IMC Hawks Blog

Category: Spring

  • Farmers’ Markets Galore

    Since Wilmington is a rather large city with hundreds of businesses, the small local businesses can sometimes be overshadowed. However, in my opinion, it is important to support local businesses to show your appreciation for the town you live in live in. One of my favorite ways to support local is to shop at farmers’ markets. Now that the warm weather is here and summertime is quickly approaching, farmers’ markets are back in business and ready to serve their community!

    One of my favorite markets in town is Port City Produce. This shop has two locations, one on Market Street, five minutes from campus, and one on the way to Carolina Beach, fifteen minutes south of campus. They both feature an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other local goods such as honey, peanuts, and jam. Personally, I love to stock up on the watermelon, peaches, and strawberries. Nothing says summer to me like fresh fruit and PCP is definitely the place to go. Not only are you supporting a family business when you shop here, but you are also supporting the various farmers that source to the locations. You can check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or by visiting their website.

    Source: Port City Produce on Instagram

    Another one of my favorite farmers’ markets is the Riverfront Farmers’ Market in Downtown Wilmington, which is held every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The 2019 season has already begun, but the market will stay open until November 23rd. It changed locations from last year and is now located on Dock Street on the block between Front and 2nd Streets. The market features a variety of vendors that include local farmers, producers, and even artists and crafters. What I like about this market is that it gives you the opportunity to speak directly with the people who grow or craft their goods. This market is the opportune way to support the town of Wilmington, as it features vendors from all categories. Also, the items change weekly so there is always something new to explore. Learn more about the market, including the weekly vendors, on their website.

    Riverfront Market

    Source: Wilmington-NC

    There are many more farmers’ markets to explore in Wilmington besides the two listed here and they all offer something unique. If you have never shopped at a local market, I highly encourage you to visit at least one, as it might change your perspective on how you buy your food. Supporting local businesses, whether that be a farmers’ market or a clothing store downtown, is essential and will keep money in the community. I would love to know your favorite local spots around town and what they have to offer. Get out there and visit somewhere new everyone!

    –Colleen Worrell

  • Your Weekend Plans, Delivered

    With spring break behind us and the end of the semester quickly approaching, now is the time where you scramble to complete all of your assignments. This time in the semester is undoubtedly the most stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the heavy workload get the best of you or cut out anytime for yourself. Sometimes, it is perfectly necessary to step away from that textbook in favor of something that will give you a chance to relax and refocus your mind. Trust me, you deserve it.

    One of my favorite coastal destinations not too far from Wilmington is Charleston, SC. Charleston is a charming, historical city lined with brightly colored houses on the streets and palm trees everywhere your eye can see. Stroll along Waterfront Park with some friends and don’t forget to take pictures in front of the famous pineapple fountain (below) while you’re there. Of course, you can’t miss King Street, the hub of Charleston filled with endless stores, restaurants, and other attractions. The food is also worth the trip itself. With so much to do in this city, there is a reason why Southern Living named it the South’s Best City of 2019!

    waterfront-park-pineappleSource: South Carolina Picture Project

    If you are your friends are looking to have a weekend full of adventure, head down to Shallotte River Swamp Park located in Ocean Isle Beach, 45 minutes away from Wilmington. Swamp Park features the longest, fastest, and tallest zipline tour on the east cost. The tour lasts about two hours and gives you the ability to look at the park in the most unique way possible. However, if soaring in the sky doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, there is also an aerial adventure park for you to challenge your friends on. The park features 53 different elements, including a climbing wall, tightrope, and monkey bars. Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about the swamp itself, including its rich history, opt for the guided Shallotte River boat tour. You must book your adventures in advance, and lucky for you, group discounts are available! Learn more about the park and book your weekend plans here.

    o_1a5i6d5jbe8990pq3fgt01qrqaSource: Shallotte River Swamp Park

    No matter what you choose to do with your weekend, it is important to take time for yourself and do something you enjoy. The end of the semester can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break once in a while! Grab your friends and go have fun!

    –Colleen Worrell

     

  • The Port City Rainy Day Guide

     

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    Surprise! It’s raining in Wilmington, what else is new?

    It’s no secret that the Port City receives a significant amount of rainfall. However, now Spring has officially begun, and with it will come a greater chance of heavy downpour. Have no worries though, as there are always things to do in Wilmington despite the weather.

    Case in point, if you wish to combat the drizzly day with a fun pastime, then a trip to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher might suffice. However, if aquariums aren’t your thing, then Jungle Rapids is a worthy mention because it houses multiple indoor activities. These activities consist of the arcade, laser tag, mini-bowling, rock climbing, and go-karts. At Jungle Rapids, there are endless possibilities and zero ways to get bored.

    For those who love some rainy-day shopping and dining, downtown is where to go. In the heart of the Port City resides popular retail centers like the Cotton Exchange and the Old Wilmington City Market. Both places boast a unique shopping atmosphere and are a sure way to keep busy amidst the rain.

    But if you happen to be a history nerd, Wilmington is quite the historical gem. Aside from the USS North Carolina Battleship, there are plenty other landmarks and museums to visit. Some of these options include the likes of Poplar Grove Plantation, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Museum of the Bizarre, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the nationally-recognized Thalian Hall of Performing Arts. Each destination provides a memorable experience for everyone and serves as the perfect way to kick the rainy-day blues.

    Whether it’s a rainy Spring day, or merely a boring one, this guide is designed to help turn things around. Although these recommendations might not stack up to the beach, they’re definitely just as fun.

    Who needs the sunshine anyway, am I right?

    -Kristen Weiderman

  • More Light, Less Dark

    Happy first day of spring to all! You might recognize this day as the start of warmer weather (right as the free parking at Wrightsville Beach ends), or the homestretch of the semester. Officially known as the Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring means more than just the absence of winter. On the equinox, the length of day and night are both equal everywhere in the world. The equinox will occur at exactly 5:58 pm EDT.

    This year, a full Moon will occur on the night of the first day of spring, which is also referred to as the Full Worm Moon. On average, this only happens three times per century! It happened most recently in the year 2000. That’s not all! This full moon will also be a supermoon. This mean it will be slightly larger in size than the other full Moons.

    So, what does the equinox mean for us?

    We can expect more daylight hours, with dawns that begin earlier and sunsets that start later. Essentially, more time in the light and less time in the dark. The arrival of spring also improves the mood of those who suffer from seasonal depression. This is just one of the many positive health effects natural light can have on your life. Because the day is longer, you might just find yourself being more productive as well. They don’t call it “spring cleaning” for nothing! Dairy Queen is also offering a free vanilla soft serve ice cream cone to celebrate the start of spring!

    Related image

    If you get a chance tonight, grab a cone and check out the start-of-spring supermoon at 9:43 pm EDT. Spring Break might be over, but there is still plenty to be achieved this semester!

    To learn more about the full moon on the spring equinox, click here!

    – Brooke

  • Parks around Wilmington

    With the warm pleasant weather of spring easing in, the great outdoors beckon. While long road trips and timely travel plans may not be an option for busy college students, there are several parks in the Wilmington area that offer an escape from campus life. Whether you are interested in hiking, camping, or simply finding somewhere new to hang a hammock, you have several options that are just a short drive away. More information about the following parks as well as others across the state can be found here.

    Carolina Beach State Park

    carolina beach state park

    Carolina Beach State Park offers plenty of stress relieving outdoor activities. With 83 campsites strewn through a peaceful wooded surrounding, you can feel the salty breeze while enjoying the privacy of a small pine tree forest. Each site also has picnic table and grill which could make for the perfect hamburger and hot dog filled afternoon.

    Also, with over 6 miles of sandy hiking trails, Carolina Beach State park offers a nice place for peaceful day hikes. The longest trail, Sugarloaf Trail, is a 3 mile long one- way trail that runs along the Cape Fear river beside marshes and through pine forests. With scenic views of the river and opportunities to see wildlife including a variety of birds and fiddler crabs, hikes such as these can provide a beautiful stress relieving day when schoolwork gets to be to much.

    Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens

    greenfield lake state park

    Spanning 250 acres, Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens offers a breath taking array of scenery surrounding Greenfield Lake. Featuring a 5 mile paved trail that circles the lake, visitors can see displays of well maintained landscaping and gardens mixed in with the natural vegetation to create picturesque views. Wildlife can also be seen along the trail, as it is common to see alligators and turtles lazing about the lake.

    If taking a walk doesn’t sound like enough, there are also canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats that can be rented by the hour allowing for more thorough exploration of the water. There is also a skate park for thrill seekers, as well as grills and picnic areas for those looking for a peaceful place to grill out with friends.

    Hugh Macrae Park

    hugh macrae park

    While smaller than the other two parks, Hugh Macrae Park is very close to campus and still offers an off campus place to relax and enjoy the warm weather. With a short scenic walk around a well landscaped pond and picnic tables near grills, it offers a simple yet relaxing retreat. It also holds open fields, tennis courts, and baseball fields for pick up sports. It’s a nice place to stop by when you want to just hang out with friends or need to escape for just a moment.

    -Lane, Austin and Allen