New Hanover County
New Hanover County,
North Carolina features several scenic waterfront communities along the
pristine Cape Fear Coast. New Hanover is named in honor of the members of
the
House of Hanover, a royal family in
England. This picturesque region, renowned as a popular tourist
destination, abounds with cultural and recreational opportunities for all ages.
Claiming nearly 330 square miles of the NC coastline, New Hanover County
includes five townships and several cities. These include
Carolina Beach,
Kure Beach,
Wilmington and
Wrightsville Beach. At the time of the
2000 Census the population in New Hanover County was 160,307; however, 2005
estimates indicated a population increase to nearly 180,000 citizens. The
majority of New Hanover County lies within the Wilmington Metro Area.
Carolina Beach, found on the charming
Pleasure Island, is home to 4,701 residents. This idyllic resort
community affords the perfect setting for vacation, while a thriving business
district and quiet neighborhoods provide an enviable quality of life for
citizens. Popular destinations on Carolina Beach include an amusement
park, boardwalk, the pier and
Carolina Beach State Park. The park attracts anglers, boaters and
campers, while nature enthusiasts enjoy unusual flora and fauna, such as the
Venus Flytrap. Carolina Beach also hosts community celebrations
throughout the year, such as Beach Blast Music Festival and the Island of Lights
Holiday Flotilla.
The southernmost point of
Pleasure Island reveals the vibrant community of
Kure Beach. This modest coastal community, population 1,507, remains
one of the more secluded areas of New Hanover County. Kure Beach enjoys a
strategic location along the
Atlantic Ocean and features stunning views of local sites such as the mighty
Cape Fear River and the beautiful estuarine on
Zeke’s Island. Popular local destinations include
Fort Fisher,
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, the
North Carolina Aquarium and the
Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Pleasure Island’s
Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival lures tourists into the Kure Beach area
annually.
Wilmington,
set against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic coastline and Cape Fear River,
is the seat of New Hanover County. Wilmington, NC serves as the
commercial, cultural and educational center for the region. Wilmington is
home to
Cape Fear Community College and the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington and provides residents with a
pro-business atmosphere and thriving economy. Tourism plays a primary role
in Wilmington, where more than 45 attractions draw visitors to the area each
year. Popular sites of interest include
Battleship North Carolina,
Bellamy Mansion Museum and Gardens,
Poplar Grove Plantation and the impressive 230-block historic downtown
district. This growing community, called home by nearly 100,000 residents
(according to 2005 estimates), is also the site of the bustling
Port of Wilmington.
Home to nearly 2,600 citizens,
Wrightsville Beach reveals five-miles of white sandy beaches on a pristine
barrier island along the
Cape Fear Coast. Residents celebrate with visitors throughout the year
for events such as the Lumina Daze festival, Castles & Scoops Sand Sculpting
Contest and the NC Holiday Flotilla. Popular destinations include Johnnie
Mercer’s Pier and the
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
New Hanover County,
North Carolina offers its inhabitants a wide range of life styles from which
to choose. From quaint coastal village neighborhoods to luxurious beach
resorts, New Hanover County has something for everyone. |
