2 NC coastal towns are winners in USA Today’s 10Best awards
USA TODAY readers voted two North Carolina spots among the best in North America in the categories for “Best Coastal Small Town” and “Best Riverwalk.”
The annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by readers’ votes. Initial selections came from travel experts choosing the top 20 nominees in a number of categories, including best art museum, best farmers market, best outdoor water park and more.
As of July 12, many 10Best categories are still pending, and results will be announced over the next few weeks.
All categories, winners and pending winners can be found at 10best.com/awards/travel.
Wilmington NC wins for best riverwalk
▪ Wilmington: The Wilmington Riverwalk won a top-10 readers’ choice award for best riverwalk in the United States.
“Located along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington’s riverfront is home to a colorful Riverwalk lined with more than 200 cafes, bars and shops,” USA TODAY 10Best said. “Just across the river, history buffs can tour the moored battleship USS North Carolina. The annual Riverfest each October brings hundreds of craft and food vendors to the riverfront for three days of live music, fireworks, a mock pirate invasion and a standup paddle race.”
The Wilmington Riverwalk came in third place on the list. The top spot went to the Detroit International RiverWalk in Detroit, Michigan.
Wilmington is about a two-hour drive from Raleigh. For more, visit wilmington-nc.com.
When your fur friend is set on a stroll along the Riverwalk, you might as well walk with them!
Lined with plenty of dog-friendly shops and restaurants, discover more of the scenic walkway here: https://t.co/DZW7nwhmbe
: @hurry_up_and_wait pic.twitter.com/9vEZgOsmtC— Visit Wilmington, NC (@WilmingtoNCoast) May 15, 2021
Nags Head wins for best coastal town
▪ Nags Head: Nags Head won a top-10 readers’ choice award for the best coastal town in the United States.
“One of the Outer Banks’ most popular tourist destinations, Nags Head is popular with visitors for its wide variety of restaurants, natural and historical attractions, and magnificent ocean views. Nags Head beaches are pet-friendly, and water lovers will find outlets for many of their favorite sports, including kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding,” USA TODAY 10Best wrote.
“The historic Jennette’s Pier offers exceptional “in-shore” fishing and is home to a small museum and educational research center. For those seeking more adventure, the Bodie Island Lighthouse gives visitors a spectacular ocean view from the top of the 156-foot tower during the summer months.”
Nags Head came in at #5 on the list. The top spot went to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
The beloved coastal spot is about a three and a half-hour drive from Raleigh. For more, visit nagsheadnc.gov.