What’s New in Wilmington, NC

Cargo District Food Court

A new food experience is headed to the Cargo District in early 2025. The three-story Cargo District Food Court, just a short drive from historic downtown, will feature seven restaurants with more on the way! Sinful Cupcakes is currently open in the court with local favorites The Copper Penny, Zeke's Beans & Bites, Seoul Sushi and more joining in 2025. In addition to the eateries, the hall will be a combination arcade and bar featuring a 20-foot bar space and multiple seating areas.

Tap Yard Wilmington

Expanding from Raleigh, Tap Yard Wilmington is anticipated to fully open in March 2025. Operating with limited hours now, Tap Yard features an outdoor beer garden with picnic seating and yard games, an indoor bar, open mic nights, trivia nights and more special events. An indoor bar, craft cocktails with house-made syrups and more Wilmington and NC-brewed beers are anticipated to be added once fully open.

Avelo Airlines Base at Wilmington International Airport

Avelo Airlines continues to expand its commitment to Wilmington by establishing a base at Wilmington International Airport. Beginning in April, 3 more nonstop routes will be added: Nashville, Tenn. (BNA), Rochester, N.Y. (ROC), and Boston/Manchester, N.H. (MHT), which brings Avelo's total to 11 nonstop flights.

Breeze Airways

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) gains a new airline and four non-stop flights with Breeze Airways. Beginning in February 2025, Breeze Airways will begin offering four nonstop routes at ILM to Hartford, Conn., Orlando, Fla., Fort Myers, Fla. and Providence, R.I.

JetBlue Airways

Beginning in April 2025, JetBlue will begin operations at Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The airline will launch operations with a daily, seasonal direct flight to Boston (BOS), which will run through October 2025.

"Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen" Exhibition at Cape Fear Museum of History & Science

The Cape Fear Museum of History & Science's newest interactive exhibition, "Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen," explores the rich history of African Americans in aviation. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum, the exhibition invites visitors to imagine themselves in the role of the aviators by combining real artifacts with hands-on play. The exhibition will be open Feb. 1-Sept. 7, 2025.

WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours

WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours is expanding with new, seasonal tours including Dark History Halloween Tours and a Holiday Soul Santa Tour. They also have plans to offer a Seabreeze Tour beginning in spring 2025, which will highlight the rich history of Freeman Beach in Carolina Beach. During the 1920s, Freeman Beach operated as a thriving African American resort offering a vibrant destination for recreation and community during a segregated era.

iFly Wilmington

A state-of-the-art indoor skydiving venue, iFly Wilmington redefines adventure sports in the destination, offering thrill-seeking visitors a safe and immersive skydiving experience.

Pickle & Taps

Enjoy a match or two of pickleball in climate controlled comfort paired with local brews at Pickle & Taps. The space features 10 pickleball courts: two championship style with room for spectators and eight standard courts. Every court is equipped with a camera so players can capture game highlights. Pickle & Taps will host special tournaments and offer leagues.

Game Over Escape Rooms

New to Historic Downtown Wilmington, Game Over Escape Rooms brings an immersive experience with its four themed escape rooms: School of Magic, inspired by Harry Potter, Lost City of Atlantis, Horror Circus and Illuminati. 

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

After extensive renovations, Fort Fisher State Historic Site is now open with a brand new, 24,000-square-foot Visitors Center, which includes a multi-purpose room, auditorium and expanded exhibits.

New exhibits include the "Fall of Fort Fisher," which delves into the fort's impact on the end of the Civil War. Additional exhibits examine the role of the United States Colored Troops, the Junior Reserves during the Civil War and the fort's WWII significance. The Underwater Archaeology Branch of North Carolina, located on the premises, also has a new conservation lab with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities.

BLOCKADE RUNNER BEACH RESORT REBRANDS TO TRAILBORN SURF & SOUND

After recently completing renovations, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach has opened under a new brand: Trailborn Surf & Sound. The 151-room hotel received comprehensive upgrades, including new guest room furniture, finishes and amenities. The new design blends contemporary style with beachside materials, maintaining the hotel's iconic charm.

HOTEL LELA WILMINGTON, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON

Hotel LELA Wilmington, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is now open. 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.

Element by Westin

A new 139-room hotel is coming to Mayfaire Town Center. Opening early 2025, Element by Westin will feature a sustainability-focused design and guest rooms featuring in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and more. 

The Holiday Inn Wilmington Rebranding to DoubleTree by Hilton

Anticipated to reopen spring 2025, The Holiday Inn Wilmington located on Market Street and just minutes from historic downtown is undergoing a complete renovation and will rebrand as the DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington. The property is currently accepting reservations for May 3, 2025 and beyond.

NC America 250

In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To celebrate the anniversary locally, the North Carolina Department of Cultural & Natural Resources is in the planning phase with the Cape Fear Museum and the New Hanover County 250 Commission to collaborate on events, exhibitions, programs and more.