From Wilmington to Chicago

While I did just move to the North Carolina coast, I have already discovered why some many people want to call it home. Combined with efforts from Kendra Thornton, travel expert and avid Chicagoan, we have brought you the best from the South and North.

Wilmington, NC

Fortunately, I got the opportunity to relocate and our family chose this beautiful area of the state to lay our roots. A town that has Atlantic beaches on one side and stately pines draped in Spanish moss on the other. It is the perfect combination of coast meets country. While there are many things to do here during a visit, all things Wilmington will make the average person want to live here.

Historic Downtown

Courtesy of: Images of Wilmington

Different from other places, Wilmington does not use the word historic as a disguise for old and dilapidated. This Port City embraces its rich history, which includes everything from pirate invasions to civil war battles. The pride that Wilmington has for its background is seen in its antique manors, boundless architecture, charming businesses, and beautiful boardwalk all nestled along the banks of the Cape Fear River. The vibrant downtown area is home to a host of quaint coffee shops, local brew houses, eclectic restaurants, and taverns whose music pours onto the streets at nightfall. As you enjoy the magic of downtown be sure to get a lesson in the past by taking a trip aboard the Battleship North Carolina. For those who are looking for something a little more dangerous, a haunted pub-crawl or ghost walk tour may be more your speed.

Carolina Beach

Coutesy of: Carolina Beach Today

Eastern North Carolina is chock full of beaches, but Carolina Beach is the sparkling jewel of the Atlantic coast. With its white sand and glistening blue water, this beach is the perfect way to lounge your day away with a good book. Do not forget your binoculars and watch for dolphins that can often be seen from the shore. Its ocean side, dotted with fun and brightly colored watering holes, beach shacks, and antique shops is as charming as it is beautiful. A gorgeous, vintage boardwalk and fishing pier provide many options for the perfect day. However, if your looking for something with a little more vigor, look into one of the many charter fishing excursions, paddleboard and kayak rentals, a bike trip around town, or even a trip to the Fort Fisher Aquarium.

Fresh Seafood

As a lover of everything seafood I chose the perfect place to indulge my palette. Located right next to what is known as the fresh seafood capital of the Carolinas Wilmington has no shortage of fresh and delicious seafood.  Everything from, oysters to alligator can be found here. While there are fresh seafood markets everywhere to cook for yourself at home, do not discount the many restaurants from the upscale grills to the off the beaten path dives that provide fresh and local seafood. Places like Bluewater Grill and Fish Bites have been treating Carolinians for years with their delicious menus and fabulous atmosphere’s.

The Film industry- Wilmywood

One the newest attractions to Wilmington is its booming film industry. While Wilmington has been involved in filmmaking for years, its recent big budget endeavors have catapulted Wilmington into Hollywood style fame. The fact that television shows like “Sleepy Hollow” and movies hits such as “Iron Man 3” are clamoring to have Wilmington in its productions is a testament to how special this town really is. It is not uncommon to see a celebrity taking advantage of the cities beauty and it can be the perfect opportunity to boost your own career by becoming an extra in one of the many productions that take place here. 

One of the best parts of Wilmington is that there is a little something for everyone. It is small enough to not be overwhelming, but big enough to provide everything you need to satisfy that craving for city life. The beauty here is unparalleled and whether you’re a city dweller, beachcomber, or a down home county bumpkin there is something to be offered for everyone.  Or if you’re like me, a combination of three, this maybe the place you need to call home.

Chicago, IL

I was blessed with being born and raised in of one of the greatest, most vibrant places in the world – Chicago. I love to visit other cities, and when I am traveling I love seeing how well my hometown compares to any city in the world. You’d have to live here to see everything, but there are a few places on my don’t-miss list that I’m happy to share with you!

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago’s oldest attractions, and over the years at his continually been updated, and up kept, to remain one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. The zoo opened in 1868, when Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of a pair of swans. These swans have turned into over 1,250 animals today, and this is the largest zoo in the city. An absolutely tremendous place to bring your family, I love coming with my kids to see all this zoo has offer.

Look Down on Chicago

I admit to being a bit afraid of heights, but even I wouldn’t skip seeing the view from the Willis Tower SkyDeck. The experience starts with an elevator ride to the 103rd floor. Then the doors open to an eye-popping view of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and – on a clear day – three neighboring states! If you dare, step into the SkyDeck, a glass box made of three layers of half inch glass, all laminated together, and stand over a thousand feet above the city. The SkyDeck is worth the visit, and my children still rave about it to this day!

Chicago Living

The absolute best way to experience the amazing downtown is to stay there for a few nights. This is the ideal way to experience a sunrise jog through the still-quiet streets, perhaps snapping a few pictures of the lakefront or Millennium Park. Or watch how the city skyline changes as the sun sets and the lights come on. It’s difficult to recommend a particular hotel, because everyone has different expectations and price ranges, so I’ll recommend gogobot, a great website for finding a hotel with the features and price you want. The user reviews are incredibly helpful for finding exactly the right place for your home away from home.

Chicago Food

Chicagoans love their food, and rightly so! Chicago is home to every style of food imaginable: ethnic restaurants from all over the world, fine dining, great deep-dish pizza, and amazing diners. Glenn’s Diner on West Montrose is an incredible place for, of all things, fresh seafood, with a list of fresh fish that changes daily. Don’t worry breakfast lovers, it offers breakfast all day too! Glenn’s is a bit northwest of downtown but conveniently located at the Montrose station of the Metro brown line.

I could talk all day about what to see here, but the best advice I can give is to visit, and soon! Walk around, enjoy the lakefront, attend one of the many scheduled events downtown, catch a game, take the train, see the museums and shops, or watch a concert or play. Once you experience Chicago, you will quickly realize why I love it.