New Developments
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History celebrated its 15th anniversary in May 2011 with special commemorative events. The museum was a 2010 participant in the Conservation Assessment Program, a joint project of the Institute for Library and Museum Studies and of Heritage Preservation. The WB Museum received two grants to preserve its building and collection of beach-related artifacts, documents and memorabilia. http://www.wbmuseum.com/
East Coast Wahine Championship in Wrightsville Beach celebrated 15 years in August 2011. http://www.eastcoastwahines.com/
PPD Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon was ranked 5th on a list of Best Distance Races in the World (Triathlete magazine, March 2010). It is one of two races in the U.S. listed among the top 10. PPD became the race's title sponsor in 2010. The PPD Beach2Battleship held its fourth race in Nov. 2011 (Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach). http://www.beach2battleship.com/
New Surf Schools: Carolina Surf School and Jeremy's Surf School are the area's newest surf schools, offering surf instruction.
Two retailers now specialize in sales and rentals of standup paddleboards (SUP) and paddles: Coastal Urge (at Landfall retail shop) and Wrightsville Kayak Company (available via mobile). Lessons and guided paddleboard tours available. http://sup.coastalurge.com/ and http://www.wrightsvillekayak.com/
Farmer's Markets: Wrightsville Beach Farmer's Market returns on Monday mornings (May-Sept.; www.localharvest.org/wrightsville-beach-farmers-market-M31090).
Gary Shell Cross-City Trail: Phase III is underway. When completed, the entire trail will extend from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach. http://www.wmpo.org/
Airlie Gardens News: 1) Airlie Gardens Butterfly House, the region's first permanent butterfly house, opened in Spring 2010 as the first of its kind in the region. In 2011, the butterflies returned to the 3,000-square-foot Butterfly House which is home to 11 native species of butterflies. 2) Airlie Gardens recently added 9-passenger trams that are available to those who need assistance traveling through the garden; trams available on specified dates and times as noted on the website. 3) New Hanover County Commissioners recently voted to place a preservation easement on Airlie Gardens. http://www.airliegardens.org/