Rachel's Guidebook to Downtown Wilmington
Sightseeing
The Riverwalk is the perfect place to take in all that downtown Wilmington has to offer. It’s about 1.5 miles one way so if you’re looking for a workout you can get in 3 miles round trip. Don’t be shy about waving or smiling at a passerby because you’re bound to cross paths with locals and tourists any day of the week. There are several restaurants and bars to choose from along the way if you’re hungry or thirsty. And of course, if you’re in the mood for shopping, there are a number of places along the way. Don’t worry, if you end up too full from eating or having too many bags from shopping, you can always hop on the free trolley to get back to your car or my cozy cottage.
58 locals recommend
Wilmington Downtown Riverwalk
Wilmington Downtown RiverwalkThe Riverwalk is the perfect place to take in all that downtown Wilmington has to offer. It’s about 1.5 miles one way so if you’re looking for a workout you can get in 3 miles round trip. Don’t be shy about waving or smiling at a passerby because you’re bound to cross paths with locals and tourists any day of the week. There are several restaurants and bars to choose from along the way if you’re hungry or thirsty. And of course, if you’re in the mood for shopping, there are a number of places along the way. Don’t worry, if you end up too full from eating or having too many bags from shopping, you can always hop on the free trolley to get back to your car or my cozy cottage.
Coffee Shop
Local coffees and teas
This is my favorite local coffee shop! They make everything from espresso drinks to smoothies. They are super friendly, have wifi, local art, a restroom, and cozy places to sit. If you need a snack, definitely check out some of the handmade pastries or grab a breakfast or lunch sandwich.
12 locals recommend
24 South Coffee House
24 S Front StThis is my favorite local coffee shop! They make everything from espresso drinks to smoothies. They are super friendly, have wifi, local art, a restroom, and cozy places to sit. If you need a snack, definitely check out some of the handmade pastries or grab a breakfast or lunch sandwich.
If you’re looking for a quaint, local place to grab a cup of coffee or tea, Luna Caffe is it. Lots of delicious options to choose from, and they have wifi.
36 locals recommend
Luna Caffe
608 Castle StIf you’re looking for a quaint, local place to grab a cup of coffee or tea, Luna Caffe is it. Lots of delicious options to choose from, and they have wifi.
Sweet Treats
Ice cream, candy, and other places for something sweet.
I’ve lived in Wilmington for over 20 years and have tried every ice cream option in town, but Boombalatti’s has the best ice cream around for miles! Seriously, they make it fresh everyday. While they have some staples (I highly recommend the sampler if it’s your first time); there’s always a new flavor or two. You can get a milkshake, sundae, waffle cone or bowl - so many options.
38 locals recommend
Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream
1005 N 4th StI’ve lived in Wilmington for over 20 years and have tried every ice cream option in town, but Boombalatti’s has the best ice cream around for miles! Seriously, they make it fresh everyday. While they have some staples (I highly recommend the sampler if it’s your first time); there’s always a new flavor or two. You can get a milkshake, sundae, waffle cone or bowl - so many options.
Of all the places to get a sweet, cold treat in the main section of downtown Wilmington, this one is my favorite. It’s fairly new, but they serve some of the best gelato (Italian ice cream) I’ve ever had, and I’ve traveled all over Italy. They also have coffee, espresso, and candy from Europe.
13 locals recommend
Gelarto
18 S Water StOf all the places to get a sweet, cold treat in the main section of downtown Wilmington, this one is my favorite. It’s fairly new, but they serve some of the best gelato (Italian ice cream) I’ve ever had, and I’ve traveled all over Italy. They also have coffee, espresso, and candy from Europe.
Food scene
This is one of Vivian Howard’s restaurants. If you don’t know who she is, Google her. Great atmosphere and delicious food (not just pizza).
62 locals recommend
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
206 Greenfield StThis is one of Vivian Howard’s restaurants. If you don’t know who she is, Google her. Great atmosphere and delicious food (not just pizza).
The Little Dipper is such a fun experience for all ages. You can just order cheese and chocolate or go all out and do a full 3 courses. Perfect for ladies night or a romantic dinner.
28 locals recommend
Little Dipper Fondue
138 S Front StThe Little Dipper is such a fun experience for all ages. You can just order cheese and chocolate or go all out and do a full 3 courses. Perfect for ladies night or a romantic dinner.
One of the best restaurants in Wilmington. It’s a small, local spot with delicious, fresh Latin American food.
89 locals recommend
Savorez
402 Chestnut StOne of the best restaurants in Wilmington. It’s a small, local spot with delicious, fresh Latin American food.
Jester’s is the type of place that only locals know about. In fact, I lived here for years before I discovered this gem. It’s a popular spot for brunch on the weekends so be there early.
45 locals recommend
Jester's Café
607 Castle StJester’s is the type of place that only locals know about. In fact, I lived here for years before I discovered this gem. It’s a popular spot for brunch on the weekends so be there early.
The menu changes weekly based on local farmers and produce/products available, but they have some staples like their shrimp and grits. Also, it’s located in the Castle Arts and Antiques District in the old, Hall’s Drug Store and only 2 blocks from my cozy cottage.
73 locals recommend
Rx Restaurant and Bar
421 Castle StThe menu changes weekly based on local farmers and produce/products available, but they have some staples like their shrimp and grits. Also, it’s located in the Castle Arts and Antiques District in the old, Hall’s Drug Store and only 2 blocks from my cozy cottage.
Shopping
Record Store
Modern Legend
130 N Front StWonderful spot for good music, records, clothes, and whimsy gifts.
Lots of items from locals. This place has many whimsical gifts, clothes, and accessories.
14 locals recommend
Planet
108 N Front StLots of items from locals. This place has many whimsical gifts, clothes, and accessories.
Edge of Urge
18 Market StGreat location for clothes, jewelry, and gifts.
If you are into music, Gravity is the spot for you. They always have great music playing and lots of records in stock (used and new) to purchase.
15 locals recommend
Gravity Records
612 Castle StIf you are into music, Gravity is the spot for you. They always have great music playing and lots of records in stock (used and new) to purchase.
Bars and Breweries
Friendly spot for locals to find NC beers on tap, live music, full bar, and sports on tv. This place has been around for over 10 years. If you're looking for a local, neighborhood bar, the Goat is that place. They have drink specials often and a cozy outdoor space in the back.
19 locals recommend
Goat & Compass
710 N 4th StFriendly spot for locals to find NC beers on tap, live music, full bar, and sports on tv. This place has been around for over 10 years. If you're looking for a local, neighborhood bar, the Goat is that place. They have drink specials often and a cozy outdoor space in the back.
Excellent selection of craft brews and typically have live music and a food truck!
60 locals recommend
Edward Teach Brewing
604 N 4th StExcellent selection of craft brews and typically have live music and a food truck!
Satellite is a great spot nearby with a large selection of craft beers and a full bar. They also have Block Taco if you’re hungry.
126 locals recommend
Satellite Bar and Lounge
120 Greenfield StSatellite is a great spot nearby with a large selection of craft beers and a full bar. They also have Block Taco if you’re hungry.