Wilmington
Wilmington is a city located in the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina. It is a metropolitan area that covers New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties in southeaster North Carolina. It was named in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington. He was the Prime Minister under the rule of King George II.
Settled on Cape Fear River, Wilmington offers historic downtown sceneries. Its main tourist attraction is the one mile long Riverwalk. It is also minutes away from nearby beaches. City residents have the best of both worlds because they live between the ocean and the river. In 2003, Wilmington was designated by the US Congress as “A Coast Guard City”. It became the home port for the USCGC Diligence.
Attractions in Wilmington include the Cape Fear Museum, the training camp site for the Charlotte Bobcats and the home of the Wilmington Hammerheads USL soccer team. The University of North Carolina Wilmington provides various programs for undergraduates and graduate students.
Wilmington also houses the third-largest sound stage in the United States. The EUE Screen Gem Studios houses the largest special effects water tank in North America. It has become a major center of American film and television production. Movies such as Cape Fear, 28 Days, The Crow, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, A Walk to Remember, Blue Velvet and Hounddog were filmed here.
Carolina Beach
If you want family-friendly experiences, we suggest that you check out Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach is a town in New Hanover County, North Carolina and is located on part of the Wilmington metropolitan area.
The best time to go to Carolina Beach is during the holidays for the month long Island of Lights Festival. There’s the Christmas parade, tour of homes and the New Year’s Eve countdown party. You can visit the hundreds of shops by the river and savor the local seafood at the finest restaurants.
Whether you enjoy long walks and other activities on the beach or you prefer to stay in the cozy bed and breakfast or hotel, there’s always something new and exciting for you to do in Carolina Beach. Since you’re near Wilmington and Kure Beach, you might as well check those out too.
Carolina Beach’s sandy and white beaches can rejuvenate your soul. It’s easy to get the comfort from nature that you want – just go to Carolina Beach. There are professional trained life guards that will save you any minute you need saving. This gives you peace of mind.
Visitors never tire of going to Carolina Beach. They can go fishing, boating, surfing and kayaking – that’s just naming a view. With the attractions and the restaurants, tourists will definitely find their home away from home here.
Leland
Leland is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina along the Brunswick River, five minutes west of Wilmington. It is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Cape Fear region and has a vibrant business community. There are golf courses too. Because of that, the town of Leland is fast receiving a small-town atmosphere.
Despite the business side, the natural beauty of Leland remains as highlighted by the Sturgeon Creek and Brunswick River. It retains the small town atmosphere and has the economic potential at the same time, which appeals to new business owners and residents alike.
Touted to be the Gateway to the Brunswick County, Leland is one of southeastern North Carolina’s gems. And to think it was a railroad crossroad in the late 1980s. It took nearly 100 years before the area was incorporated and the population boomed.
Leland Fire Rescue’s main station is located in the Leland and Belville town areas. They not only provide fire response to the residents, they also offer full service EMS vehicles.
The Leland Police Department has over 30 trained officers. Police officers use Ford Mustangs, Dodge Chargers and Crown Victoria’s to patrol the streets.
Leland has a number of commercial centers, restaurants and businesses such as Arby’s and Feller, Eddie Romanelli’s and Wal-Mart. The movie Domestic Disturbance was also filmed here.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a town in New Hanover County, North Carolina and east of Wilmington. It consists of a four-mile beach island as well as an interior island called Harbor Island. There are commercial properties on the main land too.
Wrightsville Beach’s first structure was in 1983 when they built the Carolina Yacht Club. A train track followed in 1888. It went through the mainland to Harbor Island and to the exterior island along the beach. In 1902, the train became electric streetcars, what were also known as the beach trolleys. The Lumina Pavilion opened in 1905 and was the largest dance floor and entertainment center in the area. It attracted a number of entertainers and bands. It closed in 1973.
Since 1973, the development in Wrightsville Beach has increased faster than a speeding bullet. Construction of condominiums at Duneridge and Cordgrass Bay was the harbinger of tourists coming into the island and staying there, as well as homeowners who purchase property within the area.
In the 1990s, several hurricanes hit Wrightsville Beach and caused great destruction on the beach but the island rebuilt itself every time. Residents of Wrightsville also learned what to do just in case another hurricane hits.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach is a town in New Hanover County, North Carolina about 15 miles south of Wilmington and located on Pleasure Island which is south of Wilmington Beach north of Fort Fisher and annex of Carolina Beach.
Kure Beach was named after Hans Kure, a Danish who came to Wilmington from Charleston, South Carolina in the 1880s. He was a retired ship captain and built Wilmington’s largest ship chandler and stevedore operation. He also purchased property at Carolina Beach and purchased a huge tract of land from Hanby Beach to the gates of Fort Fisher.
Kure Beach is a residential, business and tourist area. There are various outdoor sports and restaurants to check out. Kure Beach offers a homey ambiance so it is easy for visitors to be comfortable in the area. At the same time, the business booms quickly in Kure Beach so new entrepreneurs have no qualms starting their businesses here.
Kure Beach has also suffered from countless hurricanes but the town rebuilt itself every time. Along with the repairs are the constant improvements in terms of businesses. Nowadays there are commercial establishments located in Kure Beach. Anyone will definitely feel at home here. Beach people often buy property here because they know that they are close to their favorite place.
Hampstead
Hampstead is an unincorporated community located in Pender County, North Carolina. It is located between Wilmington and Jacksonville on US Route 17. It has the nickname “seafood capital of the Carolinas.”
If you are looking into schools, there are three elementary schools in Hampstead – Topsail Elementary, North Topsail Elementary and South Topsail Elementary, one middle school which is Topsail Middle School and one high school Topsail High School.
Perhaps the best amenities offered in Hampstead are the golf courses. When compared to other areas of North Carolina like Myrtle Beach and Brunswick County, there are more greens in Hampstead. The area has four golf courses, Belvedere Plantation being the most sought after.
Hampstead also has subdivisions and communities. The atmosphere itself is enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers alike. Housing options are available for anyone who wishes to have their root in the area. There are mobiles homes as well. No matter what home you are looking for, you will find it in Hampstead. You will also feel relaxed and safe because of the community that provides you with the comfort and security that you are looking for.
With the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department and Topsail Composite Squadron of the Civic Air Patrol, you will have the peace of mind that you are looking for.
