Historic Downtown Wilmington Southern hospitality, historic charm, movie stars and modern thinkers. This is Wilmington, a 300-year-old port city that never goes out of style.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON
Horse-drawn carriages still click down cobblestone streets, and mossdraped oaks canopy stately old mansions along downtowns 200 historic blocks. Yet, Wilmington has a progressive vibe that captivates tourists, entrepreneurs and even lifelong residents. Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, Wilmington presents so many stunning vistas. To the east, the city overlooks sounds, barrier islands and the Intracoastal Waterway. The west borders the busy Cape Fear River. Downtown hosts a scenic, mile-long boardwalk, named The Riverwalk, which skirts the Cape Fear River. Tour the USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship, or take a scenic cruise. Bump into celebrities working with a movie studio 15 minutes from downtown. Local and internationally known musicians and actors perform at ornate theaters, which are worth a visit for their architecture alone. Contemplate a myriad of works at 20 galleries or step into one of over 100 distinctive shops downtown. Stop and refresh at some 50 delicious downtown restaurants, sweets shops, cocktail lounges and award-winning craft breweries. Downtown parking decks are centrally located and free for the first hour. Most city streets host meters, where parking is free after 6:30 p.m. Some venues have their own parking lots or neighbor public lots. A free city trolley traverses downtown, and wide sidewalks welcome pedestrians.
ARTS AND CULTURE Wilmington’s many layers inspire artists who live and work here. As a result, the city is an art lover’s dream spot. Works hang all over downtown in this supportive community where it’s not unusual to see painters putting brushes to canvas along downtown sidewalks. One of the great things to do when in downtown Wilmington is to take a peek inside the various shops and galleries.
theArtWorks The largest space for artists is in a revitalized part of the original Block Shirt Factory, located at 200 Willard Street in the thriving South Front district, just a mile from downtown. theArtWorks is an art village showcasing Wilmington’s vibrant visual, literary and performing arts. theArtWorks provides art studios, gallery space, Q @wilmingtontoday | E @wilmingtonnctoday
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