North Carolina Attractions

USS Battleship North Carolina – USS Battleship North Carolina is a proud reminder of America’s efforts to protect the free world and its rich naval heritage. Come aboard and experience the patriotic pride that carried her brave crew to victory. Enjoy two-hour, self-guided tours of this restored World War II-era combatant. Visit www.battleshipnc.com.

Orton Plantation Gardens – A gem in the wild, Orton Plantation Gardens offers impressive gardens on 20 coastal acres. Formal beds dominated by annuals and perennials, paths lined with azaleas and camellias, and mixed pines and deciduous hardwoods create a canopy over the paths. Wildlife and bird life abound on the former rice plantation that prides itself on enormous live oaks and lovely landscapes.

Fort Fisher Historic Site& Recreation Area – Take a guided tour of the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, set amidst twisted live oaks on the west side of U.S. Highway 421. Fort Fisher was the largest of the Confederacy’s earthwork fortifications during the Civil War, and served as an arm of Camp Davis during World War II. Fort Fisher Recreation Area features 4 miles of wide, unspoiled beach, a visitor center and a public boat launch for windsurfing, parasailing, kite boarding, kayaking and fishing. The Fort Fisher Southport Ferry is a worthwhile $5 cruise. [Top]

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher – North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is North Carolina’s largest aquarium, featuring dramatic exhibits, a huge shark tank and half-acre freshwater conservatory. Visit 2,600 exhibited creatures, including alligators, sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, sea snakes, lionfish, and octopuses. Visiting the N.C. Aquarium on Pleasure Island is a journey along the Cape Fear River and estuaries to the ocean. Visit www.ncaquariums.com.

Airlie Gardens – Airlie Gardens - located near Wrightsville Beach - encompasses 67 acres of quintessential Southern gardens with 10 acres of freshwater lakes. Enchanting gardens feature azaleas, camellias, statuary and the Historic Airlie Oak. Visit www. airliegardens.org. [Top]

Poplar Grove Plantation – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Poplar Grove Plantation preserves the homestead of a peanut farming family and the outbuildings and crafts of an 1800’s working community. Tour the big and beautiful Greek Revival style house and tenant farmer's cabin, and visit the craft shops and the blacksmith's shop. Visit www.poplargrove.com.

Thalian Hall – One of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in America, historic Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts presents 250 performance events every year, including theater, concerts, dance, shows and Children’s theater. Forming the east wing of Wilmington's magnificent City Hall , THCP houses the Main Stage, the Grand Ballroom, and the Studio Theatre, which host a variety of entertainment and unique works. Visit www. www.thalianhall.com.

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park – Jungle Rapids is Wilmington's family waterpark, featuring thrilling waterslides, a million-gallon wave pool, Lazy River, grand prix go-carts, laser tag, “The Rock” climbing wall, Kids Jungle, an 18-hole miniature golf course, hot springs, a sundeck with lounges, and free floats. Visit www.junglerapids.com. [Top]

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington – Join actors and ghost hunters on a 90-minute journey into Old Wilmington. Traverse 270 year-old alleyways littered with tales of pirates who frequented port. Stumble upon haunted homes and landmarks, nestled beneath the outstretched canopy of centuries old live oaks, their cryptic limbs straining under dangling Spanish moss. There are 20 active sites featured on this creepy crawl. Visit www.hauntedwilmington.com.

Screen Gems Studios – Walk through Wilmington's two-decade film history on a tour of Screen Gems Studios North Carolina. The picturesque 32-acre film lot has been home to more than 300 film, television and commercial productions, attracting the world’s most creative directors. The one-hour walking tour of the largest full-service motion picture facility east of California includes visits to the sets of Dawson’s Creek and the WB hit show One Tree Hill. Visit www.screengemsstudios.com.

Cape Fear River – Deep and fast-moving, the Cape Fear River begins at the confluence of the Haw and Deep rivers near Greensboro and empties into the Atlantic Ocean 200 miles south. With a compelling history and dangerous reputation, the Cape Fear River is a major influence on Wilmington, 30 miles upstream from the ocean. Enjoy riverboat cruises, fishing spots and tours. [Top]

Cape Fear Riverwalk – Starting at Waterfront Park on Bay Street, the one-mile Riverwalk provides a pleasant stroll along the Cape Fear River to the marina and yacht basin. Complete with wide patio-style areas and pocket parks with benches, the Riverwalk offers spectacular views of the river, especially at night. Cape Fear Riverwalk is a scenic spot to grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to free music, and watch the freighters, yachts and ski boats.

Riverboat Cruises – Board at S. Water St. and the foot of Dock St. for narrated sightseeing cruises, Dinner and Dance, Sunset, and Special Events Cruises on the Cape Fear River and Private Charters year round. The HENRIETTA III Cruises go out April – December. Visit www.cfrboats.com.

Coastal Kayak Adventures – Discover the beautiful NC coastline on a kayak tour on calm water trails that meander through salt marshes and barrier islands. Wilmington is a paddler’s paradise, defined by swamps, black water rivers, sounds, salt marshes, barrier islands and ocean surf. Kayaks move gracefully upon the environment's rich diversity of wildlife and scenery and access wilderness that other crafts cannot. Experience the freedom and adventure that kayaking offers. Visit www.coastalkayakadventures.com. [Top]

University of North Carolina Wilmington – University of North Carolina Wilmington is a dynamic learning community that combines small-college teaching with research university opportunities. Ranked 7 th in the 2006 U.S. News & World Report of top public undergraduate universities in the South, UNCW offers 73 undergraduate degree programs and 28 graduate degrees. The Center for Marine Science offers a Ph.D. in marine biology. UNCW Seahawks field 19 varsity athletic teams, including NCAA Division I men’s basketball. Visit www.uncw.edu.

Southport – Southport is one of the most desirable places in the US to retire. Located on Bay Street at land’s end, Southport’s waterfront has been a center of activity, from roving pirates and river pilots to fishermen bringing in the day’s catch. From the waterfront, you’ll be able to see two of the area’s important landmarks, Old Baldy Lighthouse on Bald Head Island and the Oak Island Lighthouse at Caswell Beach.

Coast Line Convention Center – Located downtown in Historic Wilmington, on the banks of the Cape Fear River, Coast Line Convention Center features 10,000 square feet of multifunctional space for meetings, conventions, trade shows, conferences, banquets, wedding receptions, and social events for up to 900.This renovated 19th century railroad building has retained the charm of yesterday, while providing all the services and amenities for modern-day evens. Visit www.nccoastalevents.com.

Burgwin-Wright Museum House – The oldest museum house in Southeastern North Carolina, this beautifully restored Georgian style house is filled with 18th and early 19th century furnishings. A formal garden, a terraced garden, and an orchard surround the house. Open hearth demonstrations of Colonial cooking are presented in the kitchen one Saturday each month.

Latimer House – Home of three generations of Latimer's until 1963 when it was furnished into a historical museum, this beautiful Italianate style estate houses the Cape Fear Historical Society and features 14 rooms containing over 600 historical objects including furniture, jewelry, and tools. Beautiful gardens, enclosed in original stucco and lace brick walls, surround the house and are filled with flora authentic to the period.

Wilmington Trolley Company – This eight mile sightseeing trolley tour allows visitors to experience the charm of Old Wilmington and includes beautiful mansions, haunted homes, birthplaces of famous natives, and African-American historical sites. [Top]

Beaches and Islands

Wrightsville

Carolina Beach – Carolina Beach is a beautiful beach resort on Pleasure Island, the larger of the barrier islands on the Cape Fear Coast separated by the Intracoastal Waterway . With wide, sandy beaches, coastal marinas, a Boardwalk, pier, Ferris wheel, gazebo, arcade, and specialty shops, Carolina Beach offers nostalgic charm and a wholesome atmosphere. Anglers love Carolina Beach, and there are plenty of tackle shops, fishing piers and deep-sea fishing cruises from charter boats berthed in the municipal yacht basin.

Kure Beach – Kure Beach is a stunning getaway destination with scenic views of the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean, and Zeke’s Island estuarine complex. Kure Beach offers a tranquil atmosphere for swimming, fishing, sunbathing and surfing. A popular fishing pier extends out over the ocean and there are several restaurants, and a charming boardwalk with benches that is lighted at night. Cast your fishing from the Kure Beach Fishing Pier or tour the historic remains of Fort Fisher. [Top]

Topsail Island & Beach – Topsail Island, a 26-mile-long barrier island north of Wilmington, consists of North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. On the southern end, Topsail Beach is a peaceful and historic beach community with a charming downtown shopping area. Visitors flock to the beautiful dune-protected beaches and for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing and sea kayaking. Topsail boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, a fishing pier, and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Surf City – The largest town on Topsail Island, Surf Cityoffers public boat ramps and excellent fishing spots at the new Soundside Park – just over the swing bridge - offering access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Bald Head Island – Four miles off the coast of Southport, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island is one of the most beautiful natural beaches and maritime forests on the North Carolina coast. The island offers 14 miles of protected beaches, pristine dunes, creeks and forests surrounded by 10,000 acres of salt marshes. Enjoy a restaurant, stores, a marina, a golf course, and bike rentals. Bald Head Island is identifiable by the Bald Head Island Lighthouse - the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. [Top]

Museums

Cape Fear Museum of Science and History – Cape Fear Museum features 40,000+ artifacts and changing exhibits of 19 th and 20 th Century objects, images, photographs, and slides relating to the history, science and culture of Lower Cape Fear. Waves and Currents: The Lower Cape Fear Story highlights the region’s history and science from pre-history through the 20th century. Explore Cape Fear’s ecosystems at the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com.

Children's Museum of Wilmington – One of the best children’s museums in the country, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington stimulates children’s imagination, curiosity and love of learning. The Museum celebrates the joys of childhood by providing magical exhibits and two outdoor gardens. Children and adults can explore arts, sciences, and culture through playful, hands-on and child-directed experiences. Visit www.playwilmington.org.

Cameron Art Museum – Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum highlights North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage. The museum boasts 15 galleries, displaying a unique blend of artwork from 18th century paintings to 20th century ceramics, decoys, sculptures and computer generated art. After viewing the renowned permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, visit the Museum Shop or stroll the 10-acre campus including the Civil War Battlefield and Sculpture Park. Visit www.cameronartmuseum.com.

Bellamy Mansion Museum and Gardens – Visit one of North Carolina’s spectacular treasures of antebellum architecture built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Tour the beautiful Victorian gardens and the mansion that contains changing exhibitions on history and design arts. Visit www.bellamymansion.org.

Wilmington Railroad Museum – With aneclectic collection of railroad displays, Wilmington Railroad Museum traces the historical development of railroads in Wilmington and recaptures the essence of the steam locomotive days. See railroad artifacts dating from 1840, as well as models of the North Carolina-South Carolina routes of the 1940s and 1950s. Children have hours of fun at the Thomas the Train play area, operating a life-size caboose and a real steam locomotive. Visit www.wilmingtonrailroadmuseum.org. [Top]

Porters Neck Country Club – This 18-hole, Par 72 course – designed by Tom Fazio - features rolling, tree-lined fairways, six water holes and large, undulating greens. The course has four sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. Visit www.porters-neck.com.

The Cape Golf & Racquet Club – The natural hazards on this course are complemented by the breathtaking natural beauty of the terrain. The course meanders through scenic woods and marshlands. Golfers enjoy nice views of fairways and greens from the tee boxes, and there are 24 lakes and ponds that challenge throughout the course. Visit www.thecapegolfclub.com.

Magnolia Greens – One of the top courses in North Carolina and a focal point for Wilmington, this 7000-yard golf course received a 4.5 star ranking (of 5) by Golf Digest. The facility features 27 holes of fun and challenging golf, Bent grass greens, a driving range, a 12,000 sq. ft. putting green , a pro shop, and a café/bar. Magnolia Greens hosted the 1998 and 1999 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournaments. Visit www.magnolia-greens.com.

Carolina National Golf Club – Designed by Fred Couples, this 18-hole coastal course makes use of the scenic wetlands upon which it is perched. The back nine also features picturesque views of the Lockwood Folly River. Located in Bolivia, south of Wilmington, Carolina Nationalis worth the venture. Visit www.ncnationalgolfclub. [Top]

Lockwood Folly Country Club – Lockwood Folly is a par 72, 18-hole public course carved in a magnificent setting from a 100-year-old private hunting preserve, bordering the Intracoastal Waterway and the Lockwood Folly River, with an ocean view. Lockwood Folly received a Golf Digest Four Star Award for "Places to Play" in 2000, 2002 and 2004. You will find a stocked pro shop, café, practice range and turn room. Visit www.lockwoodfolly.com

Castle Bay Country Club – Castle Bay offers authentic Scottish links with a rolling terrain and natural indigenous grasses. Located in Hampstead, this public par 72 course offers a practice complex, a pro shop and snack bar. Visit www.castlebaygolf.com

Topsail Greens Golf Club – Topsail Greens is an 18-hole, par 71 course featuring player-friendly, tight fairways, and a 159-yard par 3 with an island green. The greens are cleverly contoured to allow a misplayed shot to roll off the putting surface. Enjoy the pro shop, snack bar, a putting green and chipping greens. Visit www.topsailgreensgolf.com

Shopping

Chandler’s Wharf – Enjoy historic shops, specialty boutiques, and excellent dining experiences right on the Cape Fear River at 225 S. Water Street . Call (910) 343-9896.

The Cotton Exchange – Browse the 34 fine shops and dine at several wonderful restaurants at this Wilmington shopping mall. Call ( 910) 343-9896.

Wilmington Festivals

Azalea Festival - A springtime celebration of Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, history and culture, the 59 th Azalea Festival – April 5 – 9, 2006 – is a 3-day riverfront street fair that features headline concerts, arts, craft and food vendors, a spectacular parade, garden and home tours, the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, and more. Call (910) 794-4650 or visit www.ncazaleafestival.com.

Azalea Festival Triathlon -The Azalea Festival Triathlon is an exciting triple-sport event that tests the strength and endurance of competitors from around the South. The April 1 event, held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus, involves a 300-yard swim, a 20K bike and a 5K run. Visit www.set-upinc.com, or call (910) 794-4650. [Top]