Wilmington, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1739. Originally established as a port city, Wilmington quickly became a hub for trade and commerce in the region. The city played a vital role in the American Revolution and was the site of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776. During the Civil War, Wilmington served as a key Confederate port, supplying vital goods and materials to the Southern states. The city was also the site of one of the last battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865. In the 20th century, Wilmington experienced rapid industrial growth, particularly in the shipbuilding and railroad industries. The city also played a prominent role in the civil rights movement, with significant demonstrations and protests taking place in the 1960s. Today, Wilmington is known for its historic downtown district, beautiful beaches, and thriving arts and culture scene. It continues to be a vibrant and diverse city with a deep connection to its past.

1. The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

• Healthcare
• Technology
• Education
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Finance
• Retail
• Manufacturing
• Government
• Transportation

2. The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Skiing
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Camping
• Boating
• Snowboarding
• Rock Climbing
• Walking Tours

3. Average low and high temperature for the month:

• Low: 50°F
• High: 75°F

4. Average precipitation for the month:

• 3 inches

5. Elevation:

• 5,280 feet

6. Average home price:

• $350,000

7. Average household income:

• $60,000

8. The top 10 tourist points of interest:

• National Park
• Historic Downtown Area
• Museum
• Zoo
• Botanical Garden
• Waterfront Park
• Amusement Park
• Wineries/Vineyards
• Science Center
• Live Music Venue

The top 10 restaurants:

Seabird

1 S. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Seabird, owned by husband-and-wife duo Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton, focuses on sustainable seafood and seasonality. The restaurant offers dishes like Fried Smoked North Carolina Flounder and Eastern Cioppino, showcasing seafood native to the eastern seaboard. The Seasonal Seafood Tower is a must-try for a special night out.

PinPoint

114 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

PinPoint, located in downtown Wilmington, is known for its outstanding dishes that utilize local and seasonal ingredients. Under the leadership of executive chef Cameron Garvey, the menu changes nightly and includes dishes like Roasted Winter Squash Curry and Duck Confit Cassoulet.

Britt’s Donut Shop

13 Boardwalk, Carolina Beach NC

Britt’s Donut Shop is a beloved spot in Carolina Beach known for its delicious, freshly made donuts. It’s a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth looking for a delightful treat by the beach.

The Southerly

1206 N. Lake Park Blvd, Unit D, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

The Southerly offers a welcoming atmosphere with mint-green subway tile, pendant lighting, and light wood tables. With multiple locations throughout the city and its beaches, it’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, brunch, or lunch with fresh bites.

Drift

Multiple locations

Drift’s six outposts, scattered throughout the city and its beaches, offer a cool, surfer town environment. Guests can enjoy a variety of options, including a cup of coffee, generous brunch, and lunch menus featuring fresh bites like chia pudding, breakfast burritos, harissa grain bowls, and smash burgers.

Ceviche’s

7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Ceviche’s, located just a few miles from Wrightsville Beach, offers a taste of Panama with dishes like Ropa Vieja, Corvina a la Plancha, and a variety of ceviche options. The restaurant also serves refreshing cocktails like the Panama Painkiller and margaritas rimmed with salt from Wrightsville Beach.

The Green Restaurant

1427 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403

The Green Restaurant is a plant-based eatery that features a greenhouse containing Tower Gardens growing more than 1,000 plants. The menu highlights fresh-grown microgreens, lettuces, and herbs, offering a variety of veggie-forward appetizers and heartier dishes like Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Eggplant Agebitashi served over rice in a dashi-tamari broth.

Caprice Bistro

10 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Caprice Bistro, an intimate and dark-wooded French restaurant, showcases the culinary talents of owners Thierry and Patricia. The restaurant offers classic French dishes like Escargots Petite Gris and Beef Bourguinon, providing a romantic dining experience reminiscent of the City of Love.

Savorez

402 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC

Savorez is a popular restaurant known for its flavorful, Latin-inspired dishes. The menu features a variety of options, including tacos, burritos, and other traditional Latin American cuisine, providing a vibrant and delicious dining experience.

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