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Around Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast...
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The city of Wilmington is surrounded by attractions, and every day dishes up something new to do. The Riverwalk is a fine place for strolling along the Cape Fear River, and it's here you can appreciate the historic area's shopping and dining as well as the waterfront's leisure and commercial activities. We recommend walking, boat or horse-and-carriage tours for seeing the sights. Sunset, moonlight or dinner dance cruises offer a scenic view of the town from the Henrietta II, a stern-wheel paddleboat that's docked by the Wilmington Hilton on N. Water Street. It has an observation deck and a complete bar, and its dining salon is heated and air-conditioned. Call (910) 343-1611 or (800) 676-0162 for information about cruises April through December. A knowledgeable guide with a straw hat and cane leads adventure walking tours from the foot of Market Street on the site of the old ferry landing. Call (910) 763-1785 for information about group tours (including multilingual service). The horse-drawn carriage or trolley tour, narrated by a costumed driver, departs from Water and Market streets. Call Springbrook Farms, (910) 251-8889, to arrange private tours. Our favorite time to spend a weekend in Wilmington is during the North Carolina Azalea Festival in mid-April. Call (910) 763-0905 for information about the annual event, which includes a parade, a street fair and many activities in addition to fascinating home and garden tours. You don't even have to like gardens or historic walking tours to appreciate the multicolored spectacle in bloom throughout the city. Everyone else visits during this weekend too, so you'll need advance reservations for accommodations and many restaurants. The Battleship North Carolina, across the river from downtown, is easily accessible at the junction of U.S. highways 17 and 74. Dedicated to veterans of World War II, it was the first modern U.S. battleship. It carried a crew of 2,339 who made history in the combat zones of the Pacific from 1941 to 1945. It's open for tours every day and is a summer evening host to a spectacular sound and light show. The complex includes a gift shop, seasonal snack bar and riverside picnic area. Call (910) 251-5797 for schedules, which vary with the seasons. Enjoy live entertainment at Thalian Hall, home of the country's oldest community theater and current host to national touring companies as well as numerous local theater companies. Built between 1855 and 1858 as a theater and city hall, it continues to serve both purposes. It's at the corner of Chestnut and N. Third streets in downtown Wilmington. For more information, call (910) 343-3664 or (800) 523-2820. Art enthusiasts can view the permanent collections of 19th- and 20th-century North Carolina artists in the St. John's Museum of Art, (910) 763-0281, 114 Orange Street, in downtown Wilmington. The three restored, architecturally distinctive buildings date from 1804 and are united by a sculpture garden. Some 80 contemporary North Carolina artists and craftspeople are represented in the sales gallery. Wilmington Railroad Museum, on the corner of Water and Red Cross streets in downtown Wilmington, includes exhibits from the important rail era of the city's history. The railway system was once the largest in the world and an important contributor to Wilmington's economic development in the mid-1800s. For more information, call (910) 763-2634. The Cape Fear Museum, (910) 341-7413, 814 Market Street, displays an interesting nautical exhibit and provides information about the social, cultural and natural history of the region. Changing exhibits and weekend programs offer diverse entertainment. The Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery offers a hands-on exploration of southeastern North Carolina where you can feed a Venus' flytrap or crawl through a beaver lodge. (And yes, it is named for the basketball player, who grew up here before going on to six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls after a stellar career at the University of North Carolina.) The Bellamy Mansion, Fifth Avenue and Market Street, is another downtown museum. This restored structure was built on the eve of the Civil War. Tours and changing exhibits on history and the design arts are offered. The antebellum home was originally the city home of a prominent planter, and all 22 rooms on four floors are open to the public. Call (910) 251-3700 for information. Shopping is a good way to spend a few hours in Wilmington. The Cotton Exchange, 321 N. Front Street, recalls the days when cotton was king and one of the world's largest export companies was located here. Eight restored buildings connected by brick walkways, open-air courtyards and gigantic heart-pine beams house 33 specialty shops and restaurants. Chandler's Wharf, nearby at Water and Ann streets, houses a variety of specialty shops as well as two fine restaurants with outdoor dining. Poplar Grove Plantation is on U.S. Highway 17 outside Wilmington. It showcases an 1850 Greek Revival house on a 628-acre plantation. Costumed guides and scheduled events depict the history of the period. Call (910) 686-9518 for information about prices and schedules. Take the family to Treasure Island Family Fun Park in Sneads Ferry for go-cart racing, bumper boats, kiddie rides and miniature golf. It's a few minutes north of Topsail Island. Call (910) 327-2700 for information. The Jubilee Amusement Park has go-carts, water slides, a Ferris wheel and other fun things you'd expect to find at an amusement park. It's on U.S. Highway 421, just over the bridge into Carolina Beach; call (910) 458-9017. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher on Kure Beach, (910) 458-8257 or (910) 458-7468, offers films, live animal exhibits and field trips. Other features include an alligator pond, touch tank, life-size whale sculpture, shark, stingray exhibits and other marine life of the Cape Fear Coast. The Fort Fisher Civil War Museum on Kure Beach, (910) 458-5538, is an earthen fort that kept the Cape Fear River and the port of Wilmington open to blockade runners, which delivered supplies to Confederate armies. It's at the site of two major battles. The Southport Maritime Museum, 116 N. Howe Street, (910) 457-0003, houses a collection of nautical memorabilia of the lower Cape Fear area. Fishing, swimming, sunning, sand-castle building, snorkeling, boating and sailing are always popular, and the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean welcome visitors year-round. For serious beach or fishing time, visit any of the coastal villages. Surf fishing or pier fishing will yield bluefish, spot, flounder, trout, striped bass or pompano. For inshore charter services including custom charters and custom rods, plus remote surf fishing trips or inshore light tackle trips, contact Capt. Rick Bennett in Wilmington at (910) 799-6120. His specialties include Spanish mackerel, trout, drum and bluefish. A specialist in Gulf Stream fishing--tuna, wahoo, dolphin and billfish--is Capt. Fred Holland. Call him in Carolina Beach at (910) 458-5482 or (800) 284-5482. Capt. Chuck Harrill of Carolina Beach also specializes in Gulf Stream and inshore fishing; call (910) 458-4362 or (800) 288-FISH. For more information, contact the Cape Fear Convention and Visitors Bureau, (910) 341-4030 or (800) 222-4757, or pick up a copy of The Insiders' Guide to Wilmington & the Cape Fear Coast.
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Food in these parts is a
Southern experience that attracts visitors from far and wide, and locals
use mealtimes as gathering times, especially during sunny spring or fall
days. Food plays a big part in outdoor socializing along Wilmington's
downtown riverfront. And visitors and locals alike gather in eateries
throughout the villages dotting the Cape Fear Coast to enjoy glorious
views from indoors or outdoor decks overlooking the Cape Fear River or the
Atlantic Ocean. Seafood is abundant and fresh, and other offerings reflect
regional as well as international flair.
Restaurants accept most major credit cards. We recommend that you call
for hours of operation, as varying schedules are common during different
seasons. Refer to our Preface for an explanation of the price code. Bocci This bistro offers an assortment of specialty pizzas, pastas and main dishes of healthy and unique Mediterranean cuisine. Robust servings of assorted veal, chicken and beef also are served in well-prepared, creative dishes. Black and white photographs of boccie players adorn the walls, along with murals and interesting decor. Valet parking is required because there's really no place for you to put your car--it's not meant to be pretentious. The spirited (read: loud), fun atmosphere attests to the friendliness here. Try Bocci for dinner any evening. Caffe Phoenix Don't complain about a short wait in line to dine here--it's worth it. Italian by nature, the restaurant's seasonal specials are always tasty. This downtown luncheon or dinner spot provides terrific atmosphere as well as delicious food. The decor is attractive, the staff attentive; from appetizer to dessert, it's a treat. Charlotte's Charlotte's is Wilmington's first Internet cafe. Surf the World Wide Web for a nominal fee while enjoying breakfast or lunch of bagels, sandwiches, salads, soups or frozen yogurt. Daily specials include reasonably priced offerings such as shepherd's pie, hoppin' John or a rice, bean and cheese burrito. It's possibly the newest trend for a downtown historic district eatery. Franko's Caffe & Trattoria Authentic Italian dishes are prepared with fresh seafood and complemented by Italian wines. Prime rib and lobster are touted here, along with daily specials of risotto or pasta. Breads and desserts also are homemade and oh-so-tempting. We sample Italian cuisine in every city we visit and critique wine selections too, and this trattoria certainly measures up with the best. Reservations are a good idea. You can walk here from any part of downtown. Front Street Brewery This addition to downtown Wilmington should be around for a long time to come, as it's popular with any age golfer or non-golfer for lunch, dinner or just a good brew. It's a block from the Cape Fear River in the Foy-Roe building, an 1883 dry goods store and, later, a prominent menswear store. Tin ceilings and heart-pine floors are original, and the new woodwork has been specially crafted. Try a raspberry wheat ale in the spring or a spiced ale or oatmeal stout in the cooler months. Hand-crafted brews are the current rage and can satisfy a taste for variety in any size up to 24-ounce jumbos. The pub food complements the beer and can be selected from a before- or after-5 PM menu. For an appetizer, try the Southwestern stromboli--spicy sausage and jalapeño jack cheese baked into a loaf of sourdough bread. Then try the artichoke ravioli pomodoro entree--flavored with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil. The Pilot House The historic Craig House is home to a riverfront restaurant that serves good seafood and pasta, including regional recipes such as seafood au gratin and flounder stuffed with crab meat--all prefaced by the seafood bisque. It also offers frequently changing specials. Try a huge burger or sandwich for lunch, and choose from the notable wine list to accompany your dinner selection. Lunch and dinner are served daily except Sunday. The atmosphere is casual for lunch and a bit dressier for dinner. Roy's Riverboat Landing In historic downtown, this restaurant is on one of the city's oldest building sites. The Eilers Building was constructed in 1857 as a dry-goods warehouse. In the 1890s, the third story was used as one of the original U.S. Weather Bureau's Observation Stations. Now you can choose from four dining rooms on two separate floors or a private balcony with a beautiful view of the riverfront and the Battleship North Carolina. Drop in for lunch, dinner or drinks. The signature dishes of the seafood specialist are Jefferson seafood turnover served with caviar; lobster imperial; grouper royale or Carolina clam chowder. Seasonal offerings may include quail, venison, lamb, veal or vegetarian dishes; and beef lovers will be happy with the New York strip or filet mignon. The beef marinade with herbs and spices is another specialty. Pastries and breads are baked to perfection, and desserts include such delights as Miss Margaret's renowned four-layer coconut cream cheese pie. Trails End Steak House Beef and history are served in equal portions. The view of the Intracoastal Waterway adds to the interest of the old restaurant, which has many stories to tell. Call for reservations and directions when you're ready for authentic broiled steak or prime rib, salad and appetizers. The hospitality bar includes salads and hors d'oeuvres with all entrees. The genuine hardwood charcoal-cooked entrees are always a treat, and beer, wine and cocktails are plentiful. Water Street This sidewalk cafe provides a nice view of the Cape Fear River. Good soups, salads, burgers and various entrees are available for lunch or dinner. Jalapeño poppers make tasty appetizers. Water Street seafood chowder is an unusually tasty combination of shrimp, scallops, clams, fish and fresh vegetables, which can be served in sourdough boule (sort of a bowl made of bread) and makes a fine meal. Pita-pocket sandwiches can be filled with a choice of salad, such as herbed chicken, tabouli or hummus. Jambalaya and Greek-style scampi add flair to the entree selections. J. Council's Fresh herbs and spices are added to fresh seafood and fine cuts of meats for a variety of entrees. Begin with a tasty appetizer such as country pâté or grouper nuggets. Proceed to a spinach or fruit salad. Then choose a fish, chicken, veal or beef entree such as pan-grilled scallops with tomatoes and artichokes--you won't be disappointed. Chef Pete Herring welcomes you for dinner Tuesday through Sunday evenings. The Cottage Restaurant Lunch and dinner are served here--indoors or outdoors, Monday through Saturday. Sample a slice of beach history in this 1916 cottage while you enjoy the Bloomin' Onion appetizer followed by the crab cakes or other seafood, steak, chicken or a pasta entree. The Marina's Edge Come casual or dressed to the nines to enjoy the fine cuisine--fresh steak, chicken or locally caught seafood--prefaced by something from the raw bar. The Marina's Edge is open for dinner daily and for lunch on the weekend. This restaurant is near myriad beach attractions. Check out the tropical saltwater aquarium and waterfall as well as the big-screen TV in the lounge. Sweetwater Café This comfortable, casual place serves up a good view of the activity happening around the marina. It serves fresh seafood as the dominant dish, but you'll also find tasty chicken and beef entrees. Consider the fish of the day blackened, or try any shellfish. Big Daddy's Seafood Restaurant A trip to the beach isn't complete without a seafood platter, and Big Daddy's is a great place to enjoy one. Or try lobster tails or Alaskan snow crab. Have your seafood broiled, fried, grilled, steamed... however you like. Steaks and chicken also are available in this casual setting. If you're really hungry, get the all-you-can-eat buffet. This huge restaurant has been dishing out tasty food for many years, and we keep coming back. The Bridge Tender The view from this restaurant is of the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The decor is enhanced by lamp light and high, raftered ceilings. The food includes frequent specials of grilled seafood or Angus beef. The nationally recognized wine list is excellent. Our favorite entrees include any of the Cajun-spiced seafood. Locals frequent this restaurant, and the atmosphere is welcoming to visitors, many of whom especially enjoy the lounge. Gardenias Fresh pasta, fresh-baked bread, local seafood, Angus beef, vegetarian dishes and delectable desserts are well matched by fine wines at Gardenias. It's west of the Waterway and presents a dinner experience to suit any budget or taste. If you like wine and enjoy learning, the wine dinner specials are for you. Winemakers and chefs create complementary blends for each course and add commentary. Reservations are accepted but are only necessary for the wine dinners. Mollie's Mollie's is casual and quick. It's right across the street from the ocean and easy to find as you drive into town. The home fries and biscuits are homemade, and the country ham or omelettes will start your day right. For lunch, a good sandwich for seafood lovers is the crab melt. If you're here for dinner, the Captain's Choice platter contains about all the seafood a big eater can handle plus pasta, chicken or steak . . . at a great price. Desserts are always fresh-made. It's open every day except Tuesday. One Eyed Parrot This casual, shoreside restaurant is an enjoyable stop for lunch, dinner or drinks and a snack. Try the indescribable pepper-seared scallops appetizer. Specialty sandwiches for lunch feature oysters, fish, shrimp, steak or chicken. For dinner, try the smoked and grilled baby back ribs made from a secret recipe. Or enjoy fried or broiled seafood entrees, grilled chicken breast or rib-eye steak with all the trimmings. Surf City is part of Topsail Island and is renowned for its relaxing atmosphere, which you're bound to notice.
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We understand... you'll probably want to stay near your favorite golf course. So we recommend a few special accommodations that are nearby; most offer golf packages. Refer to our Preface for an explanation of the price code. 219 South 5th This bed and breakfast inn is a gracious Greek Revival structure built in 1871, restored and decorated for modern comfort. Three rooms and a suite include king- or queen-size beds and fireplaces. All accommodations have private baths and access to common areas. A full breakfast is served, and golf packages are arranged at nearby courses. Private walking tours of the historic district also may be arranged. This inn bills itself as "uniquely unpretentious." Beau Rivage Plantation Luxurious suites furnished with antique reproductions, balconies overlooking the golf practice facility, a pool and restaurant welcome you into the true plantation life while you enjoy a golf vacation. Modern facilities are combined with old-fashioned elegance and Southern hospitality in a country club atmosphere. Golf packages are available, but family or business visits are good reasons to stay here as well. Catherine's Inn A full breakfast and use of all of the inn's amenities are included in your stay at this classic Southern home, which has been restored to its 1883 splendor. The home was built by the Forshee family, and its five guest rooms are comfortable and inviting, each with private bath. The spacious lawn overlooks a sunken garden and the Cape Fear River. Morning coffee is delivered to your room. Extras include complimentary afternoon refreshments, turndown service and bedtime liqueur. The Curran House Vicki and Greg Stringer offer three uniquely furnished guest bedrooms with private baths, king- or queen-size beds, central air-conditioning and ceiling fans. This was the McKay-Green House built in 1837 in Wilmington's downtown. The exterior architecture is an unusual combination of Queen Anne and Victorian Italianate. Cable television and VCRs are available by request at no extra charge. A delicious full breakfast is included. The historic district's walking tours, shopping or dining are nearby, as are all area golf courses. Front Street Inn Stefany and Jay Rhodes have decorated Front Street Inn with American art that they gathered at galleries, fairs, auctions and attics, and each of eight suites is spacious and inviting. Fireplaces, Jacuzzis, full kitchens and wet bars, and king or queen beds can keep you comfy for brief or lengthy stays. This historic downtown building is in a convenient location with off-street parking. Continental breakfast--muffins, breads and fruit--is fresh and emphasizes natural ingredients. The Sol y Solbra bar and breakfast room is the setting for your morning meal as well as healthful beverages, beer, champagne and wine. Room service also is available. Each suite has a TV and phone. The Inn on Orange The Inn on Orange, a beautifully restored 1875 Italianate Victorian home, is completely furnished with antiques and reproductions collected by the Vargas family during its travels with the military. There are four bedrooms, all with private baths and fireplaces and two with sitting rooms. A full gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the elegant dining room or outside around the small backyard swimming pool. Also included in your stay are morning coffee service, afternoon refreshments, evening cordials and chocolates. The Inn is just four blocks from the Cape Fear River and an easy walk to dozens of restaurants, nightclubs and upscale shops. Wilmington Hilton Overlooking the Cape Fear River, the restored downtown district and the Battleship North Carolina, this 178-room hotel is in an ideal spot for shopping and dining. It's also just a short drive to area golf courses. Almost every amenity you could want is available, including a pool, restaurant, lounge, fitness center, conference space and courtesy van. You also can choose the concierge level for extra amenities, such as beverages and continental breakfast. The Wine House The tiniest-ever bed and breakfast inn is this two-room cottage replicating an 1860s wine house. It's tastefully furnished with antiques, completely comfortable and located downtown, providing easy access to just about anything you'd need. The entire house is a private retreat tucked away behind a historic home and church. The variable breakfast menu includes traditional eggs and accompanying meats and bread. Bald Head Island Resort The management group here handles cottage, condo and villa rentals. This might be the farthest away from the real world you'll ever get, and it's no more than a 30-minute ferry ride. Golf carts and bikes are the only modes of transportation here faster than your feet, so imagine the noise and pollution levels dropping accordingly. Not the least expensive of resorts, this exclusive residential and vacation island boasts a luxurious golf course and upscale atmosphere. Golf packages include the round-trip ferry ride, cart and greens fees. Weekday fees are more affordable than weekend rates. The Beacon House Inn The ocean view is just one reason to choose this 1950s beach house. Another is the country breakfast with homemade breads. Named after lighthouses and decorated in a nautical motif, each of the nine air-conditioned rooms offers a private or semiprivate bath. There's also a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps eight. Special rates are available for private functions, and a private murder-mystery weekend can be arranged for a group of six or more. Midweek and off-season packages are available. Hosts Peggy and Jerry Emerson and Mary and Larry Huhn, both retired military couples, share their knowledge of the area's dining and attractions as well as a warm welcome. You may contact them via e-mail: lhuhn@ix.netcom.com. Blockade Runner Beach Resort and
Conference Center Golf, sailing and children's packages are offered at this fine oceanfront resort with 150 rooms that overlooks the windsurfing and sailing center. The standard package includes waterfront accommodations and greens fees. The deluxe golf package includes room, greens fees, a cart fee and breakfast and dinner at the hotel's gourmet Ocean Terrace Restaurant. Additional holes may be played regularly at no extra charge, except cart fee, on many Wilmington-area courses. A bar, restaurant, health center, pool, beach and comedy club provide diversions when you're not on the golf course--especially convenient if you're traveling with a family. The Sandcampers children's program is an attractive option for golfing couples traveling with the kids. The views at this resort are spectacular, and public beach access is great. The Cottage This remodeled 1935 boarding house is adjacent to the Blockade Runner Beach Resort (see previous entry) at Wrightsville Beach. The 13 spacious rooms can be reserved individually or collectively--a good choice for large families or groups. Shared amenities include a pool, health spa, Jacuzzi, lounges, live entertainment, oceanfront dining and children's programs. An on-site golf director can arrange your tee times. The Cottage is reminiscent of years past when beach cottages were the sole accommodations. Lois Jane's Riverview Inn A full breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and evening sweets are included with your stay in this beautifully restored 19th-century home overlooking the Cape Fear River. A room with a private bath is available by request. This is a comfortable and charming four-room bed and breakfast inn in the wonderful little village of Southport where you can stroll along the River Walk to antique shops, restaurants or the Maritime Museum (see the previous "Fun Thing To Do" section). Golf courses, especially Bald Head Island's, are easily accessible from here. Seven Seas Inn Twenty efficiencies, 12 rooms--connected, if you like--or two-room suites are offered here, along with cable television, refrigerators and coffee pots in the rooms. The whole family can enjoy the oceanfront and kiddie pools as well as a playground, picnic area with grills, ice cream parlor, game room and nearby amusement park, water slide and miniature golf. Laundry facilities also are available. Golf or fishing packages are offered. The Surf Luxury oceanfront suites are convenient to golf courses as well as charter, surf or pier fishing and boating. Each of the 45 suites offers a combined living room/kitchen, cable television, queen-size sleeper sofa and a separate bedroom with queen-size bed. Meeting rooms and catering also may be arranged if you're here on business. The pool, sun deck and gazebo are oceanfront, and the Oceanic Pier and Restaurant are nearby.
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Tee Smith Custom Golf Clubs, 1047 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, (910) 395-4008, is one place you can visit for new clubs. Regripping service and various brands are available. Nearby Pro Golf Discount, 914 S. Kerr Avenue, (910) 392-9405, offers a large selection of major-brand equipment and accessories and provides professional club fitting, repair and regripping services on site. The Golf Bag, U.S. 17 S., Hamp-stead, (910) 270-2980, has a good selection of items, with emphasis on ladies' equipment and accessories. It's easy to find north of Porter's Neck Plantation and Country Club near Olde Pointe Golf and Country Club (see this chapter's previous entry). |
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