Historic downtown Wilmington is one of the major attractions of this beautiful coastal town. Packed full of history and southern charm this is one stop to keep on your list of things to do while vacationing in the area. Take a walk along the Cape Fear River via the River-walk which runs alongside shops and restaurants rich with old world charm and new age style. Or you could choose to take a sunset cruise down the Cape Fear on the Henrietta III steamboat which offers a dinner and dancing every Friday and Saturday.
If shopping and dining aren’t on the top of your list perhaps you would be more interested in visiting one of the many historical sites located in the downtown area. Downtown is home to the USS North Carolina Battleship which is located right along the Cape Fear and is a must see for history buffs. Access to the battleship allows you to explore on your own and let history come alive! While walking the decks, through the kitchen, the infirmary, by beds which hang from chains along walls you can learn of the daily life of the soldiers who occupied the vessel. The battleship is open every day of the year from 8-5 in the winter and 8-8 in the summer.
The Bellamy Mansion is another must see located on the corner of 5th St. and Market St. The 22 room mansion was built in 1858 and is rumored to be haunted by ghosts of the Civil War. The old Bellay home was taken over by Federal Troops during the Civil War has since been turned to a museum that is open daily. The cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children, and is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 1-5.
If nightlife is what you’re looking for, look no further as there are more than thirty different pubs and night-clubs to choose from. The bars are condensed which makes for short walking distances enabling stops at many different spots. There is something to keep everyone entertained, choose from cocktails along the River-walk, live music, dancing, jazz, or cocktails on one of the rooftop bars overlooking the beautiful downtown. No matter what your age or interests downtown has something to offer everyone so keep it on your list of things to do while visiting Wilmington!
Written by: BlueCoast agent Kathryn Jeffreys