Historic Downtown Wilmington: Things to See and Do
The historic riverfront city of Wilmington has a charm and ambiance that is hard to resist. Spend a day or spend a week, you won't run out of fun things to do and see. Here are just a few suggestions of how to pass the day in Wilmington NC, "The Port City."
Stop for lunch or dinner at one of the area's fine restaurants such as Elijahs, Pilot House, The Riverboat Landing, The George or Circa1922.
How about taking in the charm of the Historic homes about town. Start at Third St, where you will be greeted by stately Bed and Breakfasts flanked by Live Oaks nestled high on a hill overlooking the Cape Fear River. You will pass a majestic 19th century formers Governors mansion, ante-bellum homes and unique iron gates that will draw you back to another era.
Wilmington is often called the city of churches and for good readon. You will be awed by the eclectic architectural styles and formidable size of the city's historic churches that seem to dot every corner.
If your feet feel tired and you would like to tour on wheels, what better way than a good old fashioned horse drawn tour with Carriage Tours of Wilmington departing from Water and Market streets.
Feel like cruising? Board the Henrietta II, for a sunset or moonlight cruise on the River and take in the local scenery. Dinner Dances and Theme Cruises are also available as well.
The Azalea Festival comes to town every April, drawing big stars and big crowds. This year Sara Evans and Michael Macdonald were the Featured music artists. The street Fair, Parade and garden tours draw large crowds Make sure to book your reservations early as the town is overflowing with visitors.
Across the river from downtown is The Battleship North Carolina, dedicated to veterans of World War II, it was the first modern U.S. battleship that made history in the combat zones of the Pacific from 1941 to 1945. Open every day year round and on summer evenings host to a spectacular sound and light show. The complex includes a gift shop, seasonal snack bar and riverside picnic area.
Care to enjoy play or musical performance while your about town? ThalianHall, is the home of the country's oldest community theater and currently hosts national touring companies as well as numerous local theater companies. Built between 1855 and 1858 the impressive building has a theater and city hall, it continues to operate both capacities
There are a good selection museums for kids and adults alike whichnclude the Wilmington Railroad Museum, hosts exhibits from the important rail era of the city's history. Once the largest Railroad in the world, the Wilmington Railroad was the major contributor to Wilmington's economic development in the mid-1800s.
The Cape Fear Museum displays an interesting nautical exhibit and provides information about the social, cultural and natural history of the region. Changing exhibits and weekend programs offer diverse entertainment. The Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery named after the famous NBA basketball player, who grew up here in Wilmington, offers a hands-on exploration of southeastern North Carolina where you can feed a Venus' flytrap or crawl through a beaver lodge.
The Bellamy Mansion,Fifth Avenue and Market Street, a Spectacular example of Ante Bellum architecture is restored structure that was built right before the Civil War. Tours and changing exhibits on history and the design arts are offered with 22 rooms open to the public.
The Cotton Exchange,321 N. Front Street was the former home of one of the world's largest export companies, eight restored buildings connected by, open-air courtyards brick walkways and heart-pine beams house specialty shops and restaurants, the newest one is Paizano's, where the ambiance is Tuscan and the food out of this world!
Guided tours of Wilmington include Haunted Pub Crawl, Wilmington Ghost Walk, and Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington.
These are just a few ways to spend a day in historic Wilmington NC a fun place to visit, a great place to live!
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