Secret Spots

Off-the-beaten path

When it comes to looking for something new to do, sometimes the thrill is in the hunt. Here’s some lesser-known spots in the region to check out:

Hermit bunker
Among Fort Fisher State Recreation Area’s sea grasses you’ll spy a heron or egret, but between 1956 and 1972 you likely would have come across Robert E. Harrill, the Fort Fisher Hermit. During that time Harrill lived in the World War II-era bunker along Basin Trail, drawing many visitors and tourists who came to hear Harrill’s philosophies during a session of his “School of Common Sense.” Harrill died in 1972, under suspicious circumstances. You can still see his former home on the recreation area’s 1.1-mile trail. 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, 458-5798

SquidCo shows
Sick of getting swept up in the mainstream? SquidCo is the solution. Though it hawks unique music from avant classical to electro-acoustic online, it also brings these sounds to its downtown storefront. The current lineup has CACAW and Jaap Blonk and Jeb Bishop making appearances in October. 928 North Front Street, Wilmington, www.squidco.com

Carnivorous plants
If Azaleas are far too friendly and planted gardens too domestic, strike out on one of southeastern North Carolina’s trails that feature carnivorous plants. Varieties of the Venus’ flytrap and pitcher plant reside off trails at Carolina Beach State Park, the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve at UNCW, and Brunswick County’s Green Swamp Preserve. Alderman Park’s Carnivorous Plant Garden recently suffered a temporary setback when more than 1,000 of its Venus’ flytraps were stolen, but volunteers hope to rebuild. Carolina Beach State Park: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach; Green Swamp Preserve: parking area 5.5 miles north of Supply on N.C. 211

Meatball Tuesday
It’s easy to overlook The Front Room on Princess Street unless you’re looking for it – and unless it’s Tuesday. That’s when Little Pond Caterers opens its doors for Meatball Tuesday. Ordering is easy – choose between either the staple meatball grinder or a rotating second main dish such as lemon chicken or pork marsala. That’s it – a or b. Then, sit down a one of the few communal tables in the intimate dining room where you’ll strike up conversation with others from the neighborhood or fans of chef Tommy Mills’ dishes. It’s like a dinner party without the clean up. 2016 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, www.littlepondcaterers.com

Missiles museum
Topsail Island, the laid-back beach community featuring a strand dotted with kids’ sand buckets, fishermen, and surfers, was also the backdrop for missile testing in the late 1940s. The Missiles and More Museum highlights the history of Operation Bumblebee, the Navy’s secret guided-missile testing program that operated on the island from 1946 to 1948. 720 Channel Boulevard, 328-8663, www.missilesandmoremuseum.org

Art Cream Truck
If looking for a sweet treat, try another truck. Rob Fogle’s Art Cream Truck may not specialize in frozen confections, but it does deliver – art that is. Currently parked behind Anvil & Ink Tattoo on Castle Street, Fogle can usually be found there painting on the truck. And if you can’t find him there, then he’s on the road, helping to bring art to the people – wherever they may be. www.ArtCreamTruck.com

Local zines
Tap into the alternative beat of Wilmington with an alternative-format magazine. Thrillmington, the brainchild of twins Kim and Shelly Huber, covers everything from spelunking to Wilmywood to nightlife. For them, the zine is a celebration of a town that they came to love after moving here for school from Illinois. Check out the bimonthly publication at downtown’s Chop’s, Edge of Urge, Planet, Nick’s Diner, Old Books on Front Street, and Bottega Art & Wine. www.Thrillmington.com. Also check out The Primer Zine at www.Facebook.com/ThePrimer