Historic district
Wilmington’s Historic District is a downtown business district filled with 18th and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the 1770s Burgwin-Wright Museum and antebellum Bellamy Mansion. You’ll also find the colorful stained-glass Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary, as well as a riverwalk that follows the Cape Fear River. Downtown Wilmington is also home to global eateries and hip brewpubs.
The Wilmington Historic District is a protected area. The City Council can designate a district to preserve a particular type of structure, but only after it has been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. The historic district has its own rules and regulations, and property owners must comply with them. In addition, the historic district can overlap with other local districts.
There are seven districts in Wilmington that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The general historic district covers the downtown area, from Greenfield Lake to Martin Luther King Boulevard, and from the riverfront to 15th Street. In addition, Wilmington has several overlay and mixed-use districts. The Historic Preservation Commission makes decisions about what properties should be preserved, based on the city’s design guidelines.
Wilmington’s Historic District has a slower pace than most big cities, and it’s filled with a diverse population and diverse shopping and dining opportunities. There are many restaurants and breweries to choose from, including Front Street Brewery, which offers tours of its brewing process. You can also visit Dock Street Oyster Bar for local seafood cooked Caribbean-style. And don’t forget to sample the delicious cuisine at Little Dipper Fondue, which features a gourmet three-course meal and outdoor dining.
The Historic District is an important cultural hub in the Cape Fear region. Wilmington is also a prominent port city in the Southern United States. Just down the road, Southport, North Carolina, is another historical city that boasts an old-fashioned, laid-back atmosphere. Founded in 1521 by Spanish explorers, Southport is still a quaint town that caters to a slower lifestyle.
Wilmington’s historic district is one of the largest areas in the country to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district is home to more than 230 historic buildings and is overseen by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. The district has preserved much of its colonial architecture and remains a major tourist destination in southern North Carolina.
Museums
If you love history and want to learn more about Wilmington, North Carolina, you may want to take a trip to the Latimer House Museum and Gardens. This historic home was built in 1852 and is now a museum. It features fourteen rooms, 600 antiques, and a beautiful garden. There are also servants’ quarters and period kitchens. You can even schedule a guided tour of the house. Tours are offered on Saturdays from 10am to 11:30am.
The Cape Fear Museum is located in Wilmington and features over 40,000 artifacts. Its exhibits are constantly changing and explore the history, science, and ecosystems of the area. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is one of the top children’s museums in the nation and provides a wide variety of hands-on activities for children.
There are also special programs and tours that are offered by Wilmington’s museums. Some museums offer guided tours of their collections or tell stories about Wilmington’s landmarks. These tours and expeditions are available year-round, and many Wilmington museums hold special events. You may also want to consider purchasing an annual pass or membership to one or more museums.
For art lovers, there are a number of museums in Wilmington to visit. The Wilmington Railroad Museum features over 20 working model trains, as well as curated collections of unique works. There are also several exhibits and displays from local artists. In addition to the railroad museum, Wilmington also has a number of art galleries and studios. A visit to one of these places is a fun way to spend a weekend.
The Battleship North Carolina is another popular Wilmington attraction. This historic vessel is located near the Riverwalk and Historic District. Built in 1942, it served in every major Pacific offensive during World War II. It has a large museum and a rich history. It hosts special events and educational programs. In addition to exhibitions, there is even a weekly summer movie night on the ship’s decks. This museum also hosts spectacular Fourth of July celebrations.
The Museum of the Bizarre is an ideal choice for curious visitors to Wilmington. This museum is a mix of mismatched artifacts from the area. The museum’s unique collection includes historic oddities like Alexander Hamilton’s hair and legendary relics like the Fort Fisher mermaid.
Beaches
For a beach vacation that is sure to impress, you may want to visit the beaches of Wilmington. The city has hosted over 400 television productions. Visitors to Wilmington can enjoy family-friendly beaches, oceanfront parks, and attractions such as an aquarium. You may also want to book a hotel in Wilmington.
The city offers three beautiful islands and an active riverfront. The town also has a National Register Historic District, which spans over 230 blocks. This historic district embraces both the past and the present. Its Victorian architecture is interspersed with modern design, while the Riverwalk features a scenic walk.
Wilmington’s beaches are some of the best in the state. Visitors can relax in the sand, enjoy the fun shops and delicious restaurants, or enjoy an exciting watersport. The city offers something for every type of vacationer, so bring plenty of sunscreen and plan your vacation accordingly. You can even find events that cater to families, such as family-friendly musical festivals.
Wrightsville Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Wilmington. Located just ten miles from downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is a great place to enjoy the sun. Visitors can also enjoy dolphin watching tours and sunset cruises. There are also many options for water sports, such as kayak and canoe rentals. Lifeguards are also available for safety.
The town is also home to a subtropical island known as Bald Head Island. Located where the Cape Fear River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, this island is a subtropical paradise that is perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation. Old Baldy lighthouse, built in 1817, is the state’s oldest lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy the sunset and explore a small island, as well as the Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Topsail Beach is another great beach near Wilmington. It features the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, one of the largest in the eastern seaboard. Visitors can also tour the Missiles and More Museum, which features a fascinating World War II history.
