Steeped in history and home to unique landmarks, Wilmington offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, waterfront tours and fine dining options perfect for mature palates, making it an ideal destination for your next grown-up getaway.

Historic Exploration

Stretching nearly two miles, downtown Wilmington’s Riverwalk runs along the Cape Fear River offering scenic views and access to more than 200 shops and restaurants just steps off the pathway. Springbrook Farms Inc. offers horse-drawn carriage tours that set off along the Riverwalk and delve into the area’s rich history. Its friendly and knowledgeable guides share stories about notable personalities who have called Wilmington home while leading you past some of the magnificent historic homes in the city’s National Register Historic District.

 

Take a look inside some of Wilmington’s historic home museums, including Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts, Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens and the Latimer House. Each house offers tours for visitors to explore their unique architectural design and history.

Join Tour Old Wilmington for a walking tour of significant local landmarks, or download the Wilmington History tours mobile app to craft your own history lesson. Hop on the WilmingtoNColor Shuttle to explore the impact of African American achievements and contributions to the city’s history.

 

Dive deeper into the area's rich history with a visit to Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, moored along the Cape Fear River across from the Riverwalk. Take a guided tour of the ship, including its living quarters, gun turrets and powder storage areas, to gain fascinating insights into its naval history. Board the Bizzy Bee Water Taxi to travel from the Riverwalk to the Battleship, stopping twice along the Riverwalk before crossing the Cape Fear River.

 

Soak in stunning views of the Riverwalk and historic district from a different perspective, by hopping aboard the Henrietta with Cape Fear River Boats. Alternatively, book a narrated eco-tour with Wilmington Water Tours for a deeper understanding of the natural beauty along the Cape Fear River.

Garden Escapes

Wilmington's stunning scenery goes far beyond its scenic riverfront backdrop and includes pristine settings that celebrate coastal Carolina's flora and fauna. Airlie Gardens, a historic property spanning over 67 acres, is home to majestic live oaks and vibrant blooms. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the gardens, where you can explore more than a dozen unique areas filled with diverse floral displays. Additionally, Airlie Gardens offers some of the county's premier birding excursions, showcasing more than 200 different species for you to spot. The seven-acre New Hanover County Arboretum also offers an unforgettable setting to stroll around, including the stunning rose garden and authentic Japanese Tea House and the nearby Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, showcases the Venus Flytrap and other native species in a protected environment.

 

Creative Adventures

Gather inspiration from the abundance of artistic settings that showcase and support local and regional artists, reflecting the area’s rich history and culture. Start by exploring the captivating rotating exhibitions at Cameron Art Museum, where you can view the work of established and emerging artists from around the globe through guided tours. New Elements Gallery features a diverse collection of paintings, glass, sculpture and jewelry from 60-plus acclaimed regional and national artists.

 

Visit Art in Bloom Gallery to uncover a curated selection of original paintings, ceramics, photography and other mediums by international, national and emerging artists. Housed in the historic Block Shirt Factory in Wilmington’s South Front District, theArtWorks is a unique gallery space and community where artists open their studios to the public every Saturday.

For an immersive experience, grab a ticket to a performance at Thalian Hall Center of Performing Arts, one of the oldest and most stunning theaters in the U.S. Enjoy a lineup of shows ranging from ballet and orchestras to comedy performances. The Wilson Center, Eastern North Carolina's largest and most advanced performance venue, hosts a variety of touring acts, including Broadway shows, ensuring something exciting is always on the calendar.

 

Fresh Flavors

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spanish and Italian cuisine from James Beard Foundation Semifinalist Chef Sunny Gerhart at Olivero Kitchen + Cocktails, where Mediterranean and New Orleans dishes come together with fresh N.C. coastal influences. Savor the flavors and ambiance of Greek coastal cuisine at Kipos. Indulge in traditional dishes like moussaka and spanakopita, as well as fresh seafood, all within a charming garden setting. Dine with Perla Raw Bar for a modern twist on classic oyster offerings and hearty land-based options like burgers, all paired with craft cocktails from the spacious open-air bar. For an award-winning dining experience, try manna ave. 123 in downtown Wilmington, the only restaurant in the area to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for multiple consecutive years. For more delicious dining featuring locally sourced ingredients, check out PinPoint, which emphasizes fresh, regional produce and seafood. Led by Dean Neff, a James Beard Foundation finalist for "Outstanding Chef," Seabird is renowned for its coastal creations, offering a unique take on local flavors. Reserve one of the private Juliette balconies at Floriana, an Italian bistro highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and freshly handmade pasta on its rotating menu.

 

Discover Wilmington’s vibrant cocktail scene, perfect for adult travelers. Start at The Blind Elephant, a 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy offering timeless cocktails and live jazz. Just steps away, The Ivey in the Alley serves affordable drinks and local craft beers, including the must-try Poison Ivey. For a more intimate experience, visit Earnest Money and Sons, a private cocktail club with a minimal membership fee and stylish lounge, or enjoy live music at Bourgie Nights next door. Satellite Bar and Lounge hosts lively bluegrass jam sessions every Sunday in South Front District, while The Underfront Company offers a diverse range of craft cocktails in historic downtown.

 

Waterfront Lodging

Experience a luxurious riverside stay at Hotel Ballast, a Hilton's Tapestry Collection member, that  holds a unique blend of Wilmington's maritime history and Southern Hospitality. Situated along the historic downtown Riverwalk and near the Wilmington Convention Center, the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center will ensure a memorable stay with its modern, loft-inspired rooms and amenities like a rooftop bistro with sunset views and a coffee counter for breakfast. The neighboring Embassy Suites Riverfront Hotel also lines the Cape Fear River providing walkable access to all of downtown Wilmington’s exciting offerings.

For a one-of-a-king experience, book a stay with The Cove Riverwalk Villas, a vacation houseboat community within Port City Marina. Located on the northern end of the Riverwalk, the community is just steps away from local restaurants, shops and even live music venues

 

As you plan your next adults-only escape, consider Wilmington and its vibrant atmosphere filled with history, culture and culinary delights. Whether enjoying a sunset cruise on the Cape Fear River, exploring lush gardens or savoring fresh local cuisine, Wilmington offers something for every traveler seeking relaxation and adventure.