Latest news with #CherylM.Whitaker
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Two New Hanover spots named among top places for boaters in NC. Here's why
The boating season in the Wilmington area usually begins in April and May as temperatures begin to rise. Getmyboat, a boat rental marketplace, recent published a report of North Carolina's top boat locations for boat rentals and charters, based on proprietary booking and demand data. The 2025 report ranked Wrightsville Beach at number 2 and Wilmington fourth for the top boating destinations in North Carolina. Here's why Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington made the list. As one of North Carolina's most picturesque coastal destinations, Wrightsville Beach offers a quintessential coastal boating experience with its pristine waters and sandy shores. Boaters can cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, anchor near Masonboro Island, or venture into the open ocean for deep-sea fishing. The beach's vibrant boating scene, waterfront amenities, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for boaters and beachgoers alike, according to the report. The yachts are the most popular style of boats to rent. As a major port city, Wilmington provides access to the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for charter fishing, sunset cruises, and yacht rentals. The city's vibrant tourism industry fuels demand for boat rentals year-round. There are tons of spots to explore and enjoy activities on the water, according to the report. The most popluar syle of boat to rent is center consoles. Stay informed: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the StarNews app Topping the report was Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake, with over 520 miles of shoreline. Wake Forest came in at third because of access to Falls Lake, which spans 12,000 acres and features multiple boat ramps, catering to recreational and serious boaters. Here are some boat rental places for 2025 listed in Trip Advisor for Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington. Sea Gate Boating Nauti Times Boat Rentals Yacht Source Airlie Pointe Yacht Charters Entropy Boat Rentals Cape Fear Boat Rentals Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington among top places for boaters in NC
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Wilmington Riverwalk is again recognized among the nation's best. Here's where it stands.
A popular picturesque downtown riverwalk was in the running for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for "Best Riverwalk." The Wilmington Riverwalk in Wilmington was one of 20 finalists in the contest. The category for 'Best Riverwalk' considered cities from across the U.S. that 'have transformed their riverfront areas into multi-use spaces for recreational purposes, cultural activities, dining, and nightlife.' Here's the results. The Wilmington Riverwalk came in at No. 3 on the list. Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky, was the top vote-getter. The Wilmington Riverwalk has consistently ranked among the top 10 in recent years in the 10Best awards, finishing second in 2021. The Wilmington Riverwalk, offering views of the Cape Fear River and Battleship North Carolina, has several cafes, bars, and shops. The Riverwalk is also home to the annual Riverfest event each October. About the Riverwalk: How this downtown 'backbone' transformed Wilmington and continues to shape its future Waterfront Park, Louisville, Kentucky Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, Florida Wilmington Riverwalk Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati, Ohio The Wharf, Washington, D.C. Woldenberg Riverfront Park, New Orleans Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Riverfront Park, Spokane, Washington The Providence Riverwalk, Providence, Rhode Island San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas Stay informed: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the StarNews app The Wilmington Riverwalk wasn't the only local spot with a winner in recently announced readers' choice awards. Carolina Beach came in at No. 3 for the "Best Boardwalk." The top two spots went to Wildwoods Boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey, and Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk in New London, Connecticut. Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington Riverwalk third among USA TODAY poll of best Riverwalks
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spring lights to illuminate Battleship NC for the Azalea Festival. Here's when to see it
Battleship North Carolina is ready to get into the N.C. Azalea Festival spirit. The USS North Carolina Battleship Commission, in partnership with the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina, announced that the Battleship will be lit to impress with spring colors to celebrate the festival, according to a news release. Here's what to know. The Battleship's uplighting takes center stage throughout the extended weekend from Thursday, April 3-Sunday, April 6, from 7:30-9 p.m. The best place to enjoy the uplighting is from across the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Viewers and photographers on the Riverwalk, as well as the hospitality locations in downtown Wilmington, will have prime locations to enjoy the illuminated Battleship. Look for pops of pink, purple, and yellow to highlight the Battleship's historic silhouette. "As the official sponsors of the Azalea Festival fireworks, we are honored to contribute extra brilliance for the event series," said Dr. Jay Martin, Executive Director, Battleship North Carolina Memorial, in a news release. "Seeing the uplighting in-person is a memorable experience for both locals and visitors, so we are thankful for our outstanding partners with the Azalea Festival." Battleship grounds, parking lot, and SECU Walkway are closed every day at 5 p.m. and will be closed during lighting. Saturday's Boom & Bloom Fireworks Bonanza is a ticketed event. No outside parking will be available, with grounds and walkway closed. Battleship North Carolina is a decommissioned World War II warship, permanently moored as a memorial and state historic site on the Cape Fear River at Wilmington. The Battleship commemorates the heroism of U.S. sailors and soldiers from North Carolina during World War II. Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Battleship NC in Wilmington to get uplighting for Azalea Festival
