Romantic Weekend Escapes in Southern Seaside NC

Piedmont North Carolinians, don't say there's no great romantic weekend escapes near you! I can immediately think of two terrific places to take your loved one for a seductive weekend, and all are within a three hours drive! Those special places are in Wilmington and Beaufort.

Let's begin with Wilmington. Hop on Interstate 40 and keep heading South. You'll run into the city limits of Wilmington in a little under three hours. Follow the signs toward the downtown area. This is where you will awe your partner.

Book a room for the two of you at the Hilton Riverside. It's the tall white hotel on the banks of the Cape Fear River downtown. You can't miss it - its one of the dominant buildings on Water Street. The Hilton Riverside is often where celebrities stay when they are in Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington is not only beautified by the river, but for its historic buildings as well. Many of the older homes like Bellamy Mansion and Latimer House have been preserved and are open for tours. Be careful which you choose to tour though because several of the homes are haunted.

Since you're on a romantic getaway, take a horse drawn carriage tour. A costumed driver will take you on a half-hour narrated tour of Downtown. You'll pass present Wilmington as well as the old areas of town. This $11 per person tour is relaxing all year long.

If you both like being on the water, buy tickets for the Riverboat Cruise. For a more romantic appeal, choose the Sunset Dinner Cruise or Dinner Dance Cruise. Docked on the waterfront, the Henrietta III Riverboat will cruise along the scenic Cape Fear River for two hours, or two and a half hours for the dinner dance option. Sit out on the deck and feel the wind in your hair. Watch the stars and moon glistening in the waters. It's hard to describe the sensation you'll feel - it's just - romantic.

When you're not cruising or taking tours, spend a day just walking the cobblestone streets. Check out the shops at the Cotton Exchange and get a bite to eat at The Copper Penny and The Reel Cafe. Fat Tony's, a small pub downtown, has an outdoor area where you can enjoy your meal or beverage overlooking the river.

The other escape involves driving to Beaufort, just a few minutes east of Morehead City. Beaufort is full of history, much like Wilmington, but on a much smaller scale. You can find waterfront shops to visit and historic buildings to take pictures of. Leave your bags at the Inlet Inn on the historic waterfront. The quiet, cottage-style Inn has private porches for each room. You can wake up each morning to the sunrise over the water and even watch the wild horses roaming free on Shackleford Banks.

If you want a closer-up view of the uninhabited island of Shackleford Banks, walk across the street and take the 15-minute ferry ride to it. The horses on the island are descendent's of the Spanish Mustangs which were shipwrecked there over 500 years ago.

Bring out your sea legs and sail to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The catamaran sailboat takes you 6 miles to the lighthouse. Once there, you have two hours to swim, snorkel, search for seashells, or just relax in the sand below the towering black and white, diamond-checkered lighthouse. The sailboat is also available for sunset cruises. The North Carolina skies are adorned with oranges and yellows in the evenings, setting a romantic sunset scene.

I have an idea: don't pick between the two getaway spots! After reading this article, don't spend a second wondering whether to go to Beaufort or Wilmington - take your loved one to Beaufort for one escape, and then to Wilmington for the next romantic adventure. Both places are sure to offer ways for you and your loved one to spend quality time together and grow closer in your love for one another.