Taken in its usual sense of "going out to be inside someplace else," area nightlife is most concentrated in Wilmington, with its numerous clubs, bars and theaters. Outlying areas, especially the South Brunswick Islands, are famous for their unbroken quiet. But hot spots (a relative term, to be sure) also exist at Wrightsville Beach (Lumina Avenue is often choked with summertime revelers just yards from the quiet beach), Carolina Beach, Surf City and Long Beach, particularly in summer.

Stroll the Riverwalk and Front Street in downtown Wilmington. There are plenty of interesting places along the way in which to pause for a toast or a fresh cup of coffee or to hear live music. A horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown Wilmington is a pleasant introduction to the city, too.

Billiards (see listings in this chapter) and bowling (see our Sports, Fitness and Parks chapter) are fun alternatives to the usual bar scene. Browsing our Attractions chapter will reveal more ideas -- for instance, a variety of evening cruise opportunities on the Cape Fear River, at Carolina Beach and at North Myrtle Beach.

Those who like to dance may choose among country two-step and line dancing, free-form disco or the area's undisputed monarch of dances, the shag (no offense to the British). You can take in an evening of square dancing, clogging and contra dancing to live music (with lessons) at various locations in Wilmington.

If you've never been contra dancing, you owe yourself a try. Contra dancing grew out of the Irish-Celtic tradition and in America was most popular during the colonial era. The Cape Fear Contra Dancers, 1409 Faulkenberry Road, (910) 395-0973 or (910) 791-6646, organizes monthly dances at area community centers or halls plus weekly dances at various night spots around Wilmington. The $12 annual membership (prorated) helps defray costs, but nonmembers are welcome.

The last couple of years have brought a local resurgence of interest in jazz, evident in the increasing number of restaurants and bars offering live jazz in the evenings, typically between Thursday and Sunday. Venues worth a visit include the Ice House, Paleo Sun Cafe, and Water Street Restaurant (all listed below). Also check out Harvest Moon (see our Restaurants chapter).

Fans of classical music should take note of several area presenters that sponsor evening concert programs from October through May. See our chapter on The Arts for more information on both concerts and theatrical productions.

Other live entertainment is fairly ubiquitous; however, you will find many nightclubs throughout the region (and the state) that are private. In order for an establishment to serve liquor, it must either earn the bulk of its revenue from the sale of food, or it must be a private club open only to members and their guests. Alcohol served in clubs that are not private is restricted to beer and wine. Membership to most clubs is inexpensive, usually between $1 and $5 per year. Weekend visitors applying for membership should know that a three-day waiting period must elapse before you can become a full member, but it's easy to be signed in as someone's guest at the door.

What follows is by no means the last word on the area's nightlife. At the end of the chapter is a section on movie theaters for those whose nightlife tends toward the cinematic and a section on poetry readings for the esoterically inclined.