Travel from the Triangle

Azalea Festival in Wilmington, NC

Written by Cat

After visiting Wilmington for several years and at several different times of the year, my schedule never quite lined up to make it to the Azalea Festival until this time.

If you’re lucky and the timing is right, the azalea bushes will be blooming everywhere around town at the same time as the Festival. Often the azaleas bloom before or after the Festival, depending on the weather patterns for the year.

The Azalea Festival also features music and vendors along the riverfront road in downtown Wilmington, along with home tours, fireworks, contests, and other events.

Walking Along the Riverfront

Wilmington has a very nice riverfront road (Water Street) that reminds me a little of River Street in Savannah, GA. The road is shut down to allow vendors and pedestrians take over for a few days during the Festival.

Festival goers walking along Water Street and perusing the many vendors.

Hawaiian shaved ice is a tasty treat on a warm spring day.

A vendor selling ornamental bonsai trees.

A vendor selling balloons. This photo makes me think of the movie Up.

Festival goers enjoying music provided by local cover bands.

On the Water

The battleship USS North Carolina is a permanent fixture along the Cape Fear River but is dressed up with festive flags for the occasion. There are also other unique watercraft that show up along the Cape Fear River near downtown Wilmington.

USS North Carolina

A ship visiting Wilmington for the Azalea Festival.

Cake Challenge

In another life, I sometimes think I would choose to be a cake decorator. While I have taken a few classes, it is more of a hobby I enjoy rather than an activity I want to seriously pursue as a career. So, I very much enjoy admiring the work of others at events like the Azalea Festival.

Attendees were allowed to vote as part of a People’s Choice award. Decisions were difficult but I had a lot of fun taking a close up look at all the hard work.