Wilmington, NC Things to Do and Attractions
One of the most expertly designed courses in all the Southeast, Beau Rivage Golf & Resort features 18 challenging holes with wooded boundaries, river hazards and steep elevation changes designed to test golfers at the highest levels. The resort also
One of the most expertly designed courses in all the Southeast, Beau Rivage Golf & Resort features 18 challenging holes with wooded boundaries, river hazards and steep elevation changes designed to test golfers at the highest levels. The resort also maintains expert practice facilities as well as a fully stocked pro shop to ensure that every golfer is prepared for the challenge of the course.
For a trip back in time, visitors should be sure to stop by the Bellamy Mansion to view a perfectly preserved example of antebellum architecture. The mansion and surrounding gardens conjure up images of a genteel South, but also illustrate the
For a trip back in time, visitors should be sure to stop by the Bellamy Mansion to view a perfectly preserved example of antebellum architecture. The mansion and surrounding gardens conjure up images of a genteel South, but also illustrate the tensions of America's most tumultuous era. Visitors receive a tour of the grounds highlighted by a discussion of design arts and the history behind the mansion's construction. The impeccable gardens hold only species of plants that grew locally at the time of the mansion's construction. Visitors will stroll among magnolias and can enjoy the quiet atmosphere that the mansion's original inhabitants must have enjoyed.
Bellamy Mansion is available to host private groups for evening events. The mansion has more than 5,000 square feet of space on two floors and provides an elegant backdrop for a reception.
Bellamy Mansion is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Tours begin on the hour and admission is $4 for children, $10 for adults and $8 per person for groups of 20 or more.
North Carolina's oldest museum was originally founded to house relics from the Confederacy; today, it comprises artifacts and exhibits illustrating the traditions of the various cultures that inhabited the region. Through a series of permanent and
North Carolina's oldest museum was originally founded to house relics from the Confederacy; today, it comprises artifacts and exhibits illustrating the traditions of the various cultures that inhabited the region. Through a series of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the museum focuses on trends of the area and the changing characteristics of its residents. Highlights of the Cape Fear Museum include exhibits on the area's colonial history and the preserved skeleton of a prehistoric giant sloth.
The museum is open during the summer from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. During the winter, the museum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 3 to 17 and $6 for adults.
The Scottish style course at Echo Farms Golf & Country Club presents golfers of all skill levels with a challenging and fun diversion. The semi-private club features impeccable facilities, and the courses location on the banks of the Cape Fear River
The Scottish style course at Echo Farms Golf & Country Club presents golfers of all skill levels with a challenging and fun diversion. The semi-private club features impeccable facilities, and the courses location on the banks of the Cape Fear River make it as picturesque as it is enjoyable to play. Skilled instructors are on hand at the club to assist players with troublesome parts of their game.
Greens fees vary depending on the time of year.
Wilmington's long and infamous past sets the stage for the Ghost Walk. Visitors can join a guided walk through the centuries old streets and alleyways of Wilmington in pursuit of ghost stories and spirits. Considered to be one of the most actively
Wilmington's long and infamous past sets the stage for the Ghost Walk. Visitors can join a guided walk through the centuries old streets and alleyways of Wilmington in pursuit of ghost stories and spirits. Considered to be one of the most actively haunted cities in the U.S., ghost hunters have long flocked to Wilmington in search of the supernatural. With the old-growth oak trees and Spanish moss as a backdrop, guests will learn all about the dark history within North Carolina's largest historical district.
Tour times vary throughout the year. Rates are $12 per person and children under 6 are free.
To explore the Cape Fear River, nothing can match the serenity of a steam powered river boat. Owing to the area's nautical history, the Henrietta III is the latest in a long line of riverboats to travel the Cape Fear River. Aboard the paddle-wheel
To explore the Cape Fear River, nothing can match the serenity of a steam powered river boat. Owing to the area's nautical history, the Henrietta III is the latest in a long line of riverboats to travel the Cape Fear River. Aboard the paddle-wheel powered boat, guests can take in the sights of the shore line cities and natural wonders. The captain provides stories and anecdotes about life along the river. A dinner buffet featuring Southern favorites and Carolina barbecue is available on some cruises.
Prices and departure times vary depending on the season. Group accommodations and catering are available.
The marshy climate of the Cape Fear area is home to thousands of aquatic species in unique ecosystems, from fresh water streams and swamps to open ocean and coastline habitats. Many of the rare residents of the area are on display at the North
The marshy climate of the Cape Fear area is home to thousands of aquatic species in unique ecosystems, from fresh water streams and swamps to open ocean and coastline habitats. Many of the rare residents of the area are on display at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Guests at the aquarium will marvel at clownfish, sea turtles, stingrays and other animals. The aquarium is also home to a visitor favorite – "Luna," a rare albino alligator.
The aquarium is open year round from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $6 for children and $8 for adults age 13 and up. The North Carolina Aquarium is available for group events of up to 2,000 guests.
Permanently anchored in the Cape Fear River, the USS North Carolina serves as a museum and memorial to honor sailors from World War II. After being retired from service, the North Carolina was slated to be scrapped when the citizens of the state
Permanently anchored in the Cape Fear River, the USS North Carolina serves as a museum and memorial to honor sailors from World War II. After being retired from service, the North Carolina was slated to be scrapped when the citizens of the state rallied for the ship's preservation. The battleship arrived at its current location in 1961 and is open for all to explore and investigate. The North Carolina Museum includes thousands of fascinating artifacts and personal items that have been donated by the men who served on the ship. Visitors should also be sure to stop by the bridge to get a sense of what service on a World War II era vessel was really like.
The battleship is available to host group functions for up to 350 people on the mess deck or groups of up to 60 in the Marine compartment.
USS North Carolina is open every day of the year from 8 AM to 8 PM during the summer and from 8 AM to 5 PM in the winter. Admission is $6 for children ages 6 to 11 and $12 for adults.
In celebration of Wilmington's history, and former principal industry the Wilmington Railroad Museum celebrates and educates visitors on all facets of railroading, including notable developments and important figures. Visitors to the museum can
In celebration of Wilmington's history, and former principal industry the Wilmington Railroad Museum celebrates and educates visitors on all facets of railroading, including notable developments and important figures. Visitors to the museum can marvel at the engines and rail cars on display. Children will be delighted by the Thomas the Tank Engine play area, and scale model railroads. Housed in a historic building built in 1883, the Wilmington Railroad Museum contains a large collection of exhibits and artifacts dating back to the days of the Wilmington and Weldon and Atlantic Coast Line railroads.
The Wilmington Railroad Museum can accommodate group functions.
Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Admission is $4 for children and $8 for adults.
The newest entrant into the Wilmington dining and nightlife scene is Cameo 1900. Featuring a tapas style menu, Cameo 1900 aims for unique small plates and fun cocktails. Diners should not miss the restaurant's noted brown sugar and Bourbon glazed
The newest entrant into the Wilmington dining and nightlife scene is Cameo 1900. Featuring a tapas style menu, Cameo 1900 aims for unique small plates and fun cocktails. Diners should not miss the restaurant's noted brown sugar and Bourbon glazed baby back ribs, buttermilk fried chicken or the mac and cheese made with Andouille sausage. By serving only small plates continuously throughout the service, Cameo 1900 creates a social and friendly atmosphere perfect for group gatherings.
Cameo 1900 is open for dinner from 5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and at 11:30 AM for Sunday brunch. Tapas range from $4 to $14. Reservations are recommended.
For fresh seafood combined with Southern style, visitors and residents of Cape Fear travel to the Pilot House. With its location on the wharf in historic Wilmington Downtown, the Pilot House has rapidly developed a reputation as the area's foremost
For fresh seafood combined with Southern style, visitors and residents of Cape Fear travel to the Pilot House. With its location on the wharf in historic Wilmington Downtown, the Pilot House has rapidly developed a reputation as the area's foremost destination for delicious cuisine and unforgettable ambience. Every dish on the restaurant's expansive menu is lovingly crafted from scratch using only locally available fish and meats. Diners will delight over the sweet potato grouper, crunchy catfish and the Southern chicken. The Pilot House's desert menu will tempt diners to stay a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful setting and calm river waters.
The Pilot House can accommodate groups of up to 132 in the main dining room, 30 people in the private dining room or up to 130 on its outside decks.
The Pilot House is open Sunday through Thursday for lunch and dinner from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Entrees range from $20 to $30.
For a unique experience and a culinary delight, visitors to Wilmington should be sure to stop by The George on the Riverwalk, the city's only "dock and dine" restaurant. The George features a menu with a Southern coastal theme and locally caught
For a unique experience and a culinary delight, visitors to Wilmington should be sure to stop by The George on the Riverwalk, the city's only "dock and dine" restaurant. The George features a menu with a Southern coastal theme and locally caught fish. Highlights of the menu include George's shrimp and grits, pecan grouper and center cut pork tenderloin. The restaurant also features a full bar and beautiful sunset views from its riverside deck. Diners will also marvel at the vessels that come to anchor at the George for the restaurant's dock and dine service.
The George on the Riverwalk can accommodate large groups with advanced reservations.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday for brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM. Entrees range from $15 to $25. Reservations are recommended.
