Getting there

One-way, walk-up rates start from $179 (United connecting service via Charlotte)

Stay

The Courtyard by Marriott’s “Romance” package, valid through March 24 ($159-$219; promo code ROM), includes a spa king room with a private Jacuzzi; strawberries and champagne; breakfast; Wi-Fi and late check-out. Newly renovated rooms have private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to the marina, boardwalk, Carolina Beach Lake Park or chill at the indoor or outdoor pools. A convenient location to Wilmington, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach; 100 Charlotte Ave., 910-458-2030, www. courtyardcarolinabeach.com.

Eat

Circa 1922 has it all — sangria, tapas, paella, risotto, sushi, sashimi and seafood to steaks. Enjoy $3 tapas plates and $5 bar menu items every day 5-7 p.m. A la carte menu items are $6 to $18 and three-course prix fixe dinners, Sunday-Thursday, are $19.95; 8 N. Front St., Wilmington, 910-762-1922, www.circa1922.com.

Experience

A visit to the Battleship North Carolina is a must for history buffs. Commissioned in 1941, the ship earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific during World War II. Take a self-guided tour of this memorial (allow two hours or more) daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; $12 adults; $6 children age 6-11; 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, 910-251-5797, www.battleshipnc.com.

Keep Reading

The Trail Hotel in Bardstown, Kentucky, boasts five bars, bourbon-themed rooms and the services of a bourbon butler. (Courtesy of Trail Hotel)

Credit: Kriech-Higdon Photography

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman