Arboretum
Part of the Cooperative Extension Service, the Arboretum is a teaching and learning center that focuses on plant life adapted to southeastern North Carolina. Includes landscaping and coastal plants to view. 6206 Oleander Dr., Wilmington. 910-452-6393. www.gardeningnhc.org/arboretum.asp

Battleship North Carolina
Commissioned in 1941 as the first of a new breed of fast battleships, the USS North Carolina participated in every major naval operation in the Pacific from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Along with gift shop and tours, many special events are held at the ship, including a July 4th fireworks display. U.S. 421 North, across Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington. 910-251-5797. www.battleshipnc.com

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts
This antebellum home offers tours and exhibitions focusing on history, architecture and the restoration process. 503 Market St.,Wilmington. 910-251-3700. www.bellamymansion.org

Brunswick Nuclear Plant Visitors Center
Progress Energy runs this center of interactive exhibits and graphic displays and videos about energy. Located west of the Cape Fear River near Southport. 910-457-6041.
www.progress-energy.com/aboutenergy/powerplants/nuclear.asp

Brunswick Town State Historic Site
The excavated ruins of a colonial port town founded in 1726 and burned by the British in 1776, this state historic site recently underwent a year-long, $1 million renovation and museum expansion. It includes exhibits about life in a colonial town and artifacts gathered from its ruins. 8884 St. Phillips Road S.E., Winnabow. 910-371-6613. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/brunswic/brunswic.htm

Burgwin-Wright House
Built in 1770 over an abandoned city jail, this house is the oldest restoration in Wilmington. Includes open-hearth cooking, gardens and tours. 224 Market St., Wilmington. 910-762-0570. www.geocities.com/picketfence/garden/4354

Cape Fear Museum
Founded in 1898, the Cape Fear Museum is the oldest history museum in North Carolina. Its exhibits feature the cultural and natural history of the Cape Fear region. A popular attraction is the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, named for the basketball great (and Wilmington native), which features interactive displays that deal with the lush ecology of the area as well as artifacts from Jordan’s childhood in Wilmington. 814 Market St., Wilmington. 910-341-4350. www.capefearmuseum.com

Carolina Beach State Park
More than 700 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River make up this park, which also includes a marina with a boat launch. Visitors can fish from the riverbank or a fishing deck. Family and group campsites are available, and six miles of hiking trails wind through the park. Off U.S. 421 at Dow Road. 910-458-8206. http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/cabe/home.html

City Information
For more information on attractions in the area, contact the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. 24 N. Third St., Wilmington. 877-406-2356. www.cape-fear.nc.us

Cotton Exchange
Eight restored buildings connected by brick walkways and courtyards make up the Cotton Exchange, which houses more than 30 specialty shops and restaurants. 321 N. Front St., Wilmington. 910-343-9896. www.shopcottonexchange.com

Cucalorus Film Festival
This independent film festival at the end of March pays tribute to filmmakers around the world. It has grown with each year along with the Wilmington film industry, which has brought with it many talented young filmmakers. 910-343-5995. www.cucalorus.org

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Fort Fisher, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and guarding Wilmington’s important port during the Civil War, was the last Confederate stronghold to fall to the North, signaling the imminent demise of Lee’s armies. All that remains of the fort are its earthworks, the largest in existence. On-site museum includes displays, a slide program, walking tours and occasional reenactments. U.S. 421, south of Kure Beach. 910-458-5538. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/fisher/fisher.htm

Greenfield Lake and Gardens
Greenfield, a cypress “swamp” surrounded by nearly five miles of walking paths and bridges, is one of the most beautiful sites in the area, particularly in the spring when azaleas are blooming. Also contains picnic areas and a small amphitheater with occasional entertainment. Located just outside of downtown Wilmington to the south, off U.S. 421 (Third Street). 910-341-7852. www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Holiday Flotilla
Brightly illuminated boats parade through the Intracoastal Waterway to celebrate the Christmas season. 910-509-1204. www.ncholidayflotilla.org

Latimer House
Built in 1852, this Italianate style home is open to the public with 14 rooms filled with more than 600 Victorian-era artifacts that reflect upper-class society in 19th century Wilmington. The Latimer House is also the home of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. 126 S. Third St., Wilmington. 910-762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org

Museum of Coastal Carolina
Intending to stimulate public interest in the natural and cultural history of the Carolina coast, the museum features environmental and living exhibits that include salt-water fish, birds, turtles and other coastal animals. The museum displays an extensive collection of native shells as well as Native American artifacts. The Reef Room is a walk-through exhibit that depicts the ocean several miles off shore. In addition to hands-on exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs and activities. 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle. 910-579-1016. www.brunswickcounty.org/mocc

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Recently doubled in size, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher features hands-on and educational exhibits of marine life and ecosystems. 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. 910-458-8257. www.ncaquariums.com/newsite/ff/ffindex.htm

North Carolina Azalea Festival
Easily the largest event in town, the Azalea Festival in April marks the beginning of "the season" and features home and garden tours, art shows, a downtown street fair and musical performances at several venues from internationally known artists. The festival celebrated 59 years in 2006. 910-794-4650. www.ncazaleafestival.org

Orton Plantation
This historic plantation includes extensive gardens overlooking the Cape Fear River. Scenes from more than 40 movies and television series have been filmed here. 9149 Orton Road S.E., Winnabow. 910-371-6851. www.ortongardens.com

Poplar Grove Plantation
This restored 1850 Greek Revival manor house offers a look back at plantation life during the late 1800s. It offers guided tours, exhibits and beautiful grounds for walking, resting or picnicking. Special programs include the Herb and Garden Fair in the spring and the Halloween Festival each fall. 10200 U.S. Hwy. 17 N., Wilmington. 910-686-9518. www.poplargrove.com

Wilmington Children’s Museum
In 2006, the Wilmington Children’s Museum moved into its new facility downtown, which is five times larger than its old building. The museum provides hands-on learning opportunities for children with pirate ships, a puppet theater, gravity wall, sand room and Lego room. 116 Orange St., Wilmington. 910-254-3534. www.playwilmington.org

Wilmington Railroad Museum
This facility pays tribute to the railroad industry, which played such an important role in the history of Wilmington as a thriving center of commerce. The museum includes a restored steam locomotive and extensive collection of photographs and artifacts. 501 Nutt St., Wilmington. 910-763-2634. www.wrrm.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Sports
Cape Fear Cyclists
910-256-3304
www.capefearcyclists.org

Cape Fear Soccer Association
910-392-0303
www.capefearsoccer.com

Carolina Beach State Park
910-458-8206
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/cabe/home.html

Carolina Coastal Adventures
910-458-9111
www.carolinacoastaladventures.com

City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation
910-341-7852
www.ci.wilmington.nc.us/prd/parks.htm

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
910-458-5798
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/fofi/home.html

Kayak Carolina
910-458-9111
www.kayakcarolina.com

New Hanover Parks and Recreation
910-798-7181
www.nhcgov.com/PRK/PRKmain.asp

Port City Diesel Semi-Pro Football
910-762-9300
www.portcitydiesel.com

Public Beach Access
http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/Access/sites.htm

South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association
www.sayra-sailing.org

UNC Wilmington Seahawks
910-962-7536
www.uncw.edu/athletics

Waves Swim Team
910-251-9622
www.swimwow.org

Wilmington Hammerheads
Pro Soccer
910-796-0076
www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Wilmington Road Runners
910-251-9622
www.wilmingtonroadrunners.org

Wilmington Sharks Baseball
910-343-5621
www.wilmingtonsharks.com