1. Beautiful Beaches and Waterways
Wilmington NC is situated on the southeast coast of NC and is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by the Cape Fear River. The beauty and charm of Wilmington and the surrounding beaches equal or surpass any 
on the east coast. The many pristine beaches that we have to enjoy such as Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Topsail Beach, Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach are sure to captivate your heart.
2. Boating
The area’s many miles of coastline, rivers and sounds offer a variety of watersports, boating activities, and quite a few harbors, marinas, and yacht clubs.
3. Fishing
Being located within minutes of one of the most protected inlets on the east coast, Wilmington offers bountiful fishing opportunities within minutes. Masonboro Inlet is located between the Southern tip of Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. Also, the many creeks and bays located off banks channel and the waterways are a fisherman’s dream. You will see them fishing for drum, trout, and flounder in the fall of the year.
3. Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island is an 8 mile long uninhabited island on the southern North Carolina coast between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach and is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Masonboro Island, only accessible by boat, is enjoyed by campers, surfers, anglers, and bird-watchers alike. The reserve consists of about 5000 acres, which about 4400 acres are tidal marsh and mud flats. The most northern end at Masonboro Inlet is the most popular area with its sandy beaches and protected waters. Any summer weekend you will see many boaters and campers prepared for a few days on the beach with tents, grills and water toys in tow.
4. Historic Downtown Wilmington NC
Wilmington is blessed with a beautiful and extensive historic district with magnificent and stately oaks, azaleas and oleanders. 230 blocks of downtown are on the The National Register of Historic Districts. The city embraces a lot of history and is fortunate that so much has been preserved.
5. Wilmington NC Real Estate
I cannot speak highly enough about the real estate offered in and around Wilmington NC, from the River to the Sea! Wilmington offers many affordable neighborhoods such as Whitney Pines to move up neighborhoods like Covil Estates with amenities, to luxury gated communities such as Landfall, or golf course neighborhoods like Porters Neck, and waterfront neighborhoods with marinas and boatslips such as Turtle Hall or Shinn Point . The choices are all right here in our great port city of Wilmington NC.
6. Golf
You can truly enjoy golf year round at the many golf courses throughout the Cape Fear Region. Whatever your handicap, there are more than twenty courses in and around Wilmington that are a pleasure to walk. Some of the courses were designed by some of golf’s greatest names including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Fred Couples and P.B. Dye, among others.
7. NC Azalea Festival
For more than 50 years, Wilmingtonians have enjoyed the biggest celebration of the year, The NC Azalea Festival. From the parade, artwork, garden tours, street fair, and rich history, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. This year the Azalea Festival will be held April 1-5th. Come have fun with us!
8. USS Battleship NC
For all the history or military buffs, the USS Battleship NC is located just across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington. You can tour the ship, take a history lesson, visit the museum or the ship’s store.
9. Wilmington NC Attractions
You will certainly never be bored with all the attractions to our area including the Zoo, numerous Museums, Cape Fear Riverboats, Airlie Gardens, Poplar Grove Plantation, Art galleries, live music and performing arts.
10. Churches
Wilmington is known for its many churches and their unique architecture. You will find one on almost every corner from any denomination you prefer.
11. Bald Head Island
Escape to the tropics! That is exactly how a visit to Bald Head Island will make you feel. Bald Head is located right off the Cape Fear River across from Southport, NC and only accessible by ferry or boat. The island is only traveled by golf cart and offers some of the most beautiful beaches and creeks around.
12. Figure Eight Island
Figure Eight Island, NC is located just north of Wrightsville Beach, NC . It is a private island, only accessible by a swing-bridge with a gatehouse and is bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The island consists of 1300 acres and approximately 441 homes. Figure Eight Island today is a beautiful coastal community offering the ultimate in privacy and security and just minutes from the conveniences of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, NC.
13. Thalian Hall Theater
Thalian Hall in Wilmington NC celebrated its grand opening October 12, 1858! 85 performances were presented that first year. At the time, it was the largest Theater South of Richmond, Va. Thalian Hall was known by many names in its early days such as “The Wilmington Theater”, “The Opera House” and “The Academy of Music”. Thalian Hall today looks largely the same as it did in 1858, with its rambling ornate architecture. 
14. Fort Fisher Aquarium
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher not only displays an assortment of waterlife, but also focuses on conservation of aquatic environments. The Aquarium is open to the public and is available for private events.
15. Warm Climate
The mild climate of the Cape fear region is a big bonus for residents and visitors alike. Golfing, watersports and a multitude of outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round. However, there are four seasons and their transitions are usually spectacular.
16. Southern Hospitality
You will always be in amazement of the southern culture and hospitality of the Southeast region of North Carolina. It is commonplace for southerners to stop on the street and ask you “how you are doing”. And, the courtesy of drivers will pleasantly surprise you.
17. Vibrant and Diverse Economy
New Hanover county is a good location for comfortable living and a thriving business environment. In fact, the Wilmington area was just ranked in the 6th position for cities with job and economic growth by Milken Institute.
18. Shopping
Shopping is delightful with the many strip centers, Independence Mall, Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington and the new Mayfaire Town Center with all the name brand stores like William & Sonoma, J Crew, Pottery Barn, and more.
19. Schools
The schools in New Hanover county are some of the best in the country. The recent ABC scores and AYP results are indicative of our excellent schools.
20. UNCW Wilmington NC
UNCW has been named numerous times “Best in the Southeast” by the Princeton review and one of the top three ‘Best Values” by Kiplinger’s rankings. Wilmington College opened its doors in 1947 and was granted 4 year status in 1963 after moving to its present location on College Rd. UNCW presently enrolls nearly 12000 students.
21. Museums
Wilmington, NC is blessed with many museums such as the Cape Fear Museum, Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington’s Children’s Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum and many more.
22. Nightlife
When the sun goes down in Wilmington, the downtown area lights up with neighborhood bars, pubs and restaurants. Not to mention the many restaurants and the like that have opened at Mayfaire Town center near Wrightsville Beach.
23. Events
The Cape Fear region is rich in happenings around the area. You can choose from annual fishing tournaments, crafts shows, festivals like the Azalea Festival, Jazz Festival or Riverfest and at Christmas, the Holiday flotilla.
24. Film Industry
Wilmington or “Hollywood East” has hosted the production of more than 400 movies, miniseries and TV movies. In fact, more revenue has been generated from Wilmington NC productions than any other US city except Los Angeles and New York. Just to name a few One Tree Hill is filmed here, Sleeping With the Enemy, Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood and Forest Gump.
25. Airlie Gardens
Gardens by the sea best describes the lush formal gardens, lakes and magnificent oaks draped with Spanish moss. Airlie Gardens is home to the Azalea Festival garden party with its collection of over 100,000 azaleas. Airlie is also a popular setting for weddings, Airlie concerts, Oyster roasts, and enchanted Airlie during Christmas starting in November.
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