The Cotton Exchange
The Cotton Exchange in Wilmington is a cluster of restored brick warehouses now filled with little boutiques, cafés, and local art shops. It’s fun to just wander the creaky wooden floors, pop into random stores, and imagine when this place was buzzing with actual cotton traders.
See MoreWilmington Riverwalk, Battleship Eastside Site.
The scenic boardwalk of Wilmington along the Cape Fear River, lined with shops and cafés, and spots to just sit and watch the boats drift by. Go around sunset—the whole place glows and it’s honestly one of the best things to do in town.
See MoreRiver 128 Restaurant
Stopped at this restaurant on my walk, had a nice burger!
See MoreBattleship North Carolina
The WWII Battleship North Carolina is a floating piece of history—you can explore all of it, from the deck guns to the crew’s sleeping quarters, and really get a feel for life at sea back then. It’s massive and honestly super cool to explore. The WWII Battleship North Carolina didn’t just end up in Wilmington by chance—after being saved from the scrapyard in the 1960s, the town rallied to raise the money to bring her here as a memorial. They actually had to tow this massive warship 3,000 miles from New Jersey, squeezing her up the Cape Fear River to where she’s been proudly docked ever since.
See MoreSouth 4th Street
Pretty cobblestone street with oak-shaded sidewalks, colorful historic homes, and that slow, Southern charm. It’s the kind of street you wander down just to admire the architecture and maybe snap a few photos under the moss-draped trees.
See MoreAirlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is like Wilmington’s secret fairytale—72 acres of blooming azaleas, winding paths, and that famous 500-year-old oak tree. It’s the perfect place to slow down, wander around, and just soak in all the Southern garden magic.
See MoreStanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve - Wilmington
The most local plant species are to be found here : The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is this quirky little Wilmington gem where Venus flytraps and pitcher plants grow wild in their natural habitat. It’s a quick stop, but seeing these rare, bug-eating plants up close is pretty unforgettable—especially since Venus flytraps only grow naturally within about a 75-mile radius of here.
See MoreWrightsville Beach, NC
Wrightsville Beach is that perfect mix of laid-back coastal vibes and just enough going on to keep you busy—think crystal-clear water, soft sand, and plenty of spots to grab fresh seafood after a swim. It’s super popular with surfers and paddleboarders, but also great if you just want to lounge and watch the waves roll in.
See MoreCrystal Pier
Perfect view point to overlook the beach and snap some photos of the local surfers catching waves
See MorePerla Raw Bar
Went here for local seafood and had the Oysters! It’s a relaxed but upscale vibe, perfect for unwinding after your Wrightsville a beach day.
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