NC tourist attraction on the USA Today 10Best list is a short drive from Raleigh
USA TODAY readers voted this North Carolina riverwalk as one the best in the United States.
The annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by readers’ votes. Initial selections came from travel experts choosing the top 20 nominees in a number of categories, including best art museum, best farmers market, best outdoor water park and more.
As of Feb. 28, many 10Best categories are still pending, and results will be announced over the next few weeks.
All categories, winners and pending winners can be found at 10best.com/awards/travel.
North Carolina wins 10Best award for best riverwalk
Wilmington: Wilmington Riverwalk won a top-10 readers’ choice award for the best riverwalk in the United States. Wilmington and its award-winning riverwalk are about a two-hour drive southeast of Raleigh.
“Located along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington’s riverfront is home to a colorful riverwalk lined with more than 200 cafes, bars and shops,” USA TODAY 10Best said.
“Just across the river, history buffs can tour the moored battleship USS North Carolina. The annual Riverfest, held each October, brings hundreds of craft and food vendors to the riverfront for three days of live music, fireworks, a mock pirate invasion and a standup paddle race.”
Wilmington Riverwalk came in seventh place on the list. The top spot went to the Detroit International RiverWalk in Detroit, Michigan.
For the full list, visit 10best.com/awards/travel/best-riverwalk-2023.
What to do in Wilmington, NC
The riverwalk is Wilmington’s top tourist attraction, according to the city of Wilmington’s website. The riverwalk spans a mile and three-quarters, stretching along historic downtown Wilmington along the Cape Fear River.
Since the 1980s, the city has invested more than $33 million in the riverwalk, and $10 million of that has been spent in the last three years, the website says. For more on Wilmington Riverwalk, visit wilmingtonnc.gov/visitors/riverwalk.
Wilmington is also home to art museums, an aquarium, a downtown trolley and waterfront restaurants. The city is also a member of Bee City USA and Tree City USA, making it a green, nature-filled place to stroll.
For Wilmington’s tourist offerings, visit wilmingtonnc.gov/visitors.
This story was originally published March 2, 2023 at 7:01 AM with the headline "NC tourist attraction on the USA Today 10Best list is a short drive from Raleigh."
