Local area

USS North Carolina was the lead ship of North Carolina-class battleships and the fourth warship in the U.S. Navy to be named in honor of the State of North Carolina. She was the first newly constructed American battleship to enter service during World War II, and took part in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater of Operations; her 15 battle stars made her the most highly decorated American battleship of World War II. She is now a museum ship and memorial located in Wilmington.

The 50-acre, full-service studio lot offers 10 stages with 150,000 sq. ft. of column-free shooting space. Since 1985, more than 400 film, television and commercial projects have shot at the Wilmington, NC, lot on the North Carolina coast.

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area.