Historic Spots in Downtown Wilmington

A water tour is perfect if you’re looking for a fun way to explore historic spots in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Additionally, the tours take guests around the city’s waterways, giving them a unique perspective of this charming coastal town. Plus, they offer some great photo opportunities! 

Wilmington Water Tours

In 2004, Captain Doug Springer and his wife returned to Wilmington to pursue their lifelong goal of boating for a living. When they returned, they founded Wilmington Water Tours to share the history and beauty of the Cape Fear River with others, inspired by their love of the water.

The Wilmington Water Tours offers six water cruses:

• Eagles Island Cruise – It’s a 50-minute eco-history cruise that will help you gain a new perspective on Wilmington’s deep history. 
• Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music – Enjoy the sunset and enjoy evening activities on the Cape Fear River.
• Breakfast with the Birds, led by Jill Peleuses of Wild Bird & Garden – This is perfect for you if you’re into bird watching.
• Wine Tasting Cruise – A 90-minute cruise with a scenic background will go perfectly with wine.
• Full Moon Cruise with Live Music – Make Cape Fear more mystical by having this very enchanting cruise. 
• History Comes Alive with Dr. Chris Fonvielle – Dr. Chris, a local history expert, will take you back in time in this one-of-a-kind adventure. 
• Photography Cruise with Alan Cradick – Whatever gadget you bring, if it can take pictures, Alan Cradick will help you get the best shot on this cruise.

Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship, North Carolina tour is an excellent way to learn about American history. The ship is in Wilmington, and visitors can take a self-guided tour. The activities include stops in the engine room, galley, officers’ quarters, and crew quarters. Visitors can also see how the ship performed during battle. The tour is very informative and well worth the price of admission.

Wilmington Historic District

Anyone interested in American history should visit Wilmington’s Historic District. In Wilmington’s historic core and surrounding residential areas, the district includes 875 contributing buildings, about 38 contributing sites, and three contributing structures.

The tour traces the district’s history from its inception in 1739 to today, highlighting some of its most significant structures, such as the Cape Fear Museum and the Cotton Exchange. Whether you’re a history buff or looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, Wilmington’s Historic District is well worth a visit.

Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion is a historic American house museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, built in the early 1860s by a prominent slave-holding family. In addition, the house is decorated with period furniture and accessories and is an excellent example of antebellum architecture. 

The museum hosts rotating exhibits on Civil War history and architecture, community events and fundraisers, and a special garden tour during the famed annual Azalea Festival.

Final Words

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, consider taking a historical walking tour of downtown Wilmington. You’ll learn about the city’s rich history and see some of its most beautiful architecture. 

Are you considering buying or selling a home in the Wilmington, NC, area? I’d love to help you! Please click here for our contact page, and we’ll reach out to you promptly. 

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