Written and Photographed by Randy and Caly Behymer
Steeped in history, Wilmington, North Carolina is a true southern riverfront city that offers visitors so much to see and do. From historic homes and buildings to well-known locations from TV shows and movies, there is plenty to keep you busy. Add in southern charm and live oaks dripping in Spanish Moss and you’ll wonder why Wilmington wasn’t on your list sooner.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy and Caly talk about Wilmington on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum History and Design Arts – Originally built in 1861, the home was owned by John and Eliza Bellamy. After being set on fire by arsonists in 1972 house set on fire, the family corporation spent 15 years working to raise funds to restore the home. The home was finally donated to the Preservation of North Carolina in 1989 and fully restored by 2013. Today visitors can tour the home and second floor art gallery.
9. Tour the USS North Carolina – Permanently docked along the banks of the Cape Fear River, The USS North Carolina is a WWII battleship that earned 15 battle stars during her time in the Pacific Theater. In the 1960’s, the ship was in desperate need of restoration. To raise money for repairs, schoolchildren across North Carolina were asked to send in a single dime to save the ship. Over 700,000 kids contributed dimes raising over $330,000 to save the ship. Today this famous ship can be toured and be sure to stop in the shop for some unique gifts.
8. Meet the Joneses – These stunning gardens once held the former home of Sarah Green and Pembroke Jones. Sarah purchased the grounds and turned it into her pet gardening project. The gardens are home to a 130-foot-tall live oak tree where lavish parties were held and guests would receive gifts of precious gems. The saying “keeping up with the Joneses” is believed to have originated with Sara and Pembroke. Today the gardens hold a quarter of a million azaleas, a freshwater lake with a pergola and fountain, a butterfly house, and a unique bottle chapel. While their home is long gone there is still plenty to see and explore.
7. Family Fun – Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park offers so much fun for families of all ages. With go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, jungle gym, bumper cars, mini bowling plus their big water park, it will be hard to decide where to start. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park offers various ticket packages so you can pick and choose how to spend your time at the park.
6. Take a Walking Tour – The best way to see historic Wilmington is to take a walking tour. The historic district covers 300 blocks and 875 historic buildings. There are several tour companies to choose from, each with knowledgeable guides to help traverse this area of the city. Walk through the historic downtown and view the old homes and buildings while hearing about the history that shaped this city. Be sure to ask about the story behind Topsy the Elephant from 1922 and her spree through the city.
5. Adults-Only Haunted Pub Crawl – If you are 21 and over, try your hand at a haunted pub crawl. As the sun sets, meet your tour guide in a historic building full of sordid tales and be sure to grab the pub’s specialty drink. As the ghost tales unfold from pub to pub, the libations only add to the interest of the stories you are hearing. It’s a great way to explore historic Wilmington while adding in some cocktails and helping to support local businesses.
4. Eat Local – There are so many great eats in both historic Wilmington and the newer sections of the city. Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar on Market Street is a local favorite and previously voted best seafood and best oysters in Wilmington. Bridge Tender on Airlie Road offers delicious steaks and seafood in a waterfront setting. Sushi lovers should check out Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge and if you venture to Wrightsville Beach, check out the quaint Shark Bar and Kitchen.
3. Visit a Beach – While Wilmington doesn’t have any beaches, it’s conveniently located near three distinctly different seaside beaches; Wrightsville, Kure and Carolina beaches. Carolina Beach offers an old-school beach feel with the Carolina Beach Boardwalk home to shopping, an amusement park, plenty of food and more. Kure Beach has the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast and has an old Civil War Fort. Surfers should head to Wrightsville Beach which is great for surfing and is considered one of the top surfing towns in the world
2. Tour Three Sisters Swamp – For an unforgettable adventure, take a guided kayak tour with Mahanaim Adventures through the swamps that surround Wilmington. Located about an hour from Wilmington, the Three Sisters Swamp is an untouched, uninhabited area of North Carolina you won’t want to miss. Don Harty, the owner and tour guide, expertly guides kayakers through 12 miles of swamplands to places where cypress trees are over 2,500 years old. Kayakers should be physically capable of handling a 12-mile trip in sometimes shallow waters.
1. Shop, Eat and Peruse Downtown – Spend a day in downtown Wilmington simply taking in all the splendor that makes Wilmington what it is. Shop local in the quaint candle shops, pet stores, boutiques and coffee shops. Pick a restaurant for a delicious lunch and then spend time roaming the historic streets and taking in the old buildings and homes. Be sure to take a walk along the riverwalk which spans 1.75 along the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Whether exploring historical sites, shopping in quaint shops, dining with the locals or enjoying the outdoors, Wilmington, North Carolina is a charming town you won’t want to miss.
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