Gecko's North Carolina

Wilmington & Wrightsville, North Carolina

Though discovered by the French in 1524, it was not until 1725 that the first colony, Brunswick, was established on the Cape Fear River. In 1732, a second colony was formed on the higher east bank of the river. The colony was known by a variety of names, but it was eventually named Wilmington in 1739. Wilmington has been through much during its 200+ years. From historic events, economic demise and natural disasters, but thanks to wise planning by its financial and cultural leaders during the 1970s, Wilmington is now a revitalized city offering many activities to its visitors and residents alike.

Wrightsville is just over 4 ½ miles long and has over 3,000 permanent residents, and continues to attract visitors during its peak season. It is a quiet area with gorgeous white beaches that are the perfect place for family reunions or long vacations. When visiting the Wrightsville Beach area be sure to check out the Airlie Gardens, just off of hwy. 74/76. Here you will see fabulous azalea and Camilla plantings, rare evergreen trees, and beautiful oaks. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can recall the days when men wore woolen swimsuits and the ladies wore black bloomers and hats to the beach. Other Wrightsville beach activities include fishing on Johnnie Mercer’s Pier or contacting Water Ways (www.sailwaterway.com) and charter a cruise or even learn to sail your own.

In Wilmington, you can explore the historic landmarks like the Bellamy Mansion on Fifth Avenue, the Victorian/Italianate styled Zebulon-Latimer house or the Burgin-Wright house, which is the oldest museum in the lower Cape Fear region. Another noteworthy building is the Cotton Exchange. The Cotton Exchange on North Front Street has photographs and exhibits telling the history of various buildings and businesses now occupying the Exchanges buildings. If you love antique shopping, then don’t miss out on the many shops along Front Street or Market Street.

For more artistic eye candy, then visit the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum which specializes in North Carolina. The museum, located at the intersection of 17th Street and Independence Boulevard, showcases work by Romare Bearden, Claude Howell, Elliot Dangerfield, and Elisabeth Chant. Also on display, is the eye-catching work by Minnie Evans. Called a “master of outsider art” by the New York Times, she did not begin her art career until she was 43. By the time she was in her 70’s her work had been shown in the Whitney Museum of Art in New York.

Several other museum’s and activities in Wilmington that your family will enjoy are the Railroad Museum with its collection of conductors watches, railroad lanterns, wrenches, and of special interest to fans of art-deco a collection of train-travel postcards. At the Wilmington Children’s Museum kids can pretend to be store clerks, pirates and performers or they can play in the water station.

One of the most impressive attractions in Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina. The North Carolina won 15 WWII battle stars in the Pacific Ocean combat zones from 1941-1945, and is kept in her WWII condition. The Battleship North Carolina is 728 feet long and displaces 44,000 tons. Her artillery includes a 16 inch gun turret that could fire a 2,700 pound shell which could be fired as far as 20 miles. The ship’s crew was made up of over 2,300 people over 9 decks. The Battleship North Carolina is now a WWII memorial to the 10,000 North Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Americans.

Guns on the U.S.S. North Carolina - photo by RVAPhotodude

Also while visiting the Wilmington water front, you will see the Henrietta II. The Henrietta II is North Carolina’s only true stern wheel riverboat. It is operated by the Cape Fear Riverboats and offers a selection of sightseeing tours or entertainment dinners. Other cruise options include the Wrightsville Beach Scenic Cruises or for a bird’s eye view, check out ISO Aero of Wilmington.

Other nearby attractions sure to bring a smile are the Cape Fear Museum, the NC Aquarium on Pleasure Island, the Jubilee Amusement Park, and the Tote-em in Zoo, the Carolina Beach State Park, and the Fort Fisher Historic site.

Of course, there are many beach areas where your family can catch a few rays, play and picnic, and get reacquainted with all that the sand and surf has to offer. So, come on over to the southern coast of North Carolina and see what you’re missing!