Winter Things to Do

Seasonal HAPPENINGS

Enjoy a weekend filled with performances by some of the world’s greatest traditional and swing jazz musicians during the North Carolina Jazz Festival Feb. 2-4. Shop everything from paintings and pottery to clothing and home décor from more than 50 regional artisans at the Made in NC Marketplace at the Brooklyn Arts Center Feb. 18-19. Celebrate Wilmington’s vibrant culinary scene during the Port City Taste Restaurant Week Feb. 20 – March 6, where participating restaurants will prepare unique selections specifically for the festivities. Lace up your running shoes and run through Wilmington during the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon Feb. 25, a Boston Marathon qualifier.

EXPLORE CITY’S STORIED PAST

Spanning more than 230 blocks, Wilmington is home to one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the South. Wander through historic house museums like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design, Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens or the Latimer House Museum. Get a glimpse into the historical nightlife scene with the Burgwin-Wright and Latimer's new night tours, offered monthly. The first city in the country to be designated an American World War II Heritage City, Wilmington is also home to the WWII Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Join a guided tour with a small group and explore unrestored areas of the battleship during the Hidden Battleship Tour March 11.

Explore African American history at Cameron Art Museum. Visit the nation’s first United States Colored Troops (USCT) Park located on museum grounds. The park honors the 1,600 United States Colored Troops who once fought on the grounds of the museum during the Civil War. The centerpiece of USCT Park is Boundless, a life-size bronze sculpture revealed in fall of 2021 and created by artist Stephen Hayes. Bring the family to the Living History: Battle Forks Road Commemoration Feb. 18 for a day of storytelling, living history demonstrations by USCT reenactors, lectures and more.

ESCAPE TO THE BEACH

Bask in the feel-good glow of the sunshine at our nearby island beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Hike one of Carolina Beach State Park's nine trails, two of which are wheelchair accessible, or visit on Saturdays at 10 a.m. to go on a park-ranger led hike to learn about the park's diverse ecosystems. Cruise to an oyster farm and sample freshly shucked oysters with Epic Excursions' Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting Feb. 4 in Wrightsville Beach. It's not too early to listen to the call of the sea and start planning your spring and summer beach vacations; make your reservations at island accommodations now!

Romance, Dinner & A Show

Spend a romantic evening in Wilmington savoring great food and entertainment. Register for a private romantic horse drawn carriage ride through Wilmington's historic district Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 14. Savor uniquely crafted culinary dishes from local restaurants during Port City Taste Restaurant Week Feb. 20 - March 6. Indulge in authentic Italian fare on a private balcony featuring spectacular sunset views over the river at Floriana. Find award-winning cuisine at manna ave. 123, Wilmington's only restaurant to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. At The Wilson Center, the largest and most technologically advanced performance center in eastern NC, catch “The Book of Mormon Musical" Feb. 7-9, “Chicago: The Musical 25th Anniversary” March 4-5 and more. Fill your evening with laughter and live entertainment at Dead Crow Comedy Room. For drinks after the show, swing by The Vibe, Wilmington's newest speakeasy featuring craft cocktails, hard-to-find bourbons and more. Or, step into The Ivey in the Alley for affordable cocktails like the signature Poison Ivey, a gin-based drink with basil syrup, citrus juices and more.