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 VISIT THE B&B CAPITAL OF COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA

Historic Wilmington & North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast: The Bed & Breakfast Capital of Coastal North Carolina

Cozy and coastal or deluxe and downtown, bed and breakfast inns in North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast cater to visitors who desire a unique overnight experience. From the river to the sea, this historic coastal destination boasts nearly two dozen bed and breakfast inns, many of which are located within Wilmington's 230+ block National Register Historic District. Others are located on barrier island beaches that are just minutes from Wilmington's riverfront. This high concentration of inns, along with the innkeepers’ exemplary standards and genuine Southern hospitality attribute to the Cape Fear Coast’s claim as the B&B Capital of Coastal North Carolina.

Often compared to B&B destinations such as Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast offers a wide variety of bed-and-breakfast inns, several of which proudly display AAA diamond ratings. For example, The Graystone Inn (c.1906), a AAA four-diamond bed and breakfast, is a popular venue for weddings, receptions and honeymoons. It’s no wonder that American Historic Inns, Inc. named it a Top 10 Most Romantic Inn and that Arrington’s Bed & Breakfast Journal included it among its “Top 15 Most Romantic Hideaways.”  The Graystone is also featured in Conde Nast Johansen’s Recommended Hotels, Inns & Resorts North America, Bermuda, Caribbean, Pacific and Mexico (2004). Since opening its doors to guests on Valentines Day in 1997, The Verandas (c.1853), another award-winning B&B, is a AAA four-diamond property that has been recommended by Southern Living (April 2003) and featured in North American Inns (Spring 2003), Arrington’s Inn Traveler 2004 Book of Lists (“Best in the South”), as well as Select Registry. Most recently one of the region’s newest B&Bs, the Murchison House B&B (c.1876), was selected by American Historic Inns, Inc. as a 2005 “Top 10 Most Romantic Inn”.

Among the top regions for U.S. movie production, North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast is a prime destination for movie buffs. Visitors can tour movie studios and take guided walking tours of movie locations, many of which are historic buildings, B&Bs, and private homes. Bed-and Breakfast inns are also popular accommodation choices of producers, directors and actors who work on movies and television shows filmed on the Cape Fear Coast.

With an ocean and a historic riverfront town, there are lots of stories to tell. Bed-and-breakfast inns are no exception and each has a story or three to share. Coastal inns with charm and character include Beacon House Inn B&B (c.1950s, Carolina Beach), Dolphin Watch Inn B&B (Carolina Beach), and Darlings By The Sea (with its own mini-lighthouse in Kure Beach). In Wilmington’s Historic Downtown and Mansion districts, you’ll find lovingly restored homes with rich history and lore, such as Blue Heaven B&B (c.1897), Camellia Cottage (c.1889), C.W. Worth House B&B (c.1893), Clarendon Inn (c.1950, renovated Catholic school), Dragonfly Inn (c.1922), The French House (c.1850), Front Street Inn (c.1920, restored Salvation Army building), Graystone Inn (c.1906), Hoge-Wood House B&B (c.1891), Murchison House B&B (c.1876), Port City Guest House (c.1915), River Inn (c.1899), Rosehill Inn (c.1848), Taylor House Inn B&B (c.1905), Tranquility Inn (c.1890), and The Verandas (c.1853).

Whether your preference is quaint and cozy or posh and grand, beachfront or river-view, there's a bed-and-breakfast inn to suit your tastes and budget.  From renovated carriage houses and beach cottages to historic homes and mansions, many fine inns are located within walking distance of attractions, museums, and guided tours. Explore the Downtown Historic District via a leisurely horse-drawn carriage, trolley car or walking tour. Spend a day strolling along the RiverWalk, exploring 200 boutiques, restaurants, coffeehouses, antique shops, and art galleries located in the Merchant District.

Just minutes away you can while away the hours observing colonial shorebirds at a wildlife sanctuary or state park and searching for shells along 31 miles of island beaches. There’s also a state aquarium, Civil War battlefield, World War II battleship memorial, and more than a dozen museums, historic homes and plantations. A thriving arts community affords visitors the chance to see professional and community theatrical productions and musical performances year-round.

Are you curious? Visit North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast and discover why this coastal gem the B&B Capital of Coastal North Carolina. Be sure to check out money-saving packages at www.gocapefearcoast.com/visitors/packages.asp.  For a free Visitors Guide please call (toll-free) 1-866-266-9690 or visit website www.gocapefearcoast.com.

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