Because we had to make a quick trip to Little River, SC to help a friend pick up some furniture, my husband and I took a quick trip up to Wilmington, NC to visit the USS North Carolina. It was something he wanted to visit since he is an old Navy man.
Once we arrived, the ship looked enormous to me. I thought this would be a quick in and out visit. I was not prepared for the vastness of the inside of the ship. There was so much to look at and my husband had to explain it all to me. From the scuttlebutt and gedunk bar to the ensign flag on deck, I was mesmerized by it all. I really
liked seeing the kitchen and huge bread mixers to feed a thousand men. I felt transported back in time when this ship was sailing the South Pacific and engaging in famous WWII battles all the way from the Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal to the South China Sea and Tokyo bay.
It is a great place to visit for families with kids. They had a blast exploring all the nooks and crannies. The ship is not really handicap friendly due to all the ladders. The main deck could be explored by wheelchair but all other decks would be inaccessible. There were many cramped spaces so keep that in mind if you are excessively claustrophobic. Allow for at least three hours to really explore it all.
Afterwards, drive across the Cape Fear River to downtown Wilmington to get a bite to eat and wet your whistle. We went to the Copper Penny for a great lunch. It can be packed so be prepared to wait a little. The atmosphere was neat but it can be quite loud since it is a bar setting. The food was fantastic. We really enjoyed the hand cut fries and the wings. Try the spicy garlic tenders which were fantastic!
Enjoy some picture from our trip!
Thanks!
Amy
sweet tea for the road 