If you come to Wilmington in April when they have their annual Azalea Festival, you will see millions of azalea blossoms of all colors all blooming at the same time. For schedule and other information, phone 800-222-4757  (toll-free).

• Battleship North Carolina

• Bellamy Mansion Museum & Gardens

• Burgwin-Wright Museum House & Gardens

• Cape Fear Museum

• Cape Fear Riverboats

• Ghost Walk

• Greenfield Park & Gardens

• Latimer House Museum

• New Hanover County Arboretum

• North Carolina Azalea Festival

• Springbrook Farms Carriage Tours

• Tote-Em-In-Zoo

• Wilmington Children's Museum

Battleship North Carolina - One of our great and glorious ships of World War II, the USS North Carolina is now permanently moored across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington. Open daily, you can tour all eight decks. 'The Battleship' is a memorial to the Americans who fought - and died - to keep our country and the world free. There is no way one can adequately describe experiencing the inside of this ship and imagining what the crews had to endure during those fierce naval battles. But this is an experience that should not be missed.
  Self-guided tours take 2 to 4 hours (depends on your interests). You start at the Visitors' Center with a short film which briefly recounts the war-time history of the USS North Carolina. Then there are exhibits and the self-guiding tour which includes the gun turrets, the bridge, officers' and crew's quarters, sick bay and the engine room.
  The Coca-Cola Canteen has snack food and drink items for purchase and the Ship's Store offers souvenirs and other gifts for sale. There is also a picnic area on shore. Battleship Park is on the Cape Fear River overlooking historic downtown Wilmington.
  Summer Hours (16 May through 15 September): Daily (including holidays), 8a to 8p.
  Winter Hours (16 September through 15 May): Daily (including holidays), 8a to 5p.
  Admission: $9; seniors and military (w/ military ID card) $8; kids 6 through 11, $4.50. (They accept MasterCard and Visa - no checks.)
  For more information phone 1-910-251-5797; 24-hour information line: 1-910-350-1817. Web site: Battleship.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh): I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow US-17 to Battleship Park and the Battleship on the Cape Fear River.
  From I-95 northbound: After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Follow the signs to the Battleship Memorial. US-76 eastbound (out of Florence SC) may seem quicker but it is 2 lanes; US-74 eastbound is 4 lanes and the faster and safer of the two routes to Wilmington.)
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville):
  Option #1 for passenger cars - Follow US 17 South all the way to the Battleship. This route just takes a little longer. This is also Market Street which is a beautiful narrow 4-lane tree lined road; however, navigating large vehicles such as RV's through downtown Wilmington is not recommended.
  Option # 2 for large RVs and cars pulling trailers - When you reach Ogden just north of Wilmington, take a left onto truck route US 17 South/Military Cutoff Road. Continue for approximately 12 miles. (US 17 becomes Oleander Drive and then Wooster.) You will come to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Follow the signs to the Battleship Memorial.

Bellamy Mansion Museum & Gardens - This one of North Carolina's premier architectural and historic treasures, tours are now offered of the mansion and original, Victorian-style, flower and herb gardens. Also viewable are changing exhibitions on history and design arts plus an introduction to historic preservation in action. When the mansion was restored after a fire, the Carriage House was rebuilt to match the original specifications for general construction and exterior appearance. The Bellamy Mansion is a Stewardship Property of Preservation North Carolina.
  Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10a to 5p; Sundays from 1 to 5p. Tours start every half hour until 45 minutes prior to closing. Closed holidays. Admission: $6' kids 5 to 12 $3. MasterCard and Visa accepted.
  For more information phone 1-910-251-3700 or visit their web site: Bellamy.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh): I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street - about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow US-17 to 503 Market Street.

Burgwin-Wright Museum House & Gardens - Built in 1770, on the foundation of the old jail, by John Burgwin who was a highly respected planter, merchant and the treasurer of the colony of Carolina. Joshua Wright purchased the house in 1799 for "3500 Spanish milled dollars". The house was occupied, as a residence, until 1937, when it was purchased and restored by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the state of North Carolina.
  Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10a to 4p with tours beginning on the hour; last tour begins at 3:30p except Saturday tours which begin on the half hour with the last tour beginning at 3:30p. Admission fee.
  For more information phone 1-910-762-0570 or visit their web site: Burgwin-Wright.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh): I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow US-17 to 224 Market Street.

Cape Fear Museum - Long-term exhibits include a diorama of the Civil War battle of Fort Fisher plus thousands of artifacts and photographs. They have also created a special gallery with interactive exhibits for children: the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery. These exhibits are divided into sections: the Upland Forest, the Bottomland and the Maritime Forest. Each of the exhibited ecosystems contains typical plants, animals and geology coordinated with activities, "designed to foster understanding of their specific natures".
  Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9a to 5p; Sundays from 1 to 5p. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Museum is also open Mondays from 9a to 5p. Admission: $5; seniors and college students, $4; kids 3 to 17, $1.
  For more information phone 1-910-341-4350 or visit their web site: CapeFearMuseum.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh): I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street - about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow US-17 to 814 Market Street.

Cape Fear Riverboats - Henrietta III is "the place" for just a lazy day or evening of fun. Cruises depart from the foot of Dock Street at South Water Street. All cruises board thirty minutes prior to departure and sail rain or shine, April through December.
Public cruises include:
1½ Hour Narrated Sightseeing Cruise which ventures up and down the Cape Fear River. Available Tuesday through Sunday at noon and, again, at 2:30p April through October. Tickets are $10; $5 per child aged 2-12. Tickets are $18; $10 per child aged 2-12.
1½ Hour Lunch Cruise which features an exciting narration given by the Captain on Historic Downtown Wilmington. Phone 1-800-676-0162 (toll free) for dates and departure times.
Friday Dinner Dance Cruise which, for entertainment, is usually a combination of upbeat contemporary recorded music for dancing plus live bluegrass by the "Fire on the Mountain" ensemble. Departs at 7:30p and returns about 10p every Friday April through December. The fare is $33; $23 per child aged 2-12 (includes tax and gratuity).
A Saturday Dinner Dance Cruise is also available. The fare is $3 more than the Friday Dinner Dance Cruise.
Sunset Dinner Cruises - if there's a bit of romance in your soul, you'll really enjoy their Sunset Dinner Cruises every Wedsnesday and Thursday evenings in june, July and August. The fare is $27; $17 per child aged 2-12 (includes tax and gratuity).
  Prepaid reservations are required for all cruises. MasterCard, VISA and Discover cards are accepted. (Sorry, no checks.)
  For more information phone 1-800-676-0162 (toll free) or visit their web site: Riverboats.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow US-17 to South 3rd Street. Turn right and drive to Orange Street (6 blocks). Turn left, drive to the end of Orange and turn right onto Water Street. They are at 101 South Water Street Unit 1 on the Cape Fear River.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 2nd exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington. Follow Front Street to Orange Street. Turn left, go 1 block and turn right onto Water Street. They are at 101 South Water Street Unit 1 on the Cape Fear River. (US-76 eastbound (out of Florence SC) may seem quicker but it is 2 lanes; US-74 eastbound is 4 lanes and the faster of the two routes to Wilmington.)
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - Follow US 17 South to South 3rd Street. Turn right and drive to Orange Street (6 blocks). Turn left, drive to the end of Orange and turn right onto Water Street. They are at 101 South Water Street Unit 1 on the Cape Fear River.

Ghost Walk - Costumed guides lead you on a 90 minute journey through the heart of historic Wilmington and introduce you to the dozens and dozens of ghosts that occupy residences, businesses and local landmarks. The walk takes you down some of the most beautiful streets in America and is approximately 1 mile long. You'll hear tales of duels, pirates, yellow fever, public hangings, murder, mayhem and other less fortunate circumstances. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
  April through October: Nightly at 8:30p plus Tuesday through Saturday at6:30p. Call for special Halloween Walks.
  November, December, January, February & March: Thursday through Saturday at 6:30p.
  Walks meet at the riverfront (Market and Water Streets) and leave promptly, come rain or shine.
  Cost is $12; $10 for seniors and students. Children under 7 are free.
  For more information phone 1-910-602-6055. Web site: GhostWalk.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for Market Street (US-17)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Market Street and follow to its end at Water Street.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 2nd exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington. Follow Front Street to Market Street Street. Turn left, go 1 block to Water Street. (US-76 eastbound (out of Florence SC) may seem quicker but it is 2 lanes; US-74 eastbound is 4 lanes and the faster of the two routes to Wilmington.)
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - By the time you enter the downtown area of Wilmington you should see that you are now on Market Street. Forget about US-17 (it turns off) and just follow Market Street to its end at Water Street.

(continued in column 2)

(continued from column 1)

Greenfield Park & Gardens - Wilmington is noted for its Spring Azalea Festival but you can enjoy the azaleas, camellia and other spring blooms in a leisurely drive around the 5 mile loop in the Park. Of course, you can enjoy the roses all summer and those beautiful cypress trees are not to be ignored. If your car happens to have a passenger or two in a playful mood, they also have canoes and paddleboats. Also available are bicycle paths, nature trails and, ah, picnic tables. Everything is FREE except the canoes and paddleboats.
  Open from dawn to dusk.
  For more information phone 1-910-341-7868 or visit their web page: GreenfieldPark.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street) (about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow to the intersection of US-421 (South 3rd Street). Note: this is the last place to turn off before crossing the Cape Fear River bridge. Turn left onto US-421 and follow it to Park Street and Greenfield Park. For the drive around the lake, see below.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 1st exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington, turn merge with US-421 (South 3rd Street). Follow it to Park Street and Greenfield Park. For the drive around the lake, see below.
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - Continue on US-17, through downtown and to the intersection of US-421 (South 3rd Street). Note: this is the last place to turn off before crossing the Cape Fear River bridge. Turn left onto US-421 and follow it to Park Street and Greenfield Park. For the drive around the lake, see below.

The Drive around Greenfield Lake and Park: Stay on US-421 as it follows along the Greenfield Park and Lake to the first street on your left, West Lakeshore Drive. Turn left and now follow Lakeshore Drive around the lake. As you round the southern end of the lake Lakeshore Drive becomes East Lakeshore Drive until you finally get back to Park Street.

Latimer House Museum - The Latimer House, built in the then (1852) popular Italianate style by local merchant Zebulon Latimer, is currently open to the public as a house museum exemplary of upper-class life in Wilmington during the Victorian period. Its 14 rooms contain over 600 historic objects (e.g., furniture, jewelry, tableware). Latimer House Museum has also been the home the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society since 1963. Information about the many other historical homes is available, here.
  Open Monday through Friday from 10a to 4p; Saturdays from noon to 5p. The last tour generally begins one half-hour before closing. Fee for guided tours: $6.
  For more information phone 1-910-762-0492 of visit the Society's web site: LatimerHouse.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for Market Street (US-17)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Market Street and follow to 126 S. Third Street.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 2nd exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington, and merge with South 3rd Street. Follow it to Orange Street and turn right. Go 2 blocks to 3rd Street, turn left and the Latimer House is at 126 S. Third Street.
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - By the time you enter the downtown area of Wilmington you should see that you are now on Market Street. Forget about US-17 (it turns off) and just follow Market Street to South 3rd Street. Turn left onto 3rd and the Latimer House is at 126 S. Third Street.

New Hanover County Arboretum - Operated as a function of the New Hannover County Extension Service, the primary features are the Japanese Garden, the Aquatic Garden and Bog, the Rose, Daylily and Camellia Gardens and the Children's Garden. They also maintain a garden shop, called the Potting Shed, which has a wonderful variety of gifts for the gardener as well as a large inventory of gardening books.
  Open daily from about 8a to dusk. FREE.
  For more information phone 1-910-452-6393 or visit the extension service web site: NHCCES.
  From Downtown Wilmington, take any through street , e.g., 16th Street, south to US-76 (Dawson Street, turn left (east) and follow US-76 (which becomes Oleander Drive) to 6206 Oleander Drive.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue southbound on NC-132 College Road) to US-76 (Oleander Drive) and turn left. The New Hanover County Arboretum is at 6206 Oleander Drive.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. You have been joined by US-76 which you need to follow, through Wilmington. US-76 becomes Oleander Drive. The New Hanover County Arboretum is at 6206 Oleander Drive.
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - As you enter the outskirts of Wilmington you will see a sign pointing to I-40. While I-40 requires a right turn, you need to turn left onto NC-321 (College Road). Drive southbound on NC-132 College Road) to US-76 (Oleander Drive) and turn left. The New Hanover County Arboretum is at 6206 Oleander Drive.

North Carolina Azalea Festival - Features garden and home tours, concerts, a street fair, a parade, a circus and much more. Hours: Various.
  For more information, next year's schedule and directions, phone 1-910-763-0905 or visit their web site: AzaleaFestival.

Springbrook Farms Carriage Tours - A romantic way to view the historic city of Wilmington. You are guided by costumed driver who narrates the sights and histories as you ride past the stately mansions, homes and historic Wilmington's river front.
  Carriage Tours through downtown are given Tuesday through Sunday. Adults: $9; kids under 12, $4.
  Hours of operation:
April through October: Tuesday through Saturday from 10a to 10p; Sundays from 11a to 4p.
November, December and March: Friday and Saturday from 11a to 10p; Sundays from 11a to 4p.
January and February: Please phone for schedule.
  For more information phone 1-910-251-8889 or visit their web site: CarriageTours.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for Market Street (US-17)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Market Street and follow to its end at Water Street.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 2nd exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington. Follow Front Street to Market Street Street. Turn left, go 1 block to Water Street. (US-76 eastbound (out of Florence SC) may seem quicker but it is 2 lanes; US-74 eastbound is 4 lanes and the faster of the two routes to Wilmington.)
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - By the time you enter the downtown area of Wilmington you should see that you are now on Market Street. Forget about US-17 (it turns off) and just follow Market Street to its end at Water Street.

Tote-Em-In-Zoo - This is Eastern North Carolina's largest zoo. The grounds are extensive with walkways sprinkled with benches (for those of us who have to sit once in awhile). There are also two museums located on the campus, one featuring a display of unusual mounted animals. The other houses a large display of miscellaneous household, etc., items that are significant to the development of civilizations. Admission FEE.
  For more information phone 1-919-791-0472 or visit their web site: ToteEmInZoo.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh) - I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for US-17 (Market Street)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto US-17 and follow to the intersection of US-421 (South 3rd Street). Note: this is the last place to turn off before crossing the Cape Fear River bridge. Turn left onto US-421 and follow it to 5811 Carolina Beach Road.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 1st exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington, turn merge with US-421 (South 3rd Street, here but it becomes Carolina Beach Road). Follow it to 5811 Carolina Beach Road.
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - Continue on US-17, through downtown and to the intersection of US-421 (South 3rd Street, here, but it becomes Carolina Beach Road). Note: this is the last place to turn off before crossing the Cape Fear River bridge. Turn left onto US-421 and follow it to 5811 Carolina Beach Road.

Wilmington Children's Museum - Featuring such hands-on exhibits as the Grocery Store (with check-out), a Lego Room where kids can learn to design and build very sophisticated models (many examples to guide them), a Science Room, the Art Room where imaginations are encouraged to really run wild and a special 'dress up' area where kids can become their favorite characters. There is also a puppet theatre. One feature that we have found in no other children's museum (so far) is their Pirate Ship and Pirate Treasure room. One of the central 'themes' pushed by the local Visitors' Bureau is Wilmington's pirate history and you'll find the pirate theme almost everywhere.
  Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10a to 5p; Sundays from 1 to 4p. Admission is FREE on the first Sunday of each month. Open most school holidays. Open Mondays during June, July and August. Admission: $3.50.
  For more information phone 1-910-254-3534 or visit their web site: ChildrensMuseum.
  From I-40 eastbound (Raleigh): I-40 ends after you pass exit 420, it becomes NC-132 (College Road). Continue, across the overpass, to the exit for Market Street (US-17)(about 2 miles). At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Market Street and follow it to 11th street. Turn left onto 11th; parking is available next to the museum. The museum fronts Market Street at 1020 Market Street.
  From I-95 northbound - After you cross the border into North Carolina, take Exit 14 onto US-74 eastbound to Wilmington. Take the 1st exit (Front Street) after your cross the Cape Fear River bridge entering Wilmington, turn left at 11th Street. The museum is at the corner of Market Street but parking is next to it on 11th Street.
  From I-95 southbound, get on I-40 at exit 81 and follow the I-40 directions (above).
  From US-17 southbound (New Bern, Jacksonville) - Continue on US-17, to downtown Wilmington. By the time you enter the downtown area of Wilmington you should see that you are now on Market Street. Forget about US-17 (it turns off) and just follow Market Street to 11th Street. Turn left onto 11th; parking is available next to the museum. The museum fronts Market Street at 1020 Market Street.