Chase Away The Winter Blues. It's Springtime On Pleasure Island.

February's here. Americans are sick of winter and we're turning our thoughts to warmer weather.

In the Carolinas, it's only a matter of weeks before the azaleas start to bloom and springtime gets underway. Two beach communities, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach on the North Carolina barrier island of “Pleasure Island”—are already laying out the welcome mat for winter-weary visitors.

Time to make some vacation plans.

Think beautiful beaches. Fresh seafood and great dining. Strolling from shop to shop in the warm spring air. Aaaah.

Have fun in the sun hiking the trails at Carolina Beach State Park. Rent a paddleboat or kayak at Carolina Beach Lake. Pick up shells on the beach. Or just spend the day in the sunshine checking out the sea and marsh birds.

Like to fish? Spring's the perfect time to enjoy some surf or bottom fishing – or charter a boat for a little deep-sea fishing.

If you like to eat (and who doesn't?), come to sample the best chowders you'll find anywhere as chefs compete in the 15th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off on Saturday, April 17. Make a day of it with family and friends. Bands will be playing and there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.

One of the best things about Pleasure Island is that you get to sample two awesome neighboring beach towns on one beautiful island. No long drives or hassles. Just two towns full of stuff to do.

Kure Beach is right next to Carolina Beach. It's got a 712 foot pier that families have enjoyed since 1923. What a history! Head out to the end, drop a line and lose track of time.

Kure Beach also serves up a heaping portion of military history at Fort Fisher where the kids can check out the largest earthen fort in the South! They could even learn a thing or two about one of the largest naval bombardments in the world until WWI — it took place right off Kure Beach! There's also the North Carolina Military History Museum and the North Carolina Aquarium to keep the kids (and you) entertained.

Springtime. Shorts. Flip flops. SUNSHINE. Carolina Beach. Kure Beach. Sweet.