Wilmington, North Carolina Things To Do

University of NC Wilmington Thalian Hall Orton Plantation Gardens Trolley Tours Fun Park

Delight in the many fabulous natural sights of and things to see and do in Wilmington, North Carolina. From the pristine, sands of the island of Wrightsville Beach to splendid Airlie Gardens, you’re surrounded in natural beauty in Wilmington, NC. And that’s to say nothing of top things to do in Wilmington NC like visiting the landmark historic mansions and homes like Poplar Grove Plantation, Orton Plantation Gardens and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts. When looking for hotels in Wilmington, NC, you’ll find the Staybridge Suites Wilmington offers a splendid location close to top places of interest and things to do in Wilmington, NC.

University of NC Wilmington. The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a highly respected institution of higher learning that has earned a top ranking from U.S. News & World Report, placing 14th out of 119 public and private institutions in the South. The University of North Carolina Wilmington is especially noted for natural science programs including the biological sciences. To learn more about the university, and to see pictures of the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus, visit www.uncwil.edu.

Airlie Gardens. Airlie Gardens were created as the private paradise of the Pembroke Jones family in the early 1900s. Airlie Gardens stretches across 67 acres of lushly beautiful plants, including literally thousands of flowers like magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and wisteria. Airlie Gardens has belonged to the public since 1999, when it was purchased by the county of New Hanover. Airlie Gardens is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and an admission fee is charged. For more information on visiting one of the top things to do in Wilmington North Carolina, go to www.airliegardens.org. [Top]

Thalian Hall. Thalian Hall was designed by John Montague Trimble, a noted 19th-century theatre architect, and is the only surviving example of his work. Construction began on Thalian Hall in 1855 and was completed in 1858. Today, Thalian Hall enjoys the distinction of being listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Thalian Hall was reopened in 1990 after an extensive $5 million renovation and expansion project which took almost two years to complete. For more information on visiting events at Thalian Hall, go to www.thalianhall.com.

North Carolina Aquariums. The North Carolina Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. The three major branches include: the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores recently enjoyed a $25 million renovation and addition in 2006. For more information about the NC Aquarium, one of the best things to see and do in Wilmington, North Carolina visit www.ncaquariums.com. [Top]

Orton Plantation Gardens. Orton Plantation Gardens is a 1735 mansion compound surrounded by more than 20 acres of natural gardens, walking trails, lawns, water gardens, fruit trees, flowers, live oak, camellias and hundreds of acres of rice fields. A wonderfully satisfying stop for wildlife enthusiasts, the Orton Plantation Gardens offer self-guided walking tours, special events and classes and retreats. For more information on Orton Plantation Gardens, one of the top things to do in Wilmington for families, visit www.ortongardens.com.

Poplar Grove Plantation. Poplar Grove Plantation has the distinction of being one of the oldest peanut plantations in North Carolina and is located on Topsail Sound. Poplar Grove Plantation was kept in the same family from 1795 and until the mid-70s, then opened to the public as a museum in 1980. Today, Poplar Grove Plantation enjoys a place on the National Register of Historic Homes. For more information on Poplar Grove Plantation, visit www.poplargrove.com. [Top]

Trolley Tours. Trolley Tours offers engaging 45-minute tours of historic Wilmington, North Carolina narrated by a guide. Trolley Tours depart daily on the hour from 10am to 8pm, and offer a spectacular look into the landmark historic sites, museums, mansions and civil war sites of Wilmington, North Carolina. Add-on tour options include tours of Orton Plantation and Historic Wilmington, and Airlie Gardens and Historic Wilmington. The tours are always one of the best fun things for kids to do in Wilmington, NC. For more details on Trolley Tours, visit www.wilmingtontrolley.com.

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts. The Bellamy Mansion reigns as one of the most splendid examples of Antebellum Architecture in existence. The mansion was built for John Dillard Bellamy and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss and served as a headquarters for Northern troops after the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865. Tours are held of the Bellamy Mansion on the hour Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. For more details on visiting the Bellamy Mansion, one of the things to see and do in Wilmington, North Carolina, go to www.bellamymansion.org. [Top]

Jungle Rapids Fun Park. Jungle Rapids Fun Park is located in Wilmington, North Carolina and offers an exciting variety of amusements sure to entertain the whole family. Jungle Rapids Fun Park is a great adventure for the kids and always one of the top Wilmington NC things to do. At Jungle Rapids Fun Park, take your pick of fun from Grand Prix Go-Karts and Alien Invader Laser Tag, to the Kids Jungle, "The Rock" Climbing Wall, and Jungle Golf which features 18 holes. The fully staffed water park features lifeguards offering free floats and lifejackets. For more details on fun things to do at Jungle Rapids Fun Park, visit www.junglerapids.com.

Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach is a beautiful island located near the end of Interstate 40 offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. Wrightsville Beach, NC offers natural beauty plus sophisticated shopping, a thriving theatre and gourmet dining. One of the best free things to do in the Wilmington, North Carolina area is just strolling the pristine beaches of the island. For more details on visiting Wrightsville Beach, go to www.visitwrightsville.com. [Top]