Battleship North Carolina

On the western shore of the river across from the Federal Building is the legendary Battleship North Carolina, one of the famous dreadnaughts of World War II and a popular tourist destination. And let’s face it folks, there aren’t many cities where you can find an enormous battleship parked downtown.

Wilmington Water Tours

A wonderful way to see Wilmington and the riverfront is by spending time on the water downtown. Wilmington Water Tours uses a state-of-the-art catamaran that can hold up to 49 guests and offers several options for seeing the Cape Fear River. All types of outings can be arranged and ecological tours are offered too.

Just past the Federal Building and along the Riverwalk, look for the large U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Diligence, usually berthed just south of the lovely Hilton Inn. Tours are available, and be sure to check out the “weed” decals on the bridge indicating the number of successful drug busts.

Cotton Exchange Saved

A bit further north on the east side of Water Street in downtown Wilmington is one of our shopping gold mines, the Cotton Exchange. Consisting of eight old buildings, one dating back to before the Civil War, they were saved from the wrecking ball and converted into a group of about 30 unique shops and restaurants.

Cape Fear Community College

Strolling further north on the Riverwalk, you’ll encounter the city docks behind the campus of one of Wilmington’s educational jewels, Cape Fear Community College, which was instrumental in bringing the large Verizon Wireless customer support center here in 2005.

Riverwalk continues on along docks behind the Best Western Coastline Inn, the Coastline Convention Center and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For the time being, Riverwalk ends at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce just past the Coastline complex, but plans call for it to be extended further north past the new convention center, hotel and PPD building to the Isabelle Holmes Bridge over the Cape Fear River.

Currently enjoying a renaissance from a blighted urban area to a trendy residential, office and commercial locale, our North Fourth Street district is adjacent to the new PPD World Headquarters, Wilmington Convention Center and hotel currently being developed along the river.