Welcome to Wilmington! Steeped in charm and a rich, storied history, the Port City offers so many ways to fall in love with the North Carolina coast. The NC Pro Realty team invites you to start exploring this vibrant southern city by adding these enchanting attractions to your list of must-see places!
Dive into history at the Battleship North Carolina. This World War II battleship is a National Historic Landmark as well as a memorial to North Carolinians who gave their lives in service during the war. The authentically restored ship is open every day of the year and hosts all kinds of events, including behind-the-scenes tours, reenactments, fireworks and seasonal celebrations. Spend several unhurried hours exploring the ship’s nine levels and while you’re there, be sure to soak in the incredible view of historic downtown Wilmington across the Cape Fear River.
Continue your walk through history with a visit to the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. This stunning example of antebellum architecture has graced downtown Wilmington for over 150 years and is now a center of cultural heritage. Take a self-guided tour through the mansion’s twenty-two rooms, the carefully restored slave quarters and the recreated gardens to learn about life in a by-gone era. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, from live jazz to art shows to afternoon teas.
Enjoy a leisurely waterfront stroll along the Riverwalk. This boardwalk stretches 1.75 miles along the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington, from Nun Street all the way to the Isabel Holmes bridge. From this promenade, you’ll find easy access to just about anything your heart desires: local boutiques, cafes, bistros, breweries, museums and public parks. You can even connect up with the River to the Sea Bikeway, the East Coast Greenway and the Cape Fear Historic Byway! Benches, porch swings and stools provide perfect waypoints to stop and soak in the gorgeous view of the Cape Fear River.
Surround yourself with beauty at Airlie Gardens … sixty-seven acres of it, in fact! Wander along paths that weave through enchanting gardens filled with grand live oaks, seasonal blooms, historic structures and contemporary sculpture. First designed over a century ago, this historic garden holds over 100,000 azaleas as well as the stately Arlie Oak, which dates back to 1545. As impressive as all the flora is, the fauna is worth a mention too: the gardens are a Coastal Region site on the North Carolina Birding Trail and host a monthly bird hike, sure to delight both novices and birding enthusiasts.
image courtesy of Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
A truly unforgettable experience beckons at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Operating almost continuously since 1858, Thalian Hall is one of the oldest theaters in the United States. This historic landmark is now a vital community center, hosting hundreds of events throughout the year. Take your pick from many wonderful avenues to experience the dramatic arts: local community theater, touring performances from national artists through its Main Attractions series, artistic films featured through the Cinematique Film Series, and performances from international ballet companies to name just a few!
History comes alive at Poplar Grove, a historic plantation dating back to 1850. Explore the grounds of this former sweet potato and peanut plantation and tour the carefully preserved Manor House. Study the craftsmanship of the past at two heritage art studios, the basket gallery and the blacksmith shop. Part of the National Park Service’s Gullah Geechee Corridor, the plantation offers the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture and heritage of the Gullah Geechee people who have resided in the coastal areas and sea islands stretching from North Carolina down to Florida. Be sure to allow time to wander through Abbey Nature Preserve, located adjacent to Poplar Grove, on the north side of the Manor House. Part of the Coastal Land Trust, the preserve is open to the public during daylight hours and includes over two miles of trails that wind through beautiful old oaks and magnolia trees.
Explore Wilmington’s rich cultural landscape with a visit to one (or all!) of the Port City’s outstanding museums. Immerse yourself in the visual arts at Cameron Art Museum where you can tour inspiring exhibitions, an outdoor Art Park, and over 9+ acres of nature trails. For a fascinating glimpse into Wilmington’s railway history, check out the Wilmington Railroad Museum which is home to a life-size caboose, boxcar, and 100-year-old steam locomotive, as well as over twenty operating scale model trains! Get hands on at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, which boasts a collection of over 56,000 items and artifacts and provides a fun, interactive experience for all ages. Have little ones? Pay a visit to the Children’s Museum of Wilmington which houses over 17,000 square feet of fun and engaging ways to play with a purpose!
A veritable treasure trove of culture, entertainment and history, Wilmington truly has something for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? The Port City is calling - time to play!
NC Pro Realty is brokered by eXp Realty and we consider it our privilege to help you truly eXperience all that our lovely state of North Carolina has to offer.
