Wilmington, North Carolina encompasses nearly 42 square miles of the spectacular Cape Fear Coast in New Hanover County. Surrounded by the vibrant island communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington enjoys a centralized location between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. This popular coastal village, once home to Charlie Daniels and David Brinkley, now holds a population of 75,838 (Census 2000 data).

Downtown Wilmington holds the key to the financial and legal industries of southeastern NC. This bustling sector is the site of the city and county governments, numerous major banking institutions, and an impressive array of options for dining, lodging, and shopping. Major shopping venues in Wilmington, NC include The Cotton Exchange, Independence Mall, Lumina Station, and Mayfaire Town Center.

The Downtown district features convenient access to major roadways and the Wilmington International Airport. In addition, Wilmington, NC earned designation as NC’s #1 Port City for its sizable seaport, which affords entry to the Atlantic Ocean via the Cape Fear River. The community’s top employers include New Hanover Health Network, New Hanover County Schools, and General Electric.

This charming port city provides miles of beautiful, pristine beaches, scenic estuary reserves, and an idyllic location for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. Popular destinations highlighting the area’s splendor include Airlie Gardens, the Arboretum at UNC, the Cape Fear Serpentarium, NC’s Azalea Festival, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Wilmington, North Carolina ranks among the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations named by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Bellamy Mansion, Cape Fear Museum, Sunset Park Historic District, and the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial from WWII are among the many historic sites of interest in Wilmington.

This festive community is home to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and hosts a wide variety of music-oriented events, such as the NC Jazz Festival and the Cape Fear Blues Festival. Also located here are the Corporate Canvas Art Gallery, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, and the Screen Gems Studio. This renowned studio ranks among the largest motion picture and television studios outside of Hollywood. Recognizable films or TV shows filmed in Wilmington include A Walk to Remember, Dawson’s Creek, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and One Tree Hill.

Wilmington, NC offers residents an outstanding public school system and options for private education, while Cape Fear Community College and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington serve the higher learning needs of the region. UNC Wilmington sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports and competes in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Hammerheads, Sea Dawgs, and Wilmington Sharks provide sporting events for the community throughout the year.

Wilmington, North Carolina is one of the most beautiful small cities in the southern United States. In this unique river and oceanfront community, visitors and residents alike have access to a large selection of business, educational, and recreational opportunities. In addition to its own uncrowded beaches, Wilmington lies just minutes away from several other popular beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, a surfing and sailing mecca.

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