Riverfront history in Wilmington, North Carolina

Situated on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, Wilmington is a historic riverfront city with activities sure to appeal to all members of the family, including antique shops and art galleries, historic gardens, military sites, and even an amusement park. Of course, the picturesque waterfront is also a great place to stroll in summer.

Wilmington’s historic district, complete with mansions and other landmark buildings, has been lovingly preserved by a historic preservation committee, and is well worth exploring. Take a Wilmington Adventure Walking Tour, led by longtime resident Bob Jenkins, and be entertained by colorful tales of the city’s past, or sit back and relax on a carriage and horse drawn trolley tour, narrated by a costumed driver. Or, experience the scary side of Wilmington’s downtown during an evening Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington or a Haunted Pub Crawl.

Nearby are the island communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, with gorgeous, quiet beaches and an estuarine reserve.

If your visit includes a Friday night, you might choose to enjoy Wilmington’s balmy evening temperatures at an outdoor music festival. These popular events take place nearly every summertime Friday in the Wilmington area at the Riverfront Park, Airlie Gardens, Mayfaire Event Lawn, and Pleasure Island’s Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area.

The Cape Fear Coast website is a good place to start planning a trip to Wilmington, and Wilmington Today is devoted to leisure and entertainment in the area.

Have a recommendation for Wilmington, or another great getaway within North Carolina? Post your comment below!

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