Friday, April 01, 2016

Two University of North Carolina Wilmington landmarks are stops along this year’s Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour. The self-guided tour is part of the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival.

The historic Kenan House is a 7,500-square-foot Neoclassical Revival dwelling located at 1705 Market St. Built in 1911, it was deeded to the university by the Kenan family in 1968 and serves as the official residence of the UNCW chancellor. Highlights of the Kenan gardens include azaleas, dogwoods, seasonal white blooms and a circular fountain.

Wise Alumni House, located next to Kenan House, serves as the alumni association’s headquarters. Inside its encompassing wrought iron gate is a stately live oak dripping with Spanish moss, southern indica and Encore azaleas, a three-tiered fountain, dogwoods, windmill palms and camellias.

Presented by the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc., the tour will take place during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 8-10. Tickets are $25 and good for all three days. They may be purchased at several businesses throughout town, at the Azalea Festival office, at the tour stops or online. Proceeds support scholarships at UNCW and Cape Fear Community College as well area community beautification and conservation efforts.

--Caroline Cropp