This is a typical house in the historic downtown district of Willmington, NC. Yes, I was that guy walking around randomly taking pictures of people's homes. 

As I have mentioned on the Ethan and Lou show many times, I am not a fan of the south. I find that most places that people go for vacation down south feature a lot of the same. The same architecture, the same retail, it's all become very boxy for me. This place, however, has a thriving music scene, great food, and goes out of its way to preserve its rich history.

My recommendations for you if you go are this:

  • Have breakfast at the Dixie Grill, and order the Louisiana Hash. It's the best southern breakfast I have ever had.
  • If you don't have a pool at your hotel, crash the Hilton pool. No key card needed, we just walked up.
  • Eat, drink and be merry at the Reel Cafe. This is a casual place with good food, great live music and reasonably priced drinks.
  • Walk around and see the residential part of town. You will see some of the most beautiful southern homes you can imagine.
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Lou's phone
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Here is the view from the outdoor patio bar at the Reel Cafe.

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Lou's phone
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Inside of a historic Catholic church turned reception hall where we attended a wedding.

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Lou's phone
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Even the sky is prettier in Willmington.

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Lou's phone
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Then, of course, you have the beautiful people.

It was, in all seriousness, one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. If you like eating, drinking, dancing and sunshine then check out Willminton.

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