Category: About the Area
Downtown Wilmington
DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON by Rob Grantmyre
The sights and sounds of downtown Wilmington characterize hundreds of years of commerce, great architecture, and exuberant social atmosphere. As a historic district dweller, I am an active participant in these sights and sounds. I’ve come to know well the soft horn of the Henrietta, rhythmic clip clops of the horse drawn carriages, and the enchanting sounds of nearby church bells.
Wrightsville Beach
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH by Rob Grantmyre
“Attractive Wrightsville Beach is representative of the new communities that have sprung up around boating centers. Drawing its principal sustenance from nearby Wilmington, it is a thriving town of its own now.”
-Around America, Walter Cronkite
Originally named New Hanover Banks in the 1700’s, the small barrier island was officially incorporated as Wrightsville Beach in 1899. Named for the Wright family, prominent landowners in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach has blossomed into one of the Carolina’s most treasured small towns.
Wilmington, NC
WILMINGTON, NC by Rob Grantmyre
Nestled between North Carolina’s mighty Cape Fear River on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Wilmington has long been known as the “Port City of Progress and Pleasure.” Founded in 1739, Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and ship-building center. Today the city continues to flourish.
Landfall
LANDFALL by Rob Grantmyre
Luxurious homes, championship golf courses, world class amenities… When Giovanni Da Verrazano landed on the bluffs of Landfall in 1524 he probably never envisioned such a paradise. What he did see were deer, osprey, egrets, and heron, all of which are still easy to spot in the comfortable setting of Landfall.
Figure 8 Island
FIGURE 8 ISLAND by Rob Grantmyre
Just North of Wilmington is a private island accessible only by boat or private bridge. Figure Eight is one of only a handful of privately owned Islands along the Eastern Seaboard.