wbm APRIL 2018
28
There are fewer than 35,000 Venus flytraps
in the wild, but sharp-eyed visitors can spot
the exotic carnivorous plants at the Green
Swamp Preserve in Brunswick County. The
ecological conditions are perfect for the
plant, which is native to a 75-mile radius
around Wilmington.
— PHOTO BY SKIP PUDNEY
11
CHANGING OUR WORLD TOGETHER ONE FASCINATING STORY AT A TIME.
ON THE COVER
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
FEATURES
19 Throwing Rocks at Houses
Curling, the weird and fascinating sport also
known as chess on ice, draws curious partici-pants
to Learn To Curl events at Wilmington Ice
House. Requiring players to rely on finesse and
skill rather than athletic prowess, this ancient
sport continues to captivate. By Simon Gonzalez
24 More Than Four Days of Fun
The annual North Carolina Azalea Festival is
a cherished tradition to many, with the street
fair, the concerts and the garden tour marking
a few of the weekend’s highlights. But the fes-tival
is more than just belles and funnel cakes.
It’s also a huge contributor to the economy,
an awarder of scholarships and a driver of
Wilmington’s volunteer community.
By Kyle Hanlin
28 Preserving an Ecological
Jewel
An area of around 17,000 acres in Brunswick
County forms a unique environment that the
World Wildlife Fund has identified as one of the
top 10 eco-regions in North America. The Green
Swamp Preserve, a swampy, wetland bog, is
home to numerous rare species of animals,
insects, trees, carnivorous plants, and flowers.
By Colleen Thompson
42 All That Jazz
Some say jazz is a dying art, but Wilmington
musicians say it’s alive and kicking in this com-munity.
On almost any night of the week, one
can hear and see live jazz performances in the
Port City. From nationally touring acts to infor-mal,
improvisational jams, there’s a venue and a
style for every preference. By Simon Gonzalez
52 Intense Color and Dark Shadows
This special edition of WBM’s art series, Art Treatise,
honors the life and work of acclaimed Wilmington
artist Harry Davis, who passed away just weeks
after granting this interview. Davis’ vibrant portrait
work reflects his zest for life and a deep under-standing
of American history. Each painting tells a
unique and colorful story, just as Davis did with his
fascinating life. By Kathryn Manis
60 Kitchens That Cook
From bright blue glass tile and an eye-catching
island in deep navy, to warm sandy tones
enhanced by oceanfront views, our annual look
at high-end kitchens features four rooms that
maintain modern aesthetics mixed with finishes
that reflect each homeowner’s personality.
By Emory Rakestraw
86 The Chocolate Makers
North Carolina is at the front and center of
a growing movement of chocolate artisans
who oversee the crafting of their product
from bean to bar. Managing every individual
part of the craft, from working with the farmers
who plant and harvest the cacao, to manufac-turing,
packaging, and selling, these chocolate
makers are individualizing the process.
By Colleen Thompson
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94 Social Seens
97 Tide Chart