Since I was a child, my grandma talked about our family’s Scottish heritage. I’d envision the rich green hills of the Highlands and majestic castles propped about uninterrupted landscapes, how that very view felt woven into myself. On her wall is our family crest with the words ‘Farlow’ (our Scottish family name) and our family tartan. She’s done extensive research through the years, visiting libraries and combing through documents to track the footsteps of our distant relatives.

When I first visited Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, I learned the traditional route for Scotch immigrants was to arrive in nearby Brunswick Town and travel up to Wilmington. I let out a shocked expression, “That’s exactly what my family did!” Of course, I already knew this, but it wasn’t until this moment it clicked. A serendipitous realization that as a Wilmington resident I now walk the very streets my ancestors did.

If your family was one of the 250,000 Scottish immigrants to come to America during the 18th century, Wilmington and its Island Beaches is an amazing place to immerse yourself in your heritage. From Colonial buildings to plenty of whiskey, I’m sharing some of my favorite Scot-centric experiences below.

Taking in the History

Of the 20,000 Scottish immigrants who came to North Carolina, almost all arrived first at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. Although the once-thriving colonial port was destroyed during the Revolutionary War, the remnants and landscape are very much the same. Stroll through the ruins of St. Phillips Church then walk along the waterside trails, it’s a unique experience to imagine this very view was the first your ancestors saw of ‘the New World.’ Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson is also the site of the Scottish Immigration Memorial and the starting point for the future NC Scottish Trail that will include sites in Wilmington.

 

Back in Wilmington, Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is Wilmington’s oldest surviving colonial manor house, although “Outlander” fans will recognize it immediately! The home is furnished with 18th and 19th-century antiques while the colonial-style gardens make for picture-worthy moments. The house was constructed on the walls of the former county jail and today visitors can see remnants of those 1744-era structures. On select dates throughout the year, local historian and assistant manager of the Burgwin-Wright House, Hunter Ingram, leads a 90-minute Outlander in the Cape Fear walking tour that departs from the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens. 

 

Historic downtown Wilmington is flush with regal homes once occupied by notable Scots. A great way to see it all is through a guided walking tour with Tour Old Wilmington, a horse-drawn carriage tour with Springbrook Farms, or a self-guided tour with the Wilmington History smartphone app. Keep your eye out for the Donald Macrae house, the James Sprunt Marker and The Beginnings of Wilmington Marker.

 

As a final stop, (no pun intended) Oakdale Cemetery is the resting place of several prominent Scottish residents, including James Walker who funded Wilmington’s first public hospital and Dr. James Sprunt, author of “Chronicles of the Cape Fear.”

Seeking Adventure & Experience

Departing from the Wilmington Riverwalk, a Black River Nature Cruise with Cape Fear Riverboats weaves through the very cypress swamps and waterways your ancestors traversed. The scenery is reminiscent of what first settlers witnessed and naturalist Andy Wood is along on the journey to provide educational commentary.

 

Wilmington Water Tours offers an Outlander in the Cape Fear specialty cruise, available on select dates and by group reservation, that’s led by Burgwin-Wright House staff. They also offer daily narrated cruises along the Cape Fear River and history buff or not, their specialty cruise featuring historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle is highly recommended.

Near Kure Beach, you can hop on the Fort Fisher Ferry to Southport and stop by Fort Johnston, where Scottish-born, royal Governor Gabriel Johnston established the first fort in the area to defend against foreign attackers. The Garrison House, once used for barracks, now serves as the museum and visitor center. The half-hour ferry ride back to Wilmington affords stunning vistas of the Cape Fear River.

For an amazing first-hand experience just a few miles west of Wilmington, visit Moores Creek National Battlefield where the last broadsword charge by Loyalist Scottish highlanders took place. During the last weekend of February, the Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge brings the battlefield to life with demonstrations, bagpipe performances and more.

 

Fish, Chips & Cheers!

While Wilmington has no Scottish restaurants, per se, there is plenty of whiskey…which makes for a traditional Scottish supper, don’t you think? Jokes aside, restaurants like Seabird mirror Scotland’s abundant fresh seafood offerings with fresh-caught oysters, shellfish and fish. Copper Penny is a cozy dinner spot for traditional fish n’ chips, while Smoke on the Water is a must-do for dining al fresco next to sweeping, uninterrupted river views. Lauded as one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars, Rebellion also adds whiskey to their dishes! Try The Ramsay Bolton burger with savory whiskey bacon jam or The Rebellion with bourbon bacon jam and bourbon BBQ sauce, make sure to wash it down with a vast selection of Glemorangie Scotch.

 

For the important part though, whiskey-seekers of rare, coveted pours will be delighted to sip on a glass of Highland-based Glenmorangie Lasanta at The Starling Whiskey & Wine Bar. At Front Street Brewery, an incredible selection of whiskey, Scotch and bourbon (the largest in southeastern North Carolina) make ordering an Old Fashioned a priority!

 

When to Visit

Wilmington and its island beaches are a must-visit for those wanting to eat, drink and explore like the Scots! If you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in your Scottish heritage, plan your getaway around a Scot-centric event. Wintertime is host to the Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge (February) and the Scottish Society of Wilmington’s Robert Burns Supper. Summer brings the Port City Highland Games (June) with athletics, dancing, pipe bands, food, Scottish clans and society tents. In October, Moores Creek National Battlefield will host a Living History Weekend. During the week of February 21-28, 2026 the NC First in Freedom Festival will celebrate more than 250 years of America’s history and culture. The weeklong festival will kick off  with the 250th Commemoration of the Anniversary of Battle at Moores Creek Bridge on February 26-28, 2026.

 

While many of us hope to eventually visit our ancestral homeland, Wilmington is the perfect starting point to learn about who we are and how our ancestors once lived.