The southern costal plain is characterized by a subtropical climate much different from the northern region. And it is here that eastern North Carolina's heart and soul has long resided.
The thriving river city of Wilmington is the crown jewel of the region. Now a diverse city with industry ranging from tourism to filmmaking at its core, Wilmington has always been North Carolina's primary seaport. Settled in the early 1700s, the city was the last Confederate port to fall into Union hands during the Civil War, thus sealing the fate of the Confederacy. Today, its stunning Historic District offers visitors a glimpse into the antebellum past.
Across the Cape Fear River from the city's waterfront, the Battleship North Carolina recalls wars of the modern era. The battleship is one of Wilmington's top attractions, and guided tours are available daily.
South of the city, the magnificent Orton Plantation and Gardens is an icon of the area's plantation past. The impeccably restored home and lush gardens are most stunning in April and May, when thousands of azaleas bloom. Next door, the remnants of the region's first town can be seen at Brunswick Town State Historic Site. Once North Carolina's busiest port, the town was reduced to rubble by British forces in 1776.
If you want a change from the bustle of Wilmington, head south to Southport, a quiet seaside town with sandy lanes and a working waterfront. Visit the Southport Mariner's Museum for a peek at the town's history. Bald Head Island is a short boat ride away. Here you can visit the state's oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, and stroll among the marshes and private homes on an island where there are no cars.
The beach communities of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach offer something for just about everyone. Carolina Beach State Park is a great camping haven on the Cape Fear River. At Fort Fisher, you will find the North Carolina Aquarium, as well as the earthworks of the "Gibraltar of the South". Fort Fisher successfully guarded the mouth of the Cape Fear during the Civil War, despite repeated Union assaults. Finally, in January 1865, after the largest land and sea battle of the war, it fell. Wilmington fell shortly after.
The stretch of coast from the Cape Fear River to the South Carolina line is one of the oldest resort areas in the state. Comprised of Oak Island, Holden Beach, Long Beach, and Sunset Beach, the islands are dotted with rustic beach cottages and small beach communities. The town of Calabash is famous for its distinctive seafood, so much so that the term "Calabash Style" is found on restaurants far and wide throughout the region. But, in tiny Calabash, part of the meaning of "style" is having the shrimp boats tied up literally at the back doors of the local restaurants!
