Will Wilmington Be Crowned #1 Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood?

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA

There’s dining out and then there’s dining out 'al fresco'.  Eating outdoors is one of the great joys of summer and fall.  Somehow our meal just tastes better when we eat it outside. The ideal venue for dining al fresco is one that allows you to people watch, stargaze and still hold a conversation. It’s not too crowded, congested or noisy and often times, it's pet friendly.

USA TODAY has rounded up a panel of traveling foodies to nominate 20 areas across the country to choose the Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood.  Voting was open until August 17th.  The public casts the deciding vote. So far, Wilmington, North Carolina is in first place. This is no surprise in one of Carolinas most dog friendly cities.  The restaurant scene in Wilmington is in a league of its own. Good food equals good business in Wilmington and when combined with great weather, it’s a perfect recipe for dining al fresco.

Dining in Downtown Wilmington offers something for everyone – it is like a culinary United Nations of sorts.  In a small area, you can find Mexican food, pizza, sushi, Greek food, Southern food, steakhouses, cheesesteaks, ice cream and dessert. Wilmington’s location, natural beauty, culture, history and warm climate combine to charm visitors and residents alike. For many, Wilmington is among the top places to live in North Carolina by the beach.  Wilmington real estate is the reason why.

Landfall County Club real estate is among the most elite communities in the Wilmington area.  Located a short distance from Wrightsville Beach, the private gated community sits in the lap of southern luxury. Landfall maintains 2 golf courses with 45 championship holes designed by Golf Legends Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. The club’s cutting edge sports complex was developed by Tennis Hall of Famer Cliff Drysdale and includes 14 tennis courts, an extensive fitness center, and an Olympic sized pool.

The neighborhood of Helms Port is an exciting new development in Wilmington real estate. Built exclusively by Logan Homes, the luxury waterfront community will offer 159 homes, marina with 75 boat slips and 9 homes on the Intracoastal Waterway. Amenities include a waterfront swimming pool, coastal clubhouse, outdoor gathering spaces with grills and fire pits for outdoor barbecues as well a private beach on the Intracoastal Waterway. Helms Port is located minutes from Monkey Junction between Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Parkside at Mayfaire is also near Wrightsville Beach.  It is a beautiful, small residential community that may be one of the top places to live in North Carolina by the beach.  Mayfaire’s shopping area provides a wide variety of restaurants, retail and grocery shopping, a movie theater and a gym. Within the community you will find luxurious homes and home sites set among streets lined with beautiful trees and spacious sidewalks and pristine gardens.  Many of the homes are adorned with white picket fences and large front porches where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.  Parkside at Mayfaire is located in one of the most dog friendly cities. 

When it comes to Wilmington real estate, Wrightsville Beach is known for its crystal blue waters, surfing beaches and scenic views surrounding the cottage homes. With an array of water sports and a vibrant social scene, there’s always something happening year-round in this beautiful beach town.  When it comes to dining, Lumina Avenue on Wrightsville Beach is filled with fine seafood restaurants, locally owned cafes and eateries. At night, beach lovers can listen to music performed by a live band outdoors. This area epitomizes what it feels like to be one of the top places to live in North Carolina by the beach.

Visit Wilmington NC to experience its al fresco dining first hand in one of the most dog friendly cities while you’re exploring Wilmington real estate and the barrier islands. Ask for our free Wilmington North Carolina relocation information to help you learn more about the area.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH 4K AERIAL from Helios Aerial on Vimeo.