Wilmington Area

Airlie Gardens

A lush landscape of azaleas, magnolias and wisteria compliment 67 acres of coastal flora. Inspired by European and Southern garden styles, Airlie Gardens was created in the early 1900s and flourishes still today. Now, you can tour some of Wilmington’s most abundant scenery, unwind to the sounds of jazz, folk, and gospel music at the Gardens’ hosted concerts, or survey the work of local and national artists at the annual Airlie Arts Fest.

www.airliegardens.org

Azalea Festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Wilmington’s annual three-day festival of music, culture, history and art. You’ll enjoy a kick-off parade, street fair on cape fear riverfront, tours of historic homes and gardens, live entertainment and music concerts. This year, the 58th Azalea Festival featured Travis Tritt, Hootie & The Blowfish, and this year’s dazzling Azalea Queen, Baywatch’s Kelly Packard.

www.ncazaleafestival.org/

Battleship North Carolina

Come relive a monumental piece of WWII history on the Battleship North Carolina. Tour what was regarded as “the world’s greatest sea weapon” at the time of her commissioning, a battleship that “participated in every Naval offense” in the Pacific Theatre. Take part in a self-guided tour – or, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of crewmembers’ daily routines and activities in one of the battleship’s periodical reenactments.

www.battleshipnc.com

For more area attractions, visit CapeFearCoast.com