Explore Thalian Hall, a center for both art and politics in the city of Wilmington. The building houses not only government functions, but a stunning theater, where historic figures such as Oscar Wilde and Frederick Douglass have graced its stage.

Salvage divers Tim Ferris and Bob Weihe were used to uncovering secrets in the water, but when they founded Blue Ridge Distilling Company, they also discovered a revolutionary process for making whiskey. Now, their signature spirit--appropriately named "Defiant"--has earned its place at the...