DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS
Battleship North Carolina
Eagles Island
Wilmington, NC 28402
910/251-5797
http://www.battleshipnc.com
A unique opportunity to walk the decks of a living legend. The self-guided tour takes you to portions of nine decks where you can visit crews' quarters, see the engine room, enter the gun turrets, inspect the newly restored bridge and discover the recently opened radio central where the end of the war message was received.
Numerous exhibits in the Visitor's Center and on the ship vividly capture the World War II experience.
Henrietta III
301 North Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910/343-1611
http://www.cfrboats.com
Sightseeing and dining cruises on North Carolina's largest riverboat, with a capacity for 600 guests. Dinner dance cruises, narrated sightseeing and lunch cruises, private year-round parties, special event cruises and sunset cruises.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
800/528-2820
910/343-3664
http://www.thalianhall.com
A restored 1858 opera house boasting beautiful architectural detail, including the ornate proscenium arch, sweeping balconies, and original mahogany wooden benches in the gallery level. The theatre currently serves as a cultural center for Wilmington, with over 350 events planned annually in the facility.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours
Corner of Water and Market Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-251-8889
http://www.horsedrawntours.com
A costumed driver narrates the journey as passengers ride past the stately mansions, impressive restored homes and the riverfront of historic Wilmington. An eight-passenger surrey is used for the tours and a trolley operates on busy days or for private parties. The carriage tour begins at the corner of Water and Market Streets.
Trolley Tours
Wilmington Trolley Company
corner of Dock & Water Streets
Wilmington, NC 28402
910/763-4483
http://www.wilmingtontrolley.com
Experience the grandeur and charm of Old Wilmington with a trolley tour of the historic district. The eight-mile narrated sightseeing tour includes beautiful mansions, haunted homes, museums, birthplaces of famous natives, TV/movie locations, African-American history, Civil War shipyards and more.
Wilmington Adventure Walking Tours
Foot of Market & Water Streets
Wilmington, NC 28402
910/763-1785
Discover 250 years of Wilmington history in this fascinating hour-long tour. Daily guided tours begin at the flagpole located on the Cape Fear River riverfront, at the intersection of Market Street and Water Street.
The Cotton Exchange
321 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910/343-9896
Eight magnificently restored historic buildings, connected by brick walkways and open-air courtyards, serve as the home of 33 unique specialty shops. Overlooks the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, with plenty of free parking.
Chandler's Wharf
225 S. Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910/762-5477
Unique shopping complex in a renovated 19th century river wharf building. The charming historical setting features restaurants and boutiques on a cobblestone street, beside wooden sidewalks and the rails of the former waterfront railway.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH ATTRACTIONS
Wrightsville Beach Scenic Cruises
Waynick Blvd. Banks Channel
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
910/350-2628
One-hour harbor cruises, special party charters, sunset cruises of the Intracoastal Waterway, nature excursions and shuttle service to Masonboro Island. Located at Banks Channel in South Wrightsville Beach, across from the Blockade Runner Resort & Hotel.
Sunset Cruises
Waterways Sailing & Charters
910/256-4282
Scenic sailboat cruises of the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and Banks Channel, perfect for romantic occasions. Sails every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Kayak Tours
Salt Marsh Kayak Company
222 Old Causeway Drive
910/509-2989
http://www.saltmarshkayak.com
Guided nature tours of Masonboro Island, an uninhabited, pristine retreat from the hustle and bustle of Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy a relaxing cruise to this barrier island via our mother boat, and then explore the flora and fauna of the area during a serene 1.5 hour guided paddle.
Johnnie Mercers Pier
23 East Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
910/256-2743
Enjoy fishing at this local landmark that has recently completed an extensive renovation. Bait and tackle available at pier house. Motels located at the parking lot for easy access to the pier.
Lumina Station
1900 Eastwood Rd, Ste. 10
Wilmington, NC 28403
910/256-0900
http://www.luminastation.com
Here you'll find 25 unique local shops, fine dining and personal service boutiques. Start the day with a cup of gourmet coffee on the porch with the locals in one of our enticing rocking chairs. If you can't decide where to begin, let the storybrook bridges lead your way through our one-of-a-kind shops. Once a renowned dance pavilion, Lumina is still a name synonymous with good times and local tradition. There's something for everyone at Lumina Station.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
US 421 South
Kure Beach, NC 28449
800/323-FISH
http://www.ncaquariums.com
Recently renovated and expanded, the 84,000 sq. ft. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher takes visitors on a journey from freshwater rivers and swamps to saltwater marshes and estuaries, into reefs and the open ocean. Features a 235,000-gallon saltwater tank with sharks, barracudas, and loggerhead sea turtles, and a 20,000 sq. ft. conservatory with catfish, alligators and water snakes.
Fort Fisher State Historic Area
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S.
Kure Beach, NC 28449
910/458-5538
http://www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm
Site of the largest land-sea battle fought during the Civil War. The visitor center contains interpretive exhibits, historic artifacts, and an interactive fiber-optic map that illustrates the final battle at Fort Fisher. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Tours of Screen Gems Studio
1223 North 23rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
910/343-3433
http://www.screengemsstudios.com
Take a behind-the-scenes look at Wilmington's film history and local movie magic at Screen Gems Studios, the largest moviemaking studio facility east of Hollywood. This 90-minute walking tour includes a video presentation, old movie sets and props, and a tour of current productions such as popular TV series Dawson's Creek.
Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum
3201 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
910/395-5999
http://www.cameronartmuseum.com
The pinnacle of visual arts in Southeastern North Carolina. This new 42,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility features North Carolina and American art from the 18th century to the present, and includes a sculpture garden, cafe, and museum gift shop.
