Wilmington, North Carolina
Have you seen the tv show One Tree Hill? or Dawson's Creek? Maybe the movie Iron Man 3? or the latest Nicholas Spark's movie, The Choice? All of these were filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Known as Hollywood East or Wilmywood, this quaint, southern city on North Carolina's coast is having it's day in the sun.
Located on the Cape Fear River, Wilmington's downtown is home to Cape Fear Community College. With it's population being a mere 100,000 people, it's a small and walkable city including the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear. One of it's most popular attractions is the USS North Carolina Battleship which is moored on the river across from the city. You can meander down the Riverwalk, eat at an outdoor cafe, take in the Battleship, pick out some chocolates at Kilwin's and shop in one of many vintage clothing shops. There's also shopping at The Cotton Exchange - cute little shops housed in an old cotton export company building.
If you need a coffee fix, stop in at one of the many Port City Java locations. And if you like to try a local brew when you travel, there's no better place than Front Street Brewery. Tours and free samples (2 free samples - let's not get carried away!) are offered from 3 to 6 daily. Give a Coastal Kolsch or a Port City IPA a try. If you don't like beer, then give one of their 330 kinds of whiskey a try! Or try the fried pickles! There's something for every one.
I haven't even mentioned how close Wilmington is to North Carolina's coast and beaches. It's a mere 20 minutes to Wrightsville Beach and it's coastal restaurants. There's Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, NC aquariums, Holden Beach, Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher. And that's not even the tip of the iceberg.
And don't forget about those film studio tours. I haven't done that yet and I still want to get to Airlie Gardens, 67 acres of historical, southern garden. There's lots to do in Wilmington. Or nothing but wander and enjoy. You choose.
I'm linking up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute and Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner! Go check them out!
Located on the Cape Fear River, Wilmington's downtown is home to Cape Fear Community College. With it's population being a mere 100,000 people, it's a small and walkable city including the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear. One of it's most popular attractions is the USS North Carolina Battleship which is moored on the river across from the city. You can meander down the Riverwalk, eat at an outdoor cafe, take in the Battleship, pick out some chocolates at Kilwin's and shop in one of many vintage clothing shops. There's also shopping at The Cotton Exchange - cute little shops housed in an old cotton export company building.
If you need a coffee fix, stop in at one of the many Port City Java locations. And if you like to try a local brew when you travel, there's no better place than Front Street Brewery. Tours and free samples (2 free samples - let's not get carried away!) are offered from 3 to 6 daily. Give a Coastal Kolsch or a Port City IPA a try. If you don't like beer, then give one of their 330 kinds of whiskey a try! Or try the fried pickles! There's something for every one.
I haven't even mentioned how close Wilmington is to North Carolina's coast and beaches. It's a mere 20 minutes to Wrightsville Beach and it's coastal restaurants. There's Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, NC aquariums, Holden Beach, Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher. And that's not even the tip of the iceberg.
And don't forget about those film studio tours. I haven't done that yet and I still want to get to Airlie Gardens, 67 acres of historical, southern garden. There's lots to do in Wilmington. Or nothing but wander and enjoy. You choose.
I'm linking up with: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute and Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner! Go check them out!
I love the last photo of the beach houses. It is quite different to any beaches I am familiar with. Ours are tropical beaches with coconut palms and beach almond trees shading the sand.
ReplyDeleteThe beaches of North Carolina have more of a New England look - if that's a thing - just with nicer sand - no pebbles. And no palm trees. I really like visiting them. Thanks for visiting!
Deletethis looks like a fascinating place to wander around. That beach with the houses certainly reminds me of a few movies I've seen. Happy travels.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill - from Jill!
DeleteAn interesting introduction to Wilmington. I'd never before considered it for the bucket list, but you've tempted me with today's sample.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really interesting city - small, Southern but not too typically Southern like Charleston or Savannah. Lots of tatoo shops, students, a few breweries and some history thrown into the mix. Not what I pictured but I've enjoyed it every time I've gone for a visit. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI have not seen any of the movies or TV shows you mention on the post. Seems life all the shows I watched are filmed in LA or Miami ;0) Anyway, I can see why this locations chosen for so many films. This is another city I will add to my list of places to visit on the East Coast.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed visiting Wilmington - and I hope you do, too, when you visit. I haven't watched any of the tv shows from here but have seen all of the Nicholas Sparks movies filmed here - beautiful cinematography! Thanks for visiting, Ruth!
DeleteVery interesting! I've actually been in Wilmington. Must have been in the mid-90s, so ages ago. I remember it looked slightly more dilapidated back then.
ReplyDeleteIt's had a bit of a resurgence but it still has some dilapidated areas. Not really what you think of as a typical Southern city. I have a hard time describing it - but it almost, to me, has a Portland, Oregon feel. A little more hipster than most Southern cities. They're reviving it a bit at a time. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWilmington is such a pretty place. I like the look of the river walk and the beach houses too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyndall! And thanks for visiting!
DeleteWilmington looks like a great town to explore. I must admit, I have never seen any of the TV shows or movies that you mention. I'll have to look them up! Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting!
DeleteHow cool to know all those places were filmed here. That's definitely a quaint part of the country.
ReplyDeleteIt is very quaint - thanks for visiting!
DeleteJill, I haven't been to Wilmington, but you are right. It's got that quaint Main St. feel and you do hear about it all over the place. Gotta go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Corinne!
DeleteThanks for dropping by - hope you make it to Wilmington someday!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have seen any of those movies, but I have been to Wilmington. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is so quaint! I always love small towns, it has that very relaxing atmosphere compared to big cities.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI had no idea there was such an active film industry in Wilmington! I've only been there in a work-related-whirlwind - which is to say I didn't get to see much - so it's on my "come back for more" list. Seems charming! #WeekendWanderlust
ReplyDeleteYou're not the only one - not very many people outside of Wilmington know about it's film industry. Hope you make it back for leisure one day, instead of work! Thanks for visiting!
Delete