At first glance, Wilmington, North Carolina, appears to be a quintessential port city, bustling with industry and graced by a picturesque riverfront. Delve a little deeper and you’ll discover a captivating blend of coastal charm, rich history, and a thriving culinary scene that sets Wilmington apart.
The city’s chefs have elevated Wilmington’s food scene far beyond its celebrated foundation in Southern flavors, earning accolades for area restaurants’ innovation and artistry. The city now claims many James Beard Award semifinalists and finalists, including chef Keith Rhodes, owner of Catch and a Top Chef season nine alum; chef Sunny Gerhart, owner of Spanish-inspired Olivero; and chef Dean Neff, owner of Seabird, who made the 2024 finalist list in the “Outstanding Chef” category.
“To me, the most remarkable thing about Wilmington is its relationship with the sea,” Neff says. For the Savannah-raised chef, who came up in award-winning kitchens in Atlanta and Asheville, moving to the North Carolina coast was like coming home. “Getting back in touch with the ocean was amazing,” he says.
“Seasonal ingredients sourced from our coastal terroir play a big role,” Rhodes says. Especially when the offerings go far beyond the expected. Coastal North Carolina boasts exceptional oyster farms and innovative foraging businesses, delivering unique and flavorful finds like wild mussels and tulip snails. Adding to this abundance, local farmers contribute their own treasures, all of which you can taste at a veritable smorgasbord of waterfront dining options, like the Italian favorite Floriana, coastal classics purveyor The George, and seafood stalwart the Pilot House, all found on the Riverwalk. Naturally, you’ll find great restaurants at the nearby beaches too, like Oceanic Restaurant and The Bridge Tender in Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach’s The Tropical and Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar.
The revelations continue among Wilmington’s unique accommodations. The city has cultivated a vibrant mix of boutique inns and innovative B&Bs. At Wrightsville Beach, Trailborn Surf & Sound has transformed a landmark 1960s hotel into a sustainably modern beachside retreat, with views of both the ocean and the sound. Downtown, options range from the stately C.W. Worth House bed-and-breakfast, a beautifully preserved 1890s Victorian manor, to ARRIVE Wilmington, a chic mid-century modern boutique hotel featuring the inviting Gazebo Bar in its courtyard, and recently honored as a 2024 Michelin One Key hotel.
From these comfortable vantage points, you can appreciate the main show: the scenic beauty. “Wilmington has beaches galore,” Neff says. Think Carolina Beach, where a vintage boardwalk transports visitors back to the golden days of seaside getaways. Meanwhile, the mighty Cape Fear River lends to Wilmington’s riverfront and downtown, with rows of nineteenth-century buildings and elegant eighteenth-century mansions showcasing the city’s rich architectural heritage. While a stroll, bike ride, or guided tour through these attractive streets offers a delightful visit, Wilmington is also brimming with extraordinary hidden experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Make your coastal getaway unforgettable with a private Stargazer Yacht Charter, perfect for island-hopping with friends and family. For an added adventure, book a sailing lesson with Soundside Adventures or Wrightsville Performance Sailing. Searching for new flavors? Set sail with Wrightsville Beach’s Epic Excursions to a private island where True Blue Butcher & Table treats guests to stunning water views and fireside steak dinners over an open flame, using only the finest ingredients. Discover Wilmington’s vibrant arts scene every fourth Friday evening during gallery nights, when art galleries and studios come alive with after-hours celebrations of creativity and culture. Or time a visit to savor the stunning scene during Wilmington’s newest foodie event, Feast Wilmington (March 24–30) at Riverfront Park in the city’s historic heart.
With everything from James Beard-nominated chefs to one-of-a-kind experiences, Wilmington is a city full of surprises.
Plan your Wilmington adventure at WilmingtonandBeachesGetaway.com
