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

We first discovered discovered Wilmington on the internet & were instantly attracted as we read about it's riverfront location, historic homes, cobblestone streets, quaint shops, art galleries, theaters, music locales, fine restaurants and beautiful area beaches.  The more we learned about Wilmington, the more we fell in love, from a distance.  

Now that we are living in our new Hometown we are even more enamored of all that our lovely downtown area has to offer. The Historic Riverfront City of Wilmington has a charm and ambiance that is hard to resist.  I have put together a few of the highlights of the Historic Downtown area 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 of the fun ways to pass the time 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 as featured music artists.  The street Fair, Parade and garden tours bring large crowds so if you plan on attending be sure to book your reservations early as the town is overflowing with visitors.

 History Buffs will not want to miss  a tour of 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.  Located across the river from downtown the Battleship is open every day year round and on summer evenings plays host to a spectacular sound and light show. The complex includes a gift shop, seasonal snack bar and riverside picnic area.

 Care to enjoy a play or musical performance while you're about our town? Thalian Hall, is the home of the country's oldest community theater and currently features 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.

 A great selection of museums for children and adults alike include the Wilmington Railroad Museum, which 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, at Fifth Avenue and Market Street, is 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.

Steps from the Riverwalk across from the Riverside Hilton you'll find The Cotton Exchange, which was once the home of one of the world's largest export companies. Eight restored historic buildings, connected by open-air courtyards, brick walkways and heart-pine beams, house an eclectic collection of specialty shops and restaurants for all tastes and price ranges.

Still need help finding your way around? Guided tours of Wilmington include Haunted Pub Crawl, Wilmington Ghost Walk, and Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington.   

Hope you have enjoyed the tour! I have just scratced the surface of some ways to spend a day in historic Wilmington NC, a fun place to visit, a great place to live!