Instead of the regular trip to the beach or aquarium this weekend, residents and visitors alike might want to check out the various cultural attractions that Wilmington has to offer. The city has a unique blend of local artists and theatre groups to tempt cultural taste buds and entertain people of every age.

Local stage productions in town this week include the University’s own “70 Scenes of Halloween” as well as Big Dog Production’s “The Miser.” Directed by Professor Ed Wagenseller, “70 Scenes of Halloween” runs Sept. 26-29 and Oct. 2-6 at the SRO theatre in Kenan Hall. The cost is $2 for students and $8 for the general public.

“(The play) breaks the conventional rules of theatre and it’s a lot of fun to watch,” Dr. Wagenseller said.

“The Miser,” a comic masterpiece, will be featured Oct. 3-6 and 9-12 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. at Thalian Hall.

For fans of film, on “Men in Black II” will be showing in the Warwick Center Ballroom on Sept. 27 at 7 and 10 p.m. This event is free to the public.

Also, Thalian Hall offers Cinematique, a venue for independent, foreign, art and classic films. On Sept. 23-25 the film “Sunshine State” is showing. All shows are $7 and begin at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage. For more info on tickets or reviews of the films call 343-3664 or check them out on the web at www.thalianhall.com.

Wilmington is also a community rich in local visual arts, which are easily accessible to the public. This week, the Cameron Art Museum, located at 3201 S. 17th St., will feature exhibits ranging from American Modern to Eighteenth century art. The museum also offers The Forks restaurant for those interested in a chic regional lunch after perusing the gallery exhibits. For more info call 395-5999 or find them on the web at www.cameronartmuseum.com.

In addition, many restaurants in town currently have exhibits of local artists, which can be viewed while enjoying the fine dining Wilmington offers. Tomatoz restaurant on S. College Road is featuring the work of John Bartholomew. Caprice Bistro on Market Street offers up photography by Matthew Dol, and Caffe Pheonix located on Front Street, features the paintings of Gabriel Lovejoy.

“The art in these restaurants adds to the atmosphere and makes dining a more enjoyable experience,” UNCW student and avid diner Andy Rintuol said.

So, instead of that beach trip this weekend try out one of the cultural opportunities that Wilmington has to offer as they are sure to not disappoint.