wbm DECEMBER 2012
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Features On the cover
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This fountain at Airlie Lake is the
centerpiece of the pergola, a
structure built about a hundred
years ago. Photographing
Enchanted Airlie at dusk is a treat.
The annual event is a sure sign that
the holidays have arrived.
— Allison Potter
15 Twelve Best Stories from 2000 to 2012
Wrightsville Beach Magazine’s premier issue was published in
December 2000. Choosing the best stories out of 144 issues
was a challenge. The final list was influenced by great subjects,
fabulous photography, excellent copy and compelling design.
We thank all of our advertisers, all of our contributors who
keep the pages turning and our splendid audience, more
than a million readers each year, who continue to inspire us
to produce our best.
25 Coastal Christmas
Four teams of designers, joined by the University of North
Carolina Wilmington’s Alumni Friends staged five cheery
holiday thresholds. The results are warm and fuzzy, whimsical
and traditional, and oh so inviting! Our door decor welcomes
family and friends to celebrate the season of giving. There’s no
time like the present: decorate!
34 Fa la la la la
Assemble a couple dozen spirited UNCW Alumni Friends and
university staff the first Monday in December. Provide yards
of shiny new ribbon, fresh cut boughs of holly, some flowers
and fruit and entice them with a sliver of Moravian apple cake.
Then watch what happens. In less than 24 hours, two historic
landmarks are decked for the holidays. By Brandy Brinson
52 The Giving Trip
The sea calls Tony Puente to surf, but the circumstances
surrounding his family’s exodus from its native island, Cuba,
calls him to serve others. Whether he’s lending his medical
expertise to local clinics or spreading the Aloha spirit among
his fellow Caribbean islanders, Puente always finds time to ride
the waves, uniting the past to the present. By Gretchen Nash
68 Dashing Through the Snow
The first dusting of snow appeared at October’s end teasing
skiers, sledders, snowboarders and skaters to head for the
hills of western North Carolina where powder puffs and trail
blazers will find the best slopes south of the Adirondacks. Our
High Country correspondent tells you how to plan your winter
getaway. By Anna Oakes
76 Savor: Southern Twist on Tradition
Heirloom china, family silver and a powerful bird set the scene
for this regional twist on traditional holiday dinner fare. With a
menu inspired by his Hillsborough, North Carolina roots, chef
Eric Gephart prepares a three-course meal with a Southern
twang that will have you drawling for seconds.
By Barrie Cohen
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Departments
8 Up Front
12 Beach Bites
86 Social Seens
62 In View
90 Tide Chart
Advertising Section
46 Gift Guide
60 Financial Health
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM