Wilmington, North Carolina

Located between Cape Fear and the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington was once the largest city in the state, and is today famous for its southern flair and hospitality.

Wilmington, which was named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, was incorporated in 1739. Not surprisingly, history features big in Wilmington. It was the site of a famous demonstration against the Stamp Act in the years leading up to the American Revolution, and can today boast one of the largest historic districts in the United States, encompassing 230 blocks!

But Wilmington's historic district is just as firmly rooted in the present with its vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping, charming cafés, and great restaurants. And it's the perfect place to set out from and experience the various activities in and around the city.

Of course, with over 45 attractions nearby, the only problem is deciding what to do.

First stop might be the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, a retired battleship that served in the Pacific during the Second World War, and is today anchored across the river from downtown Wilmington, and open for visitors.

For those who enjoy the visual arts, there's the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, a 42,000-square-foot (3,900-square-meter) state-of-the-art facility with a permanent collection of North Carolina and American art from the 18th century to the present. The Cameron Museum is the only museum dedicated to collecting, archiving and displaying the art of North Carolina. Enjoy a mix of great architecture and history at the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts. Or go out and spend time at the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science – which includes a Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery that the kids will love.

And there's always a party – indeed, a number of famous festivals add to Wilmington's southern charm. Among these are the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the Cape Fear Fair & Expo, the Cape Fear Blues Festival, and Riverfest. Fireworks, classic car shows, and good food are available year-round.

The outdoorsy types will want to note that getting out of the city is not a problem either. Wilmington and the surrounding area is renown as an "outdoor enthusiast's paradise" with a variety of activities on offer, from fishing to biking, from hiking to sailing. About 45 miles southwest of Wilmington is Lake Waccamaw State Park, and about 15 miles south is Carolina Beach State Park on the Atlantic.

History, arts, the outdoors, and the beach! Wilmington has plenty to keep you busy.

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