The North Carolina Azalea Festival provides a family reunion idea in Wilmington.
Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal destination that provides a variety of options for families looking for a spot for large or small reunion gatherings. Plan a dinner aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina or at historic Poplar Grove Plantation. Tour the "Hollywood East" filmmaking scene. Consider enjoying the great outdoors by attending the North Carolina Azalea Festival or wandering along the riverfront. Does this Spark an idea?
Visit the Historic Riverfront
Shops, restaurants, old homes and museums are all part of the historical riverfront area and many things are within a sort walk of each other. Plan to spend a day wandering among the variety of businesses and parks of the area. Book lodging in the area so that you have a common point of departure. In the summer, reunion attendees could attend a local minor league baseball game in the riverfront area or take in the July Fourth Fireworks show. In October, they can attend a variety of activities at "Riverfest."
Tour "Hollywood East"
Screen Gems Studios is a major tourist attraction in Wilmington, offering guided group tours by appointment. Movies such "Weekend at Bernie's," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Sleeping with the Enemy" and television shows like "One Tree Hill" and "Eastbound and Down" have all been filmed at this Wilmington Studio. You and other reunion visitors can also tour some of the local film location sites through organizations like Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington (hollywoodnc.com).
Attend the Azalea Festival
For a week each April, Wilmington hosts a festival honoring one of the South's most recognizable flowers, the azalea. At this special time of year, the city celebrates these blooming bushes with concerts, parades, street fairs and local garden tours. If you plan to attend at reunion at this time of the year, make hotel reservations in advance to secure rooms a this popular visitation time.
Party at Poplar Grove Plantation
Not only can you and your family tour this historic property built in 1850, but you can rent the facility for a group event or party. Not only is the interior of the house available for rental, but you might choose to utilize the plantation's more casual barn for your get-together. The plantation's website will provide you with some recommendations for area catering, photographers and musical performers, assisting you in creating every aspect of a memorable reunion event.
Climb Aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina
Though this retired battleship is available for rental to the general public for special events, if your reunion is in honor of a military member or members of your family, this venue could be the perfect match. The battleship not only offers space for a special dinner or get-together, but also a free-of-charge space for military memorials and retirement celebrations. The battleship also offers guided tours and has special events and holiday celebrations throughout the year.
Tags: North Carolina, Azalea Festival, available rental, Carolina Azalea, Carolina Azalea Festival, Grove Plantation, Hollywood East
