Wilmington Weekend

Wilmington, it is! That's where I'm headed for a weekend getaway. WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner says that's the best place to go in the state this weekend after looking at her forecast maps. It will be warmer than the Outer Banks. I had my heart set on Ocracoke but I'll get over it. Wilmington is the place to go if you want to keep your spring fever alive especially after yesterday's warm weather. You will find lots of flowers in bloom in New Hanover County. WRAL trafficologist Mark Roberts spends a lot of time in the Wilmington area where his in-laws live. So Mark is assisting me with this trip. Mark suggests a delightful seafood dinner at Hieronymus Restaurant on Market Street. Then he advises you to take College Avenue to Fort Fisher because it is away from the crowds. However, if you insist on going to the more populated Wrightsville Beach Blue Water Restaurant is a good pick. Mark enjoys soundside crabbing and fishing in the Kure Beach area. Plus, with a special permit he can drive his SUV onto the beach. Taking the ferry to Southport is also a lot of fun. And don't forget good groceries at the Food Lion at Monkey Junction. The NC Aquarium at Kure Beach is a gem. There is so much to do. You might even take a tour of the USS North Carolina. And when you do give honor to Hugh Morton who helped put it there.