Curt & Ada’s guidebook
Sightseeing
(1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401)
A cool downtown activity. You’ll get to go inside and all through the boat. You’ll need to take a car ride over the bridge. The tour will take a few hours if you wander the whole boat and see it all.
10 locals raden deze aan
Battleship Park
191-199 USS North Carolina Rd(1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401)
A cool downtown activity. You’ll get to go inside and all through the boat. You’ll need to take a car ride over the bridge. The tour will take a few hours if you wander the whole boat and see it all.
Take a stroll on the riverwalk and enjoy the fabulous Cape Fear River in the morning or evening. It's perfect for a stroll, but you'll also find shops and restaurants along the way.
138 locals raden deze aan
Wilmington Riverwalk
Wilmington Downtown RiverwalkTake a stroll on the riverwalk and enjoy the fabulous Cape Fear River in the morning or evening. It's perfect for a stroll, but you'll also find shops and restaurants along the way.
(3800 Canterbury Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403)
This is a local secret garden that many locals don’t even know about. Wander the garden and see all kinds of carnivorous plants like Venus fly traps, and trumpet plants. Bring bug spray.
16 locals raden deze aan
Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden
3800 Canterbury Rd(3800 Canterbury Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403)
This is a local secret garden that many locals don’t even know about. Wander the garden and see all kinds of carnivorous plants like Venus fly traps, and trumpet plants. Bring bug spray.
(2422 S. Fort Fisher Blvd. Kure Beach, NC 28449)
This is a wonderful ferry ride to the small NC Coastal Town, Southport. You’ll love it there. Get an ice cream, dinner, or go to the beach at Oak Island then take the ferry back home.
80 locals raden deze aan
Fort Fisher Ferry
1301 Ferry Rd SE(2422 S. Fort Fisher Blvd. Kure Beach, NC 28449)
This is a wonderful ferry ride to the small NC Coastal Town, Southport. You’ll love it there. Get an ice cream, dinner, or go to the beach at Oak Island then take the ferry back home.
(1739 Burnett Blvd)
Tennis, Skate Park, Outdoor Amphitheatre, Pedal Boat and Canoe Rentals (worth it) and a wonderful 4.3 mile walk, bike or run trail. Check out the gators in the lake!
99 locals raden deze aan
Greenfield Park
1739 Burnett Blvd(1739 Burnett Blvd)
Tennis, Skate Park, Outdoor Amphitheatre, Pedal Boat and Canoe Rentals (worth it) and a wonderful 4.3 mile walk, bike or run trail. Check out the gators in the lake!
Locals Beach. Down to earth, a bit grubbier, the water is not as clear (sediment from the river’s mouth) but the people are remarkably friendly. Less than 25 min drive.
267 locals raden deze aan
Carolina Beach
Locals Beach. Down to earth, a bit grubbier, the water is not as clear (sediment from the river’s mouth) but the people are remarkably friendly. Less than 25 min drive.
Wrightsville Beach: Bluer water, hipper, more upscale, nice pier, lifeguards, harder to park, people can be a little more snooty. Less than 25 min drive.
408 locals raden deze aan
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway DrWrightsville Beach: Bluer water, hipper, more upscale, nice pier, lifeguards, harder to park, people can be a little more snooty. Less than 25 min drive.
Head up to Orton Pond and see the Gators! So this is a lake that is not a tourist place. It’s a nature preserve and you’ll wonder why I recommended it. If you go to Southport, you can cut the drive by stopping at the lake and seeing the Gators. There’s one with 3 legs called Tripod. He’s big now but we knew him as a baby. There’s also one that is about 16 feet long. Just a cool stop and a chance to see gators!
Orton Pond
Head up to Orton Pond and see the Gators! So this is a lake that is not a tourist place. It’s a nature preserve and you’ll wonder why I recommended it. If you go to Southport, you can cut the drive by stopping at the lake and seeing the Gators. There’s one with 3 legs called Tripod. He’s big now but we knew him as a baby. There’s also one that is about 16 feet long. Just a cool stop and a chance to see gators!
Entertainment
(6431 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28405)
Kids love the trampoline park. Like most, they have morning hours for youngsters that are cheaper and lights at night for the older kids.
39 locals raden deze aan
DefyGravity Wilmington Trampoline Park
6431 Market St(6431 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28405)
Kids love the trampoline park. Like most, they have morning hours for youngsters that are cheaper and lights at night for the older kids.
(830 Inspiration Dr. Wilmington, NC 28405)
Kind of out by Wrightsville beach and near the shopping of Mayfaire. This is the newest trampoline park and maybe bigger than Defy Gravity. Our kids like them both. Not too expensive and will wear the littles ones out!
27 locals raden deze aan
Flip N Fly - Wilmington Trampoline Park
830 Inspiration Dr(830 Inspiration Dr. Wilmington, NC 28405)
Kind of out by Wrightsville beach and near the shopping of Mayfaire. This is the newest trampoline park and maybe bigger than Defy Gravity. Our kids like them both. Not too expensive and will wear the littles ones out!
Check online or stop at the information center on the Riverwalk. The ghost walk is pretty famous and many feel it’s hauntingly true. Attend at your own risk.
34 locals raden deze aan
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
8 Market StCheck online or stop at the information center on the Riverwalk. The ghost walk is pretty famous and many feel it’s hauntingly true. Attend at your own risk.
(900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, NC 28449)
Nice aquarium with indoor and outdoor exhibits. A petting pool and lots of cool classes for the kids. A great half day trip that can be combined with the Southport Ferry or a trip to Carolina or Kure Beach for a great day out.
550 locals raden deze aan
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead Rd(900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, NC 28449)
Nice aquarium with indoor and outdoor exhibits. A petting pool and lots of cool classes for the kids. A great half day trip that can be combined with the Southport Ferry or a trip to Carolina or Kure Beach for a great day out.
(310 Chestnut St.)
Wilmington's famous old theatre. Check early and go see a show!
101 locals raden deze aan
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St(310 Chestnut St.)
Wilmington's famous old theatre. Check early and go see a show!
(106 N. 2nd Street) Andrea Arth, our realtor and friend took us on the trolley pub in 2020. It’s basically a bar you use to get from bar to bar. If you have 6 people that want to party down, this thing is more affordable to rent for the night than you think.
37 locals raden deze aan
Wilmington Trolley
15 S Water St(106 N. 2nd Street) Andrea Arth, our realtor and friend took us on the trolley pub in 2020. It’s basically a bar you use to get from bar to bar. If you have 6 people that want to party down, this thing is more affordable to rent for the night than you think.
(505 Nutt Street Downtown)
Really quaint and cool Museum that is surprisingly fun. I took my Nephew there when he was 6 and he was blown away. There is a model train in the back that kids can operate.
48 locals raden deze aan
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt St(505 Nutt Street Downtown)
Really quaint and cool Museum that is surprisingly fun. I took my Nephew there when he was 6 and he was blown away. There is a model train in the back that kids can operate.
If you have a 4x4 you can take it out on the beach at the North End of Carolina Beach. Check out their Camp spots too!
97 locals raden deze aan
Freeman Park
1800 Canal DrIf you have a 4x4 you can take it out on the beach at the North End of Carolina Beach. Check out their Camp spots too!
127 South College Rd. #1
Lots of bowling and the biggest Billiards Hall I’ve seen around. Big place.
9 locals raden deze aan
10 Pin Alley
127 S College Rd 127 South College Rd. #1
Lots of bowling and the biggest Billiards Hall I’ve seen around. Big place.
(201 Water Street)
We used to live next door to this place. It’s pretty cool and not too expensive. As of this writing it is $3.00 to enter… if you dare.
21 locals raden deze aan
Museum of the Bizarre
201 S Water St(201 Water Street)
We used to live next door to this place. It’s pretty cool and not too expensive. As of this writing it is $3.00 to enter… if you dare.
Walkable Downtown Eats
(10 Market St.)
Best mixed, classy drinks in wilmington. Go up to the sofa bar!
61 locals raden deze aan
Caprice bistro
10 Market St(10 Market St.)
Best mixed, classy drinks in wilmington. Go up to the sofa bar!
(116 Market St.)
Local and tourist favorite Breakfast right downtown.
51 locals raden deze aan
The Dixie Grill
116 Market St(116 Market St.)
Local and tourist favorite Breakfast right downtown.
122 Market Street -Downtown
Sandwiches, Burgers (beyond burgers too) and Appetizers. (vegan options)
91 locals raden deze aan
The Fork 'N' Cork
122 Market St122 Market Street -Downtown
Sandwiches, Burgers (beyond burgers too) and Appetizers. (vegan options)
125 Market St.
Wilmington chain. Pizza by the slice or whole pies. They now have Vegan Cheese!
46 locals raden deze aan
Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub Downtown
125 Market St 125 Market St.
Wilmington chain. Pizza by the slice or whole pies. They now have Vegan Cheese!
9 N. Front St. -Downtown
Solid Bar Food Classics and the largest Bourbon selection in NC! (Vegan Options)
122 locals raden deze aan
Front Street Brewery
9 N Front St9 N. Front St. -Downtown
Solid Bar Food Classics and the largest Bourbon selection in NC! (Vegan Options)
118 Princess St. -Downtown
Used years ago in the filming of Dawson’s Creek, now a Restaurant. $2 tacos on Tues. (lots of greasy vegan options)
23 locals raden deze aan
Hell's Kitchen
118 Princess St118 Princess St. -Downtown
Used years ago in the filming of Dawson’s Creek, now a Restaurant. $2 tacos on Tues. (lots of greasy vegan options)
124 Princess -Downtown
Drinks and grilled cheese. Wow. (great Vegan Sandwiches)
16 locals raden deze aan
Crust Kitchen and Cocktails
124 Princess St124 Princess -Downtown
Drinks and grilled cheese. Wow. (great Vegan Sandwiches)
8 North Front -Downtown
Tapas. Good food, more upscale than most (Vegan Options -Ask for the vegan plate (not on the menu)
79 locals raden deze aan
Circa 1922
8 N Front St8 North Front -Downtown
Tapas. Good food, more upscale than most (Vegan Options -Ask for the vegan plate (not on the menu)
123 Princess St. -Downtown
Seasonal, New American fare in posh, romantic environment, plus craft cocktails and extensive wine list.
96 locals raden deze aan
Manna
123 Princess St123 Princess St. -Downtown
Seasonal, New American fare in posh, romantic environment, plus craft cocktails and extensive wine list.
Sushi and pan-asian cuisine plus happy hour specials. Cool vibe. Second and third floor restaurants share two menus. Kinda cool (Vegan Options)
84 locals raden deze aan
Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge
33 S Front StSushi and pan-asian cuisine plus happy hour specials. Cool vibe. Second and third floor restaurants share two menus. Kinda cool (Vegan Options)
120 S. Front.-Downtown
Chinese takeout. (Vegans ask for Salt and Pepper Tofu not on the menu)
Peking Gourmet
120a S Front St120 S. Front.-Downtown
Chinese takeout. (Vegans ask for Salt and Pepper Tofu not on the menu)
Midtown/ Greater Wilmington Eats & Drinks
4002 Oleander Dr.
#1 Burritos and Salsa on the Planet. Their slogan is… “Hot Fast Cheap and Easy” $1 tacos on Tuesday. Why are you still reading this? You should be on your way there now! (vegan options)
79 locals raden deze aan
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn WILMINGTON LOCATION
4002 Oleander Dr4002 Oleander Dr.
#1 Burritos and Salsa on the Planet. Their slogan is… “Hot Fast Cheap and Easy” $1 tacos on Tuesday. Why are you still reading this? You should be on your way there now! (vegan options)
7 Wayne Dr.
Best Thai Food in Town. Go. (Vegans, there are lots of options, order the Yellow Curry off the menu not the Vegetarian curry then tell them to make it vegan. So good)
186 locals raden deze aan
Indochine Restaurant
7 Wayne Dr7 Wayne Dr.
Best Thai Food in Town. Go. (Vegans, there are lots of options, order the Yellow Curry off the menu not the Vegetarian curry then tell them to make it vegan. So good)
421 Castle St.
Relaxed eatery in a converted drugstore, featuring seasonal, daily changing menus with local sourcing. I feel like I spend a little too much here but the food is tasty.
74 locals raden deze aan
Rx Restaurant and Bar
421 Castle St 421 Castle St.
Relaxed eatery in a converted drugstore, featuring seasonal, daily changing menus with local sourcing. I feel like I spend a little too much here but the food is tasty.
607 Castle St.
Daytime Cafe offers breakfast, Sandwiches & other light fare in a comfy hip space.
45 locals raden deze aan
Jester's Café
607 Castle St607 Castle St.
Daytime Cafe offers breakfast, Sandwiches & other light fare in a comfy hip space.
4403 Wrightsville Ave.
Better and more upscale Chinese food. Not authentic, but good solid eats, not a chinese takeout but they have takeout. (Vegan Options)
15 locals raden deze aan
Chinese Double Happiness Restaurant
4403 Wrightsville Ave4403 Wrightsville Ave.
Better and more upscale Chinese food. Not authentic, but good solid eats, not a chinese takeout but they have takeout. (Vegan Options)
6828 Market St.
Vegan Buffet on Wednesday. Tell them Curt and Ada sent you!
Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine
6828 Market St6828 Market St.
Vegan Buffet on Wednesday. Tell them Curt and Ada sent you!
6132 Carolina Beach Rd.
If you're looking for a fried seafood feast, this is the spot.
41 locals raden deze aan
Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant
6132 Carolina Beach Rd6132 Carolina Beach Rd.
If you're looking for a fried seafood feast, this is the spot.
4 Lumina Ave. -- Wrightsville Beach
Free parking out back. Fish Tacos & more in a cool space right on the beach. (good Vegan options, vegetabowl is delish)
119 locals raden deze aan
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
4 N Lumina Ave4 Lumina Ave. -- Wrightsville Beach
Free parking out back. Fish Tacos & more in a cool space right on the beach. (good Vegan options, vegetabowl is delish)
120 Greenfield St
Wilmingtonians love this place. We pack it out. It’s pretty cool. They redid the outside. And now have cornhole, outside movies and goodness. The live music here is often really good and the little taco place attached, which used to be a food truck parked outside, is remarkably good.
(vegan options)
126 locals raden deze aan
Satellite Bar and Lounge
120 Greenfield St120 Greenfield St
Wilmingtonians love this place. We pack it out. It’s pretty cool. They redid the outside. And now have cornhole, outside movies and goodness. The live music here is often really good and the little taco place attached, which used to be a food truck parked outside, is remarkably good.
(vegan options)
(1310 S 5th St.)
Home of the Cape Fear Blues Society, Hosts a Blues Jam on Tuesday night, bring your Axe. 8-10pm.
7 locals raden deze aan
Rusty Nail
1310 S 5th Ave(1310 S 5th St.)
Home of the Cape Fear Blues Society, Hosts a Blues Jam on Tuesday night, bring your Axe. 8-10pm.
(1310 S 5th St.)
Home of the Cape Fear Blues Society, Hosts a Blues Jam on Tuesday night, bring your Axe. 8-10pm.
7 locals raden deze aan
Rusty Nail
1310 S 5th Ave(1310 S 5th St.)
Home of the Cape Fear Blues Society, Hosts a Blues Jam on Tuesday night, bring your Axe. 8-10pm.
(2101 Market St. unit 7 Wilmington, NC 28403)
Cool local pub which hosts a Jazz Jam by Wilmington’s famous saxophonist, Benny Hill. Lots of Wilmington's best musicians go and the house band is an all-star lineup. Bring your horn and call a tune. Jazz jam Sunday at 7:30pm
Burnt Mill Creek
(2101 Market St. unit 7 Wilmington, NC 28403)
Cool local pub which hosts a Jazz Jam by Wilmington’s famous saxophonist, Benny Hill. Lots of Wilmington's best musicians go and the house band is an all-star lineup. Bring your horn and call a tune. Jazz jam Sunday at 7:30pm
1423 S 3rd
Very local. Go sit, do relaxing pub things. Irish bar food. A block from Satellite so you could go to both.
16 locals raden deze aan
The Harp
1423 S 3rd St 1423 S 3rd
Very local. Go sit, do relaxing pub things. Irish bar food. A block from Satellite so you could go to both.
Carolina Beach Eats
1211 S. Lake Park Blvd.
Dine on the pier over the ocean! They have live music occasionally. Check out their online calendar.
164 locals raden deze aan
Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
1211 S Lake Park Blvd1211 S. Lake Park Blvd.
Dine on the pier over the ocean! They have live music occasionally. Check out their online calendar.
1140-A N. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Another Flaming Amys. This one gives chips at the table.
48 locals raden deze aan
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn *CB LOCATION*
1140-A N Lake Park Blvd 1140-A N. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Another Flaming Amys. This one gives chips at the table.
Nikki's Gourmet & Sushi
6 S Lake Park Blvd6 S Lake Park Blvd
Sushi at the beach. Vegan options
11 Carolina Beach Ave N
A real institution since 1939. Grab some fresh donuts (Cash only) and enjoy them on the boardwalk.
277 locals raden deze aan
Britts Donuts
13 Carolina Beach Ave N11 Carolina Beach Ave N
A real institution since 1939. Grab some fresh donuts (Cash only) and enjoy them on the boardwalk.
Downtown Drinks
7 North Front
Irish Pub that we love. Not sure why everyone likes this little dive, but so do we.
11 locals raden deze aan
Slainte Irish Pub
7 N Front St 7 North Front
Irish Pub that we love. Not sure why everyone likes this little dive, but so do we.
133 N Front St.
Oldest Pool Hall in the USA! Mon-Tues-Wed free pool, ping pong and skeeball. Yeah free!
6 locals raden deze aan
Orton's Billiards & Pool
133 N Front St 133 N Front St.
Oldest Pool Hall in the USA! Mon-Tues-Wed free pool, ping pong and skeeball. Yeah free!
114 Dock
Relaxed Dive Bar with occasional small band live music. Diviest bar on this list. Meet people outside and chill.
21 locals raden deze aan
Duck & Dive Pub
114 Dock St 114 Dock
Relaxed Dive Bar with occasional small band live music. Diviest bar on this list. Meet people outside and chill.
21 N. enter in the alley
Great place if you love good mixed drinks, mules etc.. This place is becoming my fav. Great Bourbon selection.
49 locals raden deze aan
Blind Elephant
21 N Front St 21 N. enter in the alley
Great place if you love good mixed drinks, mules etc.. This place is becoming my fav. Great Bourbon selection.
Ibiza Nightclub
118 Market St 118 Market St
An LGBT Dance club.
(9 N. Front)
Largest selection of Bourbon in NC. Sometimes I think their pours are a little stingy. Not cool.
122 locals raden deze aan
Front Street Brewery
9 N Front St (9 N. Front)
Largest selection of Bourbon in NC. Sometimes I think their pours are a little stingy. Not cool.
116 S. Front
The oldest bar open in Wilmington. It’s a very close second to Duck n’ Dive for Diviest Bar. You’ll often find the owner of this place drinking at Slainte. Downtown Locals place.
16 locals raden deze aan
Barbary Coast
116 S Front St116 S. Front
The oldest bar open in Wilmington. It’s a very close second to Duck n’ Dive for Diviest Bar. You’ll often find the owner of this place drinking at Slainte. Downtown Locals place.
9 Estell Lee Pl.
Near PPD on the river walk. The rooftop bar has amazing views. We never had the food. The bar has closed early every time I’ve been and it’s a walk to get there…. Next time, we’re going early for a drink before dinner and views.
58 locals raden deze aan
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar
9 Estell Lee Pl9 Estell Lee Pl.
Near PPD on the river walk. The rooftop bar has amazing views. We never had the food. The bar has closed early every time I’ve been and it’s a walk to get there…. Next time, we’re going early for a drink before dinner and views.
Grocery Stores
26 S. 2nd street
The Village Market is a great little local market on 2nd street Downtown that has the Good wine, water, snacks, ice, etc that you need.
8 locals raden deze aan
Village Market Grocery
26 S 2nd St26 S. 2nd street
The Village Market is a great little local market on 2nd street Downtown that has the Good wine, water, snacks, ice, etc that you need.
(27 N. Front)
Great store with a natural flare. You’ll get what you need downtown from this store.
(lots of vegan foods)
Gourmet Market
27 N Front St(27 N. Front)
Great store with a natural flare. You’ll get what you need downtown from this store.
(lots of vegan foods)
Whole Foods Market
3804 Oleander Dr 3804 Oleander Dr
We have one Whole Foods in Wilmy
2432 S. 17th Street
There are a few Food Lions. This one is bigger and the cleanest.
99 locals raden deze aan
Food Lion
6400-1 Carolina Beach Rd2432 S. 17th Street
There are a few Food Lions. This one is bigger and the cleanest.
(3501 Oleander Drive)
There are lots of HT’s in Wilmy. This one, across from the mall, is well located, big and clean. It’s also near the mall and Flaming Amy’s so go have a Burrito when you’re done shopping.
123 locals raden deze aan
Harris Teeter
3501 Oleander Dr(3501 Oleander Drive)
There are lots of HT’s in Wilmy. This one, across from the mall, is well located, big and clean. It’s also near the mall and Flaming Amy’s so go have a Burrito when you’re done shopping.
Publix Super Market at Pine Valley
716 Bragg Dr(716 Bragg Dr.)
We finally got a Publix.
(1060 International Drive,)
Out by Wrightsville Beach in a cool shopping place called “Mayfaire.”
14 locals raden deze aan
The Fresh Market
1060 International Dr(1060 International Drive,)
Out by Wrightsville Beach in a cool shopping place called “Mayfaire.”
(1437 South College Road)
Getting into the parking lot can be a trick...
53 locals raden deze aan
Trader Joe's
1437 S College Rd (1437 South College Road)
Getting into the parking lot can be a trick...
(341 South College)
There are a few in Wilmy, they are all ok.
13 locals raden deze aan
Lowes Foods on College Road
341 S College Rd(341 South College)
There are a few in Wilmy, they are all ok.