Discover 9 Reasons to Visit Wilmington this Winter

There is something special about visiting Wilmington in the winter. The mild temperatures and smaller crowds make it possible to wander (almost) solo along the shoreline or snag reservations at the hottest restaurants in town. Plus, historic sites, museums and other popular attractions are still open and eager to welcome visitors.

1. Horse-Drawn Trolleys

Wilmington has a storied past that has been lovingly preserved in its historic districts. Sign up for a guided walking tour of Wilmington and learn about the architecture and the residents who once lived in the impressive homes. See the historic district the old-fashioned way with horses pulling open-air trolleys through the streets. Meanwhile a costumed driver points out notable homes and offers information on the events that shaped the district and how it’s changed over time. The trolleys follow several different routes so it’s possible to take multiple tours to see various parts of the historic district.

2. Cape Fear Museum of History and Science

Wilmington is home to the oldest history museum in North Carolina. In 1898, the local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy began collecting Confederate artifacts from the Civil War and displaying them in a one-room museum. Almost 50 years ago, its mission changed to focus on the region’s history, science and cultures. Today, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science houses a collection that includes more than 50,000 historical, cultural and scientific artifacts that tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the Lower Cape Fear region.

See more: 9 Reasons to Visit Gaston County This Winter

3. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Meet the otters, bald eagles, sea turtles and eels that call the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher home. The aquarium highlights the sea life in multiple aquatic environments from streams and swamps to the ocean. The aquarium offers lots of hands-on opportunities to make connections with the animals that live beneath the surface. Watch the schedule for daily programming that includes animal encounters, feeding and dive programs.

4. World War II History

Commissioned in 1941, the USS North Carolina earned 15 battle stars during World War II. The massive battleship was retired from service and has been moored in Wilmington since 1961 where it serves as a memorial to the 10,000 North Carolinians in all branches of the armed services who gave their lives during WWII. A years-long restoration to repair the ship’s hull was recently completed, thanks in part to contributions from North Carolina Farm Bureau.

Take the bridge across the Cape Fear River to Eagles Island to tour the 728-foot vessel that functions as a floating museum with a collection of photos, documents, oral histories and memorabilia.

In 2020, Wilmington became America’s first World War II Heritage City. Check out Wilmington’s World War II Heritage Guide for information about visiting additional WWII sites in the Port City.

5. Bellamy Mansion Museum and Gardens

The Bellamy Mansion Museum and Gardens is regarded as one of the best examples of antebellum architecture in North Carolina. The 22-room palace was built in 1861 and features 14 exterior Corinthian columns, elaborate cornice moldings, white marble mantles and ornate brass chandeliers that have been restored to their original grandeur. Free and enslaved African American artisans did much of the craftwork.

See more: 3 North Carolina Historic Homes to Visit This Holiday Season

6. Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens was founded in 1901 as the estate of an affluent industrialist and remains a popular spot to admire colorful blooms. The gardens are open year round. As Christmas approaches, millions of twinkling lights turn the garden into a winter wonderland as part of the Enchanted Airlie event. The self-guided light walk takes place in the evenings from late November through December.

7. Beautiful Beaches

Wrightsville Beach has a different vibe during the winter when the crowds disappear and the beach feels like a private playground. Stroll along the 4-mile stretch of beach and search for shells as the waves crash against the shore or walk to the end of Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier to soak in the views. From the beach, follow The Loop at Wrightsville Beach, a walking trail that connects the beach to the town center.

The trails at Carolina Beach State Park also give off some serious summertime vibes, even in the winter. Explore nine different trails, including Sugarloaf Trail, a 3-mile loop that winds through an evergreen forest and tidal cypress-gum swamp to the Sugarloaf Dune.

8. Local Eats and Brews

The food scene is strong in Wilmington. Restaurants like Sweet N Savory Café,  The Basics, PinPoint and Seabird serve up Southern fare made from local ingredients that make for an unforgettable meal. After feasting on dishes like shrimp and grits, raw oysters, smoked catfish, and house-made fries, check out the local craft breweries.

Good Hops Brewing, Front Street Brewery, Waterline Brewing Company and Wilmington Brewing Company are all local favorites that pull pints of small batch brews.

See more: Hops Industry is Brewing in North Carolina

9. Holiday Shopping

Looking for something special to commemorate a winter trip to Wilmington? Check out the stores at the Cotton Exchange, a former cotton exporting firm that houses a series of unique shops connected by brick walkways and courtyards. Or visit Lumina Station, a shopping destination with items ranging from clothing and home accents to art and jewelry.

Downtown Wilmington and the River District are also chock full of locally owned shops. Stroll along Market and Front streets to find everything from vintage clothing and original art to gourmet pet treats.

 – Jodi Helmer