Things to Do This Weekend in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC, is located in the Southeast part of the state, right by the Atlantic Ocean. The city of a little over 100,000 people has a charming small-town feel and offers both historical sites and modern attractions. No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, our guide has something for everyone, including the top restaurants in the area.
TOP 5 PLACES TO GO IN WILMINGTON
In the Crescent Hills neighborhood of Wilmington, you’ll find the Cargo District, an upscale shopping center built entirely out of repurposed shipping containers. It’s one of the city’s most unique features and it’s only 5-minutes from Forest Hills Apartment Homes!It houses an impressive assortment of local business and creative spaces that include coffee shops, bars, pizza parlors, burger joints, clothing stores, record shops, co-working space and much more— you can find it all. Make sure to check out the Cargo District’s events page. They host everything from yoga classes to pottery workshops and their calendar is always full.
1605 Queen St, Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 408-2177
Harbored across the Cape Fear River from Downtown Wilmington, Battleship North Carolina is a 728-foot World War II-era battleship that served in the Pacific Theater and now serves as a floating museum. Patrons are encouraged to explore and engage the massive ship’s nine levels, manning the turrets or kicking back for a nap in the crew berth!
The Battleship hosts tours, reenactments, memorials, reunions, guest lecturers, and various community events. Facilities can also be rented for unique birthday parties and other private gatherings. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit at the Ship Store in the visitor center!
1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 798-7700
Stretching for nearly 2 miles along the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown, the Wilmington Riverwalk is a local treasure, with various restaurants, shops, museums, galleries, and other attractions. The Riverwalk hosts several festivals, farmer’s markets, concerts, and more throughout the year!
The Historic Downtown district features popular destinations like The Cotton Exchange with unique boutiques and dining options, the popular Museum of the Bizarre, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, the Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the famous Battleship North Carolina just across the river via the Bee Line Water Taxi.
Cape Fear River from Nutt St to Nunn St, Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 338-3134
A short trip south from Wilmington on the site of Historic Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, the North Carolina Aquarium features an array of sea life, both local and from across the globe. Get up close and personal with sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs at the touch tank, and take in exhibits on everything from sea turtles, jellyfish, and caiman to water snakes, fish, and marine mammals.
The Aquarium is home to world-class marine and coastal conservation programs, hosts guest speakers, camps, field trips, workshops, community events, and tours, and can also be rented for private parties and gatherings. A gift shop offers unique books, apparel, souvenirs, and Adventure Reef Playground, gardens, and more await outside the facility!
900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449(910) 338-3134
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is considered one of the finest in the country, with a seaside amusement park and countless dining, shopping, and entertainment options with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, there is plenty of sand to catch some rays, excellent surfing, jogging and biking trails, concerts, festivals, and much more!
Just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is a popular watersports haven featuring world-famous surfing, sailing, fishing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and scuba-diving. For land lovers, the area is replete with golf courses, jogging and biking trails, beach yoga classes, and numerous shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities.
(910) 458-8434
TOP 5 AMAZING PLACES TO EAT IN WILMINGTON
The Fork 'N' Cork
Just off the Wilmington Riverwalk in the historic district you’ll find a fan favorite: The Fork ‘N’ Cork. The menu is packed with down-home southern comfort food like brisket, pot pies, and burgers. It also boasts a mac-n-cheese that was voted the best in North Carolina and seriously impressed Guy Fieri on his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
122 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 228-5247
The Mess Hall
Best Burger
Located inside of Wilmington’s Cargo District you’ll find The Mess Hall, one of the city’s best burger joints. The menu is classic in the best way, but don’t let the simple burger combinations fool you, these burgers are tasty and come with their famous “mess sauce.” Don’t forget to order a side of their famous tater tots. You won’t regret it!
(910) 604-4927
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
Best Seafood
Wrightsville Beach Brewery is Wilmington’s triple threat restaurant— they serve locally-caught seafood, unique pizza variations (Crab Cake Pizza?!), and homemade brews. The menu may sound adventurous, but this is one of the most impressive spots in the city. The oysters are to die for and the long list of home-crafted beer will keep you coming back again and again. Of course, Wrightsville Beach is only short drive away, which means you can pair your beach trip with a top-notch meal.
6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403(910) 256-4938
Taco Baby
Best Tacos
Taco Baby is one of Wilmington’s most highly rated and reviewed restaurants. As far as NC tacos go, it doesn’t get any better! The menu fuses traditional Mexican flavors with a modern American twist. Fan favorites are the Elote Street Korn, the Birria Taco with slow roasted beef, and the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco.
125 Grace St, Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 399-5629
FRONT STREET BREWERY
Best Brewpub
Serving elevated, gourmet pub fare, the award-winning Front Street Brewery holds the distinction of being Wilmington’s first brewery. Start with an order of fried green tomatoes, beer-battered fried pickles, or pierogis paired with one of Front Street’s legendary microbrews. Popular entrees include the shrimp & grits, Carolina pulled pork sandwich, and the nacho burger.
9 N Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401(910) 251-1935
SCHOOLS IN WILMINGTON, NC
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