Getting There

You can reach Wilmington via I-40, U.S. 117, and U.S. 421 from the northwest; U.S. 74/76 from the west; and U.S. 17 from the northeast and south.

Wilmington International Airport, 1740 Airport Blvd. (tel. 910/341-4125; www.flyilm.com), lies half a mile from the center of town. Taxis meet arriving planes. The airport is host to the following major and commuter airlines: US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com) and A.S.A. Delta Connection to Atlanta (tel. 800/282-3424; www.delta.com).

By Bus

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) offers regular service to Wilmington. The bus station is at 201 Harnett St. (tel. 910/762-6073).

Visitor Information

The Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, 24 N. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401 (tel. 877/406-2356 or 910/341-4030; www.cape-fear.nc.us), offers free brochures on the many attractions and accommodations of the Cape Fear Coast. The efficient staff can provide a self-guided walking-tour map of historic Wilmington and background details on other area attractions. The center is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, on Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on Sunday from 1 to 4pm.

Special Events

The North Carolina Azalea Festival (tel. 910/794-4650; www.ncazaleafestival.org), held in early April, is the city's most-frequented event. City gardens burst into bloom, and the festivities include garden tours, beauty pageants, and a parade. The dogwoods get almost as much attention as the azaleas. Call or visit the website for more details.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.