The port city of Wilmington, located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, boasts a rich and colorful history. Founded in 1739, this small city of 99,000 has southern charm with historic homes, cobblestone streets and a resident riverboat. The neighboring beach community of Wrightsville Beach, located on the Atlantic coast, offers year-round water sport activities.
Surfing
Surfing has become a popular sport at Wrightsville Beach due to the warm Gulf Stream waters, year-round mild climate and breaking sand bars. Bring your own surfboard and jump in the waves, or rent a board from one of the many surf shops located on the beach. Surfing lessons for all ages from kids to adults are also available.
Yoga on the Beach
Power Yoga is offered on the beach every Monday and Wednesday morning from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. by Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation. This vigorous workout emphasizes strength and flexibility. Purchase a token for the class in advance at the park office for $12 or purchase five tokens for $40, as of 2010. Other workout options at the recreation center are Boot Camp, Pilates, aerobics and a 2.5-mile fitness loop that circles the inner harbor.
Boating
Several options are available for boating on both the Cape Fear River in Wilmington and the ocean waters of Wrightsville Beach. Kayaks, canoes, jet skis, surf kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent from several outfitters at both locations. Or book a day trip such as the four hour Yoga Paddling tour that combines kayaking to Masonboro Island and an hour long yoga workout on the beach.
Cycling
There are 14 bicycle routes offered in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Included are several 2-mile loop trails around historic Wilmington landmarks, a seven-mile lakes and park route, and a 12-mile River to the Sea trek from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach. Bicycle rentals are available from several outfitters in both locations.
Battleship North Carolina
Tour the World War II Battleship North Carolina located permanently in the Wilmington harbor. Take two hours for a self-guided tour of this memorial to learn what onboard life was like in the 1940s. The tour features portions of nine decks including crew and captain’s quarters, the bridge, sick bay and gun turrets. The ship is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer months and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Admission prices as of 2010 are $12 for adults, $10 for active or retired military personnel, $6 for children aged six to 11 and free for children under the age of five.
Azalea Festival
The spring-time Azalea Festival has been held every year in Wilmington since 1948 and showcases the spring blooms and southern culture of the city. This five-day festival features a parade, street fair, circus, fireworks, a variety of concerts as well as tours of Wilmington’s gardens and historic homes.
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