It's official: We're a winter wonderland

Folks who think Wilmington's special got even more proof last week. House Method, the online magazine on lifestyle and interior design, listed the Port City as one of "20 Small Towns Perfect for a Winter Getaway."

"Though Wilmington does see the occasional snow, winter temperatures don’t typically drop below 40 degrees," commented the unsigned piece, "so Wilmington’s walkable downtown historic district is ideal for winter visitors."

House Method also recommended shows at Thalian Hall, the Cameron Art Museum (especially its "Jazz at the Cam" series), dinners at Pinpoint, Manna and Rx, plus the craft brews at Edward Teach Brewing, Flytrap Brewing, New Anthem, Ironclad and Wilmington Brewing Company.

"Those who go only for the beaches often miss the great food and drink culture of downtown, the beautiful residential architecture, historic homes and artistic offerings," said Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza, brand editor for House Method. "Wilmington is so much more than a beach town. It's a cultural center, a culinary microcosm of North Carolina cuisine, and a quiet art lover's getaway."

McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza admits some bias. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, she vacationed at Carolina Beach for years with her family and was a longtime resident of South 17th Street. She wrote some freelance articles for the StarNews under the byline Emily McCrary.

"My husband and I visit every chance we get," she said.

House Method listed Wilmington along with Hilton Head and Charleston in South Carolina; Cody, Wyoming; Alta, Utah; Newport, Oregon; Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and Solvang, California.

McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza said the site based its list on a national query and a poll of staff members. Wilmington was picked out of around 110 cities nominated.

Connie Nelson, spokesman for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, was pleased but not too surprised by the listing. "Our winters are very mild," she said. "Unlike a lot of coastal communities, we're a year-round destination."

"Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo wasn't surprised either. "We have a lot to offer," he said. "People are coming here year-round now."

The article might have mentioned the performance schedule at Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center, Nelson said. And she suggested that McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza visit in February, in time for the N.C. Jazz Festival and the East Coast Shag Classic at Wrightsville Beach.

It wasn't all sweetness and light. House Method refers to Wilmington as a "sleepy winter town" -- quite a comedown from the 1990s when Rolling Stone magazine profiled the city's downtown night life.

Reporter Ben Steelman can be reached at 910-616-1788 or Ben.Steelman@StarNewsOnline.com.

Go With the Flow....Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts fromWilmington and Beaches CVB onVimeo.