My dad retired there about 15 years ago, UNC is a great school, congrats to your daughter.
Fat Pelican in Carolina Beach is a must see.... If you like where the locals go. Place is falling apart, loaded with character, has a walk in beer locker, you serve yourself, pay, then go find a place to sit. It' an experience. I wouldnt eat there if you paid me (not even sure they serve food), but is a great place loaded with old school 'coastal fishermen culture' to grab a beer.
North Carolina Battleship is worth the visit.
The Historic Wilmington Downtown area is pretty nice, shops, restaurants, etc.
If you like plants, there is a nice public garden called Arlie or Arly Gardens up by Wrightsville beach, and Fort Fisher an Rebel Civil War fort.
There are a couple Museums, a Railroad, and the Cape fear, and I think a history museum. Haven't been to those in a while.
