This is the memorial to the 10,000 North Carolinians who lost their lives in WWII. Launched only months before the start of the war, the battleship went on to serve in every major campaign of the Pacific. You will be amazed at the technology and ingenuity packed into this vessel which, after 50 years, is still one of the most powerful warships ever built. On a lighter note, after decades of wearing the dull battleship gray, the North Carolina is now sporting one of the camouflage paint schemes that it wore during the war. In most every way, this is the area's premier attraction. Located (map) on the opposite bank of the river from downtown, the North Carolina can be reached by either the Memorial Bridge or a river taxi. Really, you can't miss it. Sept. 15-May 15 the ship is open every day 8-5. The rest of the year every day 8-8. Admission- $8 adults, $7 seniors and military, $4 children. 910-350-1817.
Wilmington's historical district is the site of noted ante-bellum homes and mansions. Architecturally, the most opulent is Bellamy Mansion, which, completed in 1861, is a classic Victorian example of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. It is an imposing sight with its large floor-length windows, and fluted columns, which are two stories high. The mansion passed through various incarnations, until it gradually fell into a state of disrepair and decay, which culminated in an arson fire in 1972. The restoration is an on-going effort. Located (map) at 503 Market St., the mansion is open for tours Wed.- Sat. 10-5/Sun. 1-5. Admission $6 adults/$3 children.910-251-3700.
The Cape Fear Museum does its job with a flair that surpasses many big-city museums. Large scale dioramas, videos, and hands-on activities for children help to bring to life the natural and social history of southeastern North Carolina. Especially interesting is a 350-sq. ft. model of the Wilmington waterfront during the heady blockade running era. If you have a even a twinge of historical curiosity, this is a must do. Located (map) at 814 Market St., the museum is open 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday and 2-5 Sunday. Museum is closed on Mondays Labor Day-Memorial Day. Admission: $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and college students, $1 for children 5-17. 910-341-4350.
St. John's Museum of Art is the leading art museum of the area. It has a permanent collection which includes a large collection of Mary Cassatt's color prints, and usually hosts touring exhibitions. The museum is also an active force for art education and support in the coastal area. Located (map) at 114 Orange St., the museum is open Tue.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-4. Admission $3. Free first Sun. of the month. 910-763-0281
In what can only be considered an unusual combination, the city built this combination political/cultural center in the late 1850's. It attracted many national level performers of the day. Now that it has been restored, the lavish theater is once again hosting full-scale performances. Check the Calendar to see what's on. The theater is also open for tours. Located (map) 102 N. 3rd. St. 800-523-2820, 910-343-3664.
The railroad played an important part in Wilmington's development. During the Civil War Wilmington's rail link to Virginia made it a major supplier to Confederate armies. In later decades the city hosted the Atlantic Seacoast Line. When the Line pulled out in 1960, it was a great blow to the Wilmington economy. The museum recounts that history, plus documents other railroad lore. They have an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia, complete with signaling devices, a mock-up station, an engine and a caboose. Upstairs there's a large model railroad layout being developed. This stop will be popular with train lovers and children alike. Located (map) at 501 Nutt St. Open Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Winter Hours Oct.15-March 14 Mon.-Sat. 10-4. Admission $3 Adults, $2 seniors and military, $1.50 children ages 3-12. 910-463-2634
In 1781 General Lord Cornwallis stayed in what was considered "the most considerable house" in Wilmington. The luckless Lord soon left to be defeated at Yorktown, but the house he stayed in still stands. It could even still lay claim to being a considerable house, due in great part to the loving attention paid it by its owners, The Colonial Dames of America. They maintain the house and gardens in a style appropriate to the prominent location of this landmark at the junction of the main thoroughfares. The house is furnished with period pieces and portraits related to the history of the area. Located (map) at 224 Market St., open Tue-Sat. 10-4 last tour starts at 3:30. Admission $6 adult, $3 student.910-762-0570
The Latimer House is Wilmington's best example of the Victorian lifestyle. Lavishly furnished with pieces mostly original to the house, the house remained in the Latimer family from its construction in 1852, to 1963, when it became home to the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. Arranged throughout the house are many of the Latimers' personal items, giving the home a lived-in feeling. A restored Victorian garden surrounds the house. Located (map) 126 S. 3rd St. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-3:30, Sat.-Sun. 12-5 Admission $6 adults, $2 students.910-762-0492
Designed in the early 1900's, Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of
post-Victorian European style gardens with 12 acres of freshwater lakes.
Walking tour. Features include azaleas, camellias, statuary, and the historic
Airlie Oak. Open to the public Friday and Saturday, 9-5, and Sunday 1-5.
Admission $6 resident adult, $5 resident senior, $1 resident child. $8 non-resident adult, $7 non-resident senior, $2 non-resident child. For more information please call (910)452-6393. Located, (map), on Airlie Rd.
Museum of the island's history and heritage preserved in one of its oldest houses. 910-256-2569.
Wilmington served as a major supplier of Confederate armies until the last months of the war. Fort Fisher was the primary factor in making that possible. The huge, earth-work fort was the main link in a series of forts and batteries that guarded the lower Cape Fear against Federal predations, and kept the port open to blockade runners. When the fort fell, in January 1865, to the largest amphibious assault of the war, the surrender of Wilmington was only weeks away. Although largely intact until just before WWII, much of the fort has since been claimed by the Atlantic and another military assault, this time with Army bulldozers. Enough of the works remain to give you an idea of what the complex was like. There's also a good museum that chronicles the history of the fort. A visit to the fort could well be combined with a trip to the nearby state aquarium and a ride on the ferry to Southport. Admission is free, (April-Oct.) Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun. 1-5. (Nov.-Mar.) Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun. 1-4. 910-458-5538.
Ask most any group of children what they want to be when they grow up, and one of them is almost certain to say "marine biologist." Maybe it's trips to an aquarium that inspire those ambitions. This one features a large shark tank, trails through the marsh, and a popular touch-tank. The fish are fed daily at 3:30, the sharks on Tue, Thur, and Sun. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 9-5; Sun. 1-5. Admission: adults-$3, children over 6-$1. Located (map) south of Kure Beach.
When this Greek Revival plantation was built in 1850, it was a 12 hour journey by either boat or oyster shell road to downtown Wilmington. Now it's just a 20 minute ride on US 17. The 628 acres, once planted with peanuts, have shrunk to 19, but they are organized to give the feel of what life on a 19th Century plantation was like. In addition to the plantation house, there's a working blacksmith shop, basket making and weaving on-site. There's also a restaurant, picnic grounds, and a country store available. Located on US 17. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students. 910-686-9989.
Follow the west bank of the Cape Fear downstream and, just before you find the ocean, you will run into Southport. Originally know as Smithville, the town has been there for over 200 years serving as a home to river pilots and the fort. Patriots destroyed the fort during the Revolution. Now the residents are mostly retirees and antique shops. The streets lined with trees and old houses make it a pleasant place to walk around and spend a few hours.
Brunswick Town is one of the earliest examples of urban decay in America. Established in 1726, the town became an active commercial and political center. The port was an important shipping point for the region's naval stores industry, and often hosted the North Carolina colonial assembly. It was also the scene of one of the first insurrections against British authority in America. In 1765, in protest of the Stamp Act, colonists placed the Royal Governor under house arrest, raided two ships in the harbor, and forced the resignation of several officials. That was the end of the Stamp Act on the Cape Fear. But the town suffered from exposure to weather and marauders. At the outset of the Revolution, the townspeople largely abandoned Brunswick, possibly remembering its capture 30 years before by the Spanish. When the British did show up, they converted the town to a bonfire. The next war to visit the town saw Brunswick become part of Fort Anderson, one of ring of Confederate forts defending the Cape Fear River. Much of the fort is preserved, along with the walls and foundations of several town buildings. The museum tells the interesting story of the town, if you can see past its dated look. The biggest attraction may be the pleasant surroundings of moss-draped oaks which frame a great view of the river. A nature trail winds its way through the property, making it a nice place for a walk or picnic. 910-594-0789.
