By L.D. Johnson

An easy, direct drive of just over two hours. Small, intimate crowds. The year's most affordable room rates. This is some of what Wilmington's historic river district and island beaches offer to Wake County residents who want to get away now. Drive east on Interstate 40, and you will reach a relaxing retreat near the coast, including Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville beaches.

Winter is a great time to bond with that special someone or to reconnect with family, while enjoying ocean views and savoring fresh seafood at a leisurely pace. If you have only a few days to get away, the beaches of Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville are the most accessible coastal destinations in North Carolina. All share attributes to delight everyone, from singles to families with children, yet each has its own distinctive appeal. Each beach offers attractions and recreational activities for all seasons, plus artistic and cultural events in nearby Wilmington.

Carolina: Accent on the Original

For unconventional offerings, Carolina Beach cannot be beat. Carolina Beach State Park (a site on the N.C. Birding Trail) provides plenty of recreational activities, while Artful Living Group at 112 Cape Fear Boulevard is an interesting, creative studio and shop that includes the work of more than 90 artisans for viewing and purchase.

On March 17, the 8th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Lo Tide Run 5K/10K will overtake much of the beach as runners race to raise funds for local cancer victims. On Saturday mornings beginning in mid-March, stop by the Carolina Beach Marina during the Pleasure Island Fresh Market for local produce and other products.

Nightlife is available to enjoy as well. The Fat Pelican at 8 S. Lake Boulevard is one in particular that many feel captures the local beach charm with its legendary walk-in cooler.

Kure: Plenty of Ways to Unwind

If you favor a more relaxed or introspective atmosphere, Kure Beach has two of the coast's most popular attractions. Fort Fisher State Park features a six-mile undeveloped shoreline where you can peacefully hike and observe shorebirds, as well as view rare species nesting along the sand. The park is open morning and afternoons every day, with four-wheel beach access allowed (permit required).

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Civil War Museum is a great venue for viewing the remains of the largest and most important earthwork fort in the South during the Civil War. The site will host the 147th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher January 13-15 with artillery demonstrations, exhibits, encampments, and tours.

Fort Fisher is also home to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, the aquarium offers weekly programs that provide a fun, inexpensive way to entertain children (and adults). Be sure to say "Hi" to Luna, a rare albino alligator, and check out the new Megalodon shark exhibit.

Wrightsville: Time to "Own the Beach"

If you enjoy good times with fewer crowds than peak season, Wrightsville fits your wish. Many restaurants are open year-round for great food and socializing, including waterfront locations that overlook the beach or the Intracoastal Waterway. Or, try South Beach Grill at 100 S. Lumina Avenue, featuring the recipes of general manager and former executive chef Chris R. Kronenwetter, who has written Fresh Fish and Fried Pickles, a cookbook of the restaurant's most popular dishes.

Most of the surf shops are open, offering all the latest gear. This is great news to those participating in the 4th Annual Cold Stroke Classic on January 21-22. Stand up paddle surfing – commonly known as SUP – has taken off in popularity at Wrightsville Beach. For runners, there's the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon and Half Marathon on March 18 – named among the top winter marathons by Runners World – and the Wrightsville Beach Biathlon on March 24-25.

Redix Department Store at 120 Causeway Drive offers great retail deals for top fashion designer brands, as well as sundries and beach-related items and a large selection of bathing suits. Locals claim that Redix's after-Christmas sale is not to be missed.

Wrightsville also has a steady nightlife of beach regulars and visitors that make the area lively. Several local hangouts can be found along North Lumina Avenue and near Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier. Or put on your dancing shoes and head over to the East Coast Shag Classic at the Blockade Runner Resort on February 17.

Also Note This …

All the beaches allow for hiking and collecting shells. Average daily high temperatures often reach into the 50s, but the nights can be cooler, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Just a few minutes' drive from the beaches, Wilmington's year-round museums, attractions, tours, and events are a special treat during the winter months. The weekend of February 3-5 features two signature events: the N.C. Jazz Festival (a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event) and the Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival. For a complete calendar of events from the river to the sea, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events.

Clearly the area is becoming the place people want to be – even Hollywood knows this. Among the top locations for U.S. film production, the movie Iron Man 3 will film here in 2012. Indeed, whether you are strolling along sandy shores or just taking time to reflect and renew yourself after the holiday season, Wilmington's historic river district and island beaches should be your destination of choice for a quick island getaway.

L.D. Johnson is a freelance writer based in Cary. For more information on what the beaches have to offer, visit www.CarolinaBeachGetaway.com, www.VisitKure.com, and www.VisitWrightsville.com.