::Hisoric Down Town Wilmington::

Wilmington's historic downtown area is the perfect location for a trip off the island where you can stroll down the streets encompasses by large live oaks and Victorian style architecture in both the homes and the churches of the downtown area. The historic district encompasses nearly 230 blocks and showcases mansions, old grave sites and landmark buildings. For a romantic evening, many enjoy taking a horse drawn carriage or trolley tour of the culturally historic downtown rich area after eating at one of its waterfront fine-dining restaurants. If you prefer a day trip with the children, employ one of the intriguing Wilmington natives to take you through a walking tour of the city. The Bellamy Mansion is one of the biggest attractions in the historic downtown area and is often a location for weddings. Built right before the Civil War, the historic Wilmington home is one of the most magnificent examples of antebellum structural design. After the fall of Fort Fisher, Federal troops overtook the mansion as their headquarters. It now stands as a museum presenting the history of the area as well as celebrated artisans.

For more adventure and folk lore learn about the many ghosts of Wilmington; how they lived and now how they haunt the area. The Ghost Walk of Old Historic Wilmington and the Haunted Pub Crawl offer a great and mysterious night of fun. With the largest historic district in the state and alleyways that have seen life for nearly 275 years, it's no wonder there's such an exciting business built around the local past. The walk is an hour and a half long and family safe and tours the historic area to show the many "haunted" homes. Explore the Bellamy Mansion, travel through St. James graveyard to hear about the many ghosts who haunt their grave and investigate Gallows Hill to discover the many "trapped souls" who have yet to resolve their wrong-doings. It is a fun way to learn about the history of the area, in a harmless yet mystifying environment.

Riverboat cruises on the majestic Henrietta III have two sightseeing cruises and a lunch cruise for interested in seeing an Intracoastal Waterway tour of the greater Wilmington area. Displaying the finest in southern hospitality, these cruises are perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and just a day of fun. While traveling along the Cape Fear River, enjoy delicious seafood cuisine while you learn about the history of the area. You might even catch a glimpse of the Battleship North Carolina. Visit Topsail Beach and see if your family can find the famous pirate Blackbeard's treasure; he was rumored to have hid his treasures throughout many of the central coast.