The Elia: Wedding Venue

Eternal Sunshine Cafe: Get a great start on the day with breakfast at this Wilmington eatery. Here you’ll find comfort food with an innovative twist.

Brasserie du Soleil: Sample authentic French cuisine for lunch or dinner. And be sure to save room for dessert, like the sharable profiteroles or coconut tart.

Fish House Grill: Located on the Intercoastal Waterway, this restaurant is a local favorite. Dine al fresco on the deck, take in the beauty of the waterway, and feast on the freshest seafood.

The Reel Cafe: Make it an evening with a cocktail on the rooftop, followed by dinner. Then head to the courtyard for live music.

Whisky Tango Foxtrot: Sip a signature cocktail and listen to live music. Fresh ingredients, exceptional spirits, and deft bartending elevate these cocktails to a new level.

Dead Crow Comedy Room: Thursday-Saturday you’ll find some of stand-up comedy’s top names.

Trolley Pub: Grab your friends and your favorite adult beverages and hop on board. You’ll pedal your way around Wilmington with a guide who can show you the best pub pit stops.

Blue Moon Gift Shops: With over 100 artisans, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your “back home” gift list.

The Cotton Exchange: Along a 19th-century Southern city street, the Exchange features over 20 locally owned shops and boutiques, along with dining options.

Acme Art Studios: Located in the Brooklyn Arts District, Acme comprises 20 working art studios and a gallery. The studios showcase sculpture, painting, photography, and other visual arts.

Carolina Beach: Stroll the vintage boardwalk, and hike the sand trails at the state park. Sign up for offshore charter fishing or just hang out on the beach.

Kure Beach: This family-friendly retreat is home to the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic. You’ll also find an amazing aquarium.

Wrightsville Beach: Less than 10 miles from downtown Wilmington, this is the home of NC water sports and is regarded as a top surfing destination.

Battleship North Carolina: This ship is a memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians who died in World War II. It’s fascinating, yet sobering.

Cape Fear Museum: This Smithsonian Affiliate features over 57,000 objects that shed light on the history, culture, and natural science of Lower Cape Fear.

Bellamy Mansion Museum: Located on an 1800s plantation, this museum is for lovers of architecture. And during spring and summer, local artists display their work.

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour: Half-hour tours are available as well as private carriages. The gentle giants who pull the carriages are all draft horse rescues.

Relax in the Airlie Gardens: You can just feel the stress slip away at these “Gardens by the Sea.” And the butterfly house is guaranteed to bring you joy.

Enjoy a performance at Thalian Hall: Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of this gorgeous performance hall and then enjoy a show. This event space has served as Wilmington’s community and cultural center since the 1850s.

North Carolina Azalea Festival: Held in April, the multi-day celebration showcases the city’s most beautiful gardens. There’s also a grand parade, galas, family events, and big-name entertainment.

Wilmington Wine and Food Festival: Join top local chefs and winemakers at the Bellamy Mansion Museum for a May weekend of food and wine tastings as well as cooking demonstrations. Proceeds benefit the museum and local animal rescues.

Orange Street ArtsFest: View and purchase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and crafts from local and regional artists at this two-day art festival held in May. There’s also live entertainment, food vendors, and a beer & wine tent.

Wilmington International Airport (16 mins. from downtown)