Wilmington, North Carolina – Wilmington is the grooviest little city that you never heard of – an eclectic blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. Who knew? I had a blast in this dynamic and diverse city. Here’s how you might spend a weekend in Wilmington.
Day One
On your first morning, make a beeline to the Battleship North Carolina, the impressive ‘City at Sea’. This massive fighting ship was launched in 1941, a few short months before the United States entered World War II. The warship was deployed to the Pacific, where it participated in every major offensive and earned 15 battle stars for its achievements. Nowadays, the ship is open for the public to explore its nine levels, from the observation deck, down to the bowels of the machine room and up to the Admiral’s quarters. Audio recordings and signs share sailors’ personal reminiscence about living and working on the `City at Sea.’ It takes several hours to see the entire ship and digest the extensive information about this maritime legend.
Take the Bizzy Bee water taxi back to downtown Wilmington for lunch. Try Southern cooking with Latin flare from Savorez, or classic diner fare from Dixie Grill. Here is green eggs and ham, Southern style, from Savorez. (Crispy pork belly, chimichurri scrambled eggs, and bacon-black bean puree. So good.)
After lunch, you have the afternoon to wander around historic Wilmington, admiring the 19th-century architecture and patronizing the sweet boutiques. Don’t miss a sunset stroll along the RiverWalk and dinner at one of Wilmington’s many excellent riverside eateries.
Day Two
On day two, visit one of the city’s splendid gardens to admire the seasonal blooms. The smallish Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden contains an incredible collection of pitcherplants, sundews and Venus Flytraps (which are endemic to this corner of North Carolina). It is open year-round, but the namesake carnivores are most active in late spring. Alternatively, Airlie Gardens is one of Wilmington’s most beloved destinations. This 67-acre expanse of lawns, flowers and forest is bursting with blooms and dotted with artworks. Seasonal blooms abound: look especially for spring-blooming azaleas and winter-blooming camellias.
In the afternoon, you might explore Wilmington’s less traveled neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and attractions. Check out the edgy bars and eateries of the South Front District or the markets and galleries of the Brooklyn Arts District. Round out your weekend in Wilmington at Satellite Bar & Lounge, where Sunday nights are something special. That’s when Big Al’s Old Time Bluegrass Jam takes over the backyard. The music is folksy and fun; the outdoor setting is delightful (with many dogs in attendance); and the vibe is welcoming. Wear your dancing shoes.