Hollywood has been reveling in the wonders of Wilmington, North Carolina, for decades.
Its time we follow suit.
Want a less crowdedspring break escape?
Credit:LISA CORSON
Its beaches are at your service.
Seeking a charismatic riverfront city?
Wilmingtons scenic Riverwalk and majestic live oaks rival those ofSavannah.
A surfer scans the sea at Wrightsville Beach.Credit:LISA CORSON
We both discovered the beauty of a sunset boat ride and vowed to make a returntrip with our mom.
So, upon arriving in Wilmington, our first stop was the Thaiand-Vietnamese restaurantIndochine.
When we were ready for afternoon refreshments, the district overprovided.
Indochineâs cocktails are served in funky glassware and spotlight tropical fruit flavors.Credit:LISA CORSON
Not five minutes from the artsy Cargo District, Wilmingtons historic downtown has a personality all its own.
The inn is in a 134-year-old Victorian home, but nothing about the eco-friendly and design-focused bed-and-breakfast seems dated.
Inside, the decor is modern and minimal, but every accent is intentional.
Built in the 1850s, the privately owned Miles Costin House is in the downtown historic district.Credit:LISA CORSON
After freshening up, we walked the few blocks to Wilmingtons downtown.
Dinner that night was atSeabird, a labor of love from two-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Dean Neff.
Although the nautical-inspired dining room presents as relaxed but refined, the idea was never to gatekeep.
The Seasonal Seafood Tower and Eastern Cioppino at Seabird feature North Carolina shellfish.Credit:LISA CORSON
I shimmied into a wet suit and strode into the water ready to hang ten.
Unfortunately, the ocean had different plans for me.
The exhilaration of ever so briefly catching a wave was electric.
You can reach the shore from any of Carolina Beachâs 44 designated public access points.Credit:LISA CORSON
I left buzzing with excitement until my brother teased me into submission.
If day one was Cyrus ideal itinerary, day two was mine.
With my outdoor cravings satiated, we spent the evening in the funky South Front District.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard or charter a boat for a cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway.Credit:LISA CORSON
Along the way, our captain pointed out various islands and birds.
Now thats movie magic.
The lush, naturalistic landscapes of Airlie Gardens have been open to the public since 1999.Credit:LISA CORSON
