Wilmington, North Carolina

I-40 essentially begins in the lovely, coastal town of Wilmington, NC. Although this is the newest stretch of the interstate to be completed, the road heads west from one of the earliest coastal settlements on the Atlantic sea-board. European explorers visited the area as early as 1524, when Giovanni da Verrazano reported to the French King Francis I that the Wilmington and Cape Fear area were “as pleasant and delectable to behold, as is possible to imagine…”

 

The love affair with this beautiful coastal site was just beginning. The English settled permanently in the 1720s and the charming port city became incorporated in 1739. Wilmington continued to play an important port role along the eastern coast, and even served as the entry point for the bulk of supplies for the Confederate States during the Civil War. Cotton, tobacco and the shipbuilding industry have each played a significant role in the economic success of Wilmington. When Interstate 40 opened at the western edge of Wilmington in 1990, tourism became the main bread-winner for the sleepy, little town. A growing movie industry has earned Wilmington the nickname “Hollywood East.” In fact, over 180 movies have been filmed here including the recent blockbuster “Nights in Rodanthe.”

Visit today and you will find quiet streets lined with beautifully restored mansions and inns; a plethora of antique shops, art galleries and coffee shops; and a thriving river walk front where you can stroll, eat and shop. Cool ocean breezes and sandy forest floors mark this historic coastal vacation spot, enticing you to frolic on her beaches and hike her historic trails.

Market Square, the main thoroughfare into downtown Wilmington, narrows to a tree-lined boulevard with lovely old homes and Spanish moss draping the branches that hang out over the road. Ornate churches and fountains border the street, some dating back several centuries. Get out and take a look for yourself; most of the buildings have placards telling their unique stories.