Wilmington: Where the
River Meets the Sea
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Wilmington residents enjoy a relaxed way of living and a good quality of life. This charming forming arts center, a regional medical center and Screen Gems Studios, one of the largest motion picture
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port city is located in the southeastern corner of North and television studios outside of Hollywood. Here, many
TOURISM/BILL
Carolina, between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic famous movies and the popular TV shows One Tree
RUSS;
Ocean. Wilmington has become a popular destination Hill and Dawson’s Creek were filmed. The city supports
TIBOR
because of its moderate, four-season climate, historic a very active calendar with its showcase theater, the
preservation district, annual events such as the Azalea Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, which
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Festival and Riverfest, and numerous championship hosts about 250 events annually. The complex has
golf courses.
been in continuous operation since it opened in 1858.
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The University of North Carolina at Wilmington has a
Discover Wilmington
state-of-the-art Cultural Arts Building which opened in
TOURISM,
In 2008, The National Trust for Historic Preservation December 2006, and houses a music recital hall, art
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named Wilmington one of its Dozen Distinctive gallery and two theaters for major events.
SPORTS
Destinations. Wilmington experienced staggering
growth in the 1990s, ranking at one time as the second- Things to See and Do
fastest growing city in the country, behind only Las
Wilmington offers a historic downtown with a one-
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Vegas. Economists have forecast growth in the Greater mile long Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River as a main
SWIFT;
Wilmington area to be the fastest in the state up to 2010, tourist attraction. Downtown hosts a variety of excellent
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averaging 7 percent.
shops, outstanding restaurants, galleries and specialty
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Wilmington is home to a regional visual and per- boutiques, as well as beautiful and historic mansions.
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