One of the area's greatest resources is its location nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. The historic character of Wilmington's downtown Historic District offers a lively streetscape of restaurants, outdoor cafes, coffee shops, banks, governmental offices, and retail stores all framed against the backdrop of the Cape Fear River.
A short drive to one of the area beaches reveals the open sky and the special quality of light that was vividly described in the journals of Wilmington's honored artist, the late Claude Howell. Even the beaches contrast with each other, from quiet residential neighborhoods to lively areas of play to undeveloped barrier islands.
