Share the article
While you’re chopping wood for the fireplace this winter, there’s usually one place everyone seems to daydream about for a sunny escape: Florida.
The ‘Sunshine State’ has always been one of the most reliable holiday destinations, with a year-round summer atmosphere and Caribbean beaches, but with that comes the crowds at many of the top holiday destinations.
It may sound like an oxymoron, but North Carolina is home to some of the most underrated coastlines in the South, or at least the country.
Netflix may have boosted tourism for the US Outdoor benchesbut flying under the radar is an NC beach town that is the ultimate place to relax with great prices and fewer crowds.
Discover several islands and the historic center of the city, with an ominous charm and mild winters Wilmington.
Caribbean Who?! No passport needed to go island hopping
Ever heard of Wilmington? First, let’s make sure you’re going to the right state.
If you head to Wilmington, Delaware, where more flights have been launched as an alternative to Philly, you might have some epic cheesesteaks, but you’ll be sorely disappointed by the murky Christina River as your “beach.”
Wilmington, North Carolina, on the other hand, is historic, charming, welcoming, and offers blissful beaches among countless islands to choose from.
Better yet, you don’t have to take a long ferry ride to reach a distant blip in the ocean; these islands are located slightly off the coast and are easy to reach.
The waters are varying shades of blue and can be enjoyed all year round, with Wilmington’s mild winters and temperatures in the 60s.
One of the most popular beaches that locals rave about is Wrightsvilleequal parts beautiful and accessible as it is only about 15km from the city centre.
Named by Outside as one of the best stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) destinations, this is just one of the many popular activities here, along with bustling waterfront restaurants and scenic cruises.
How far down the coast you go is up to you, but Wilmington is also home Carolina Beach And Kure Beach.
The latter is home to the highest rated Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Wander through the beautiful ‘River District’
If there really was a battle for the Wilmingtons, apologies to Delaware, but you would lose this battle too.
The River District is a must on your trip to North Carolina’s underrated gem, where you’ll discover photo-worthy Victorian structures, laid-back bars, and scenic boardwalks along the Cape Fear River.
Take a self-guided tour, hop on a horse-drawn carriage and click-clack your way through the timeless city of Wilmington National Register Historic District mixed with the city’s more modern attractions, such as new breweries, trendy restaurants, and museums like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts.
The River District and downtown go hand in hand spread over more than 230 blocksconnecting with some other emerging neighborhoods like Soda Pop District and Cargo District, where historic buildings have been revived with rustic breweries and warehouse-style boutiques.
The craft beer scene is all the rage here, with popular hangouts like Wilmington Brewing Company, but my personal favorite in the area is Dirtbag Ales; definitely worth a day trip in Hope Mills.
How to get here and where to stay
Although it is said that Austrian airports have help desks for passengers wanting to fly to Australia, that myth has been busted.
But hey, with two mid-sized cities with the same name in the same country, it could happen!
Make sure you book your flight to Wilmington (ILM).
ILM has many flights to choose from, including the new Avelo and Breeze for cheaper airfares, along with the big dogs, American, Delta and United.
Once you arrive, you can stay in some nice places downtown or head to the coast. Both places make an excellent base.
If it were me, I would be pulling out my credit card right now to book a room ARRIVAL Wilmingtona revamped, chic hotel in one of the historic buildings I told you about and less than a 5-minute walk from one of Wilmington’s quirkiest attractions, Museum of the Bizarre.
For a stay on the coast, check out Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach about $150 per night with beautiful ocean views.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
