Spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Wilmington with activities for couples, friends and even your pup. If you’re traveling with your special someone, relax with a couples massage at Ki Spa & Salon, stroll through Airlie Gardens or take a Sweetheart Carriage Ride with Springbrook Farms. Besties can hop on a “One Tree Hill” e-bike tour or join a floral arranging class with cocktails, while pup parents can explore local parks and treat their dogs to a pup-cake from Von Barkee's Dog Spa & Bakery.

Check out this guide for activities, eats and stays perfect for every kind of Valentine’s crew.

 

For a Romantic Lovers’ Retreat

Book the Ki Side by Side package at Ki Spa & Salon and enjoy a full-body massage with your Valentine in a dedicated couples suite. Then, stroll through Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre sanctuary filled with greenery, wildlife and a romantic lakeside pergola, or take a walk around the 90-acre lake at Greenfield Park.

Spend the afternoon strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk. Browse local shops, take in scenic views of the Cape Fear River and share handcrafted fudge or a few scoops of ice cream at Kilwin’s.

For a romantic tour of the city, book a Sweetheart Carriage Ride with Springbrook Farms. The farm’s rescued horses set their own pace, ensuring a leisurely ride through Historic Downtown Wilmington, complete with chocolates and a rose.

End the evening with a date night at Thalian Hall, catching "Murder on the Orient Express" on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. Experience Ken Ludwig's clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic in one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful theaters.

Romantic Dining and Drinks

For a casual lunch, head to Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria for wood-fired pizzas and housemade pasta, Front Street Brewery for craft beer and Southern-style pub fare or Savorez for Latin-American inspired tapas to share.

Book a dinner reservation for two at Floriana’s, with its private Juliette balcony and handmade pasta; Caprice Bistro, a French bistro once named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants; The Basics, blending Southern and global flavors; Michael's on the Waterfront for contemporary American cuisine with a coastal twist; or Seabird, a stylish downtown seafood restaurant from James Beard finalist chef Dean Neff. Be sure to check each restaurant’s website for availability and Valentine’s Day specials or prix fixe menus. 

End the evening with a glass of wine at The Vine or Fortunate Glass Wine Bar, both intimate spots in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy cocktails with a view at aView Rooftop Bistro, where you can lounge by a firepit overlooking Cape Fear River, or reserve a spot at Concorde Espresso Bar to sip espresso martinis and roast marshmallows in the cozy courtyard. 

A Room for Two

Romantic stays include The Verandas, a Victorian Italianate mansion with private baths, rooftop cupola views and luxurious touches; Front Street Inn, an award-winning boutique hotel steps from the Riverwalk; and Dreamers BnB, offering seasonal breakfasts, in-room massages and a cozy garden fire pit.

Check out this blog to discover even more romantic activities in Wilmington.

For Your Galentine’s Day Crew

Enjoy a leisurely morning with your besties at Canary Yellow Coffee, Casa Blanca or Bespoke. Catch up over craft coffee drinks or specialty teas, then treat yourselves to massages or mani-pedis at Head to Toe Spa, or relax in the calming salt cave at Prana Salt Cave.

Explore the city together on the “One Tree Hill” e-bike tour with Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours from noon to 4 p.m., or the Wilmington Walking Tours’ Wilmington History and Architecture Walking Tour from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. After, wander the shops along the Wilmington Riverwalk, or browse local boutiques at The Cotton Exchange.

Before dinner, head to End of Days Distillery for a fun flower arranging class. Each ticket includes two craft cocktails and everything you need to make a totally Pinterest-worthy bouquet with pink, red and white flowers. 

Dining and Drinks

For brunch, Dixie Grill offers Southern favorites like Bernie’s Biscuits and Gravy or a build-your-own omelet, while Dram Yard Restaurant mixes local ingredients with global flavors. Try the prosciutto toast or eggs Benedict, then sip mimosas together in the Gazebo Bar.

Plan ahead and make reservations for a special Galentine’s dinner. At Indochine, start with a dumpling sampler and then share the cashew chicken or scallops with ginger. Pilot House Restaurant serves fresh seafood with gorgeous sunset views – don’t miss the Valentine’s Day specials like baked oysters and butter-poached shellfish. manna offers elevated, globally inspired dishes, while Olivero Kitchen + Cocktails blends Spanish and Italian flavors. At The Little Dipper Fondue on Front, you can cook filet, scallops or lobster ravioli right at your table, then share mix-and-match fondue for dessert.

After dinner, sip cocktails at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, or share a charcuterie board and craft drinks at The Underfront Company. You can also stop by the Enchanting Secret Wine Garden at Perennial Harbor for beer, wine and evening pop-up events.

Where to Stay

Book a suite along the riverfront at Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton or Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, which has complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. Or, make your weekend extra memorable with a stay at The Cove Riverwalk Villas, a one-of-a-kind houseboat community right on the Cape Fear River.

For even more Galentine’s Day fun in Wilmington and its island beaches, explore this blog.

For You and Your Fur-Ever Valentine

Start your day with coffee (and pup cups!) at The Maroon Monkey Coffee Co, Java Dog or Luna Caffe, all offering dog-friendly seating and seasonal coffee drinks. Then, take a self-guided walking tour guided by the Wilmington History Tours app, or a stroll along the nearly 2-mile Wilmington Riverwalk, where you and your furry friend can take in river views.

For off-leash fun, explore Long Leaf Park, Empie Park (which connects to the 15-mile, multi-use Gary Shell Cross-City Trail) or Ogden Park’s pond loop. Each park features a dedicated dog park where pups can run and play off-leash.

As the day winds down, pamper your pooch at Von Barkee's Dog Spa & Bakery, offering grooming services, treats and even pup-cakes, or pop into Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store for a special toy or treat.

Alfresco Dining and Drinks

Enjoy a sunny morning brunch with your pup at Castle Street Kitchen or Blueberry's Grill in Lumina Station. For dinner, River 128 Restaurant serves Southern coastal cuisine right on the Riverwalk with a separate dog-friendly dining deck, while the new Cargo West Food Court in the Cargo District lets you mix and match from micro-kitchens serving everything from smash burgers and Oaxacan-style tacos to vegan comfort food.

Wrap up the evening at one of Wilmington’s dog-friendly bars. Satellite Bar and Lounge combines cozy outdoor seating with nearly 250 craft beers, wines and cocktails, while Tap Yard Wilmington features specialty brews and frequent live music. Hi-Wire Brewing welcomes pups inside and out, with foosball, shuffleboard and other fun games to play with friendly locals.

Pet-Friendly Stays

Book a room at ARRIVE Wilmington, a boutique hotel just steps from the Riverwalk. Dogs under 30 lbs are welcome, with plush beds, bowls, treats and a custom chew toy to make your pup feel right at home. Staybridge Suites is another great option with spacious suites and full kitchens, with two pets allowed per room.

Find even more ways to spoil your four-legged friend in this pet-friendly itinerary.