Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

Travel back in history to the Battleship North Carolina (BB55) an authentically restored World War II battleship with an amazing story.

The USS North Carolina was commissioned in 1941 and was deployed throughout WWII, earning her 15 battle stars. Although she had many close calls, including sinking an enemy troopship, shooting down 24 enemy aircrafts, and having a Japanese torpedo slammed into her hull, miraculously only 10 soldiers perished during her commission. Her accomplishments also include the rescue of the carrier Enterprise.

After her tour of duty with the 144 commissioned officers and 2195 enlisted men the USS North Carolina served as a training vessel until she was decommissioned in 1947. A statewide campaign was started in 1958 by the citizens of North Carolina to save the ship from being scrapped and in 1962 the state dedicated her as a memorial to our WWII veterans.

The self guided tour of this iron-clad vessel gives you full access to explore the crew’s quarters, galley, engine rooms, gun turrets, and much more. Visit the Roll of Honor memorializing more than 10,000 North Carolinians that paid the ultimate sacrifice during WWII. Other features are a WWII exhibit, museum, and a Kingfisher float plane. I highly recommend bringing a camera to capture the beauty of this massive ship overlooking historic downtown Wilmington.

I want to also include this picture taken last year at the Battleship North Carolina when we were graced with The Healing Fields. One flag for each military service personnel lost since September 11, 2001 in Iraq and Afghanistan in our war against terror. There were over 1,700 American flags standing eight feet tall in perfect rows and columns across The Soldier’s Field with a yellow ribbon inscribed with the name of a soldier, sailor, marine, airman, or guardsman, age, hometown, and the date and location of their death. It was an emotional site, a visible reminder that Freedom is Not Free!

Yesterday our family went to Fort Fisher State Park and experienced the Fort Fisher Basin Trail!

Fun For Everyone! The Fort Fisher State Recreation Park has several hiking trails including The Hermit Trail (.4miles), The Basin Trail (1mile), and The Marsh Trail (.6miles), for a total distance of 1.1 miles.

If you are looking for something the whole family will love, than look no further. The price is time, and it’s less than an hour. No appointments necessary, open January thru December, 7 days a week, even on holidays. Young and old will find the trails equally enjoyable and informative!
The trailhead starts out at the south end of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Visitor’s Center (maps are available at the center).
Whether you’re thinking about a power walk or a relaxing stroll, this well marked trail covers a diverse terrain with equally entertaining wildlife. Nature is always evolving here. As you glance through the maritime community, from the groundsel tree and yaupon, with an occasional fox or rabbit, to the endangered piping plover that is easily camouflaged in the sand dunes and salt marsh, this nature trail has something for everyone.
Along the way discover the WWII Bunker that the Fort Fisher Hermit called home from 1955 thru 1972. Here is a picture of the Bunker and a memorial plaque.

Not more than ½ mile further down the trail you’ll reach a wooden observation deck where the view over the estuary reminds you of why you call North Carolina home. Happy Trails.

Here is 360º panorama my husband shot while at the Basin Overlook

Directions from Wilmington: take U.S. 421 south through the towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. 2 ½ miles south of Kure Beach, turn left on Loggerhead Road. On your left is The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Visitor’s Center. Google Map

ChrisM