First of a 2-part series
Wilmington, North Carolina is one of my absolute favorite cities in North Carolina no matter the season and there is no shortage of fun things to do.
Wilmington is located on the Cape Fear River and is an important shipping port. It is conveniently located close to some of the state’s most popular island beaches, including Wrightsville and Carolina beaches.
I am sharing my favorite things to do and where to stay when visiting the area.
Wilmington is one of our favorite places to get away to for a weekend because it is less than a two-hour drive for us from Raleigh and makes it an easy spontaneous day trip or weekend getaway.
We have done a little something different each trip, whether it has been focusing on the local art scene, spending a weekend celebrating the holidays or a girls’ weekend and exploring. Regardless, there are many things to do in the area no matter the season!
Things To DoBook Your Tickets for the Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour
This is a rare opportunity to explore local history through touring homes, places of worship and other architectural delights that will create a magical and educational holiday experience. This tour has been around for over 50 years and truly is spectacular.
Walking down the winding alleys and cobblestone streets is a unique way to see and experience the historic homes in Wilmington’s Historic District. Get your tickets when they go on sale because it sells out fast.
Celebrate the Holidays with Enchanted Airlie Gardens
Since 2005, guests have visited Airlie Gardens to take in the holiday season’s sparkling lights and festive sounds. Enjoy a self-guided stroll through holiday lights and music. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as dates and times will sell out. Plan on spending at least an hour exploring the grounds. There are drinks and snacks available for purchase as well.
Check Out the Artwork at Cameron Art Museum
Cameron Art Museum offers such a delightful opportunity to gather with exceptional exhibits, lifelong learning of the arts, public programs and special events. Join the museum staff every Friday at 1 p.m. to learn more about Boundless, a public sculpture by North Carolina artist Stephen Hayes. Make plans to stay for lunch or brunch at the CAM Cafe while checking out the various exhibits and the museum shop.
Enjoy the Variety of Shops & Restaurants in the Cargo District
The Cargo District was founded in 2017 and offers a unique take on living and shopping in the Port City. The nod to the shipping industry and a sustainable yet contemporary design make this such a fun way to spend an afternoon.
There are restaurants, salons, creative studios, shops, a wine room, a bookstore and a bar to people watch and enjoy the surroundings. Some favorite spots of ours: are Beat Street for lunch with drinks in the Alcove Beer Garden, Auggie & Zo, Hello Love, the Plant Outpost and the Roasted Bookery.
Kayak with Paddle NC at Carolina Beach State Park
Explore the wonders of North Carolina’s coastal State Parks with Paddle NC’s Sunset and Eco Tours. The small group sizes guarantee a personalized experience as our knowledgeable guides take participants through the beauty of Carolina Beach State Park. Tours are offered at two different times during the day, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and reservations are required.
Shawn was an incredible tour guide and offered a lot of history and information on geography and ecology. Paddle NC also offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals if that is more your speed.
Plop Down on an Island Beach
The area offers three amazing beaches between Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure. Bring a beach chair, a towel and some sunscreen and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Frankly, I prefer the beach in the off-seasons because it is still gorgeous, yet there are less crowds. Most places are open year-round, too.
Relive History on the USS North Carolina
Authentically restored, this battleship participated in every offensive battle in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. There are nine levels to explore, including opportunities to climb inside gun turrets, learn more about the early computers used and see where the crew ate, slept and worked.
Crew stories throughout the Ship introduce you to the 2,000 young men who called the USS North Carolina home. Pack a picnic and enjoy Battleship Park and the views of the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Relax and Rejuvenate with a Spa Treatment at 20 Orange Spa
20 Orange Spa is such a hidden gem in the River District Wilmington complete with a gorgeous rooftop with views of the Cape Fear River. The spa itself is gorgeous, sleek and tranquil and offers a variety of services including massages with add-ons like scalp treatments, spot stones, cupping, dry brushing, esthetic services, body treatments and thermotherapy.
If you are local, they offer memberships and they also have packages. Additionally, their rooftop is set up for a unique experience for a couple’s massage or for a snack and happy hour spot following a service. It is a must-visit spot!
Make your appointments in advance and be sure to check out their shop to bring home their natural sugar lip scrub, signature eye serum or scalp oil.
Shop Local in the River District & Beyond
One of my favorite ways to learn about a city or town is to explore their local shops. I mentioned the Cargo District earlier, which offers some really great local boutiques. The River District offers 30 specialty shops and restaurants connected by open-air courtyards in the 19th-century Cotton Exchange.
Chandler’s Wharf is another old building with new shops as it is home to several boutiques. If you are a book lover, stop by Papercut Books for a serene bookshop experience. If you are heading to Wrightsville, be sure to stop at Redix, a staple since 1969, for something for everyone, including upscale boutique items.
Take a Riverboat Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours
Relax and enjoy the scenery on a cruise with Wilmington Water Tours down the Cape Fear River to learn more about Wilmington. The captain and crew share fun facts and historical anecdotes to help provide new perspectives on Wilmington’s history and ecology.
Be sure to bring your camera. There are tons of photo opportunities along the way.
On the even hours, Wilmington Water Tours cruise north along the Historic Downtown and Eagles Island, where you see the past come alive. Capture unique views of the Battleship, learn about rice plantations, and view shipwrecks, flora, and fauna on this 50-minute adventure.
On the odd hours, the tour heads south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the State Ports and shares the history of a WWII Wilmington shipyard along with current facts while watching tug boats, container ships, and pleasure boats.
Treasure Hunt at Wilmington’s Vintage Spots
Wilmington boasts some incredible vintage and antique shops, including my personal favorite, Jess James + Co, located on Castle Street. It is so elegantly curated and has some real treasures. Plan on spending quite a bit of time going through her shop and taking everything in.
Rosie Revolution is another great spot to stop for an excellent selection of vintage clothing and accessories. Another personal favorite is The Ivy Cottage, a delightful consignment shop.
Places To StayCaptain & Ginger AirBnB — Carolina Beach
This AirBnB is an absolute delight! It is spacious with three bedrooms, one with 2 bunk beds, one with 2 queen beds, and one with a king-size bed. It has an abundance of outdoor porches, both on the front, double porches on the back and ocean views from the rooftop deck and the primary bedroom has a large soaking tub.
Be sure to check this out for a family vacation spot. It literally has everything you will need in a place. The hosts are quick, responsive and super helpful with great local recommendations.
Blockade Runner — Wrightsville Beach
There is something for everyone at the Blockade Runner, whether you prefer the beach, poolside seating, a garden for reading or yoga, learning how to paddle board in the sound or taking a sunset cruise.
It’s truly a lovely experience at this classic landmark and is the perfect place for a getaway. If you’re looking for availability this summer, check out their weekday packages as it is a little less crowded and the rates are more flexible.
Hotel Ballast — Wilmington
Hotel Ballast is a historic building that has been beautifully restored. There are nods to Wilmington’s history as a shipping and shipbuilding community, one that was incredibly influential to North Carolina’s economy.
The view of the battleship and boats coming in is such a nice experience as well. Hotel Ballast is on the Historic Hotels of America list, and there is clear intentionality in the preservation of the charm of the building to welcome guests.
Hotel Ballast offers standard rooms and spacious suites with beautiful driftwood-style plank floors, marble details in the bathroom, and crisp, white bedding. David and I stayed in a king room with a river view, and it was spectacular.
We got a great night’s sleep thanks to the comfortable bedding and the rooms were large with lots of natural lighting. Perks to staying at the Hotel Ballast are the in-room coffee maker, fast WiFi and excellent lighting in the bathroom.
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