How to Visit Wilmington, North Carolina

Located on North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast, Wilmington is a historic riverfront town sparkling with cultural and culinary gems. There's something for every visitor's interest in Wilmington, from children's museums, to riverfront cruises and ghostwalks, to art and cultural venues aplenty. This article will tell you how enjoy a visit to historic Wilmington, North Carolina, no matter if you're staying for a weekend or a week.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera
• Good walking shoes
• Interest in history
• Sunscreen
• Love of the arts

Plan Your Visit to Wilmington, North Carolina

1. There's much to do and see for visitors to Wilmington, North Carolina, so it's good to prepare for your visit by gathering information ahead of time on the many attractions the area has to offer. For comprehensive Wilmington visitor information, a great place to start is the Wilmington-Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Wilmington-Cape Fear Coast CVB (see Resources) offers an online resource on where to stay, what to do and where to eat, not only for Wilmington, but also for the surrounding communities of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. A complimentary print version of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Visitors Guide is available by request via the organization's website. Wilmington accommodations include major hotel chains, inns, historic bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, as well as nearby private beach house and condominium rentals.
2. When planning a visit to Wilmington, North Carolina, you may want to consider scheduling your trip around one of Wilmington's many annual festivals or events. The summer months offer free outdoor concert series, along with the free Shakespeare on the Green Festival in June, and one of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in North Carolina over the Battleship North Carolina on July 4. The annual Cape Fear Blues Festival also happens in July. As the area welcomes fall, Wilmington welcomes events such as September's Art and Antique Walk and Secret Garden Tour, October's Riverfest, and the renowned Cucalorus Film Festival in November.Winter brings holiday parades, flotillas, homes tours and other seasonal delights. And spring offers the noted North Carolina Azalea Festival in April (see Resources), the Downtown Brewgrass Festival during the same month, and the Fabulous Fantail Film Festival during May. For any season, there's an event or reason to visit Wilmington.
3. Wilmington, North Carolina is located on the southern end of the state's coast along the Cape Fear River. From points north take I-95 South to I-40 East into Wilmington. From points west, take I-40 East into Wilmington. From points South, take I-95 North to US 74 East to US 17 North into the city.Wilmington is accessible via air transportation in and out of Wilmington International Airport (see Resources) where rental car transportation can be obtained for your visit in the city.

Things to See and Do During a Visit to Wilmington, North Carolina

4. Historic Wilmington, North Carolina is home to many major attractions including the Battleship North Carolina, open year round (see Resources), the popular and beautiful Airlie Gardens, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the Children's Museum of Wilmington and the unique Cape Fear Serpentarium. Wilmington is a hotspot for film and television production, and the Screen Gems Studios Tours (see Resources) provide an interesting behind-the-scenes look at a major working studio.
5. Rounding out Wilmington's annual calendar of events is a year-round selection of noted arts and cultural events including popular ghost walks, art gallery and garden tours, riverboat cruises, impressive theatre productions at Wilmington's historic Thalian Hall and performances by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
6. Don't forget shopping, trolley and walking tours, family fun parks, kayaking and a wide selection of fine restaurants to suit every taste and price range.

Tips & Warnings

• Wilmington is located near North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast beaches, so the historic downtown can be bustling big-time during the summer months. For a more relaxed and quieter visit with less waiting in line at the area's best restaurants, consider visiting Wilmington during the off-seasons of fall, spring and winter. North Carolina's weather is usually mild, even during the coldest months, making for an enjoyable visit any time.