5 Family-friendly Ways to Escape the Heat this Summer
High temperatures, heightened heat indexes, humid mornings: the average local knows just how intense the dog days of summer can be here in southeastern North Carolina, even with all of the natural coastal beauty around!
So although most of us wouldn’t mind retiring to the beach or pool for the majority of our summer, it is important to let your body rest from the heat and sunshine every now and then.
Your local experts on the Michelle Clark Team have come up with a few area entertainments that you and the family can explore when it’s time to give the beaches (and yourselves!) a break.
Cotton Exchange of Wilmington
If you’re looking for a bit of local flavor, the Cotton Exchange is home to some of Wilmington’s best shops and treats! Peruse wares that range from handcrafted souvenirs to custom-made jewelry. There are also plenty of delectable eats to be found, from a full-service pub to locally concocted candies and fudge.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
If the heat gets to be a bit too much on the sand, take to the seas! Or, the aquarium, that is. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is an interactive, educational experience for the whole family that just so happens to be a short drive away from Wilmington. Catch the live programs, in which facility experts help visitors discover new creatures, or little-known facts about a few favorites, or simply tour the exhibits at your leisure.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Perfect for when younger vacationers need a respite from the sun, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington offers exhibits, events, and daily programs for kids and adults to enjoy. For kids who want to keep learning before school kicks back up in August, the center also offers a wide variety of summer camps throughout the season, including a cooking experiment for miniature chefs, artistic exploration, and science camps for both boys and girls.
Thalian Hall
When the day is spent on the sand or out in the sun, sometimes it’s a relief to get indoors and enjoy a show. Thalian Hall, Wilmington’s historic theatre and one of the oldest in the country, has provided the community with entertainment and delight since opening in 1858. Bring the entire family out for an evening with a classic movie, live performances, and local events.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
For when you’re just not ready to relinquish the quintessential parts of summer, but don’t want to keep everyone out on the beach itself, find a compromise at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk! Bustling with local shops, restaurants and entertainment, the boardwalk captures all the greatest pieces of our coastal culture and gives you and the rest of your family a hotspot with a little something for everyone.
Whether you’ve lived in the area for years or for days, there’s always something new to discover about coastal North Carolina! This summer, take the kids and explore your community together. For more local tips and news, stay tuned to the Michelle Clark Team’s blog, or contact us if you’re ready to find your next home.