3) Museums & Exhibits
One word: Serpentarium. That’s like a zoo except only for snakes and reptiles. How friggin cool is that? Way cool, that’s how. I took my niece when she was two and she just ran from aquarium to aquarium, enthralled by the bright green and yellow slender snakes entwined on sticks or under hollowed-out logs. I was more interested to see how the giant boa constrictor wrapped its body around its lunch before swallowing the animal whole. The Serpentarium is one of the largest in the nation and features over 80 species of exotic and indigenous reptiles. One of their missions is to educate the public, and there are many placards explaining in detail personal encounters with venomous snakes. Many of the stories are near-death experiences of people experiencing the effects of venomous snake bites. You can also find lesson plans for primary students through high schoolers on their website.
The Battleship: “At the time of her commissioning on 9 April 1941, she was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Armed with nine 16-inch/45 caliber guns in three turrets and twenty 5-inch/38 caliber guns in ten twin mounts, NORTH CAROLINA proved a formidable weapons platform. Her wartime complement consisted of 144 commissioned officers and 2,195 enlisted men, including about 100 Marines.”
And you can pay $14.00 for free reign to wander around this gigantic battleship. Seriously. When I went, there was no one patrolling the decks, only the ticket office.
Also, more proof that Nicholas Cage is a vampire. (Picture found on the Battleship)
The Railroad Museum: In 1840, Wilmington was the terminus for the longest continuous railroad in the world at 161 miles. The museum was opened in 1979, nearly 20 years after the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad moved its headquarters from Wilmington to Jacksonville, FL. Today, the museum has on display a vintage locomotive, boxcar, and caboose, as well as numerous other railroad paraphernalia and a history of the railroad in Wilmington. In 2007, the museum was moved to an authentic 1883 railroad freight warehouse.
The Arboretum: “The Arboretum encompasses seven acres of gardens and plantings dedicated to demonstrating the best plant species for southeastern North Carolina landscapes, proper horticultural techniques, aesthetic design, environmental stewardship, and research.” Also, the garden is free to go in and wander around. And they have a little Japanese gate and room with a small sand garden, too. Plus, they regularly host classes and workshops for all kinds of creatives — I’ve seen painting classes in there before — and they have a program called the Ability Garden: gardening opportunities for individuals with special needs.
2 comments
Yaaay happy that you are also taking part!!
I never heard of this city before, but I loved getting to know this place through your words 😀
Good luck in the competition <3
Hugs from Brazil!
Thanks Allane! I was so happy to have happened upon it on your blog :-). Best of luck to you, too!