Wilmington – City Between River & Ocean
Wilmington is a city and also the seat of the New Hanover County in the state of North Carolina in the United States. It was named after Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington and also the Prime Minister under King George II.
One of the most unique features of this town is that it is situated between a river and an ocean. Wilmington was settled on the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean is just 20 minutes from the town. Wrightsville Beach is just 20 minutes drive from the downtown. The town was originally situated on seven hills located on the east side of the Cape Fear River.
Wilmington is not only famous as a beach town. It has other attractions which include the Battleship North Carolina which is now converted in a museum. Apart from this, there are the Arlie Gardens and Screen Gem Studios where popular TV shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill were shot.
One of the major factors which have turned Wilmington into a major tourist destination is the moderate four-season climate, the historical sites and also the annual cultural events like the Azalea Festival and the numerous championship golf courses.
The city has a multitude of activities for all the age groups and suited to almost everyone’s interests. There is ample scope to enjoy the historic monuments in the town which include a variety of architecture, unique shops and quaint restaurants. The Beaches of Wilmington prove to be a haven for the boaters, surfers, beach combers and sun bathers. One can really enjoy the seafood in this town.
The three main beaches of Wilmington are:
Carolina Beach: This beach was established in 1857 and is one of the oldest resort community located on the Pleasure Island, the larger of the two barrier islands on the Cape Fear Coast. The beach reflects the nostalgic charm and a warm hospitality with a total family atmosphere. There are many activities to be found on the beach along with some of the quintessential American features like the marinas, boardwalk, pier, Ferris wheel, gazebos and some specialty shops.
One of the most popular activities in the area is fishing and the anglers can really test their skills at not only the piers but also on deep sea charters. The nearby state park also adds up to the excitement quotient with a vast array of coastal vegetation and fauna.
There are a lot of low cost budget accommodations on the beach which provide a comfortable stay in the vicinity of all the attractions in town.
Kure Beach: This beach is situated at the southern tip of the Pleasure Island and is a small family oriented community. It is truly a family vacation destination and offers a scenic view of the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean and the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Complex.
There is scope for a variety of activities on the beach front. The Kure Beach Fishing Pier is 711 foot long and is hugely popular among people who are interested in fishing. The Fort Fisher has a great history to tell to the visitors who come here. This fort is also the largest earthen fortress of its kind in the south.
The North Carolina Aquarium also attracts a large crowd. It features a huge salt water tank which contains live exhibits as sharks, sea turtles, alligators and other native marine life.
The Wrightsville Beach: It is one of the two barrier islands on the Cape Fear coast and is a unique place in itself. This beach was established in 1899 and was earlier accessible only by water. But today it is a major tourist destination for weekend getaways.
It is a beach community which reflects a village-style charm. It has a clean and uncluttered five-mile stretch of white sand and sparkling water. Wrightsville Beach proves to be a paradise for people who love beach combing, swimming, sun bathing, surfing and piers.
Thus this city between the river and the ocean attracts a lot of visitors and is growing in popularity as a tourist destination.
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Category: Travel
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