Wilmington, as mentioned, is a port town, and that implies that there are plenty of water resources around it, both inland and offshore. Hence it is a wonderful destination if you have angling on your mind. Book yourself and your family into one of the many fishing charters available and they will take you out on the Cape Fear River or the Atlantic Ocean on fishing trips where you can catch anything from shark to flounder. If you are not very good at fishing take help from the staff aboard these charters and they will only be too glad to help. You can also go on a weekend cruise or a sunset cruise where varied entertainment and a lip-smacking buffet await you. If you like swimming at night, you can do so alongside baby turtles after sundown.

Next take a taste of history at the museums in Wilmington. There are very informative exhibits at the Battleship North Carolina museum or visit historical plantations and mansions and relive the past. There are also art galleries and children’s museums that have multiple activities for children of all ages and even adults can find interest in most. The Serpentarium is also interesting for the multiple species of snakes and related information that they house. Visit film studios and locations for your brush with Hollywood. For more outdoor fun and quality time with the family book yourselves into an amusement park where endless fun and adventure awaits you. Camping is also an option. There is the choice of a completely secluded camp grounds or having one with all modern amenities and even internet access. Such camp grounds are located at various places including the woods and the beaches so let the organizers know what you are looking for and they will arrange the rest.

You may also choose to spend your days at the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming or taking part in water sports. The Wrightsville beach, Kure beach and Carolina Beach are all a haven for beachcombers and water sport enthusiasts. There are also farms where adults may go horseback riding and children can have ponies or be entertained at petting zoos. There are many annual events and festivals such as the Azalea Festival and the holiday boat flotilla. Live music and performances and excellent shopping opportunities also add to your vacation pleasure. In addition, there is excellent seafood and other cuisines on offer making this town a wonderful destination.

There are a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains, stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area’s early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a few of the exciting places to visit in this region.

The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This beautiful trail winds through some of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.

Nantahala National Forest encompasses many of the peaks and valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. There are difficult class II and III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a number of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo, gardens, a predator habitat, a nocturnal hall, and other interesting and educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that could not survive in the wild.