There’s something magical (and just a little eerie) about fall on the Cape Fear coast. The ocean breeze cools, the salt air mingles with the scent of fallen leaves, and the nights seem to whisper stories of what came before. Here, Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a whole season of celebration. Whether you’re after heart-pounding haunted trails, family fun by the sea, or a good costume contest with a cocktail in hand, Wilmington and Carolina Beach offer something for ever

As the heat mellows and the air carries a crisp hint of change, Wilmington and its surrounding areas come alive with activity. Whether...