Discover New Hanover: Riverfront, History and Museums

New Hanover invites you on a journey where riverfronts, gardens, the coast, history and museums stand side by side. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment can first decide on their preferred pace: Should the day begin with a walk by the water, focus on historic sites, or leave room for observing nature and making discoveries together? The attractions around Wilmington offer a range of starting points for this.

River, Garden and Atlantic

The historic grounds of Airlie Gardens cover more than 67 acres. More than 200 bird species have been observed there. The garden therefore represents a travel plan in which landscapes and wildlife observation have their own place. If you would like to turn your attention to larger bodies of water in between, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers a special focus: The aquarium overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. It is surrounded by protected woodland, marshland and beach.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area also offers its own perspective. An observation platform provides views of Zeke's Island. This makes the site easy to connect with the theme of views and landscapes when planning your day, while Airlie Gardens offers a different natural accent.

History by the Water and in the City

New Hanover is also shaped by historical themes. Fort Fisher kept the port of Wilmington open to blockade runners until the final months of the Civil War, bringing essential supplies to the Confederate armies inland. At Wilmington Riverwalk, Orange Street Landing leads into another historical dimension: It is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program of the National Park Service.

The Riverwalk stretches 1.75 miles along the banks of the Cape Fear River. This means a visit to the city can also be experienced along the waterfront. In addition, PNC USCT Park at the Cameron Art Museum is located within the historic Forks Road Civil War Site. The Cameron Art Museum itself covers 9.3 acres and expands the options with a cultural visit.

Options for Active and More Relaxed Days

For a stay that includes physical activity, Halyburton Park offers a clearly defined trail option. The park covers 60 acres and is 70 percent undeveloped. A 1.3-mile paved, accessible trail leads around the grounds and connects to the Gary Shell Cross City Trail. These details make it possible to incorporate a walk or bike ride into your travel plans based on the desired distance, without having to structure the entire day around a single experience.

Museums with Different Discoveries

For families with children, the Children's Museum of Wilmington is an obvious choice for interactive content. It offers more than 15,000 square feet of interactive educational exhibits and learning experiences. The new Cape Fear Museum adds to this area with the interactive Cape Fear Stories exhibit.

The Wilmington Railroad Museum also brings history to life. A historic 100-year-old steam locomotive is on display there. Visitors can also board a restored railway car. A children's hall with custom-built train tables and interactive models provides additional points of interest for a museum visit with younger travelers.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Match Your Travel Plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in New Hanover, it is worth deciding on the focus of your stay in advance. If Riverwalk, historical themes and museums are your priorities, you can include the direct destination area of Wilmington in your plans. This way, your search is guided by your preferred daily itinerary rather than just by a general place name.

If you would like to broaden your search beyond New Hanover, Franklin County, Polk County, Alleghany County, Davie County, Brunswick, Cabarrus and Wilson County are also available for further orientation.

For the higher-level travel overview: North Carolina.