This just in from the Greater Wilmington Business Journal - Coastal Living magazine has acknowledged Wilmington, NC, as being one of the top destinations for July 4th activities on the American coast. We're listed along with top contenders such as San Francisco and Honolulu for not only our great fireworks (they're awesome!), but activities before and after the fireworks. Read the article below.

Wilmington ranked in top 10 for fireworks and festivities

By Sasha Johnson June 29, 2010

Coastal Living magazine has recognized Wilmington as one of the top 10 spots to celebrate the Fourth of July this year. Highlighted are the “Battleship Blast” fireworks, the largest display in the region launched from the Battleship North Carolina over the Cape Fear River.

“We chose to highlight Wilmington among the others because of the variety of fun options centered around the waterfront and the unique fireworks display,” said Jacquelyne Froeber, Travel Editor for Coastal Living.

Hotspots like San Francisco, Honolulu, Chicago and nearby Myrtle Beach are also listed.

In the publication, The Pilot House is recommended for homemade after-party desserts and The George and Elijah’s for a front row seat to view the fireworks.

The cities were selected based on Internet research and staff recommendations, according to Froeber.

Inclusion in the top 10 depended not only on the quality of the fireworks display, but also on the activities before, during and after the show, said Froeber. The list appears in the July/August 2010 issue of Coastal Living.

Original: http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/industry_news_details.php?id=1587