What’s New in Wilmington, NC
Looking for ideas on the latest things to see and do in Wilmington and Island Beaches on your next visit? Find the most recent news, updates, openings and additions here! Stay in the loop by signing up for our eNewsletter, and be the first to know about what's new and what's coming.
Food & Drink
Cafe Mata
Discover Cafe Mata, Wilmington's only plant-based coffee shop. Now open in the South Front District, this eco-friendly spot offers organic, locally roasted coffee and teas in biodegradable cups. Enjoy vegan pastries, raw sweet treats, and globally inspired herbal tonics. At Cafe Mata, sustainable practices and plant-based ingredients ensure every sip and bite are kind to both you and the planet.
Coco Pipa Smoothie & Juice Bar
Coco Pipa Smoothie & Juice Bar has opened on Castle Street in historic downtown Wilmington. Inspired by life in Costa Rica, Coco Pipa's menu offers delicious and nutritious options, including loaded fruit salads, coconut-based smoothies, and healthy acai bowls. This trendy juice bar features a vibrant indoor mural and outdoor dining on its street-side patio.
PONYSAURUS Pizzeria & Beer Garden
Ponysaurus Pizzeria & Beer Garden is now open in historic downtown Wilmington. The pizzeria and beer garden features an extensive repertoire of craft beers and pizza offerings in addition to an outdoor garden area to enjoy drinks and food.
Commodore Public House and Kitchen
Commodore Public House and Kitchen is now open in the Brooklyn Arts District in historic downtown Wilmington. This elevated pub features a Caribbean flair in its appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The same island vibe continues outside the restaurant with outdoor seating and a beer garden.
TEQUILA COMIDA & CANTINA Waterfront
Featuring a tequila library with top-shelf tequilas and mezcals, Tequila Comida and Cantina Waterfront is now open at Port City Marina in downtown Wilmington. Enjoy the menu in the two-story restaurant's lounge area or outdoor patio overlooking the Cape Fear River.
RX Chicken & Oysters
After renovating and rebranding, RX Chicken & Oysters reopened in the Castle Street Arts District. Formerly RX Restaurant and Bar, the updated restaurant features a new menu highlighting locally sourced, fresh seafood including ‘Lucy Bea,’ which are farm-raised oysters harvested onsite, lobster and the exotic Lionfish, which are both spearfished by the restaurant’s owners, James and Sarah Rushing Doss.
Wilmington Four Corners
A popular Chapel Hill, NC restaurant and sports bar has expanded to Wilmington. Four Corners serves a variety of burgers, wings, ribs, sandwiches, salads and more in its sports-themed space with ample TVs so guests can enjoy the game with their meal.
G Prime Steak & Cellar
A new luxury steakhouse designed by Raleigh restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias, G Prime Steak & Cellar features curated prime cuts including American and Japanese wagyu, locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere inside, on the terrace or on the outdoor patio and sip on classic craft cocktails or specialty wines from the restaurant's wine cellar at the bar.
The Ibis
The Ibis, a high-fidelity (hi-fi) cocktail and coffee bar, opened in Wilmington's Soda Pop District. The bar features an audiophile class sound system with state-the-art turntables and equipment to give visitors an immersive listening experience as they enjoy craft coffee and cocktails.
Tours
“Outlander” Guided Tours
Fans of the book and television series “Outlander” will want to book Wilmington Water Tours newest tour, Outlander in the Cape Fear. Led by Capt. Doug Springer and local historian Hunter Ingram, the 1.5-hour cruise highlights connections between Wilmington’s history and the series. Or, stay on land and follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser as you learn about the history of “Outlander” and the Scottish Highlanders on a guided walking tour led by Ingram.
Airlie Gardens
Join Airlie Gardens on their new, monthly Accessible Bird Outings. Offered throughout the year, the guided tram tour takes visitors around the gardens to spot migratory bird species and nesting areas. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Wilmington Outdoor Adventures
Embark on a seasonal kayak eco-tour led by a wildlife biologist with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures. Spend the afternoon navigating the island waterways surrounding Wrightsville Beach during the Waterloop Tour. The new eco-tour will be available in 2024.
Wilmington Pirate Walk
Led by costumed character Jaq Sparrow, join Wilmington Pirate Walk on a family-friendly tour highlighting local pirate legends and lore, their secret hideouts and more. The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and tickets are $20 per person; ages 5 and under free. Reserve your tour online.
Attractions
iFly Wilmington
A state-of-the-art indoor skydiving venue is coming to Wilmington! Anticipated to open in November 2024, iFly Wilmington will redefine adventure sports in the destination offering thrill-seeking visitors a safe and immersive skydiving experience. Pre-sale bookings are now live and can be booked here.
Rally Point Bar & Arcade
Visit Rally Point Bar & Arcade for classic family-friendly arcade fun with games like air hockey, skee-ball and more. The arcade also features weekly specials and a full-service bar. A new retro lounge is now open on the second floor.
Lodging
HOTEL LELA WILMINGTON, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON
Hotel LELA Wilmington, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is anticipated to open early summer 2024. Located five minutes away from Wilmington International Airport, the hotel will showcase amenities like an outdoor saline pool, fitness room, restaurant, boutique and a golf simulator.
HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON WILMINGTON MEDICAL PARK DOWNTOWN
Featuring a 24-hour fitness center, free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, pet-friendly rooms and more, the Home2 Suites by Hilton is now open. The property is conveniently located less than a mile from Cameron Art Museum and a 15-minute drive from historic downtown.
TRU BY HILTON WILMINGTON
Featuring a pool, 24-hour fitness center, bar, business center, restaurant and more, Tru by Hilton Wilmington is now open. Conveniently located 10 minutes from both downtown Wilmington and Wilmington International Airport, the hotel will offer 107 rooms.
The Holiday Inn Wilmington Rebranding to DoubleTree by Hilton
In summer 2024, The Holiday Inn Wilmington at 5032 Market St. will be rebranded as the DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington. The property is also undergoing a complete renovation and is currently accepting reservations starting mid September and beyond.
TRU BY HILTON WILMINGTON/WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
Close to Mayfaire Town Center and a short drive from Wrightsville Beach, Tru by Hilton Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is now open. The hotel features a pool table, business center, free hot breakfast, fitness center, Eat & Sip Market and pet-friendly rooms.
Area Accolades
2024 South's Best City on the Rise
Wilmington, NC was named Southern Living's 2024 "South's Best City on the Rise" in their annual South's Best Awards. Recognizing our city's charm, scenic beauty, film scene and rich history, Southern Living also credits our accessible geographic location, award-winning Riverwalk and distinctive beach vibes at our three island beaches for making our coastal destination a favorite vacation spot.
