WILMINGTON, NCStroll down the boardwalk and observe the resident alligators. Enjoy a lovely dinner by the Cape Fear River. Celebrate the open markets and vibrant energy of the Azalea Festival. Fireworks are launched from a retired World War 2 battleship on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve.
Explore the Cotton Exchange, a historical market turned into a series of stores featuring local artists and crafts. This medium-sized city has a state university and countless events and shows, but you are spared the traffic, noise, and intensity of a major metropolitan area. The pace of life is relatively slow.
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SOUTHPORT, NCThis beautiful historic town, nestled between the river and the sea, sits where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Charming boutiques and ample dining choices await those who enjoy peaceful days spent wandering through tree-lined streets. History buffs can explore several unique cultural sites, including the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center and NC Maritime Museum.
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OAK ISLAND, NCThe sleepy town of Oak Island has one of the highest ranked and most beautiful beaches in North Carolina. This south-facing beach boasts extraordinary ocean views of both sunrises and sunsets. Better yet, there are over 100 free public accesses. The town itself offers two fishing piers, a range of established dining options, boutique hotels and stores, a golf course, and ocean access for boating and kayaking.
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image copyrights: James Willamor, Southport-NC.com, and Michael Au Photography