candles and holiday lights while listening to music. Champagne and refreshments will be available for purchase. Advanced tickets are available for $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The event has limited availability so call today.

New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance at the House of Blues, at 7 p.m., December 31, 2012. Ring in the New Year with a delicious four course dinner and live entertainment by TRU SOL. Tickets are $79.95 and include dinner, New Year's Eve party favors and a gift certificate for a future show. Call (843) 272-3000 for reservations.

Broadway at the Beach will host New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 31. Free and open to the public. Broadway at the Beach is a shopping, dining, amusement and nightlife complex in Myrtle Beach. They offer dozens of bars and restaurants that include everything from Mexican and Italian to fresh seafood. Don't miss the mini-golf course and  BIGD theater or WonderWorks attractions, just to name a few.