Travel Tuesday - Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, North Carolina is truly the hidden gem of the south. This picturesque port city boasts an active, bustling city scene with the feel of a quaint, historic town and the ideal location is close to several unique beaches, making it easy to take a break from the action and relax. The city also hosts a variety of events throughout the year and the fair North Carolina coastal weather makes it easy to enjoy a trip any time of the year. 

History is at the heart of Wilmington and is ever present throughout the cobblestone streets and antiqued homes. The downtown area is home to several historic homes, many of which have been beautifully preserved. The Burgwin-Wright House, for example, was originally built in 1770 and is the oldest restored house in coastal Carolina area. Other historic are homes include Bellamy Mansion, Latimer House, and Poplar Grove Plantation. History aficionados and neophytes alike will enjoy a visit to the Battleship North Carolina. This 1942 battleship saw a great deal of action during WWII and was once considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. The battleship was saved from near destruction and now rests safely in Wilmington for visitors to tour and enjoy. Other popular historic attractions include Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Moores Creek National Battlefield, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Children and families will have plenty to do in Wilmington as this area is very family friendly. Watch your child interact with new nautical friends at the North Carolina Aquarium. This wildly popular attraction offers a wide variety of exhibits where visitors can see everything from loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins to bamboo sharks and even an albino alligator. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is another visitor favorite and offers 15 fun, interactive exhibits. Additional family oriented attractions include Tregembo Animal Park, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, and the Carolina Beach Lake Park which hosts free family movies every Sunday evening throughout the summer. 

For those interested in taking a break from all of the action, head about 20 minutes east to one of the area beaches. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure beach are all located along the Wilmington coast and all have something different to offer. Wrightsville beach, the closest to Wilmington offers a bustling beach atmosphere. Guests here often enjoy a busy surfing and fishing scene. Farther south, Carolina Beach offers a very family friendly atmosphere and a colorful boardwalk that has been nationally recognized. Kure Beach, the southern-most beach, offers secluded beaches and quaint local shops and restaurants. 

Another reason why thousands flock to this area each year is the variety of exciting events that Wilmington offers. Summer is the best time for music lovers to come as Wilmington boasts a thriving music scene. Airlie Gardens, Riverfront Park, Kure Beach Oceanfront Park, Wrightsville Beach Park, and Carolina Beach Boardwalk all host weekly concert series, in addition to the variety of national artists that the area attracts. Foodies will appreciate the variety of food and wine festivals that the area hosts. Events like the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues, & Jazz Festival, Taste of Wrightsville Beach, and the Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk are just a few of the mouthwatering events that guests can look forward to. Art connoisseurs are not left out either. The Orange Street Art Festival is the area’s largest arts festival and more than 50 artists return each year to display their work, ranging from sculpture and jewelry to paintings and wood work. In addition, Wilmington boasts a busy theater scene with several area vendors that provide a variety of entertainment options. 

With all of these exciting things to do in Wilmington, it is not hard to see why this sea side city is a favorite east coast destination. The variety of entertainment, scenic beaches, and fair weather make Wilmington an absolute must see. Accommodations are easy to find and there is always something going on, so start planning your trip to Wilmington today!

 



Meisha Bochicchio lives in the Myrtle Beach, SC area and works in marketing. In her free time, she enjoys photography, blogging, and absorbing the beach lifestyle