Day Trip: Wilmington, NC
I’ve been to this southern town many of times. It’s time to fill you in.
The Eastern coast of North Carolina has been my go-to spot ever since I was a little girl. The skies are blue, the tea is sweet, and the air carries a southern charm. Last weekend, I road-tripped down south, making sure to stop at one of my favorite cities for a day trip: Wilmington.
This place has some of the best vibes. My past day trips here have typically been spent with local friends, who have taught me the ropes, introducing me to the best spots in town. Typically, my morning will start early with a walk along the shore of Wrightsville Beach. This trip, I started in the downtown area of Wilmington, also known as the Historic River District. I adore this little corner of town, which boasts cobblestone streets, live music, colorful buildings, and some vintage shopping that always gets my heart beating.
My first stop is Folks Café, a true local spot that serves up a mean cup of joe and a dirty chai unlike any other. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed, starting the day off on a good note. Next, I swung by Finkelsteins music shop, scoring a raspberry-colored acoustic guitar,with a perfectly ripped up vintage case.
Popping in to Antiques of Old Wilmington is always a must. The store is a true gem of the historic district, and is always stocked with beautiful finds. I love picking through their vintage camera collection, and always seem to leave with a few old glass jars and bottles for my home.
Dessert first, always. Especially while you’re here. The smell of fresh fudge and just-baked waffle cones floats down the main street, coming from my most anticipated stop, Kilwin’s Ice Cream Shop. I got a heaping scoop of fresh, homemade Georgia peach ice cream, and experienced euphoria with each bite.
I’m a sucker for groovy vintage clothing that takes me through the decades, so I always make my way into The Wonder Shop to check out their newest goodies. The owner/buyer for this dreamland was in while I visited, showing me some of her favorites, including floor-length floral maxis and a ’70s fringe jacket that stole my heart.
The stores in town are endless, and so are the eats. After a few more stops in some local shops, I headed over to Tidal Creek Coop, a locally grown, community owned store to load up on fresh veggies for a summer cook-out by the shore.
The days always go by quick with lots of places to see. Here’s a list of some more go-to spots in Wilmington if you ever find yourself there for a day:
Sea Level City Gourmet: A vegan/vegetarian dream. I love their Mediterranean plate!
Edge Of Urge: Lots of clothes, fun gifts, and quirky art. Also a great rack of vintage!
Gravity Records: I’m a vinyl babe, so digging through their collection was a blast.
Airlie Gardens: If you have a couple extra hours, please, please stop by. The gardens are breathtaking, and the walking trails are a blast.
Ending the day with a walk along the riverside boardwalk is the perfect way to finish off the trip. The sunset is beautiful, and sometimes you’ll even catch yourself dancing to some live tunes under the weeping willow trees as a pair of Clydesdale horses trots by.
Wilmington lovers, what’s your favorite stop? Let us know what you would do during your day trip!
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