Wilmington offers Southern charm, beauty, history, delightful dining and water fun (2024)

Story and photos by Suzy Fielders

One of the best things about living in the Triad is the relative proximity, typically under four hours, to the beach and Wilmington. While summer is seen as an optimal time to visit the beach, September is an amazing alternative as it is less crowded and not as hot.

Wilmington offers a rich history, stellar cuisine, movie and television filming locations, the beach and an abundance of activities.

We toured Wilmington last September and everything about the trip – from staying at a bed and breakfast in Historic Downtown Wilmington to touring the area in a horse-drawn carriage – was simply perfection.

Wilmington is a straight shot down I-40 from Winston-Salem. The area includes multiple must-visit locations, including the Riverwalk and historic area to the northwest to Wrightsville Beach to the east and Carolina Beach and Kure Beach to the south.

From the north side of Wilmington to the southernmost point of Fort Fisher is an approximately 45-minute drive. In contrast, heading from the west side of Wilmington to the easternmost point of Wrightsville Beach is around a 25-minute drive.

From water sports and sunning on the beach to touring the Battleship North Carolina, there are almost unlimited attractions in Wilmington.

It’s no wonder so many movies and television shows were filmed in Wilmington given the gorgeous backdrops, many of which look like something out of a fairytale or another world. A few notable movies and shows that were filmed in Wilmington include: “Dawson’s Creek,” “Iron Man 3,” “One Tree Hill,” “Safe Haven,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “The Conjuring,” “The Longest Ride” (also shot in Winston-Salem) and “The Crow.”

SEE and DO:

Here are a few activities to consider putting on your own itinerary.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Sunset Cruise with Soundside Adventures: Enjoy hearing all about Wrightsville Beach from the knowledgeable captain and staff while enjoying beverages and the amazing sunset on the water. You can bring beverages, including alcoholic ones as long as they aren’t glass, onboard and canned beer is complimentary.

Kure Beach Fishing Pier: This 711-foot pier celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and is known as one of the oldest of its kind on the East Coast. It provides breathtaking views and ample fishing. You must enter and exit the pier through the shop.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: If you aren’t staying somewhere beachfront, this state park is a great destination to visit the beach. In addition to beach access by foot and vehicle, there are picnic tables, a visitor center, and unique hiking opportunities. If you travel the Basin Trail for just under a mile you’ll come across a World War II bunker.

Guided Kayak Tour from Paddle NC at Carolina Beach State Park: See this state park from a whole different angle with a kayak tour. The guides at Paddle NC are not only excellent at teaching and directing guests in kayaking but also know so many interesting and lesser-known facts about the area.

Riverwalk: Strolling this boardwalk that runs from Nun Street to the Isabel Holmes Bridge is Wilmington’s #1 Tourist Attraction. This isn’t surprising given the phenomenal views the riverwalk provides of Cape Fear River. Along this boardwalk are shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There are a variety of different tours along it as well, including ghost ones.

Horse-drawn Carriage Tour with Springbrook Farms: Explore downtown Wilmington in a manner fit for this historic town, a horse-drawn carriage. This business rescues Percheron Draft Horses and gives them a way to stay fit and active. Not only will you get to slow down on your trip, but you’ll learn so much about the city from the guide.

Airlie Gardens: Finally, this beautiful destination has tons of romantic backdrops, nostalgia for “Dawson’s Creek” fans, and gorgeous plants around every corner. It boasts 67 acres of formal gardens and 75,000 azaleas. Be sure to check out the Airlie Oak, which dates back to 1545. There is also a seasonal butterfly house.

MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

Battleship North Carolina: See how members of the Navy lived on this authentically restored National Historic Landmark. This battleship earned 15 battle stars and during World War II participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations.

Cameron Art Museum: This museum located in the central part of Wilmington has a carefully curated selection of culturally-rich art. Be sure to walk around the grounds as well, this was a site of a historic Civil War battle. It also now houses the state’s first United States Colored Troops park.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: While not a huge aquarium, the mix of animals and education make it a fun stop for kids and sea life lovers. Some fan favorite animals that call this aquarium home are otters, sand tiger sharks, an albino American alligator named Luna, and loggerhead sea turtles.

EAT

Simply choosing where to eat or drink is a task in the Wilmington area as there is an abundance of food and drink options. These dining and drinking spots are ones you won’t want to miss.

Ceviche’s: Located in Wilmington just before the bridge to Wrightsville Beach, this restaurant has some unforgettable ceviche.

South Beach Grill: This upscale, casual restaurant is located on the sound side of Wrightsville Beach and offers North Carolina-sourced seafood dishes.

The Southerly Biscuit Co.: The homemade biscuits and grits at this grab-and-go stop on Carolina Beach are great to satisfy your stomach before heading to the beach or packing it up for a picnic on the sand.

Happy Hippies Java Hut: Home to frozen hot chocolate and located right outside Kure Beach Pier, this funky coffee shop will provide your caffeine fix with style.

Havana’s: You’ll find exquisite island-style cuisine and tropical drinks at this restaurant located across the street from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Floriana: If you are vacationing with your significant other, be sure to reserve one of their Romeo & Juliet balconies for the ultimate romantic dinner overlooking the Wilmington Riverwalk.

The Blind Elephant: Off Smith Alley in historic Wilmington, this speakeasy allows guests to travel back to the 1920s and is membership-only (it’s only $5 per person for a full year and is well worth it).

Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse: Located on the northern side of Wilmington, this bakery specializes in old world bread and artisanal pastries.

STAY

Make the most of your vacation in Wilmington by selecting a place to stay for the night, weekend, or longer that embodies the spirit of the city. Bed-and-breakfast options abound in Wilmington as they provide a way for visitors to unwind between activities or at night and enjoy unforgettable breakfasts.

Located on Nun Street just two blocks over from the south end of the Riverwalk is The Verandas. This gorgeous 8,500-square-foot bed-and-breakfast that was once a residential mansion combines luxury and tranquility and is southern hospitality and charm at its finest. It’s the perfect home away from home while you experience everything Wilmington and the surrounding beaches have to offer.