One of the criteria important to us when we were considering our relocation destination was finding a town with cultural vibrancy, charm and ambiance that offered a variety of activities, and fun ways to spend a day or evening. 

We were very attracted to Wilmington NC  because of its riverfront location, historic homes, cobblestones streets, quaint shops, theaters, music locales and fine restaurants, and the more we learned the more we fell in love, even from a distance.   The Historic Riverfront City of Wilmington has a charm and ambiance that is hard to resist.

Now that we are living in our new Hometown we are even more enamored of all that our downtown area has to offer. I have put together a summary of a few of the highlights of the Historic Downtown are of Wilmington for those who might be thinking of Wilmington NC as a relocation destination. Spend a day or spend a week, you won't run out of fun things to do and see!

Here are just a few suggestions of how to pass the day in Historic Downtown Wilmington NC, "The Port City."

Start of the day with a stroll down The Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, and enjoy the view of the waterfront graced by fine restaurants, charming shops and impressive historic buildings.

Stop for lunch or dinner at one of the area's fine restaurants such as Elijahs, Pilot House, The Riverboat Landing, The George or Circa1922.  

How about taking in the charm of the Historic homes about town. Start at Third St, where you will be greeted by stately Bed and Breakfasts flanked by Live Oaks nestled high on a hill overlooking the Cape Fear River. You will pass a majestic 19th century former Governor's mansion, ante-bellum homes and unique iron gates that will draw you back to another era.

Wilmington is often called the city of churches and for good reason. You will be awed by the eclectic architectural styles and formidable size of the city's historic churches that seem to dot every corner. One Exquisite example is St Mary's Spanish Baroque Church pictured here.

If your feet feel tired and you would like to tour on wheels, what better way than a good old fashioned horse drawn tour with Carriage Tours of Wilmington departing from Water and Market streets.

Feel like cruising? Board the Henrietta II, for a sunset or moonlight cruise on the River and take in the local scenery. Dinner Dances and Theme Cruises are also available as well.

The Azalea Festival comes to town every April, drawing big stars and big crowds. last year guests were Sara Evans and Michael Macdonald were the featured music artists.  This year the award winning country band Sugarland is scheduled to rock the stage. The street Fair, Parade and garden tours draw large crowds If you plan on attending be sure to book your reservations early as the town is overflowing with visitors.

Across the river from downtown is The Battleship North Carolina, dedicated to veterans of World War II, it was the first modern U.S. battleship that made history in the combat zones of the Pacific from 1941 to 1945.  Open every day year round and on summer evenings host to a spectacular sound and light show. The complex includes a gift shop, seasonal snack bar and riverside picnic area.

 Care to enjoy play or musical performance while your about town? Thalian Hall, is the home of the country's oldest community theater and currently hosts national touring companies as well as numerous local theater companies. Built between 1855 and 1858 the impressive building has a theater and city hall, it continues to operate both capacities.

There are a good selection museums for kids and adults alike which include the Wilmington Railroad Museum, hosts exhibits from the important rail era of the city's history. Once the largest Railroad in the world, the Wilmington Railroad was the major contributor to Wilmington's economic development in the mid-1800s.

The Cape Fear Museum displays an interesting nautical exhibit and provides information about the social, cultural and natural history of the region. Changing exhibits and weekend programs offer diverse entertainment. The Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery named after the famous NBA basketball player, who was the star player at Laney High School here in Wilmington, offers a hands-on exploration of southeastern North Carolina where you can feed a Venus' flytrap or crawl through a beaver lodge.

The Bellamy Mansion,Fifth Avenue and Market Street, a Spectacular example of Ante Bellum architecture is restored structure that was built right before the Civil War. Tours and changing exhibits on history and the design arts are offered with 22 rooms open to the public.

The Cotton Exchange, 321 N. Front Street was the former home of one of the world's largest export companies, eight restored buildings connected by, open-air courtyards, brick walkways and heart-pine beams house specialty shops and restaurants, the newest one is Paizano's, where the ambiance is Tuscan and the food out of this world

 Guided tours of Wilmington include Haunted Pub Crawl, Wilmington Ghost Walk, and Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington.  

 These are just a few ways to spend a day in historic Wilmington NC a fun place to visit, a great place to live!

 Thinking about purchasing a home or investment property in the Wilmington NC area? Visit your source for Wilmington NC Real Estate:  www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

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 Coast Home North Carolina Wilmington Blogs by Ginger Sala Relocation Specialist Wilmington NC