Free Museums in Kure Beach

"No visit to Wilmington is complete without a visit to one of the city’s most prominent “museums,” the USS Battleship North Carolina. This former military vessel that earned an impressive 15 battle stars during World War II has been decommissioned and transformed into a unique museum, with a stately location on the edge of the downtown waterfront. Visitors can step aboard and enjoy a guided or self-guided tour through a series of “exhibits” which includes the ship’s spacious decks, intricate engine rooms, and interpretive plaques and exhibits that chronicle the USS North Carolina’s years of service."

"During World War II, the Battleship North Carolina earned 15 battle stars and became the first of 10 fast battleships to join American fleet. The ship, located at 1 Battleship Road N.E., serves as a memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians of all branches of service who gave their lives in World War II. Explore nine levels of the ship from the main and secondary plotting rooms to the bridge during a guided tour to learn more about the ship and it's role in the war."

"As you walk the decks of the NORTH CAROLINA, imagine yourself at sea in 1942 searching the sky for enemy aircraft, anticipating what may happen next. Discover how this heroic Ship and brave crew fought in every major naval offensive in the Pacific of WWII. This is an historic adventure you don?"

"The Cameron Art Museum, located at 3201 South 17th St., is one of Wilmington's cultural hubs, offering programs, exhibits and classes which aim to enrich lives through the arts. Check out the museum's exhibits, some that are on view for a limited time like Illumination, an exhibition of artist-made lanterns, demonstrating what light means to each artist personally through their style, content and choice of material. The exhibit will be viewable until Jan. 10."

"Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum highlights North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage. The museum boasts 15 galleries, displaying a unique blend of artwork from 18th century paintings to 20th century ceramics, decoys, sculptures and computer generated art. After viewing the renowned permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, visit the Museum Shop or stroll the 10-acre campus including the Civil War Battlefield and Sculpture Park."

"Selections from the museum's permanent collection of fine arts, decorative arts, and design by local, national, and international artists include a large number of works on paper by artists that include Mary Cassatt and Ando Hiroshige. Art from these collections is not on permanent display, but the works are presented in rotating themed exhibits. Collections are especially strong in works by North Carolina artists."

"One of Wilmington’s newest attractions is the Expo 216 – a two-story art space that’s found along Front Street, and which features more than 5,000’ square feet of gallery space. The interior of the museum features commissioned artworks, media loops, and informational panels which outline the various environmental and social issues that are distinctly highlighted every 10 months or so. The end result is a cumulative experience, where global issues and regional artistic talents are effortlessly intertwined."

"We stopped at the Bellamy Mansion, Custom House, DeRossett House, Thalian Hall, and more. We learned so much about the city during the war. The National Register Historic District spans more than 230 blocks–one of the largest in the country. Wilmington was the last major open port of the Confederacy, and after its fall in 1865, the war soon ended."

"Include one of Wilmington’s historic houses, such as the Burgwin-Wright House (colonial era), Latimer House (Victorian era) or Bellamy Mansion (antebellum mansion). Check out the antique shops in downtown’s central business district and along the Castle Street Arts & Antique district."

"No visit to Wilmington is complete without a visit to one of the city’s most prominent “museums,” the USS Battleship North Carolina. This former military vessel that earned an impressive 15 battle stars during World War II has been decommissioned and transformed into a unique museum, with a stately location on the edge of the downtown waterfront. Visitors can step aboard and enjoy a guided or self-guided tour through a series of “exhibits” which includes the ship’s spacious decks, intricate engine rooms, and interpretive plaques and exhibits that chronicle the USS North Carolina’s years of service."

"During World War II, the Battleship North Carolina earned 15 battle stars and became the first of 10 fast battleships to join American fleet. The ship, located at 1 Battleship Road N.E., serves as a memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians of all branches of service who gave their lives in World War II. Explore nine levels of the ship from the main and secondary plotting rooms to the bridge during a guided tour to learn more about the ship and it's role in the war."

"As you walk the decks of the NORTH CAROLINA, imagine yourself at sea in 1942 searching the sky for enemy aircraft, anticipating what may happen next. Discover how this heroic Ship and brave crew fought in every major naval offensive in the Pacific of WWII. This is an historic adventure you don?"

"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."

"Based in Midtown, this brewery is a hidden gem in Wilmington. The building it’s situated in was totally renovated, creating a stunning cabin-like interior that makes you cosy in and never want to leave. They carry a large offering of award-winning handcrafted beers such as fresh lagers, invigorating seasonal Belgian ales and succulent IPAs."

"The inside is adorned with recycled wood, creating a cozy cabin feel. They use a seven barrel steam system to brew; take a peek at the exposed tanks while you’re deciding on your draft. The selection is varied, with four flagships and an assortment of seasonals."

"They offer IPAs, ales, and stouts with interesting names like Mole Dancer, Pure Molevolence, and Marilyn MonMole. Like Flying Machine they have food trucks that hang out, so you can enjoy a quick bite while you enjoy a cold brew. Mad Mole Brewing is open Monday-Wednesday from 4-9 PM, Thursday from 12-10 PM, Friday-Saturday from 12-11 PM, and Sunday from 12-8 PM."

"Brewed by the sun, this is one of the best breweries in Wilmington, and not just for their solar powered set up, which covers the whole seven barrel system. Their 12 taps host a revolving roster of craft creations. They use science and technology to explore the most sustainable ways to brew."

"One of the more swoon-worthy breweries in Wilmington, it is easy to see why Ironclad Brewing has transformed into an event space, booked almost every weekend of the year for weddings and other special events. The revitalized historic building from 1925 houses a brewery and event space. The brewery’s name refers to the Ironclad class of ships hand-forged in Wilmington’s shipyard during the Civil War."

"Set in a revitalized historic building from the 1920s, this Wilmington brewery, and very popular event space, is named for the class of ships hand-forged in Wilmington during the Civil War. As much as possible was preserved or reused from the renovation, and the brick walls remained intact, keeping the original charm of the establishment. The open beamed spacious setting feels bright and airy."

"Ironclad Brewery is another Wilmington favorite that keeps its taps flowing inside a historic downtown building!. Both a laidback brewery and event space, Ironclad takes a nod to both Wilmington’s and the owner’s history. The founder of the brewery served in the US Navy, naming the brewery after the Ironclad ships built during the Civil War."