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[ Wilmington Area Resources ] • [ Wilmington History ]
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Wilmington Area Information
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The wonderful history, culture and economy of North Carolina's southern coast would not exist without the area's proximity to the water. While the ocean gets top billing in terms of geographical attractions, it was the existence of a relatively narrow river that gave rise to successful European settlement here. The Cape Fear River, a deep, often fast-moving body of water, begins at the confluence of the Haw and Deep rivers near Greensboro, meanders through Fayetteville and empties into the Atlantic Ocean 200 miles south of its source. With a compelling history and dangerous reputation, the Cape Fear River has always been a major influence on the formation and evolution of the city of Wilmington, 30 miles upstream from the open ocean.
Wilmington Today
Today the Wilmington area and its adjacent rural/suburban counties are experiencing substantial growth as both tourists and potential residents discover the desirability of vacationing and living in North Carolina's Southern Coast. An influx of retirees, many of them from the Northern states, has helped to make Wilmington a much more cosmopolitan city than one would expect in the heart of Dixie. Younger families, escaping from the stress of larger cities and looking for a more relaxed way of living and better quality of life, also have contributed to the population surge.
One of the keys to success in any central-city area is the presence of residents -- a core group of people who do not leave for the suburbs at the end of the workday. Wilmington, blessed with a beautiful and extensive Historic District, made up of approximately 230 city blocks, has many full-time residents living in the downtown area. As more of the city's older homes are restored, and condominiums and townhouses are added both to the Historic District and the downtown population will continue to grow.
A stroll through the Historic District reveals beautifully restored homes and commercial buildings, many of them antebellum, lining the shaded streets. A number of buildings bear plaques indicating their age: red for 75 to 100 years and black if the structure is more than 100 years old. Magnificent and stately live oaks that retain their leaves all year are draped with Spanish moss. Azaleas and oleanders abound, and many of the homes have extensive gardens, some of which are opened to the public during the Azalea Festival in the spring, Riverfest in the fall, the History-Mystery tours at Halloween and Old Wilmington by Candlelight in December. A leisurely walk through the Historic District is an adventure in history, and guided walking tours are available. For those who prefer to ride, there are horse-drawn carriages and trolley tours, both narrated.
With excellent shopping, outstanding restaurants, antiques to be discovered and a view of the river wherever you go, downtown Wilmington flourishes more every year. In the past ten years, the Cape Fear River has become a second focal point of the city's booming tourist industry, vying for tourist attention with the nearby beaches. Downtown hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, shops and restaurants situated on its banks enjoy brisk business all year long. The Riverwalk offers an added dimension of entertainment and there is docking space available for private boats. A new convention center, marina and hotel will be built soon at the north side of downtown.
Aside from being a center of government for the city and New Hanover County, downtown Wilmington is also the center of the cultural arts scene. Thalian Hall, the oldest community theater tradition in the United States, presents many wonderful productions, both musical and dramatic. The Community Arts Center is constantly enhancing the arts scene by offering classes and sponsoring productions for adults and children. Numerous theater groups are active throughout the year. Downtown Wilmington also boasts many art galleries, music shops and the Cape Fear Museum . The popularity and charm of this area has attracted many retail stores, financial institutions and entertainment and dining establishments. Something's always happening downtown.
During the day, downtown Wilmington is quaint and charming, but at night it comes alive in a whole new way. Dance clubs, jazz bars, local and touring musicals, venues for rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues and more can be found in the 55-block area of the downtown commercial. Perhaps the best thing about downtown Wilmington -- and something that separates it from the rest of the city and nearby communities -- is its pleasant and fascinating walkability. The Riverwalk, with its view of the Battleship North Carolina moored on the western shore, is a great place to stroll, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to free music, and watch the river traffic that ranges from freighters to yachts to ski boats. The Riverwalk is about 7/8 of a mile in length and stretches from just north of the Coast Line Convention Center to south of Chandlers Wharf. Complete with wide patio-style areas and pocket parks with benches, the Riverwalk offers spectacular views of the river, especially at night.
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