Wilmington, North Carolina June 25-29

May, and much of June, marked the loss of a number of friends and relatives, and kept us close to home.  

We really needed a road trip to reset our emotions and change our scenery, even if for only a couple of days. Wilmington is a town we have often wanted to visit, so we packed up the camper and took off for a few days of exploration and relaxation.

Wilmington is a town of beaches, a historic district, museums, waterfront with a charming River Walk, quaint shops with local artisans, music, friendly people and some great restaurants.  It reminds me of Annapolis although slightly more modern (Civil War vs. Revolutionary War).

A stroll along the River Walk provides a magnificent view of the USS North Carolina, some interesting craft shops, and carriage rides through town.

Carriage rides along the River Walk or through Historic Downtown

The USS North Carolina is open to the public for tours

The Cotton Exchange is packed with small local artisan shops and great bars and restaurants

We ended our first day of touring downtown by enjoying a relaxing evening of tropical drinks a cigar (for Me not E), chilling out in the "zero gravity loungers", and great steak dinner.

Tuesday we explored Wrightsville Beach before visiting at a couple of "Gated Golf Communities" we have been considering should we decided to relocate here.  

After lunch we took a guided tour of Bellamy Mansion before heading to Airlie Gardens for a leisurely stroll through some magnificent gardens and a viewing of a butterfly release. (really... a butterfly release!)

The Bellamy Mansion is worth touring as a glimpse into pre Civil War living

Airlie Gardens is 67 acres of magnificent gardens, landscapes, and wildlife

Wildlife abounds... including some Terrapins (OK Turtles)

The Butterfly House (real butterflies not these sculptures)

Like these!

We are usually "Park People", but occasionally it becomes necessary to stay at a facility that is centrally located to the sites you want to visit, which was the case in Wilmington.  That said, I give the KOA there 5 thumbs up!  Pleasant staff, clean rest rooms, beaiutiful large pool, WiFi, cable tv, and power for the air conditioner and microwave without having to run the generator.  it was quiet, huge, and they gave us a site without neighbors.... right next to a lovely pond.

We LOVED Wilmington experience and would recommend it for anyone wanting a spend a relaxing few "stressless" days.

We hope that everyone is having a relaxing summer and enjoying the outdoors and amazing opportunities America has to offer and look forward to sharing our future adventures.

Until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS!