Must See Sights and Landmarks in Kure Beach Area

"The historic public garden at 300 Airlie Road has a host of exhibits to offer visitors, including its seasonal native wildlife exhibit, which is filled with terrariums and an aquarium featuring some of the gardens native wildlife. Take a self-guided tour along the gardens to see seasonal blooms, live oaks, walking trails and historic structures. From June to October, visit the garden's 2,700-square foot butterfly house, which sees Butterflies native to North Carolina flying about."

"Visitors, and especially garden lovers, appreciate the beautiful scenery at these historical gardens that date back to 1886. The grounds are lush with azaleas, camellias, and the signature Airlie Oak, which is more than 400 years old. Guests can take a self-guided walking tour of the 67-acre estate to admire the formal gardens, historic buildings, sculptures, live oaks, pines, lakes, and diverse ecosystems that are habitats for a rich variety of wildlife."

"Historic Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of beautiful Gilded Age gardens and lakes. Admire the azaleas, gaze at the camellias, and stand in the shade of the historic Airlie Oak tree, which dates back to 1545. Airlie Gardens is also home to the region’s first permanent butterfly house with some of nature’s most delicate, lovely and ephemeral creatures."

"Built in 1852, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens presents an introduction to the opulent lifestyle of the antebellum and Victorian-era elite though a series of 14 total rooms that are furnished with more than 600 period antiques. Flanked by exterior gardens that are stocked with Victorian period herbs and flowers, as well as additional servants’ quarters, a visit to this historic downtown residence is a step back in time for visitors who want to uncover the roots of early Wilmington history."

"The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is as cool as it sounds!. Found in one of the world’s few micro-climates, permitting year-round outdoor growth of carnivorous plants, its beds are home to pitcher plants, sundews, Venus flytraps, and other insectivorous species. Visitors are invited to visit anytime during daylight hours, and plant hikes are offered for free each Saturday morning."

"This ADA accessible passive park on 29 acres of land features a concrete walking trail, wooden observation decks and a collection of native carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and Venus flytraps. As these plants are indigenous only up to a 60-mile radius of Wilmington, this garden is protected by a conservation easement held by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust."

"We collected shells to take home as a souvenir and our daughter played by the shore until it was time for dinner at Oceanic Restaurant attached to Crystal Pier. *Be sure to check back here for my #FoodieFriday review of our dining experience at this restaurant. Wrightsville Beach is a walkable beach town with the beauty of nature all around!"

"If you’re out and about, and not in need of a place to sit down, check out Apple Annie’s. This bakery is a long-time local favorite that specializes in all sorts of cookies, cakes, pastries, cheesecakes, pies, bread, etc. Their Forum location has a little area to sit down in, but their Kerr Avenue branch does not."

"Jester’s Café is a charming little eatery on Castle Street that offers a welcome respite when the central downtown is swimming with tourists. The cozy spot provides delicious breakfasts and lunches, with the kitchen producing mouthwatering quiches, freshly baked bagels and lox, hearty French toast casseroles with berries and maple syrup, and breakfast strata layered with eggs, sausages, cheese, and hash browns. The menu boasts seven different kinds of breakfast sandwiches, ranging from the basic egg and cheese to avocado and provolone on a toasted bagel, and a delicious vegetarian black bean Benedict with baked eggs, fresh cilantro, and homemade black bean patties."

"Jester’s Café, located in the Castle St. Arts and Antique District, is the perfect stop to make before you explore the surroundings of the cafe. With the same comfort as your own home, enjoy breakfast, brunch, or a sandwich (with coffee of course) with your significant other. If you two are craving something sweet afterwards, they also serve seasonal and classic desserts."