Welcome to Wilmington: National guide lists Port City among must-see destinations

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·2 min read
The Wilmington Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington is one of the top destinations to visit, according to The Discoverer, a travel publication.
The Wilmington Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington is one of the top destinations to visit, according to The Discoverer, a travel publication.

Wilmington has made another list that puts the city among the nation's must-see places.

The Port City was recently named by a publication as one of the top southeast destinations to visit.

The Discoverer, a travel publication, placed Wilmington among 10 essential cities or areas to visit. The group, which isn't ranked, includes Annapolis, Md.; Ocean City, Md.; Virginia Beach, Va.; the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla.

The publication noted some of the many attractions Wilmington has to offer, such as the Wilmington Riverwalk, The Cotton Exchange, Port City Trolley and Battleship North Carolina.

The 1.75-mile-long Wilmington Riverwalk is located at the very edge of the Cape Fear River, and runs parallel to Water and Front streets, and connects with a number of popular downtown streets, such as Market, Dock and Orange streets. Some businesses are easily accessible via the Riverwalk.

The Cotton Exchange, located at 321 N. Front St., in downtown Wilmington, houses more than 20 shops and restaurants.
The Cotton Exchange, located at 321 N. Front St., in downtown Wilmington, houses more than 20 shops and restaurants.

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Nearby is The Cotton Exchange, a group of shops, unique boutiques, and restaurants in historical buildings that date back to the late 19th century. It's been a spot for local businesses since the 1970s.

The Discoverer also noted Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden with a lot of beautiful things to see ― azaleas, tulips, the Native Butterfly House, and sculptures, which consist of the Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden. Unveiled in 2004, this tribute garden honors visionary artist and longtime Airlie Gardens’ employee, Minnie Evans.

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Airlie Gardens was another stop a travel publication mentioned in its assessment of WIlmington as a top southeast destination.
Airlie Gardens was another stop a travel publication mentioned in its assessment of WIlmington as a top southeast destination.

The city is also home to two film studios, Screen Gems and Dark Horse, and two museums in the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and the Cameron Art Museum.

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington named a top southeast destination by The Discoverer