Visiting Wilmington, North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina is a charming Southern town with countless things to, places to explore, and sights to see. Some of the most popular attractions among tourists are the Battleship North Carolina and the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, but there are also several can't miss spots a little off the beaten path.

For starters simply explore Historic Downtown Wilmington. Grab coffee and go for a stroll along the Riverwalk, browse for unique items in the eclectic shops and boutiques, or enjoy a meal at one of the many fine Wilmington NC restaurants.

Wrightsville Beach,

A trip to Wilmington wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the area beach towns. Head to Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach for white sandy beaches, the cool blue waters of the Atlantic, and that great beach vibe. Dine on local seafood, relax on the beach, or take a walk around town.

Wilmington is a great place for active travelers. The mild winters mean you can participate in outdoor activities year round, and all the water in the area is great for cooling off in the hot summers. Try out surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite boarding, sailing, hiking, road or mountain biking, or running.

Airlie Gardens

One of my favorite spots in the area is Airlie Gardens. Located at 300 Airlie Road in Wilmington the 67 acre gardens are simply beautiful. Visit in early Spring to see an explosion of color with the azaleas in full bloom or in December to catch Enchanted Airlie, when the gardens are lit with holiday lights. Concerts are held in the gardens throughout the summer.

I hope you'll put Wilmington, NC on your must visit list!

*Written by Guest Writer Anna Platz, who writes about restaurants, events, and things to do in Wilmington NC for the popular local website, AccessWilmington.com.