The mountains of North Carolina are a wonderful place for folk, bluegrass, and traditional music. I live in the east, but I spend a large part of my summer in the Boone area...during the summer there are lots of festivals and gatherings for folk musicians, and there are several folk clubs around in Boone and Asheville. I'm afraid jo77's rather right about the Wilmington area, though...the beach has been ruined by tourists, for the most part. The mountains are fairly unspoiled, though, as long as you stay away from the ski resorts. 'fraid I can't help you too much. ~Caitrin