Welcome to Wilmington
A scenic Southern town full of fascinating history with a vibrant art and culture scene
A thriving port city for centuries, Wilmington is steeped in history. Landmark structures dating to the 18th century include two Georgian-style homes, the Mitchell-Anderson House and the Burgwin-Wright House, now a public museum and garden. The beaches stretching over Wilmington's length are some of the most scenic beaches in the United States. Wilmington’s natural beauty has been the backdrop for several movies and TV shows, including “A Walk to Remember” and “Dawson’s Creek.” Luxury real estate continues to cater to the “Hollywood East” crowd.
Downtown Wilmington is full of historic charm and urban vibrancy. The historic district spans over 230 blocks. With the
USS Battleship North Carolina in the background, the
Riverwalk runs along Cape Fear River, lined with boutique storefronts, art galleries, outdoor cafes, and quaint eateries. Old warehouses have been redesigned into mixed-use properties with restaurants, breweries, and modern studio lofts. You’ll also find newer resort-like condominiums with saltwater pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
What to Love
- Well-preserved historic district
- An array of shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Minutes from picturesque beaches
- Quick commute to the airport
- Breathtaking natural scenery
- Diverse housing options
Local Lifestyle
Wilmington is full of exciting history, natural beauty, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It remains a charming seaside town with a laid-back beach lifestyle and small-town appeal. Downtown is always buzzing with activity, so there are definite urban vibes here.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Wilmington has a diverse restaurant culture, fit for a foodie. For Asian fare,
Indochine Restaurant specializes in exotic Thai and Vietnamese dishes. They have a colorful, art-filled space, an outdoor gazebo, and a garden.
K38 Baja Grill is a bustling eatery specializing in Baja-inspired Mexican fare paired with flavored margaritas.
The community also has American comfort food and great views of Cape Fear River at
Smoke on the Water. A local mainstay,
Famous Toastery of Wilmington, has a hearty and creative breakfast and lunch menu.
The George on the Riverwalk is an upscale restaurant with classic American dishes and coastal cuisine. They offer boat docking for those coming right from the river. With a nautical-themed interior,
Seabird serves creative seafood dishes sourced from local, small-scale fishermen.
Wilmington also has a growing brewery scene.
Flytrap Brewing specializes in Belgian and American ales and has live music on weekends. It’s named after the Venus flytrap, a plant endemic to the Carolinas.
Hi-Wire Brewing has a large taproom and two outdoor beer gardens. With two locations,
New Anthem Beer Project offers seasonal craft beers and live entertainment.
Waterline Brewery Co. brewed under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge has live music and outdoor beer garden.
For shopping,
The Forum,
Lumina Station, and
Mayfaire Town Center have retail chains, high-end shops, beauty salons, and various services. On Saturdays, the
Riverfront Farmers Market has locally sourced produce, meats, artisan goods, honey, and pastries. It’s Wilmington’s longest-running farmers market.
Things to Do
Wilmington is abundant with nature. The historic
Airlie Gardens feature 67 acres of formal gardens, 10 acres of lake, abundant wildlife, exhibition space, and concerts in the summer.
Riverfront Park is an urban green space with paved walkways, gardens, and picnic areas.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion within the park is an outdoor concert venue connected to the Riverwalk.
Annual festivals include
Wilmington Riverfest (which features live performances, arts and crafts, food vendors, and fireworks) and the
Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival. Both events are typically held in October. Not to be missed is the
Azalea Festival, an art and garden cultural affair complete with concerts, a parade, and a beauty pageant for the crown of North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen.
Schools
New Hanover County Schools serves Wilmington. Students may attend:
