Chandler's Wharf, once a supply center for ships, and the Cotton Exchange, a collection of eight restored historic buildings that formerly housed the largest cotton exporting company in the world, are great places to sightsee. Both contain small shops and boutiques. For other great places to browse and shop, check out Market and Front streets. A self-guided tour of the ship tells the story of the sailors' days at sea. Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, about 20 miles south of Wilmington on U.S. 421, are great places to fly a kite.
View remains of the fort and explore nature trails.
More movies are made in North Carolina than any state other than California. Last Summer'' were filmed. Tours are conducted by Silver Screen Tours at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays and noon and 2 p.m. Sundays. No children under 12. The two-hour tour is not wheelchair accessible.