GYPSY BLOG - OUT AND ABOUT
August 30 - Out and About at Kure Beach
I took this from the balcony of the little motel we stayed at on Kure Beach. It was just after 7 a.m. and already hot, but that didn't stop us from walking along the pier, where others had gathered earlier to fish and watch the amazing sunrise.
Beyond Wilmington and Carolina Beach, Kure Beach is just before Fort Fisher and feels more like a true beach town in the sense that the more commercial businesses aren't there. It's a great place to relax by the ocean, fish, and hang in the sea waiting for the surf (saw quite a few people floating about waiting for that big wave to bring them to shore).
Look at the NC Coast section for more info about Kure Beach.
Photo of Kure Beach Pier at sunrise: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 29 - Out and About on the Battleship North Carolina
We have Navy men in our family. My father, brother, and other assorted relatives have all served time at sea. My husband's father, Maurice Bombar, who passed away in 2009, was a WWII POW and recipent of the Purple Heart. With that kind of family history, a tour of the USS Battleship North Carolina was a must on our to-do list. I must say that I was greatly surprised at how much I enjoyed the experience.
The ship was active in the Pacific during WWII and now serves as a Memorial and Museum, open to the public every day of the year.
Visitors take self-guided tours through the ship, inside and out. There are many levels inside and getting to them means going down steep stairs, just like the sailors did. Quarters are close, especially the further down you go, so anyone not fond of tight spaces be advised. I was surprised at the amount of strollers I saw being carried down and the high heels many women visitors were wearing. For this tour, I strongly recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you can climb stairs with and if you're traveling with strollers, take turns watching the kiddies on deck while the other explores.
I'll have more about the ship in the NC Coast section under Wilmington soon. While we were there, people were setting up for a wedding that was going to take place later in the day. I wish I had been on the invite list - it was a great location.
For more info about Battleship North Carolina, click HERE
Battleship photo: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 28 - Out and About at the NC Aquarium Fort Fisher
This weekend I made good on my vow to start working on the NC coast section of this site by visiting the coastal towns beginning with Wilmington and ending up at Cape Fear. That's just the tip of the state, but it's a start. I'll tackle the upper coast and the Outer Banks another time - oh, what a job this is...
Today, I went to one of the three aquariums in North Carolina - the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. This is a fine aquarium, not as large as some, which makes it very easy to see everything, and what they do have is definitely worth a visit as it features the waters of Cape Fear and an albino alligator named Luna.
I was impressed at the start with a sign posted on the ticket window that advised people not to leave their dogs in the car. You can't bring the poochies inside, but there are other options (see my tips for traveling with pets by clicking HERE
Check the NC coast section on this site for more on the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (currently working on it, will post soon). And check out their great site for more info by clicking HERE
Photo: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 25 - Out and About Exploring Cemeteries
I love checking out older cemeteries. Usually I'll find at least a couple of tombstones or sayings on grave markers that are worth noting. The little angel either did not have a name engraved on it or time wore it out, but I liked the way it looked intently at the ground, a protective guard on watch. I also liked the shadow it cast in the late afternoon sun.
Gravesites can offer clues about the people that contributed to North Carolina's long and varied history. With NC's rich Native American heritage, a past history of slavery, and as one of the thirteen original colonies, it's worth the time spent to walk through a church yard or cemetery and read the stones, especially in the older towns.
I won't tell you where this angel is, there are plenty of similar markers in cemeteries throughout the state, but I do encourage you to explore on your own. A bit of advice, always be respectful (and quiet), and be sure that it is okay for you to be in the space.
Photo: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 21 - Out and About in Fayetteville
The Old Market House and bell tower sits on a roundabout in the center of Fayetteville's historic downtown district. Built in 1832, this building has an open-air ground floor and the clock tower.
Fayetteville's Historic District appears to be in transition. There are shops for rent in renovated buildings that have living space on the top floors. There is also a good mix of little bistros, pubs, clubs and shops, and a theater along the main street. The look reminded me of trendy areas I've seen in larger cities - hopefully, the vacant spaces will be filled soon. It's a fun area to visit now and would really come alive when all is full.
I caught up with my good friend, Tingmei Jin, while I was there. TC is on assignment in Fayetteville so we met after she finished her work for the day. We walked though the historic district in 90+ degree heat (late afternoon!), but the tree-lined streets provided shade and a nice breeze blew in every so often.
Pierro's Italian Bistro on Hays Street looked like it was worth a try so we decided to have dinner there, opting to pass on outdoor seating because it was so hot. The blast of cool we received as we entered was a nice contrast to the heat. From the look of things, Pierro's could have been in Manhattan with its exposed brick interior and high ceilings. Very nice.
We ordered two dishes to share and the house dressing on our salads. Have to admit that the house dressing didn't do it for me, but the rest of the meal was excellent. So was the service. Next time you're in town, definitely give Pierro's a shot.
Photos: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 18 - R.I.P. Beckett
I realize this has nothing to do with travel in NC, but as an animal lover who has shared many great trips with my own furry best friends, I wanted to pay my respect to a good dog and the wonderful people that helped make his final years happy.
I didn't know this sweet old boy personally, but Beckett was a dog I sponsored through Best Friends Animal Society (you might know of them from the television show, DOGTOWN). A message was sent via e-mail letting me (and his other sponsors) know that Beckett had crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. He was still living at the Best Friends sanctuary when he passed (he was almost 17), but I think he was where he needed - and probably wanted - to be. They are such a phenomenal group of people, working hard to help all kinds of animals.
Young Casey, the Shar Pei mix I currently have listed on the home page of this site, is also being helped by Best Friends. They will feature her and other shelter dogs in their next member mailing. Casey does not live at the BFAS sanctuary, she is in a shelter and could be euthanized if no home is found soon. Please take time to look at her info.
**CASEY UPDATE - She has been ADOPTED!!!! **
Beckett will be put to rest in the Angels Overlook cemetery at the sanctuary. Blessings.
Read about this amazing organization and sponsor an animal of your own at:
August 17 - Out and About in Chapel Hill - Bliss Boutique Bakery
For scrumptious cupcakes that look great and taste better, you owe it to yourself to stop by Bliss Boutique Bakery in Chapel Hill. Their name says it all - the cupcakes are to-die-for, pure bliss! They make 17 varieties of cupcakes. Some are daily staples, others are on a weekly rotation. Monday's special is Caramel Snicker (center cupcakes in the photo) and since today just happens to be Monday, I thought it was a good idea to do a little research. Yum!
Bliss has cookies and Vegan treats too. They also create special treats for weddings and parties. Running late? Head over to Bliss between 5:30 and 7:30 when all of their goodies sell for half price (every day - limit 6).
photo of Bliss cupcakes boxed to go: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
August 13 - Out and About on the Coast
I love my family, but dogs + kids + sisters + extended family 24/7 is a lot of chaos. Don't get me wrong, a fun - great time had by all. But after my vacay, I needed a bit of the deep blue sea.
Not enough time to get to the Outer Banks, however North Carolina's Crystal Coast does the job of soothing my last nerve just fine, thanks. Point to a spot on the map and head east until you reach the ocean. It's really that easy.
With all of my other projects that need attention, the Coast and Outer Banks section on this site is sorely in need of content. Promises to self (and visitors to this site) to get cracking on this. There is too much to do and see on the beautiful NC coast to ignore it for so long. My bad - but I will make up for it and treat this area right.
photo: Barbara Dolny-Bombar
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