Known for its historic charm and rich Southern culture, Wilmington is home to vibrant neighborhoods – each with its own distinct vibe and variety of experiences.

Let Wilmington guide you to a mix of coastal sights, sounds and tastes that create lasting vacation memories. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore local cuisine, a history buff eager to learn about the area's past or an adventurer seeking thrills on the water, embark on tours that highlight the best of this must-see Southern destination.

Choosing a vacation location that appeases a full group of family and friends is hard. One trip to Wilmington and its surrounding beaches, though, and you’ll be retiring any other vacation ideas from your future.

With the start of the new year, visitors look for new places to go and things to do. With exciting additions to up-and-coming neighborhoods, an expansion of the local beer scene, feature film debuts and more, there is plenty to consider adding to your to-do list in Wilmington.

Ranked as one of the best cities for beer drinkers by SmartAsset, Wilmington is home to 17 breweries and counting, each offering a unique selection of local and seasonal beers from IPAs and porters to sours and more.

Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor, there are plenty of new and exciting experiences to discover this year in Wilmington. From burgeoning arts, culture and film happenings to a thriving culinary and craft beer scene, plus new exhibits and lodging options, read on for trip ideas to help you plan your next coastal getaway.

From solar-powered brews to a ship-shaped bar to a disc golf course, Wilmington and its island beaches have a variety of unique breweries that will quench the taste buds of all beer drinkers. And if you are planning a beer-based getaway, why not do it at the coast!

As crisp autumn afternoons fade into winter evenings spent warming up by the fireplace, Wilmington brewers have put away the Oktoberfest and pumpkin spiced ales until next fall for winter seasonal favorites to welcome in the holidays.

As Cape Fear Craft Beer Week and North Carolina Beer Month (April) get underway we asked craft beer/family travel writer Bryan Richards to round up a list of family-friendly breweries in Wilmington and our island beaches. Here are his recommendations for a craft beer lover’s Spring Break getaway with the family.