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Welcome to Wilmington. This city started as a curiosity for explorers, a destination for traders, even a haven for pirates. Today, newcomers find their own treasures here - rich history, lively arts, historic architecture, beautiful beaches, friendly neighborhoods and more.
Wilmington possesses a charm that finds its roots in Southern hospitality and the custom of good manners. People say hello to each other on the sidewalks, and invite fellow motorists to squeeze into line at busy intersections. It is a way of life that demands a slower pace than other parts of the country, possibly even the state.
Recreation, the enjoyment of life beyond the workplace, is vital to the lifestyle here. Residents have discovered that this land with its varied topography and mild climate is uniquely suited for golf, with its mile-high mountains, its rolling sand hills and its legendary coast. Wilmington's location between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean makes it ideal to enjoy water sports of all kinds. The sport of fishing, whether it is salt water or fresh-water fly fishing, deep sea fishing, pier or surf fishing is among the favorite pastimes.
Perhaps you came here because of your job. Or maybe you visited as a tourist and vowed to return for good. Perhaps you chose the area because of its appealing retirement lifestyle. Whatever your motivation for moving here, you will find plenty to keep you here. Wilmington is blessed with thriving businesses, good schools and excellent health care, plus the housing options you want the most.
There are also increasing numbers of commuter families moving here. Occasionally, the family moves to Wilmington, and the major breadwinner commutes to work in another city - the Triangle or Washington or Atlanta.
Along with the growth and influx of people has come notice from major media. Wilmington has been noted as a desirable place to live by several magazines, and Rolling Stone applauded the burgeoning music scene centered in Historic Downtown.
Downtown is perhaps the core of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach's charm. In the thriving residential and business district, homes dating from the Revolutionary era are immaculately restored as private residences and museums. Retail shops and restaurants, art galleries and law offices populate the waterfront from Chandler's Wharf to the Cotton Exchange and east to Fifth Avenue.
 Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach's beaches are its greatest attraction! |
The first question all newcomers ask when they arrive in their new town is: Where are we going to live? In Wilmington, you will find many appealing answers to that question. You can choose from in-town living or a cozy beach hideaway or a county home. You can choose from the city of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach or one of the area's smaller towns. You can choose an old bungalow to remodel or a brand-new home with all of today's amenities - or even a condo that preserves your free time for having fun, not doing home maintenance. In short, whatever your taste and lifestyle, you will find a home to match in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.
There is much to like about Wilmington - and much to learn. Wilmington is a great place to live.
Places to Go and Things to do!
Arboretum
A teaching and learning facility focusing on plant life adapted to southeastern North Carolina. Includes landscaping and coastal plants. 452-6396.
Battleship North Carolina
The USS North Carolina participated in every major naval operation in the Pacific. 350-1817.
Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts
This antebellum home offers tours and exhibitions focusing on architecture and history. 251-3700.
 Bellamy Mansion Museum |
Brunswick Town State Historic Site
Excavated ruins of a colonial port town founded in 1726 and burned by the British in 1776, this state historic site includes a visitors center with exhibits about life in a colonial town and artifacts gathered from its ruins. 371-6613.
Burgwin-Wright House
Built in 1770 over an abandoned city jail, this house is the oldest restoration in Wilmington. 762-0570.
Cameron Art Museum
Formerly the St. John's Museum of Art, the Cameron Art Museum opened it's doors in 2002. Designed and built by the renowned modern architectural firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, it sits on a 9 ˝ acre woodland park. The grounds feature a pond, historic Civil War site, 2100 square foot art education building, a 42,000 square foot art museum with galleries, a full service restaurant, lecture and reception hall, museum gift shop and parking. The museum houses a collection of fine art, craft and design, as well as visiting exhibits. 395-5999.
Cape Fear Museum
The largest history museum in eastern North Carolina celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1998. The museum features exhibits that explore the history and natural history of the Cape Fear region. 341-7413.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River was the last Confederate stronghold to fall to the North. All that remains are its earthworks, the largest in existence. There is an excellent museum on site, as well as occasional re-enactments.458-5538.
Greenfield Lake and Gardens
A cypress "Swamp" surrounded by nearly five miles of walking paths and bridges, is on the of most beautiful sites in the area.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Features a large observation tank filled with fish native to the area's coastal waters (including sharks and huge sea turtles), a discovery room and touch tank for the kids, and plenty of outdoor adventures. 459-8257.
Poplar Grove Plantation
Restored 1850 Greek Revival Manor house takes a look back at plantation life during the late 1800s. 686-4868.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
This museum pays tribute to the railroad industry, which includes a restored steam locomotive and an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts. 763-2634.
For more local attractions see our "Things to Do" page. | 
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