SENC Magazine - Spring 2024

Off The Beaten Path

Brunswick

Remnants of St. Phillips are beautiful

Cape Fearless

Find adventure in the woods of Rieglewood

Taco El Jeffe

Burgaw food truck can be found anywhere

Publisher

Craig Springer cspringer@apgenc.com

Interim Editor

Thadd White Jr. twhite@apgenc.com

Associate Editor

Nichole Heller nheller@apgenc.com

Contributors

Annesophia Richards

Lauren Branch

John Foley

Interim Production & Design

Thadd White Jr. twhite@apgenc.com

Michelle Leicester bertienews@ncweeklies.com

Interim Photo Editor

Jim Green jgreen@apgenc.com

Make your way to places O the Beaten Path

Hello again Southeastern North Carolina! Welcome back to SENC Magazine as we begin 2024.

In this edition of the magazine, you’ll have a chance to learn about places that are “Off the Beaten Path” here in our region of the state.

The cities of the region are beautiful and provide much of the commerce that makes this region of the state a wonderful place to live and work. There are, however, many times that we have the desire to get out of the city and visit somewhere that others may not know about.

Thankfully, Southeastern North Carolina is full of places that meet that criteria.

You can find wonderful places to visit history, enjoy adventure and even grab some wonderful food.

In the pages of this edition you’ll find two adventure parks that are “off the beaten path” along with the remnants of a historic church, a forgotten “capitol” of North Carolina and a food truck that pops up in many places.

As I mentioned last time, I’m from the northeastern part of the state, but have several close friends that live in your region. I reached out to one of them when I began research for this edition and he was able to help me find a few places that made what I believe are good stories.

My friend’s name is Glenn and he’s from Kelly down in Bladen County. If you had to look it up – and I feel like you did – imagine how our group at Campbell University felt back in the fall of 19... well that’s none of your business.

Thanks to Glenn’s research, my oldest son and I spent a day at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield and another viewing the remnants of St. Phillips Church in Brunswick Town. Both were incredible trips and I plan to go back to both places. I hope you’ll visit them as well.

This magazine is somewhat unique as we have stories from both the outgoing Interim Editor (that’s me) and the incoming Editor (that would be Nichole Heller).

Nichole came in after we had begun the planning process, but jumped right in with a pair of stories I know you’ll enjoy. After reading about Tacos El Jefe, I’ll be finding that truck on my next trip down.

Both of us will be back – God willing – with the next edition of the magazine, but we’ll be swapping places... she’ll be taking the lead and I’ll be here to provide a story or two and a helping hand. She is a talented young lady and I believe the magazine’s future is bright with her leading the way. I am again thankful to Annesophia Richards and Lauren Branch for helping us through this process. They are great writers and I’m sure you’ll enjoy their stories in this magazine.

We hope you enjoy this latest edition of SENC Magazine and that after reading it you will make the decision to take a trip “off the beaten path.”

Thadd White Interim Editor, SENC

On the Cover Cape Fear River from Brunswick Town

Photo by Thadd White

Here I am (second from right) with my best friends David (left) and Glenn (right) and my oldest son Alex visiting SENC, specifically Brunches in Wilmington.

Enjoy some of our favorite Instagram finds for southeastern North Carolina!

Our picks for top Instagramers’ photos:

Share YOUR favorites use hashtag #southeasternnc or #senc.magazine

@senc.magazine

Do you have beautiful photos, unique artwork or artisan product or know someone who does that we should know about?

Tag us @senc.magazine or send us a photo on Instagram for a potential feature.

Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

Hampstead, N.C. @joey_canady1

Beulaville, N.C. @dougwatersfotos

Beulaville,

LET’S EXPLORE.

From the elegant beauty of the Duplin Winery to the history of Battleship North Carolina and from the scenic Atlantic Ocean to Tryon Palace, we have it all in Southeastern North Carolina.

Learn about these Tony Alfano’s homemade guitars.

Brunswick Town

Read about Brunswick Town history.

8

Tacos El Jefe

Try delicious Mexican Street food.

18

Homemade Guitars

22

12

Cape Fearless Extreme

Spend a day at this outdoor aerial adventure park and paintball battlefield.

26

Bowls,

A secure place in history.

34

Kill

Zone

Experience a unique day of fun.

Sylvan Heights

Tucked away into 28 acres in Halifax County.

Beaver Dan

tables and more from the hands of Beaver Dan

Moores Creek

30

38

TheAm ic H t ythat ... Brunswick Town

Story by Thadd White u Photos by Thadd White & Alex White

Four walls stand in what many would call a small oasis in the middle of a wilderness.

Anyone happening to wander upon the site might easily underestimate what they are seeing. Is it the beginnings of a building, what’s left of one or is it something that was begun, but never completed.

What in fact people will find if they visit Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson are the remnants of St. Philips Church. The four walls are still beautiful, hundreds of years after they were constructed to house an Anglican Church.

The church is just one part of the history of Brunswick Town, but it is a key element in the town’s history and indeed in the history of North Carolina.

Brunswick Town was a pre-Revolutionary War port city on the Cape Fear River that was destroyed by British Troops and never rebuilt. While it wasn’t rebuilt, it is now a historic site which not only houses St. Philips, but also the

The remains of St. Phillips Church in what was Brunswick.

“Within the boundaries of this forgotten town are the picturesque ruins of St. Philips Church, which was built by the citizens of Brunswick...”

- James Sprunt

destroyed relics of homes and of Ft. Anderson.

According to historicsites.nc.gov, the crown jewel – St. Philips – took many years to build as there were a variety of issues with its construction. The town began attempts to construct the facility in the 1740s, but it was still unfinished by 1759.

St. Philips was finally erected in

the 1760s only to see fire destroy the roof. It was completed in 1768, but was only in use until 1776 when the church, along with the town, was destroyed by British troops.

While the church was destroyed, the four walls still stand showing the beautiful architecture of the time, along with the graves of many who were buried either inside or outside

of the facility, including Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs and the infant son of Royal Governor William Tryon.

Historian James Sprunt described the facility in his writings:

“Within the boundaries of this forgotten town are the picturesque ruins of St. Philips Church, which was built by the citizens of Brunswick... St. Philips Church was built of large brick brought from England. Its walls are nearly three feet thick and are solid and almost intact still, the roof

and the floor having disappeared... It must have possessed much architectural beauty and massive grandeur with its high-pitched roof, its lofty doors and beautiful chancel windows.”

And, while a visit to St. Philips is enough reason to leave the beaten path, a trip to Ft. Anderson and Brunswick Town will be far less than complete if travelers skip the ruins of the homes that made up the once beautiful homestead.

Wandering through the hills that lead to the Cape Fear River, visitors can see what is left of the homes that once made up Brunswick Town.

The homes include what is left of the Judge Moore House, which is realistically very little. There are some of the foundation walls that reach only a foot or two high, but those relics still exist.

The Hepburn-Reonalds Site is the first recorded lot of the town and –like many of the homes that made up Brunswick Town – had a first floor and a basement.

Brunswick Town was founded by Maurice Moore, who was the son of a former South Carolina governor, in 1726. It was named Brunswick to honor King George I of England, who was also the Duke of Brunswick.

Because of its location on the beautiful Cape Fear River, Brunswick Town quickly became a popular port city and, according to the North Carolina Historic Sites, was a popular export city for tar, pitch and turpentine.

“With two successive royal governors in residence, Brunswick was the de facto capital of the colony and the colonial assembly occasionally met in the courthouse,” according to North Carolina’s history. “Official port functions required merchants to pay taxes and shipping costs to the local representatives of the English Crown. In 1765 the colonists challenged the Crown’s authority to distribute hated tax stamps. That action, eight years before the Boston Tea Party, halted the collection of the tax along the Cape Fear.”

While Brunswick’s place in history is secure, the influence of the

town began to wane even before the British destroyed it. The rise of Wilmington and the relocation of those, such as the royal governors, left it with a smaller population and less merchants.

In “The Story of Brunswick Town & Fort Anderson,” author Franda D. Pedlow said that once British ships started landing in the Cape Fear near Brunswick, there was fear of attack.

“Some forays were made by the British soldiers into the town to look for anything of value,” Pedlow said. “A large group led by Generals Clinton and Cornwallis marched on Robert Howe’s plantation, Kendall, where it was reported they mistreated women... Brunswick was destroyed and Lockwood’s Folly became the county seat for a few years.”

After sitting vacant for nearly 100 years, the site became the scene for a Civil War Fort. It was built by hand and consisted of two batteries with five canons each overlooking the shipping channel.

Following the Confederate surrender, the site became practically vacant again for decades. Then, in the 1950s, Lawrence Lee – who was a historian and amateur archaeologist – helped to uncover the past in Brunswick Town. With the help of Stanley South, the town was excavated – including St. Philips along with such places as Russellborough, the home of an old sea captain used by Tryon and Dobbs.

The site now hosts a Visitor’s Center with displays and a trail that takes those who stop along the path of the homes and businesses that once made up Brunswick Town.

Those wishing to take this trip “off the beaten path” and discover the wonderful history of St. Philips, Brunswick Town and Ft. Anderson can do so from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Brunswick Town is located at 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE in Winnabow.

Thadd White is Interim Editor of SENC, Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and two newspaper in northeastern North Carolina.

Tucked into the w ds of Riegelw d...

Cape Fearless Extreme

Story by Annesophia Richards u Photos Contributed

Take a drive down Neils Eddy Road in Riegelwood and one will likely hear screaming coming from the woods. These are screams of happiness, however, resulting from some good fun and exciting thrills just up ahead.

Tucked inside over two dozen acres of forest 20 miles west of Wilmington lies Cape Fearless Extreme. This outdoor aerial adventure park and paintball battlefield is where visitors looking to spend a day off the beaten path can climb, zip, swing and battle it out amongst the trees while enjoying the beauty of coastal North Carolina.

Opening in June of 2018, Cape Fearless Extreme is the brainchild of general manager Ron England and his business partner, Christopher Sherry. The two worked together running the adventure center of a large resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains and eventually got to the point where they wanted to move south and build their own ae-

Cape Fearless Extreme offers fun for those in every age group, from children to senior adults.

rial course. When the partners came across available land in Riegelwood, they knew it would be the perfect location for their vision.

“This area is still close to Wilmington, but out in the woods enough that you can’t hear any traffic,” said England. “We wanted to offer an experience different from other aerial courses that are closer to cities,

where all you hear are cars going by while you’re up in the trees.”

Built on 26 acres of coastal plain woodland, the park offers aerial adventures for both kids and adults. For guests ages 7-11, a kids course offers a variety of different climbing elements and obstacles, including swinging bridges, cargo nets, swing ropes and barrels.

The entire course hangs roughly 8-12 feet off the ground and ends with a child-sized zipline. Kids can loop through the course as many times as they’d like within a two-hour time frame, while parents observe from the walking trails below.

Guests ages 10 and over will find four available adult courses rated from easiest to hardest based on their color distinctions of green, blue, red and black. They can go for a full session which take about

four hours to complete and includes access to all four courses, or opt for a half-session which takes about 2.5 hours an includes the green and blue courses.

The adult adventure course includes a variety of wobbly bridges, balancing elements, swinging logs, cargo nets and other extreme obstacles. Guests will go through nine ziplines in the full session and five ziplines in the half session, with both culminating in a final 650-foot zipline

at the end.

“The final zipline is by far our fastest zipline,” says England. “It’s pretty cool to zip through the trees for 35 to 40 seconds and look around at everything as you’re whizzing by.”

The park’s entire aerial course is built within the trees and has been constructed with the intention of keeping those trees alive. Instead of utilizing metal spikes or other elements invasive to the trees’ survival, everything is attached and held on by friction, which enables the trees to continue growing around the platforms.

“These trees are our investment,” England insists. “Every tree has been inspected by an arborist before being used for the course, and they’re some of the healthiest on the property since all the undergrowth around them previously competing for nutrients has been removed.”

Cape Fearless Extreme takes

safety seriously, with experienced guides assigned to each group of guests who visit the course. On the kids’ course, guides will go up in the trees with younger guests to assist on the first lap as needed before monitoring future laps from the ground.

Guides assigned to the adult course will assist as needed from either the ground or up in the trees at any location where guests commonly struggle. The park also utilizes a smart belay safety system designed to prevent anyone from accidently unclipping from the course.

Guests are clipped in with two lanyards as a redundancy, and a system of magnets and cables ensures only one carabiner can be opened up at a time. Once one is unclipped, the other one locks shut and won’t unlock until the first one is clipped back into something made of steel.

Although the smart belay is not

mandated, England says he opts for this superior safety system because it offers him peace of mind as a park owner.

For those guests looking for an adventure that allows them to keep both feet on the ground, the park offers paintball either as a standalone reservation or as an add-on to a half-session of the aerial course. Players can traverse a three-acre wooded field filled with barricades, walls and tire structures to hide behind.

Players choose either the traditional .68 caliber or lower impact .50 caliber biodegradable paintballs, and have the option to purchase disposable camouflage coveralls to protect their clothing. The park has a full line of rental equipment to choose from, including chest protectors for guests looking for a little extra padding. A referee is assigned to each two-hour session to control both the speed and the safety of the game.

Spending a day playing in the woods is something that appeals to

all ages. England relates his aerial adventure course to what many people remember doing when they were kids: climbing, swinging and having fun outside.

With the popularity of shows like American Ninja Warrior and Survivor, people see these types of obstacle courses and want to give them a try, and the park’s safety system lets them do so without the fear of falling or getting hurt.

“We routinely get people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s up in the trees,” says England. “Paintball might be a little more competitive, but it’s

all in good fun and a great teambuilding activity. Besides, nothing says love like getting your friends and family together and shooting them in the woods.”

In the end, a successful day at Cape Fearless Extreme isn’t measured by how many obstacles one may complete, but by what individual goals each achieves in the adventure. Whether a guest is able to traverse the entire course or instead spends their entire time on the first green course while overcoming their fear of heights, the vibe at Cape Fearless Extreme is all about personal pride.

“Everything we do is based on helping our guests succeed, which is why our guides spend so much time coaching them through different elements and offering advice when they get to spots where they struggle,” said England. “It’s all about the individual successes here.”

Annesophia Richards is a regular contributor to SENC.

FindJ ath M tinez ywh e... Tacos El Jefe

Story by Nichole Heller

u Photos Contributed

Owner and chef Jonathan Martinez runs and cooks Mexican street food that is there to win hearts.

Martinez, with the support of his family, has created the hottest new taco truck in southeastern North Carolina with Tacos EL Jefe. His “main focus is on the food,” along with making sure everything is tasting right in the mobile kitchen, he said.

After COVID started to subside, the company began to take shape in 2021. The business came together piece by piece and, of all the places - a field.

Martinez transferred from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro to University of North Carolina - Wilmington. A creative and business-minded individual, Martinez was forging his own path. This move resulted in being in closer proximity to home and family.

While in college, Martinez worked with his family and a lot with his aunt at home. They cooked meals to deliver to

Beautiful food creations make a meal from Tacos El Jefe a “must have.”

“I’ve had people from Raleigh come out and say we’ve tried everybody in Raleigh, and they’re not as good as yours...”

- Jonathan Martinez

farm workers in the fields of Burgaw.

Martinez would begin his day at 6:30 a.m. followed by making food and serving breakfast to the farm workers. He would continue with his family to make lunch and dinner, leave to buy fresh produce then food prep. This meant going to bed between midnight and 2 a.m. and waking up from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The transition from a large indoor kitchen to a truck was not so easy either. The space was reduced and the team had to get used to a new normal.

He credits his brother for a lot of support.

“Without him, I wouldn’t have gotten this far,” he said.

Martinez believes in keeping it

simple and authentic.

“We first started off doing your regular steak, chicken and marinated pork tacos,” Martinez stated. The tacos are immaculate yet simple, garnished with only a few items. They are seasoned over hours and decorated with onion, cilantro and lime on top.

When it came to putting the rest of the items together, it happened pretty naturally alongside all the long

hours.

“Everything came into sync, everything came into agreement,” Martinez stated.

The quesabirria is a favorite.

“I’ve had people from Raleigh come out and say we’ve tried everybody in Raleigh and they’re not as good as yours so we came all the way out here to try you again,” Martinez said.

It’s a scrumptious and decadent

folded tortilla with beef served with a rich meath broth dipping sauce.

The dish has about ten ingredients, including bay leaves, and is marinated for at least a day.

“We cook it on the stove for three hours and when you grab it, it falls apart,” Martinez said.

Looking back he says, “I’ve learned a lot from the past three years.”

It was rough at first.

“Transferring from cooking at home and going inside the truck and trying to find a system that works that way we all know our roles was really helpful once we got it down pat,” he explained.

Tacos El Jefe can be found “off the beaten path” at towns, festivals and the like. Towns such as Burgaw, Leland, Carolina Beach and Wilmington are popular spots for the taco truck to visit.

Those interested in Tacos El Jefe can follow them on social media to stay updated with their hours and locations throughout the state. For more information, find them online at Tacos El Jefe @tacos_el_j3f3

Nichole Heller is Editor of the Duplin Times and Associate Editor of SENC.

T yAlf otak h ownr teto... Homemade Guitars

Story by Nichole Heller u Photos Contriubted

Searching for a better lifestyle away from a big city and closer to the beach, Tony Alfano and his wife moved to Wilmington once they turned fifty. This marked an exciting new chapter.

He has run his business – Tony Alfano Homemade Guitars - for two years and continues to grow his repertoire.

From a young age, Alfano was enamored by guitars.

“I was fascinated by the idea of being able to take just strings and wood and put them together into something you could make music with,” Alfano explained.

In junior high woodshop class, you could find him constructing instruments.

He sold his first guitar from school after the wood shop class when he was “leaving the school that day and someone offered me thirty bucks for it,” Alfano said.

Tony Alfano sees one of his homemade guitars used by the Barenaked Ladies.

“I got to see him play that guitar as I was sitting front row at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island. He played the guitar that I built in front of 15,000 people. That was a memory that will be with me forever and ever.”

- Tony Alfano

He claims the class was a stepby-step process creating and putting together the instrument in a Frankenstein-esque fashion.

In 1999, Alfano decided to make a guitar from scratch with raw materials. Alfano realized that he could make his own brand.

“If I want to be in my own business, I have to have my own sig-

nature guitar,” Alfano declared, recalling the time when he made this pivotal decision.

Among other pursuits, such as studying marketing, bartending and working in construction - Alfano made more and more time for his true love with guitars.

“I stuck with the construction and dreamed of making guitars,” Alfano said.

His dreams continued to expand and reached new heights when he spoke with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies band.

“I got to see him play that guitar as I was sitting front row at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island. He played the guitar that I built in front of 15,000 people. That was a memory that will be with me forever and ever,” Alfano stated.

The Florida charity concert Rock by the Sea, was another huge moment for Alfano. Brian Fechino

played his guitar to another hyped crowd.

“Those little memories stick with you,” Aflano insisted.

The journey Alfano faced up to this point was uncertain and unknown. Aflano knew that he needed to model his instruments for his customers. Designing guitars for musicians at all levels of their career is a specialty as Alfano focuses on making the instrument right for them at any stage of their music profession.

His styles range from traditional

looks to more unconventional looks, adding his own spin on it through an emphasis on the workmanship. His goal is to make a well balanced guitar with a focus on the user interface, he said.

“I want to make it as comfortable as possible to play,” Alfano said. “They are almost ergonomic in their design. I try to get the weight distribution as good as possible and comfort as good as possible.”

He shares that they all are supremely well playable and his “guitar is the vehicle to take them to the next level because everything is so well dialed in.”

As for his inspiration, Alfano loved the music he grew

up with. Eddie Van Halen was a huge influence in growing his passion for guitars. His brother introduced him to the more acoustic based band, the Grateful Dead.

The influences exemplify the amazing range of work Alfano does each day, making magic happen for the stars and beginners alike. You can catch him at the Seaglass Monthly Market in Castle Hayne on the third weekends of the month and on his website at www. tahgguitars.com

Nichole Heller is Editor of the Duplin Times and Associate Editor of SENC.

only light this captivating could attract such an elusive bear.

He comes out of hibernation twice a year, when the sun sets in the southern Blue Ridge. Created by small peaks that cast shadows on the slopes below, this bear bathes in the mesmerizing light of fall and spring. While his visits are short-lived, the brilliant views and crisp mountain air lure him back year after year. Chances are, they’ll have the same effect on you.

Bowls, tabl d m e from the h ds of... Beaver Dan

DStory & Photos by

Lauren Branch

an Tucker didn’t have any desire to make wood making a new hobby, but thanks to the persistence of his brother, Dan is now known all over Eastern North Carolina for his woodturning skills

Most people don’t know him as Dan Tucker. He is known as “Beaver Dan” to most folks. He got the nickname many years ago before he even began woodturning.

“I got the Beaver part because I like to work so good all the time,” he laughed as he explained.

He used to own a carpentry business named Beaver Dan Handyman that he operated for many years. He has always loved working with his hands, so it was to no surprise that he became such a great wood turner.

One year, his brother purchased a lathe which had belonged to the old Magnolia School in Duplin County, in an auction. A lathe is the machine used to turn wood. It was used for job skill training for local soldiers once they returned from WWII.

Dan Tucker, better known as “Beaver Dan,” works in his wood shop.

“I got the Beaver part because I like to work so good all the time.”

- Dan Tucker

He offered it to Dan, but he kept refusing. Finally, one day he gave in, and the lathe became the newest not so shiny object in his collection. Ever since that day five years ago, he has spent countless hours in his shop which is located right behind his house in Rose Hill.

Making just one bowl can take two hours or more, so his shop has

become his own little man cave complete with a fridge, swing and clean bathroom for the three women in his life.

Dan said it’s not very hard. The hardest part about woodturning is cutting the wood of certain types of trees and trying to make more than one piece identical. Also, hauling lumber around between the places

he picks up the wood donations from others to his shop or the sawmill can be time-consuming.

Dan’s shop houses hundreds of pieces of wood in various stages from raw logs to fine art pieces. He mostly makes tables, mantles, benches and cutting boards, but his favorite things to make are bowls.

Although he has only been doing it a few years, he has already won awards at local fairs with his bowls. He said pretty much everybody he

knows has at least one of his bowls in their house.

His wife, on the other hand, doesn’t let Dan crowd her home with wood or its remnants.

“I better blow off or at least shake my shirt off before I come in the house,” he said.

The two married in 1979, after his divorce. He never wanted to marry again, he thought, and then he met her at a cookout. He had a bad experience with his first wife that left

a bad taste in his mouth, but that all changed when he met Debbie.

“We’ve been married 25 years, and I still kinda like her,” he said jokingly.

Woodturning was not her thing, so he actually built her a shop of her own to keep her busy while he spends time in his shop. She has a self-built greenhouse. He said his other children never really picked up carpentry or woodturning, but he has one daughter that shares his

creative abilities through her arts and crafts.

His shop holds many unique pieces such as his table that was made from the Beechnut Tree. Approximately 134 years ago something came through and killed all of the Beechnut Trees, and only two trees made it through and both of them were in his yard. He created a beautiful table from the last tree, preserving it forever.

One of Dan’s favorite parts about

what he does is that he can take what is junk and turn it into something beautiful. One day a friend of his had a piece of wood that was leftover from another project and he was about to throw it away. Dan took it because he thought it was shaped like a fish and one man’s junk became another man’s seven-foot wall piece.

Lauren Branch is a regular contributor to SENC.

Asec eplaceinh t y... Moores Creek

NStory & Photos by

Thadd White

estled just 24 short miles from one of the most beautiful cities in America is a quaint national battlefield whose history may have turned the tide in the quest for independence.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is located at 40 Patriots Hall Dr. in Currie and is the home of the first decisive win for the Patriots during the American Revolution.

The site is a reminder of the battle that took place along Moores Creek on Feb. 27, 1776.

Jason Collins, the Chief of Interpretation at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield, said the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was a key turning point in America’s battle for freedom from British rule.

“The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution,” he said. “The battle was fought between 1,600 Loyalists, made up primarily of former Highland Scots, and 1,000 Patriots.”

The battle itself was a display of Patriot ingenuity as Col. Richard Caswell used Moore’s Creek itself to help lead

One of the cannons on the Moores Creek National Battlefield

men to victory, though they were smaller in number.

Col. Caswell was sent a communication from Brigadier General Donald MacDonald to surrender. The officer delivering the message also took note of the campsite and how the Patriots were set up.

“Caswell flatly refused to consider the contents of the message, but its

purpose was accomplished,” wrote Hugh F. Rankin in The Moores Creek Bridge Campaign, 1776. “(James) Hepburn was very observant during his short stay in the camp of the rebels.

“When he returned he reported that Caswell was camped on the near side of the creek and, with this barrier at his back, it would be prac-

tical to attack him,” he continued.

While Loyalists were thinking the capture of Caswell and his men would be easy, the Colonel was busy moving his men to safety. They made the move across Moore’s Creek and then removed much of the bridge they had crossed.

“To make the passage more difficult, Caswell had ordered these girders be greased with soft soap and tallow,” Rankin wrote.

While the Patriots waited for their

enemies to arrive, the Loyalists still believed they were moving toward victory.

“The Loyalists were armed mostly with broadswords and attempted to cross a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge,” Collins said. “The Loyalists did not know that around 1,000 Patriots, armed with muskets, were waiting on the other side of the bridge.

“As the Loyalists advanced, the Patriots opened fire,” he continued.

“The battle was over quickly and many of the Loyalists surrendered.”

That victory helped shape the history, not only of North Carolina, but of the entire United States.

“This victory allowed North Carolina to seek out and vote for independence, becoming the first American colony to do so,” Collins said. “This put North Carolina, and the other 12 colonies, on the road to independence.”

Moores Creek National Battlefield celebrates the road to independence that was paved on the creek in 1776 and has been a federal site since 1926.

It became part of the National Park Service in 1933.

The beauty of the site now is in stark contrast to the bloody battle that took place there more than 200 years ago, but is still a testament to the fight for freedom.

Collins said more than 50,000 people visit the national battlefield each year, including more than 4,000 during the annual anniversary program that is held in February of each year.

“Folks enjoy walking the trails and enjoying the quiet beauty of the site, sometimes even bringing their fourlegged friends,” he said. “They also enjoy getting to experience more of the park story by watching the moving and completing the Junior Ranger booklets.”

The movie – which is a short film – shows the history of the battle and what took place leading up to it. It is more than worthy of the time spent watching it.

In addition to the history of the park, there are historical landmarks and a unique ecosystem.

Collins said he enjoys pointing out what visitors are seeing.

“(Visitors) also enjoy getting to see the Venus fly traps that sit along the History Trail,” he said. “I always enjoy pointing out to folks the unique features of the park. I mentioned the Venus fly traps earlier, but the park is also home to three unique ecosystems – a wetland pine savannah,

a cypress swamp and an upland pine forest – in its 88 acres. These different ecosystems provide homes for several different species of birds, reptiles, etc. You never know what you’ll see each time you visit.”

Moores Creek’s place in history is also celebrated at the national battlefield, with a history trail.

The History Trail includes 11 stops from cannons to monuments to planters.

Tour Stop 4 shows the earthworks on the east side of Moores Creek. They were designed in a circular pattern to help the Patriots protect their position from all sides.

Tour Stop 6 shows the spot – or near it – where the Patriot forces set up their defensive position.

Tour Stop 8 shows the place where Loyalist had reached when Patriots opened fire. At least 30 loyalists were killed, among them Lt. Col. Donald McLeod.

Tour Stops 10 and 11 are the Patriot Monument and the Loyalist Monument.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the visitor’s center on site is open from 9 a.m until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The history represented on the trail and in the entire battlefield is significant in many ways.

“Moores Creek is quite significant, not just in North Carolina history, but in American history as well,” Collins

said. “As I mentioned, Moores Creek Bridge was the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution and allowed North Carolina to seek out and vote for independence. This battle helped to stall a British invasion of North Carolina for over three years.

“It was also the site of the last Scot Highlander broadsword charge anywhere in the world,” he added. “The Scots Highlanders had been using the broadsword as their traditional weapon for hundreds of years. However, this battle would be the last time that they used an all-out broadsword charge on any battlefield.”

Group trips are possible for those who want to do so, but they must be conducted within the realm of the hours of the visitors center.

Those wishing to take a school field trip to Moores Creek should contact Adam Credle at adam_credle@nps.gov providing school name, teacher’s name, number of students and grade levels along with the requested date.

Teachers can also go online to nps.gov/mocr/index for educational materials and help with learning more about the battle, including professional development.

Thadd White is Interim Editor of SENC, Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and two newspaper in northeastern North Carolina.

A day away f unique fun..

Kill Zone

AStory & Photos by

Lauren Branch

nyone looking for something unique to do in Wayne County might just find Kill Zone to be the right place.

Kill Zone provides 18-acres and five different fields with different themes, where anyone can enjoy a game of paintball. Anyone ages eight and up can experience the rush of the game, so it is family-friendly.

Attendees can also participate in the indoor field. Up to 40 people can participate on the outdoor fields, but it is not recommended as 15-20 people provides a better game experience.

Guns are spring powered so they are low-impact guns with speeds of 110 FPS which is great for beginners and children between the ages of seven to nine years old.

For protection, participants can rent not only the guns, but also masks, vents, hoppers, chest protectors and paintballs. Individual field play prices vary depending on the number of players. There is a picnic area, so any group can bring their own food and snacks.

Paintball is just one of the options at Kill Zone in Wayne County.

“People can come in and release a lot of energy that they have built up. It can really build up in you.”

- Jarrett Valentine

Kill Zone also offers monthly packages to those that frequent the fields often. Those prices range from $19.95 to $99.95.

Many people book in groups for events such as birthday parties, bachelor parties or company bonding activities, but the those interested can also book individually as a family or group of friends.

Another cool thing about this company is that they also offer a rage room. Rage rooms have become popular over the past 14 years. The first known rage room was in Japan in 2008 and began to spread to other countries such as Serbia, England and Argentina.

Rage rooms were designed to not only have fun, but to also relieve

stress. They are also sometimes called anger rooms and smash rooms. The rage room starts at $20 and includes breakable items such as bottles, plates, cups, mugs, wine glasses, jars, DVD plates, toasters, coffee makers, TVs, printers, vacuums, fax machines, computers and more.

“People can come in and release a lot of energy that they have built up. It can really build up in you. They can bring things in that they want to

break too. It’s all about letting it out,” explained owner Jarrett Valentine.

Jarrett and his family are the owners and operators of the business. He is originally from Philadelphia, Pa. and the military moved him to Wayne County several years ago.

The Kill Zone opened in 2012 and the rage room recently opened in 2022. Jarrett had the initial thought for the business after retiring from the military and seeing that Goldsboro needed more unique things for

people to do. When they originally started they only had one field and a smaller building and picnic area, so the business has grown over the years.

“It was basically to provide Goldsboro a fun place to go. They didn’t have anything here like this. The need was here, so I decided just to try it out,” he stated.

Jarrett said they have plans to hopefully open an area for RVs to park, but no other expansions are in the works for right now as the business has been a success and has been running smoothly as is. All are welcome to come and enjoy themselves.

Tucked away into 28 a in Halifax C nty ...

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

TStory & Photos by Katie Lubbock

ucked away between the cotton fields and forests of Halifax County lies one of eastern North Carolina’s unexpected surprises: a 28-acre avian conservation center housing more than 2,000 exotic birds from around the world.

Located just outside the rural farming community of Scotland Neck, Sylvan Heights Bird Park is designed to give visitors up-close encounters with waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos and other colorful and charismatic birds.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a boisterous flock of Caribbean flamingos from the viewing deck behind the park’s Visitor Center.

From there, the avian adventure becomes even more immersive with spacious, walk-through aviaries that allow guests to enter the birds’ habitat and get face-to-beak with soaring scarlet ibis, talkative macaws, inquisitive Hawai-

The Landing Zone is one of Sylvan Heights’ most popular attractions.

“Understanding is the key to conservation.

When visitors –especially children – can see these birds so close and watch them swim, fly and behave as they would in the wild, we hope it inspires them to help save these species and their habitat.”

- Mike Lubbock

ian geese and shimmering hummingbirds.

In the Landing Zone, one of the park’s more popular exhibits, children and adults alike delight in hand-feeding a flock of friendly parakeets in a rainbow of hues. Braver visitors may even try feeding the large and surprisingly gentle flamingos, which reside in their own private

pool at the base of a waterfall.

The park’s aviaries are surrounded by tranquil gardens and lush natural areas, which immerse visitors in North Carolina’s native wildlife habitat. Wild songbirds, waterfowl, herons and turtles can often be spotted from the wetland overlooks and pathways.

Behind the scenes, Sylvan Heights

Bird Park is working to ensure that populations of the world’s rarest birds are protected from extinction. The neighboring Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center conducts survival breeding programs for endangered species like the White-winged Duck from Sumatra, the Bernier’s Teal from Madagascar, and the Scaly-sided Merganser from China.

In some cases, fewer than 250 individuals of these species remain in the wild, and the collaborative captive breeding programs taking

place here may be their last barrier against extinction.

Although the Avian Breeding Center is not open to the public, visitors can see many endangered species in the exhibits at Sylvan Heights Bird Park – and park staff hopes these birds will make a lasting impression.

“Understanding is the key to conservation,” says Mike Lubbock, Sylvan Heights Executive Director. “When visitors – especially children – can see these birds so close and watch them swim, fly and behave

as they would in the wild, we hope it inspires them to help save these species and their habitat.”

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is the culmination of decades of waterfowl conservation efforts by founders Mike and Ali Lubbock.

In 1981, the Lubbocks moved to the United States from England, bringing extensive waterfowl knowledge with them.

They founded Sylvan Heights Waterfowl in the mountain town of Sylva, North Carolina, and began breeding rare waterfowl from around the world. In 1989, the Lubbocks moved the entire collection to Scotland Neck and established what is now the Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center.

As the collection at the Avian Breeding Center continued to grow, so did interest from conservation organizations, educational facilities, and the local public.

In 2003, under the guidance of the North Carolina Zoological Society, the Lubbocks began planning a bird park that would allow the public to enjoy and learn about birds and

waterfowl from around the world, without disturbing the important nesting birds at the Avian Breeding Center. Sylvan Heights Bird Park opened in 2006, and now receives nearly 60,000 visitors each year.

It is also possible to sponsor a bird at the park.

Be an owl ally! When someone sponsors an owl at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, their contribution will go directly towards the purchase of food for the owls and other carnivorous birds. In return, the park will send a personalized certificate and a plush owl (Great Horned Owl or Snowy Owl) to commemorate the donation.

Join the flamingo fan club! When someone sponsors a flamingo at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, their contribution will go directly towards care and food for our flamingo flock. In return, they will receive a personalized certificate and a plush flamingo to commemorate the donation.

A one-year flamingo sponsorship is $110, the same as an owl sponsorship.

Why is the donation important?

For the past 16 years, Sylvan

Heights Bird Park has relied on a generous donor to provide food for the carnivorous birds, including owls, kookaburras, seriemas, ibis, eagles and more.

That donor is no longer able to fulfill these needs for the park, so the park staff is asking for help to sponsor the cost of food for these birds.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. The park is closed on Mondays. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for children, plus tax.

Guided tours are available by appointment for an additional fee, and the park also offers a variety of field trip options and education programs for school groups of all sizes.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck.

For more information about Sylvan Heights Bird Park, visit www.shwpark. com, or call (252) 826-3186.

Katie Lubbock is a firsttime contributor to SENC.

Grandma’s Kitchen

Let me say at the start: is is my opinion and may not necessarily be yours. Most things are better made from scratch and usually take only a little longer to prepare.

ere are, of course, some from scratch recipes that take longer, such as biscuits. It is easier to pop open those you buy from the store and place them on a cookie sheet.

You may want to try some of those more timeconsuming recipes when you have more time. But consider just a few that are better and take only a few added minutes. ere are all kinds of choices in barbecue sauces. I have tried many of them. None of them suit my taste. I would rather forgo anything barbecued than use them.

you get the recipe to your taste, it will be easy to make.

Homemade gravy is another thing that is much better than the mixes you buy. Once you see how easy it is, you will not use another gravy mix unless you put it in a one pot meal for the added avor and spices.

Sauces and gravies are simple things that can elevate your dishes to a degree you will not believe. ere are ideas for changing up or improving food on the Internet. It is a good source to help you get started on your cooking journey.

I would rather have ketchup, vinegar and a little Worcestershire sauce mixed to my taste. However, a good barbecue recipe only takes a few minutes to throw together and makes a big di erence in anything you want to barbecue whether chicken, pork or beef. e best way to nd your perfect sauce is to browse recipes sometime when you are sitting down in the evening. Find something that uses ingredients you know you like and experiment with it. Add, remove or adjust the ingredients to suit you. is individualized recipe will not only improve the taste, but will make it your own special dish. Once

"Mostthingsarebetter madefromscratchand usuallytakeonlyalittle longertoprepare."

From scratch cakes and frosting o en take only a few more minutes and are better than a box mix or can of frosting. You have to add ingredients to a cake mix and some people even add more things to make it semi-homemade. By the time you do all that, you can just do it from scratch.

Frosting may take longer than peeling foil o a can but buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting you make yourself is in a class of its own and it only takes about ten minutes to make.

If I had to make a choice, I would use a cake mix and add my own frosting to it than the other way around. But why make a choice? Do both from scratch.

While it is true most things are better homemade, they may take more time than you feel you have to spend on them. Others only make ve or ten minutes more and improve the taste of your food. It will cause you to enjoy cooking more than you can imagine.

Browse some recipes or watch some cooking shows to nd some easy homemade things you would like to try that doesn’t take up too much of your time. Experiment a little. You and your family will be rewarded for it.

Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

HOMEMADE GRAVY TWO WAYS

When you have cooked a roast or a chicken in the oven, take the juices and put them in a frying pan. Skim o excess grease. Bring to a boil. Mix about two tablespoons of cornstarch in about a fourth of a cup of water. Slowly stir in until gravy is the consistency you like. Salt and pepper to taste.

If making gravy for fried chicken, hamburger steak or similar dishes, remove meat, pour out grease until it

coversthebottomofthefryingpannicely.Addenough our to soak up all the grease. Stir and cook until it reaches a nice golden brown. Add milk or water (your choice) while stirring vigorously, until you have the consistency you desire.

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, so ened (I use salted or unsalted and see no di erence)

4 ½ cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

In a large bowl, using electric mixer on medium, beat butter until pale and creamy

Reduce to low speed and add powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.

When all ingredients are well combined, increase speed to medium and beat 1 to 2 more minutes until creamy.

* is recipe is taken from a Domino Powdered Sugar BoxandhasvariationsforPeanutButterCrunch,Chocolate, Orange and Lemon frosting.

BARBECUE SAUCE EASY

1 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire

Add vinegar to your taste

If too tart for you, add a little brown sugar

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 stick butter or margarine, so ened

1 box powdered sugar

1 – 8 oz. Cream cheese

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

PLAY DATES

Events and places to visit in Southeastern North Carolina

MARCH 16

SAT

Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Riverfront Park in historic downtown

Wilmington, N.C.

Get ready for a great day of beer sippin’, beer and bourbon tastin’, music listenin’ and barbecue eatin’ at Riverfront Park in historic downtown, 12-6 p.m. Your admission gets you a sampling glass to enjoy a sampling of over 60 beers and 40 bourbons during the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Some of the best barbecue vendors are also on site to satisfy all your BBQ Cravings with pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and all the xins’ you can imagine. Tickets are on sale for the event at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at 10 Cowan St, Wilmington.

MARCH 16

SAT

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Historic Downtown

Wilmington, N.C.

Join the global celebration of all things Irish with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in historic downtown. Beginning on North Second Street near CFCC Schwartz Center, the Parade will wind its way down North Front Street, past Market Street turning le on Dock Street and then le on South Second Street. Enjoy the splendor of bagpipes, all your favorite Irish tunes in addition to amazing Celtic dance routines. Wear your most festive green for this fun rain or shine event in Wilmington.

MARCH 22 FRI

Feast Wilmington

Live Oak Pavilion

Wilmington, N.C.

Try local cuisine and cra beer pairings at the inaugural Feast Wilmington food and drinks event at Live Oak Pavilion at Riverfront Park March 22-24.

MARCH 23

SAT

Wallace Blossom Festival

Wallace Crossings Shopping Center

Wallace, N.C.

Come out and join us for the First Annual Wallace Blossom Festival! This event aims to focus on the growth of the town of Wallace by giving the community a spring event before the heat of the summer! Our goal is to focus on handmade and unique items from our vendors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wallace Crossings Shopping Center.

MARCH 25

MON

Happy Hour Tasting Event

A Cook’s Cupboard

122 W. Main St., Wallace, N.C.

Join A Cook’s Cupboard for a sip and shop event at this marvelous kitchen store. Bring friends and delight in an a ernoon of tasty treats and cooking classes in downtown Wallace.

MARCH 29

FRI

Blue Grass Bash

Thalian Hall

310 Chestnut St., Wilmington, N.C.

Bluegrass Bash returns to historic Thalian Hall March 29 with food trucks, cra beer tasting and live music.

MARCH 29

FRI

Southport Spring Festival

Franklin Square Park

Southport, N.C.

A tradition for more than 28 years, the Southport Spring Festival is planned for Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. The festival features a variety of activities, including music, handmade arts and cra s and children’s activities. Azaleas and other plants will be for sale, along with food. The Festival is located in Franklin Square Park in Southport and is sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc. and the Southport Oak Island Kiwanis Club, as well as the City of Southport.

APRIL 3

SAT

Azalea Festival

Wilmington, N.C.

Let the oral festivities begin April 3-7! This year brings Chase Rice and T-Pain to the stage for concerts along with the annual parade, garden party, and gala. Tickets are available for select events throughout Wilmington.

APRIL 12

FRI

Music With Cecil Gillikin

Pinkys The Pub Upstairs

218 Middle St., New Bern, NC

Music with Cecil Gillikin is planned for 7:30-11 p.m. on Friday, April 12 at Pinkys The Pub Upstairs. Pinkys is located at 218 Middle St. in New Bern. For more information, go to Pinks The Pub Upstairs on Facebook.

APRIL 12

FRI

Tara Creek Barrel Racing

136 Robert Hobbs Rd.

Faison, N.C.

Tara Creek in Faison is continuing its seasonal barrel racing shows. All cowboys and cowgirls can come hungry and ready to enjoy great Bojangles chicken and fast paced barrel racing. Gates

APRIL 13 SAT

Comedian Kevin McCa rey

Dead Crow Comedy Room - Lush Lounge

511 N. 3rd St. Wilmington, N.C.

Comedian Kevin McCa rey will be at the Dead Crow Comedy Room - Lush Lounge on Saturday, April 13. Join them for a lot of laughter.

APRIL 13 SAT

Bites and Brews

Morehead City Waterfront

Morehead City, N.C.

The Morehead City Waterfront is the scene for Bites & Blues on Saturday, April 13. Attendees will tempt their palate with 22 bites from locally-owned restaurants as live blues music lls the waterfront. A ticket will allow attendees to stop at each waterfront restaurant or business to taste a delicious “bite” from participating restaurants. “Bite of the Night” will be chosen with the winning restaurant receiving honors along with the prestigious White Plate and monetary prize. The event is a sell-out in Carteret County each year. For more information, visit www.ncseafoodfestival.org

APRIL 13

SAT

Renaissance Faire 2024

Lenoir County Fairgrounds

401 Fairgrounds Road Kinston, NC

The 2024 Renaissance Fair is planned for April 13-14 at the Lenoir County Fair Grounds. The event will allow attendees to “step back in time” to see jousting, pageantry, food, music, artisans and games. The Faire will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The Lenoir County Fair Grounds are located at 401 Fairgrounds Road in Kinston. For more information, go to www.encrenfaire.com

IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS:

All of the events listed here were still on schedule as of press time, but it’s best to check with each venue to ensure that the event is still going on as planned.

APRIL 20 WED

Breakfast on the Boat

CSS Neuse II

Corner of Heritage and Gordon Streets, Kinston, NC

The CSS Neuse Foundation is planning a “Breakfast on the Boat” event for 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. The event will take place on the CSS Neuse II, the replica gunboat in dry dock at the corner of Heritage and Gordon streets in Kinston.

“Breakfast on the Boat” will feature its traditional fare of scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, and grits prepared on the grounds next to the CSS Neuse II by the Galley Crew. Another staple of “Breakfast on the Boat” is a performance by The Gunboat Boys. Visit cssneuseii. org for more information.

APRIL 20 WED

Spirit of Lenoir Christian Music Fesival

Pearson Park

210 West Gordon St, Kinston, NC

The churches of Lenoir County will come together to present the Spirit of Lenoir Christian Music Festival at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

The festival will take place at Pearson Park, which is located at 210 West Gordon St. in Kinston. Performers will include Chosen, Jackson Heights and Chosen Road.

APRIL 24 WED

Carolina Cup

Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

The Blockade Runner Beach Resort will host the annual Carolina Cup April 24-28 in Wrightsville Beach. The event will o er days of standup paddleboard expos, demonstrations and clinics culminating in weekend races.

The races include a 3.5-mile Harbor Island Recreation race; a 6.5-mile Money Island Open Race and the 13-mile Graveyard Elite Race and the Graveyard Elite Outrigger and Surfski Race on Saturday. Sunday’s event includes the Technical Sprint Through the Surf and the Kid’s Race.

The event is set for April 24-28 on Waynick Blvd. In Wrightsville Beach. For more information, visit paddleguru.com

APRIL 25 THU

Beaufort Wine & Food Festival

Beaufort, N.C.

The 18th annual Beaufort Wine & Food Festival is planned for April 25-28 in Beaufort. The four-day series of events will take place at various locations and will feature top chefs and award-winning wines, as well as a fashion show, brunch and large wine and food tasting. For more information, visit www.beaufortwineandfood.org

APRIL 26 FRI

Gator Festival

Lake Waccamaw Columbia Avenue

The Gator Festival is planned for April 26-27 in Lake Waccamaw.

The Gator Fest 5K race is planned for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. The route will begin on Columbia Avenue.

The 1-mile Fun Run will follow at 9:30 a.m. in the same location. The Gator Fest Market will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. The event will be held on Columbia Avenue.

The festival will kick o with live music at 6 p.m. on April 26 and will continue with the Pink Slips performing at 5:30 p.m. on April 27.

The event is sponsored by Lake Waccamaw. For more information, go to lakewaccamawnc.gov

APRIL 27 SAT

Mount Olive Pickle Festival

Downtown

Mount Olive, N.C.

Every year in April, Mount Olive the community and Mt. Olive the company come together to celebrate a mutually dill-lightful relationship. Pickles may be the theme, but community is what the festival is all about. Get ready to run the 5K, listen to live music, or join a pickle eating contest with tournaments and special guests.

APRIL 29 MON

MAY

Bern, N.C.

Arts In April New

Our coastal town may be known for its stunning views and historic charm, but the hidden gem of our community is its diverse arts scene. Join us for April 29- 30 for New Bern’s second annual Arts in April, a festival dedicating the entire month of April to celebrating the arts. As a testament to our thriving arts community, we have a full and exciting calendar of events planned to showcase what New Bern has to o er.

MAY 3

FRI

Crystal Coast Star Party 2024 Harkers Island, N.C.

May 3-4 Cape Lookout National Seashore, Crystal Coast Stargazers, and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center will be hosting a Star Party on beautiful Harkers Island. Cape Lookout National Seashore is an International Dark Sky Park o ering excellent stargazing! The two-day event will o er starlight cruises to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, public stargazing on the mainland, technical and informative presentations, NC SciFest activities for kids and room to set up telescopes.

MAY 3 FRI

Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Thalian Hall Center For Performing Arts 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington, NC

Enjoy compelling, heart-warming lms by some of the most in uential Jewish lmmakers at Thalian Hall with the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival! Relax with lm experts at select screenings and enjoy Sunday screenings.

3 FRI

Carolina Strawberry Festival Wallace, N.C.

The Carolina Strawberry Festival in Wallace has a broad selection of Music & Events in Wallace that will entertain the entire family. Live bands, amusement rides, pageant shows, and street vendors will be featured throughout the two day weekend, May 3-4. Be ready for a berry-good time!

MAY 3

FRI

Heritage Home Tournament

New Bern, N.C.

The self-guided tours include homes in the downtown and Riverside Historic Districts, ranging from the glorious to the tiny and from the 19th Century to homes that are new. Artists, live music gardens in bloom, historical churches and a garden party add to the event. For more information, visit newbernhistorical.org

MAY 4

SAT

Kentuck Derby - Inspired Pub Crawl

Morehead City, N.C.

The third annual Kentucky Derby-inspired pub crawl – dubbed Downtown in Morehead City. Attendees are encouraged to wear Churchill Downs nest and enter the contest during check-in. The cost for the event is $20. The event is planned for 3-7 p.m. For more information, visit www.downtownmoreheadcity.com

MAY 4

SAT

Wooden Boat Show

Beaufort, N.C.

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort Sat., May 4 from 10 am to 4 pm. This is the 48th celebration in 2024. There will be a long roster of activities that are slated for the weekend-long event, visitors will be treated to a wealth of activities, displays, exhibits, and interactive ways to join in the fun.

MAY 11

SAT

MCAS Cherry Point Air Show

Cherry Point, N.C.

The commanding o cer of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point invites visitors to come to the Marine Corps’ largest air base for the 2024 MCAS Cherry Point Air Show, featuring the world’s top aviation aerobatic team, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

MAY 11

SAT

Family Farm Day

Wilmington, N.C.

Family Farm Day is planned for 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 11 at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. The event will allow children to meet chickens and ducks and bunnies, along with other four-legged creatures in the courtyard of the museum. Special educational activities will also be available. Tickets will be required and will be available closer to the event. For more information, visit www.playwilmington.org The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is located at 116 Orange St. in Wilmington.

MAY 18

SAT

Atlantic Beach Music Festival

Atlantic Beach, N.C.

Kick o the ip ops and get ready to dance the day and night away Sat., May 18 from 11 a.m. - 6 a.m. at this festival. The Atlantic Beach Music Festival is a community-wide celebration that takes place just steps away from the oceanfront, and which always features a talented line-up of local, regional, and even national musicians that pay a visit to the sunny Crystal Coast shoreline.

MAY 18 SAT

Astronomy Adventures

Carolina Beach Sttate Park

1010 State Park Road

Carolina Beach, NC

Discover the beauty of the night sky!

Join the fun at the Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center for a free family astronomy event. The program will begin around sunset and end 15 minutes before the park cloases.

MAY 18

SAT

Wrightsville SUP

96 W. Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC

Enjoy a morning at one with nature with one of the latest innovations in yoga practice known as “SUP” yoga, stand-up paddle board yoga or “SUPY”. This amazing sports hybrid provides an excellent core workout while you experience the peacefulness of oating on water. Starting with a brief introduction to SUP, the majority of the class time is spent practicing yoga. Sup will take place May 18 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 am at 96 W. Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach. Phone pre-registration is required in advance of class day. The class is presented by Wilimington Yoga Center.

MAY 18

SAT

Hidden Battleship Tour

1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, NC

Explore the refurbished WWII Battleship starting with the Observation Deck. The self-guided tour features nine levels of living spaces, mess decks, gun turrets, powder storage, sick bay, and more. Serving as a memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war, the Battleship is open every day. Docent led tours are available.

JUNE 1

SAT

Carolina Beach Music Festival

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Cape Fear Blvd. & Carolina Beach Ave. S Carolina Beach, NC

Dance barefoot on the sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat while standing in the surf. Hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, the Carolina Beach Music Festival is billed as “the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the NC coast” and one of the longest running beach music festivals in the US. On Saturday swing in the sand to the sounds of top selling Beach Music Bands: Jim Quick & Coastline, Blackwater, and The Main Event Band. You can access the Saturday festival on the sand via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

JUNE 22 SAT

Duplin Events Center Food & Truck Vendor Festival

Duplin Events Center, 247 Fair Grounds Drive

Kenansville, NC

The 2024 Duplin County Food Truck & Vendor Festival will be held at the Duplin Events Center, 247 Fai grounds Drive, Kenansville, from noon to 7:30 p.m. on June 22. It will include food trucks, vendors, music and more. Admission is $5 at the door.