Discover the Best Kept Secrets of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Oct. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- The fall season has officially started, and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina’s most accessible beach, invites visitors to trade leaf peeping for a beach getaway in the coming months. This island community is home to mild temperatures throughout most of October and November, making it an ideal destination for enjoying coastal cuisine, active outdoor events and unique holiday celebrations between now and the end of the year.

Wrightsville Beach is known for some of the best seafood on the North Carolina coast. October 27 marks the inaugural Taste of Wrightsville Beach, showcasing the area’s top restaurants, cuisine and noted chefs. This fall festival will celebrate the area’s diverse and delicious fare including award-winning seafood, juicy burgers, pizzas straight from the oven, and sizzling fajitas with more than 30 food, wine and beer tasting booths. Tickets, which are now available, include signature dishes, a community oyster table and a beverage sampling station.

Outdoor activities abound year-round in Wrightsville Beach, including fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, jogging, bike riding, bird watching and much more. This fall, take advantage of the mild weather by spending time outdoors at several signature events. First up on October 20 is the PPD Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon, named as one of the top five iron distance triathlons in the world by Triathlete Magazine. Competitors from around the world travel to Wrightsville Beach to take part in this internationally recognized iron distance and half iron distance triathlon.

Flyers from far and wide will paint the sky with countless kites in the shape of sea creatures, birds, scuba divers, butterflies and more at the Fourth Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival on November 3-4. Then join paddleboarders from across the world at the N.C. Surf to Sound Challenge on November 17. During this exciting competition, elite paddlers will brave the Atlantic, battle through Masonboro Inlet and navigate the channel behind Masonboro Island, while intermediate paddlers will compete in a flatwater course around Harbor Island.

Fall in Wrightsville Beach is peak season for surf fishing, pier fishing, and inland and offshore fishing excursions. Drop a line from Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier or book a deep-sea fishing charter. Beginners can embark on a fishing cruise from 9:00 a.m. to noon with a knowledgeable guide with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. This cruise around the waters of Masonboro Sound runs several times each week, weather permitting, and rod, tackle, bait and license are provided with the cost of the trip. Experienced anglers can choose from several fishing charters that depart from Wrightsville Beach’s marinas.

At the end of November, the island kicks off the holiday season with the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, which has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for 2012. For the past 28 years on Thanksgiving Day weekend, the Intracoastal Waterway has been transformed into a dazzling display of as many as 50 twinkling boats featuring creative holiday characters, snowy winter scenes and Christmas trees during this much-loved boat parade. The family-friendly celebration also includes an “Anchors Away” launch party that is open to the public (for $25 per ticket), Day in the Park and fireworks display.

Airlie Gardens in nearby Wilmington also kicks off one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for 2012, “Enchanted Airlie”, on November 23. Guests are invited to explore the gardens decorated in all their holiday splendor, as well as light displays, live musical entertainment and a display of a large garden model train. Tickets must be pre-purchased. And finally, join the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History for its 5K Jingle Bell Run on December 15. Participants are encouraged to dress in their holiday apparel – Santa suits, elf costumes and tacky Christmas sweaters are welcome!

As North Carolina’s most accessible beach from Interstate 40, Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of lodging options from full-service, beachfront resort-style hotels to vacation rental cottages, condos and inns that promise a “home away from home” during your fall or holiday getaway. Visit our website for off-season deals, and stay right on the island to take advantage of the area’s rich history, delectable dining options, fantastic fishing and outdoor activities, along with the culture and commerce of nearby Wilmington, N.C.

About Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is North Carolina’s most accessible beach from Interstate I-40. It’s easy to get there and even easier to stay. Everything visitors need is right on the island, with an abundance of outdoor activities, rich history, the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, miles of beach, family-friendly events, and full-service hotels and rental options. For more information, go to www.VisitWrightsvilleBeachNC.com or call (800) 650-9106. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WrightsvilleBeachNC and Twitter @WrightsvilleNC.