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How to spend a fall weekend on the Carolina coast.
If The Summer I Turned Pretty taught us anything, it’s that Wilmington is a bona fide storybook escape (IYKYK). The real-life backdrop for Cousins Beach is prime for a fall getaway, where cooler temps, golden-hour glow, and lighter crowds set the stage for exploring all the port city’s popular musts.
Scenic, sunny and steeped with standout stops, ILM seamlessly blends Southern charm with coastal cool across craveworthy cuisine, spirited bars, gallery gems, primo shops and more—perfect for a road trip or weekend escape when the mountains feel too obvious. Because, really—the coast is always calling.
DO
The Cargo District
Shop, eat, drink and play local at this happening hub crafted from repurposed shipping containers. Built to “create, contain and connect,” each of the district’s three sections offer their own unique charm, with a host of varied businesses to venture into. Elevate your fall wardrobe at Auggie & Zo, find a cozy new read at Burning Pages, snag a piece of permanent jewelry at Tiny Weld, then satiate your appetite at Banh Sai, Beat Street or Cheesesmith—to name just a few hot spots. cargodistrict.com
Cucalorus Film Festival
Movie buffs, this one’s for you. Putting Wilmywood in the spotlight is one of the largest noncompetitive American film festivals in the South, now in its 31st year. Taking place Nov. 19–23, the fest packs in 100+ independent and international films; diverse original stage performances; and over 50 panels, speakers and workshops. A perf excuse for that fall escape. And… action! cucalorus.org
Antique Shopping
Crisp fall days are made for treasure hunting—and Wilmy has no shortage of treasure troves. Fuel the hunt at the likes of Antiques of Old Wilmington, The Ivy Cottage, Vintage Marketplace and Thrill of the Hunt—with curated gems ranging from jewelry to furniture, lighting, plateware and more. For even more retail therapy, stroll The Cotton Exchange’s 30 specialty stores and Chandler’s Wharf Warehouse Shops.
EAT
Olivero
“Tastes like travel, feels like home.” So goes the MO of Sunny Gerhart’s (of Raleigh’s St. Roch) worldly restaurant evoking flavors of Sevilla, Sicily and beyond, as inspired by his family history and personal experiences. That culinary tapestry is weaved together in such dishes as bucatini with chorizo and charred broccoli, or coal-roasted NC fish—best washed down with a warming one-of-a-kind cocktail. oliveroilm.com
Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp
Prepare to be hooked. Since 1984, Elijah’s has served as a trusted source for fresh seafood and genuine Southern coastal dining—also boasting the largest porch on the Riverwalk. Fall marks peak oyster season—so anchor down for roasted or raw shucked-to-order oysters, plus broiled, fried or blackened seafood platters and snacks like baked crap dip and shrimp & grits. elijahs.com
The Half
Brooklyn Arts District’s cult-fave sando company is taking the lunch staple to a whole new level (seriously, your homemade version could never). Standouts include the Cuban-esque Mixto feat. pastrami, ham, salami, mozzarella, olive salad and mixto sauce; or the vegetarian Caprese loaded with mozzarella, basil pesto, tomato and balsamic. But you literally can’t go wrong with any order—trust. thehalfbev.com
DRINK
Hidden Grounds Coffee
Channeling major T. rex appeal, the dino-themed hidden haven stays busy for good reason. The fall menu shines with seasonal lattes—from the caramel apple-inspired Sundance Kid to the Dubai Me A Latte. Once you secure your bev, head up to the jungle-esque backyard oasis to sip from a perch on a cozy couch, table or swing. The inevitable line is so worth it. hiddengroundscoffee.com
Bespoke
“From first light to last call,” this recently reimagined all-day cafe and cocktail bar is there to quench your thirst. By day, swing by for espresso-heavy classics or seasonal lattes—then, by night, keep the buzz alive at the moody wood-clad bar via Italian-inspired aperitivo selects like Appy spritz and Negroni, plus house cocktails, beer and wine. bespokecoffeenc.com
End of Days Distillery
The best hour starts at the end of the day—especially at the Wilm-based distillery’s craft cocktail bar, The Lounge. The rugged yet intimate and airy space—plus spacious patio—offers a bright spot to imbibe in artisanal libations made exclusively with End of Days’ distilled-in-house spirits, ranging rum, vodka, gin, agave or whiskey—tailor-made for sweater weather. eoddistillery.com
STAY
ARRIVE Wilmington
At once quaint, chic and playful, this boutique stay checks all the boxes—and then some. Like a mod adult playground with designer details, the inn doubles as a serene escape complete with the courtyard Gazebo Bar, fire pits, a lush lawn with various games, and on-site Southern coastal restaurant Dram Yard serving breakfast and dinner + weekend brunch. Inside, each of the 34 guest rooms offers its own intimate, whimsical retreat with mod amenities (see: marble-accented bathrooms, plush robes and Apple TVs)—fit for a fall reboot. arrivehotels.com
The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Life’s better on the water—and the proof is in these 35 custom-designed 1,200-square-foot luxe floating houseboats located directly on the Cape Fear River. Cozy, spacious and stocked with your standard amenities—including Wi-Fi, heat/AC and a loaded kitchen—each villa also boasts a private patio perf for basking in the sunrise and sunset hues. A first of its kind, The Cove sets the standard for a waterfront stay unlike any other. thecovewilmington.com
Front Street Inn
History meets hospitality at Front Street’s award-winning boutique inn. Serving up a real home-away-from-home feel, each of the 12 themed suites blends modern touches with historic charm—plus the Coastal Cottage, a full two-bedroom home on the property. Also on-site, the Concorde Espresso Bar tempts with coffee and seasonal lattes by day (plus baked goodies like cookies, croissants and cruffins) and fall-ready espresso ’tini flights and fireside s’mores by night. Say less. frontstreetinn.com
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Where is a quaint place to stay near paved bike trails?