History & Culture
Wilmington has been a prosperous, thriving river port since the 1720’s and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has always been North Carolina’s premier seaside city and you can still feel the charm of the centuries old southern neighborhoods and storefronts where cobblestone streets are still traveled by horse-drawn carriages.
For those who enjoy the arts, history, theatre, and symphony, Wilmington offers a bustling cultural season. Museums include the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Bellamy Mansion & Gardens, and the Battleship USS North Carolina, to name a few. Although Wilmington has many active performing arts centers, the famous Thalian Hall is one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the country.
Being in such a temperate clime, Wilmington is host to many popular outdoor events as well. The annual Azalea Festival held each spring begins with the Queen's luncheon at Airlie Gardens and is accompanied by home and garden tours throughout the city. Every 4th of July, the city hosts a spectacular fireworks display along the Cape Fear River. And perhaps the kick off to each Christmas Season is the Thanksgiving Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach with the Light Up The Night Boat Decorating contest and fireworks display.