Wilmington, NC

Less than one hour from the Brunswick Isles is the magnificent port city of Wilmington, NC. This cosmopolitan city is anchored by its colorful downtown Historic District with beautifully restored antebellum homes and tree-lined streets draped with Spanish moss.

With excellent shopping, outstanding restaurants, antique shops and a view of the river wherever you go, downtown Wilmington flourishes more every year. In the past ten years, the Cape Fear River has become a second focal point of the city's booming tourist industry, vying for tourist attention with the nearby beaches. Downtown hotels, inns, shops and restaurants situated on its banks enjoy brisk business all year long, and docking space for boats is experiencing a substantial increase.

Aside from being the center of government for the city and New Hanover County, downtown Wilmington is also the center of the cultural arts scene. Thalian Hall puts on many wonderful productions, both musical and dramatic. The Community Arts Center is constantly enhancing the arts scene by offering classes and sponsoring productions for adults and children. Downtown Wilmington also hosts many art galleries, music shops and the Cape Fear Museum. The popularity and charm of this area has attracted many retail stores, financial institutions and entertainment and dining establishments.

During the day, downtown Wilmington is quaint and charming, but at night it comes alive in a whole new way. Dance clubs, jazz bars, local and touring musicals, venues for rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues and more can be found in the 55-block area of the downtown commercial district. Perhaps the nicest thing about downtown Wilmington -- and something that separates it from the rest of the city and nearby communities -- is its pleasant and fascinating walkability. The Riverwalk, with its view of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA moored on the western shore, is a great place to stroll, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to free music and gaze at the river.

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Attractions
The Arts
Nightlife

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