A guide to Wilmington, NC
A guide to Wilmington, NC
Mackenzie and Jacob Webber
Two natives' guide to this quaint beachtown!
Born and Raised in Wilmington, NC! We love this town and are excited to share it with you.
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Introduction
Wilmington has beautiful beaches and a charming downtown!
Both are worth exploring and only a 15 minute drive between the two. Read below for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay for each.
Wrightsville Beach
To Do
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WB Loop
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Walk "The Loop." You'll see tons of locals walking and running the Loop at Wrightsville Beach. Follow this 2.5 mile paved walk around the island for beautiful views of the marsh! See the link for directions and parking.
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Kayak or Paddleboard the Sound
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Kayak or paddle board the quiet intracoastal! Rentals available at Wrightsville SUP (link below). If you like, you can also get lessons!
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Airlie Gardens
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Visit the beautiful Airlie Gardens right by WB. Wander around the gardens yourself or join for an event! See the website for details on monthly events. Open from 9-5 daily but double check the website before going. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the gardens. Tickets range from $3-$10.
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Mayfaire Town Center
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Mayfaire is close to WB and has a movie theater, shopping, and dining! Great spot to spend the afternoon if you've had too much beach time!
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Where to Park at the Beach
There are lots of street parking and public beach accesses all along the beach. Just drive along Lumina Drive (South or North) until you find a spot. See the link below for locations. Summer weekends the parking fills up very fast so be sure to get there early!
Eat and Drink
Adapt Kitchen and Juice Bar
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Tasty coffees, juices, smoothies, and bowls. Good for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Vegan options too!
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Zeke's Beans and Bowls
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Best poke bowls at the beach! Also great acai bowls, breakfast bowls, and coffees! Stop by as you are walking "The Loop!"
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Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
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A local favorite! Great Tex-Mex for lunch or dinner at the beach! Try the fish tacos and the prickly pear margaritas!
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Trolly Stop
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Local hot dog spot. Great for a quick lunch before heading back to the beach! Right in the middle of the island by the beach!
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Poe's Tavern
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Great burgers and beer selection! Perfect for lunch or dinner! Nice patio to sit outside. Dog friendly.
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Bluewater Waterfront Grill
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If you are looking for a nicer dinner on the water this is it!
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Lagerheads Tavern
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Dive bar in the middle of WB! Tons of bars surrounding the area to walk to as well.
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Stay
Shell Island Resort
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Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel
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Blockade Runner Beach Resort
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Downtown
To Do
Riverfront
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Nice place to wander along the river in downtown Wilmington. Lots of shopping and resturants along the walk.
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Battleship North Carolina
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Spend the afternoon touring the historic Battleship NC. Great activity for families and kids! Tickets allow you to come on the boat at anytime starting at 8 am. Prices range from $6-$14.
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Greenfield Lake
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Bike or walk around this beautiful Wilmington lake! Enjoy the pieceful atmosphere and try to spot a gator!
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Shows
Check out a show or concert at one of Wilmington's downtown venues!
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
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Tons of concerts and shows in this riverfront outdoor venue! Walking distance to downtown. Check the website for tickets.
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Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
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Another great spot to catch an outdoor concert or show! The venue is tucked in by Greenfield Lake!
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Dead Crow Comedy Room
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If you prefer comedy shows, be sure to check out Dead Crow! Grab a drink at the outdoor beer garden before the show.
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Eat and Drink
Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods
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Funky coffee shop downtown! Good place to work or catch up with friends. Beer and Cocktails are avaliable too.
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Hidden Grounds Coffee
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Another good coffee spot in downtown Wilmington! Great spot to sit outside in the summer.
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Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge
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Delicious cocktails and sushi in the heart of downtown! Go during happy hour (everyday from 5-7 ) for great deals on sushi, apps, and drinks. Be sure to get a reservation if going on the weekend.
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Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
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Great pizza downtown! Be sure to ask for the Hot Honey! Check out Satellite Bar after. Gets busy on the weekend so try to get a reservation.
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Olivero
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Delicious contemporary Italian and Spanish food! Try the octopus lasagna! Great for a nice dinner with friends or romantic date night.
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Banter
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Cute small bar in historic downtown Wilmington! Try the DeStrac Cocktail!
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Stay
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
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Be sure to check out the rooftop bar - Cloud 9! Beautiful riverviews!
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We hope you enjoy your visit to Wilmington!
If you have any more questions please DM us on instagram @wherearethewebbers.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mackenzie and Jacob Webber
We are Mackenzie and Jacob Webber! We share a love for travel and want to share that with others around the world. We travel slow, budget, and overland when we can. We enjoy meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and hiking.
We have traveled extensively in Europe, Southeast Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
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