Second 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 Do
Catch a Concert at Greenfield Park Amphitheatre
This is such a cool venue to catch a show. Located in Greenfield Park, the amphitheater is all general admission seating that is first-come, first-serve with 1,200 seats. The backdrop is gorgeous with the lake as the backdrop. There are great varieties of food options, including food trucks and vegan and vegetarian options. Don't let the smaller venue deter you, either. Some great artists perform here!
Looking for other concert options? Check out Live Oak Pavilion in downtown Wilmington.
Explore Airlie Gardens No Matter the Season
Airlie Gardens is always a must-visit and it is beautiful regardless of the season. There are 67 acres and have been around for a century. Airlie is a beautiful, historic garden, and it also serves as the last point of filtration for the Bradley Creek watershed.
Bring a blanket and a book and relax for an afternoon. Or take a stroll around the various parts of the gardens to take in the scenes. One of my favorite spots is the Spring Garden with the beautiful fountain. The website is also maintained to share what's blooming!
Learn Local History on a Wilmington Walking Tour
There are so many different options for walking tours in Wilmington no matter your interest. If history is your passion, check out Tour Old Wilmington for a walking tour that includes iconic landmarks.
For film or TV show junkies, take a self-guided tour of notable filming locations for popular shows such as One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek.
Into Civil War history? Head down to Kure Beach to take a self-guided tour of Fort Fisher State Historic Site. If haunted tours are more of your interest, check out the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington or a haunted pub crawl.
Sip Local at the Breweries in the Area
Wilmington and the island beaches have such great local brewery options. Wrightsville Beach Brewery has a delicious selection of beers and its food menu is outstanding. Don't skip on their curly fries, either!
Waterman's Brewing Company is another fun spot to stop for a beer, some snacks and a meal. Check out the Brooklyn Arts District for more local breweries, including our favorite, Flytrap Brewing, which has an expanded beer garden and the nicest bartenders around.
If you head to Carolina Beach, stop by Good Hops Brewing, which is pet-friendly, has a disc golf course, weekly trivia and has nice outdoor seating with fire pits in cooler months. Bring your own food and hang out for a while!
Visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum
If model trains are of interest, make plans to visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum to see the model trains and check out the 100-year-old steam locomotive. There is a spectacular room that features an interactive model train that is considered one of the best in the United States.
It highlights stops along the Atlantic Coastal Line including Wilson and Selma that have the most unique touches, including their farm baseball teams, county fairs, etc.
Support Local Farmers & Makers at the Riverfront Farmers' Market
Hosted every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Dock Street, between 2nd and Water St., this farmers' market offers excellent local produce and products by makers, including homemade bouquets, honey, artwork, jewelry, dog treats and more.
Stroll the Riverwalk
There are nearly two miles of walkway along the Wilmington Riverwalk and offers gorgeous views, Live Oak Pavilion, restaurants, shops, art galleries, narrated tours and places to sit in and enjoy the scenes.
Spend Time on Castle Street Arts District
Castle Street is such a cool area in Wilmington and if you opt to stay at the ARRIVE Hotel, it is incredibly walkable from there. Whether you are looking for vintage shops to hunt for hidden gems, a great record shop, a spot to grab a cup of coffee or a place to eat, look no further than Castle Street.
Wrap Up Your Day with a Sunset Harbor Cruise
This hour-and-a-half cruise is the best way to enjoy the golden hour. It is the Blockade Runner's most popular cruise and a great way to wind down after a day of adventures in the area. This cruise lets you explore the local area and offers the best views of the Island. Matty and Taylor are a lot of fun and offer fun perspectives and the area's history.
Located across the street from the Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Places To Stay
ARRIVE Hotel by Palisociety - Wilmington
ARRIVE Hotel offers 34 guest rooms, a delicious restaurant onsite, a spacious courtyard with lawn games and fireplaces, and a gazebo bar. The rooms are modern, comfortable and full of natural light and bright colors.
Each room comes with an Apple TV and Grown Alchemist toiletries. Everything about the hotel is aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. It is a convenient location to walk to restaurants and shops on Castle Street or in the River District. Parking is by valet which is quick and convenient.
Dreamers by DW - Wilmington
The concept behind Dreamers by DW is to provide guests with a place to stay that is clean, inspiring, and relaxing. Both minimal design and minimal paper, minimal stress and minimal plastic.
Dreamers by DW offers all the amenities of a boutique hotel with all the independence and quiet of a home rental. All spaces have been cultivated with a focus on design, green space and custom artworks from all over the world.
All dried floral arrangements and woven wall hangings have been created specifically for the inn. Plants are tucked into every corner of the house. Vintage and modern lighting is featured throughout. Custom-made essential oils and soaps are provided in every room. Dreamers by DW is a place to rejuvenate not just the body but the senses.
Dreamers is pet-friendly plus offers vegan bites plus coffee and tea each morning. The coffee and tea offerings are available 24 hours a day. The rooms also include Google Home speakers, essential oil diffusers and soaking tubs for relaxing after a long day of exploring.
Front Street Inn - Wilmington
Looking for a historic inn? Check out the newly renovated Front Street Inn, a fully automated boutique hotel - featuring a coffee bar in the mornings and a cocktail bar in the evening that features bespoke cocktails. It is located in a great spot right near the River District making it perfect for strolling downtown.
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