When it comes to health and wellness, you’ll stumble upon equally adventurous and relaxing activities around every corner during your vacation in Wilmington and its island beaches.
As wellness travel continues to gain popularity, there’s no need to sacrifice vacation time to maintain your health and fitness goals. From hiking trails and historic sites to picturesque views and healthy bites, stray off course and curate a coastal Do-It-Yourself wellness retreat in Wilmington and its island beaches that will provide a much-needed relief from the stresses of the real world.
Run, Ride, Relax
Start your morning with a jog at Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens to explore more than 250 acres of scenic lakefront and lush garden views, or rent a boat or kayak to relax on the water. For an adventure on two wheels, rent a bike and feel the wind on your face as you cycle through Blue Clay Bike Park that offers state-of-the-art mountain bike trails for riders of all skill levels. Or, enjoy sites of city and beach along the historic trolley line turned bike path – the River to Sea Bikeway. Become one with nature as you stroll through seven acres of pristine gardens at the Arboretum of New Hanover County. Don’t miss the water garden where you’ll find hundreds of colorful Koi, catfish and lilies, or check out the Japanese garden featuring an authentic tea house and Japanese maples.
Relax with a little friendly competition on the links at the revitalized Wilmington Municipal Golf Course. Designed by one of the world’s most influential golf course designers, Donald Ross, this course offers a championship experience at an affordable price. The 18-hole course with a par of 71 is the perfect challenge for seasoned golfers and amateurs alike.
Find Your Zen
Salute the sun in a unique setting with a yoga class at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher near Kure Beach, offered at varying times throughout the year. Or, salute the sun and perfect your downward dog on the Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach or on the beach at Carolina Beach. Further channel your inner-yogi by taking an all-levels class aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, where history and downtown views will complement your practice. You can also create your own flow at Airlie Gardens while soaking up the sun surrounded by the natural wonders of one of the area’s most magnificent outdoor spots.
Visit Prana Salt Cave to reap the holistic benefits of an afternoon spent in a salt cave, where you can relax in a zero-gravity chair or participate in yoga, massage, reiki, meditation and more. Or, visit one of the two Himalayan salt caves at Native Salt Cave and Wellness. With one cave for massage treatments and another to simply sit back and breathe in the salt-infused air, you’ll leave feeling ready to take on the day.
Fuel Up for Fitness
Grab a fresh smoothie to kick start your day at Luna Caffe, located in the heart of Castle Street Arts & Antiques District. Bring your furry friend inside for some company while you enjoy an array of healthy smoothie options. After your morning routine, make an afternoon stop at Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods, a trendy coffee shop that provides a quiet refuge from the bustling historic downtown. Treat yourself at night and indulge in the award-winning cuisine of celebrity-chef of BRAVO’s Top Chef Keith Rhodes at Catch, a fresh-to-table eatery sure to be a feast for your senses. The restaurant’s dishes are prepared using organic produce and seafood from local fisheries that support sustainable practices.
No matter which activities you select, Wilmington and its island beaches are the perfect destinations to create your own wellness retreat while seeing the sights, customized to your interests and needs.
