Two local hotspots — the Wilmington Riverwalk and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk — are in the running for nationwide recognition.
Both join other finalists from across the country in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for public spaces.
Best Riverwalk
People enjoy the Riverwalk Wednesday Dec. 18, 2024 in downtown Wilmington, N.C. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS
The category for “Best Riverwalk” considers cities from across the U.S. that “have transformed their riverfront areas into multi-use spaces for recreational purposes, cultural activities, dining, and nightlife.”
The Wilmington Riverwalk is among the nominees with USA TODAY noting that it’s home to “more than 200 cafes, bars, and shops.” The poll also points out the Riverwalks is home to the annual Riverfest event each October and offers views of the Cape Fear River and Battleship North Carolina.
Readers can vote once per day until the poll closes at noon on Monday, April 7. The top 10 will be announced on Wednesday, April 16.
Vote at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-riverwalk/.
Other nominees include the Augusta Riverwalk, Augusta, Ga.; the Charles River Esplande, Boston, Mass.; Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, Ill.; Hudson River Park, New York, N.Y.; Milwaukee Riverwalk, Milwaukee, Wis.; Mississippi Riverwalk, Dubuque, Iowa; River Street, Savannah, Ga.; Riverfront Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Riverfront Park, Spokane, Wash.; Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; San Antonio Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas; Scioto Mile, Columbus, Ohio; Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati, Ohio; Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, Fla.; The Providence Riverwalk, Providence, R.I.; The Wharf, Washington, D.C.; Truckee Riverwalk, Reno, Nev.; Waterfront Park, Louisville, Ken.; and Woldenberg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, La.
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Best Boardwalk
Brenda Arms a volunteer Federal Point Historic Preservation Society gives a historic tour of the Carolina Beach BoardwalK. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS FILE
The category for “Best Boardwalk” is looking for places with “achingly gorgeous views of the water, the salty scent of French fries in the air, and the laughter of people from all walks of life having an incredible time together.”
Carolina Beach is among the nominees for “Best Boardwalk.” The poll references the throngs of visitors who stroll through “shops, restaurants, bars, and the seaside amusement park.”
“Seasonal activities like live concerts and weekly fireworks in the summer, and a lights festival in December, add to the appeal of this East Coast boardwalk,” it states.
Readers can vote once per day until the poll closes at noon on Monday, April 7. The top 10 will be announced on Wednesday, April 16.
Vote at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-boardwalk/.
Other nominees include Atlantic City Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J.; Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.; Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, Fla.; Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Hollywood, Fla.; Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas; Mission Beach Boardwalk, San Diego, Calif.; Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk, New London, Conn.; Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, Md.; Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J.; Old Orchard Beach Pier, Orchard Beach, Maine; Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.; Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Calif.; Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, N.J.; Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice, Calif.; Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, Va.; Wildwoods Boardwalk, and Wildwood, N.J.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Are the Wilmington Riverwalk and Carolina Beach Boardwalk the best?
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