Start your visit with a walk along Wilmington’s historic Riverwalk District. A short walk from the inn, the Cape Fear Riverwalk (about a mile long, runs from bridge to bridge along the scenic downtown) will take you along the river, with breathtaking views of the natural setting Wilmington boasts.
(Wilmington's Riverwalk, as seen from either end.
Above Right: walk from Hoge-Wood House Inn to the riverwalk and continue along until you reach the end,
below, directly across from the USS North Carolina)
An evening stroll provides plenty of options for dining, and lanterns keep the boardwalk well lit into the night. Stores and restaurants line the walk and boats and cruise ships line the dock, ready to take you out for a water adventure!
USS NORTH CAROLINA:
After dinner, enjoy a
coffee or cigar while watching the sun set behind the USS North Carolina, just across the river. The impressive
battleship earned 15 stars during WWII.
View of the USS NC at sunset:
The USS NC is well worth a tour; you’ll feel like
you’ve experienced life on the ship after spending a couple of hours viewing
the many levels and quarters aboard this mighty war craft. www.battleshipnc.com
WILMINGTON WATER TOURS: The Black Water Adventure tour
will introduce you to the fascinating history of Wilmington’s waterways. From
its plantations to blockade runners and battleships, you will love every minute
of this water ride! www.wilmingtonwatertours.com
WILMINGTON TROLLEY TOUR: A
45-minute narrated tour will introduce you to the sites of Wilmington. Slightly
more costly, but all the more fun, is a horse-drawn trolley tour! Whether by
trolley, boat or bike, opportunities to see Wilmington and its historic
downtown and waterways abound! www.wilmingtontrolley.com, www.horsedrawntours.com
FOR FOOD:
Dock St. Oyster Bar: this seafood spot sports a fun, casual island feel. The eclectic, bold color and Caribbean/Key West inspired style flavor the laid-back, vacation destination eatery.
Butcher brown paper casually adorns the colorful, hand-painted tables; themed chairs inspire with titles like Rock Star, About to be arrested, Jock, On Fire; which will you be? Doug Campbell, a local artist, graced the walls with colorful, Caribbean murals.
Start your meal with a plate of Oyster Rockefeller (or shrimp if you prefer) and a "BIKINI-tini".
Best known for their Steam Platters, you’ll want to partake of the heaping portions of oysters, crab legs, and shrimp, oh my!
www.dockstreetoysterbar.net
The Copper Penny: for lively crowds, head to this local pub. www.copperpennync.com
The Cigar Exchange: enjoy a cigar while strolling along the riverfront boardwalk (at the intersection of Front & Market, the core of Wilmington's downtown). www.thecigarexchange.com
Port City Java: you'll find it along Front Street. Get your coffee to go and enjoy on a riverside bench with views of the river traffic at sunset. www.portcityjava.com
The Pilot House: eat out on the deck and enjoy the views. Their Carolina Bisque is teaming with shrimp and scallops swimming in a creamy, sherry-infused stock. The Fried Green Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad is so creatively Southern, you’ll feel like a Confederate for sure! www.pilothouserest.com
Before leaving Wilmington, be sure to mingle with
co-travelers over a breakfast of Larry’s special pecan waffles and a bowl of
seasonal fruit at the Hoge-Wood House.
Kuna coffee and island music set the mood and give a shout out to Larry’s
Samoan heritage.
OTHER WILMINGTON SITES:
Screen Gems Studios tours: see where the movie-screen magic happens! www.euescreengems.com
Leaving Wilmington, the
interstate is bordered by a tight greenbelt of tall pines and underbrush,
broken only by colorful splotches of carefully planted wildflowers and
daylilies.
Watch for the sign that states:"Begin I-40 West"
and shortly after,
"Barstow, CA 2554"
Along the interstate, tall pines and palmetto spikes cover the sandy forest floor. As you reflect on your time in Wilmington, imagine how the early settlers bravely crept into the dense flora. While the coast was beautiful and inviting, moving inland was a challenge even for an experienced explorer.
As I-40 snakes through the southland, winding its
way northwest from the Atlantic coast, embrace the journey ahead seasoned with
scenic views, spicy adventures and unique inns peppering the path.
Keep an eye out for ROSE HILL & Duplin Wine Cellars
--home of the world's largest frying pan
(you know you're in the south now!)
DUPLIN WINE CELLARS: Exit 380
for free wine production tours and tastings.
Ready for lunch? Enjoy
a bistro-style meal and wine-tasting in the courtyard.
Try a glass of “Carolina Red” or “Magnolia” and savor the sweet flavors of the South. www.duplinwinery.com
Try a glass of “Carolina Red” or “Magnolia” and savor the sweet flavors of the South. www.duplinwinery.com
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