Wilming to Roam

Your go-to guide to a Southern-meets-coastal fall destination. 

Fall leaves 🤝 coastal breeze. Soothe your seasonal depression with a slight chill from the river via a quick getaway to Wilmington, North Carolina’s largest coastal city. Bundle up and skip the saltwater rushing over your toes (never mind it’s too cold for that) and trade it for garden explorations, walking tours and historical sites galore—let alone the myriad bites and brews to refuel in between.  

Not only does the vibrant riverside city offer an upbeat arts and culture scene, an array of locally owned restaurants and shops, and a World War II battleship, the Port City also touts a charming 230-plus-block historic district feat. moss-draped trees around every corner (it’s giving Savannah and we’re here for it…), ideal for a gorgeous autumnal stroll. Who says the coast isn’t fit for a cool-weather getaway?!

DO

Film and TV Locations Tour

Ready, set, action! Lace up some comfy shoes and stroll through this self-guided walking tour hitting all the city’s famous—and infamous—filming sites, including current productions in process. Dubbed “Hollywood East” and “Wilmywood,” the area has served as set locations for 400+ films and televisions shows, from One Tree Hill to The Summer I Turned Pretty to Iron Man 3 to a scad of indie productions. wilmingtonandbeaches.com

Wilmington Riverwalk

Just go with the flow. Stroll, sip and shop your way through a ~2-mile boardwalk along the Cape Fear River serving over 200 restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and a concert venue—NTM the spectacular (and super-’Grammable!) views along the way. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Conlon Pier to reel one in or catch a glimpse of the sunset. It’s all about the journey! wilmingtonandbeaches.com 

Airlie Gardens

Keep things light and airy with a frolic through 67+ acres of green gardens, seasonal blooms, mighty oaks, Spanish moss and dozens of art pieces (do it for the ’Gram!). And get in the holiday spirit via Enchanted Airlie, an annual tradition starting Nov. 24 displaying holiday lights and music. We give it two green thumbs up! airliegardens.org

EAT

Kipos photo by Shannon Kelly

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine

It’s all Greek to us… especially when dining at Giorgios Bakatsias’ Hellenic eatery highlighting the sea, naturally, with ~80% of the seafood sourced locally (!). Inspired by Bakatsias’ Greek homeland, the menu is a celebration of the Karista village where he grew up. Mussel up for locally sourced pan-seared grouper, grilled whole fish and NC shrimp, to name just a few fishy selects—paired with Greek wines and an airy atmosphere. Pro tip: Spring for a table in the lush garden patio, from where the name Kipos (meaning “garden”) hails. kiposwilmington.com

Seabird

Land ho! For a literal taste of the Atlantic—think shrimp, oysters, crab and more—look no further than Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton’s celebrated sustainable seafood resto. Featuring weekend brunch and dinner, the rotating menu changes with the seasonality of seafood, sourced locally when possible. Pair with a craft cocktail (Cat’s Pyjamas, anyone?) or an espresso bev during the daytime for a meal worth sailing home for. seabirdnc.com 

Olivero

Pickled shrimp, ribeye and a plethora of pasta picks? This flavorful joint has ~olive~ the above. Apart from the extensive menu of carefully curated Spanish- and Italian-influenced New Orleans dishes, the delicious brainchild of Raleigh’s own James Beard-nominated chef Sunny Gerhart concocts creative signature cocktails, moody lighting and kitschy nautical vibes—all the while paying homage to his mother’s family and the influence they’ve had on his cooking. Smooth sailing (and dining!) spotted ahead. oliveroilm.com

DRINK

The Maroon Monkey

The perfect morning stop to prepare for a day of monkeying around—found. Before going bananas around downtown, stop in for a cuppa at this locally owned/operated coffee shop starring a cozy atmosphere and bold menu. Pro tip: The bananas Foster latte and white hot chocolate are ape-solutely delicious. maroonmonkeycoffee.com 

Front Street Brewery 

Belly up for smooth sippin’ on 485 bourbon and whiskey ops (NC’s largest whiskey selection!) and 14 beers on tap from the city’s longest operating brewery, established in a circa-1865 building that has housed everything from a dentist office to a dry goods store. When hunger hits, dig into Southern cuisine—paired with a beer or bourbon recommended by the bartender. Front-page newsworthy, indeed! frontstreetbrewery.com 

Blue Post Billiards

Take the easy shot when imbibing at Water Street’s former sailor hangout and nostalgic billiards hall reputed for its array of pool tables, Skee Ball, darts, air hockey, arcade games and the like. Bust a move to a complete playlist of ’80s hits and keep your eyes peeled for any unusual activity—aka the ghost of an 18th century bartender said to roam around. Probably the effect of one too many drinks… right? facebook.com/bluepostbilliards 

STAY

Hotel Ballast

When by the coast, snooze in nautical style. Catch classy Z’s at “Wilmington’s Favorite Waterfront Hotel,” a riverside retreat offering soothing undertones of sea blues and driftwood in spacious suites overlooking the river and Downtown Wilmington, also boasting a coastal kitchen and cafe downstairs for a quick bite on your way in or out. hotelballast.com 

Verandas

Rest your head in quiet and timeless luxury at an award-winning bed-and-breakfast serving major coastal grandmother vibes—complete with four stories, two parlors, four verandas, a garden terrace and screened-in porch. Nestled a mere two blocks from the Cape Fear River, the location is ideal for days spent shopping, walking and sipping around the city. verandasbedandbreakfast.com

Taylor House Inn

Southern comfort never looked so good! Roll out of bed with the historical district at your doorstep, and end your day on a porch swing enjoying the coastal breeze—compliments of a stay at North Seventh Street’s welcoming boutique inn. Come nighttime, settle into one of the five grandeur rooms touting mahogany furniture and colorful wallpaper, and take a well-deserved soak in the clawfoot tub, then relax by the working fireplace. *Ahhh.* taylorhousebb.com