DAY TRIP #1: Wilmington, North Carolina
Restaurant List | http://www.tastecarolina.net/wilmington/
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Trip Advisor | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g49673-Wilmington_North_Carolina.html
Dock Street Oyster Bar, Wilmington | http://dockstreetoysterbar.net/
Downtown Farmer’s Market | Saturdays, April 15th - November 18th | 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmers-market
Airlie Gardens | 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403 | http://airliegardens.org/
Dock Street Oyster Bar, Wilmington | http://dockstreetoysterbar.net/
Downtown Farmer’s Market | Saturdays, April 15th - November 18th | 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmers-market
Airlie Gardens | 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403 | http://airliegardens.org/
Shop: Home decor in Wilmington, N.C.
Hope S. Philbrick, for the Atlanta Journal- Constitution
From the historic district to the Cape Fear River to three island beaches, Wilmington (wilmingtonandbeaches.com) is North Carolina’s most accessible coastal destination. As expected, surf gear and coastal treasures are available, but the state is known for its furniture shopping and, perhaps surprisingly, Wilmington is no exception.
The Cotton Exchange (shopcottonexchange.com, @cottonexchange), located in the historic downtown district at the corner of Front and Grace streets, is comprised of eight 19th-century buildings that now house over 30 specialty shops and restaurants.
The Golden Gallery (311 N. Front St., Wilmington. 910-762-4651, thegoldengallery.com) features the paintings, photography and music of its artist owners.
Fidler’s Gallery, Wrigley’s Clocks (304 Nutt St., Wilmington. 910-762-2001, fidlersgallery.com) has a large inventory of home furnishings including frames, clocks, figurines, lamps and sculptures.
Downtown beyond the historic district, the Ivy Cottage (3020, 3030 and 3100 Market St., Wilmington. 910-815-0907, www.threecottages.com) is the largest furniture consignment store in the Southeast. It fills three cottages, a courtyard and a warehouse with its gigantic inventory of high-quality antique, vintage, modern furniture and home decor items; from midcentury modern to shabby chic, an array of styles is represented.
The Cape Fear Antique Center (1606 Market St., Wilmington. 910-763-1837, capefearantiquecenter.com) is shared by three dealers specializing in a mix of American, English, French and Belgian furniture, from armoires to dining tables plus porcelain and china, estate jewelry and oil paintings.
Hope S. Philbrick, for the Atlanta Journal- Constitution
From the historic district to the Cape Fear River to three island beaches, Wilmington (wilmingtonandbeaches.com) is North Carolina’s most accessible coastal destination. As expected, surf gear and coastal treasures are available, but the state is known for its furniture shopping and, perhaps surprisingly, Wilmington is no exception.
The Cotton Exchange (shopcottonexchange.com, @cottonexchange), located in the historic downtown district at the corner of Front and Grace streets, is comprised of eight 19th-century buildings that now house over 30 specialty shops and restaurants.
The Golden Gallery (311 N. Front St., Wilmington. 910-762-4651, thegoldengallery.com) features the paintings, photography and music of its artist owners.
Fidler’s Gallery, Wrigley’s Clocks (304 Nutt St., Wilmington. 910-762-2001, fidlersgallery.com) has a large inventory of home furnishings including frames, clocks, figurines, lamps and sculptures.
Downtown beyond the historic district, the Ivy Cottage (3020, 3030 and 3100 Market St., Wilmington. 910-815-0907, www.threecottages.com) is the largest furniture consignment store in the Southeast. It fills three cottages, a courtyard and a warehouse with its gigantic inventory of high-quality antique, vintage, modern furniture and home decor items; from midcentury modern to shabby chic, an array of styles is represented.
The Cape Fear Antique Center (1606 Market St., Wilmington. 910-763-1837, capefearantiquecenter.com) is shared by three dealers specializing in a mix of American, English, French and Belgian furniture, from armoires to dining tables plus porcelain and china, estate jewelry and oil paintings.
DAY TRIP #2: Southport, North Carolina
Wilmington, NC to Southport, NC via Fort Fisher Ferry
“Another unique, and incredibly scenic, drive is from Wilmington to Southport by ferry. The ferry leaves from the very tip of Fort Fisher regularly throughout the day with the first departure at 6:15 am. Vehicles are $5 each way. Once the ferry departs, passengers are free to exit their vehicles and sit up in the enclosed cabin or out on one of the balconies to enjoy the beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. Southport is a wonderful town to explore, featuring many antique shops, historic sites and seafood restaurants, most notably Fishy Fishy. From Southport, you can also park at the ferry terminal and take a different ferry over to Bald Head Island, an upscale resort community that has beautiful unspoiled beaches as well as posh shopping, lodging, and dining. Cars are not allowed on the island, so all transportation once off the ferry is by foot, bicycle or golf cart.”
Ferry Schedule
http://www.ncdot.org/ferry/
https://www.ncdot.gov/download/transit/ferry/ferryschedule.pdf
Fishy Fishy
http://www.fishyfishycafe.com/
“Another unique, and incredibly scenic, drive is from Wilmington to Southport by ferry. The ferry leaves from the very tip of Fort Fisher regularly throughout the day with the first departure at 6:15 am. Vehicles are $5 each way. Once the ferry departs, passengers are free to exit their vehicles and sit up in the enclosed cabin or out on one of the balconies to enjoy the beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. Southport is a wonderful town to explore, featuring many antique shops, historic sites and seafood restaurants, most notably Fishy Fishy. From Southport, you can also park at the ferry terminal and take a different ferry over to Bald Head Island, an upscale resort community that has beautiful unspoiled beaches as well as posh shopping, lodging, and dining. Cars are not allowed on the island, so all transportation once off the ferry is by foot, bicycle or golf cart.”
Ferry Schedule
http://www.ncdot.org/ferry/
https://www.ncdot.gov/download/transit/ferry/ferryschedule.pdf
Fishy Fishy
http://www.fishyfishycafe.com/
DAY TRIP #3: Bald Head Island
https://www.baldheadisland.com/
Via Highway 17, Southport is 30 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. and 60 miles north of Myrtle Beach, S.C. From points west, Interstate 40 and Highway 74/76 link the region directly with I-95.
Bald Head Island's main land ferry terminal at Deep Point Marina is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC, just before the state-operated Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Landing. Entering Southport on Route 211 South (Howe Street), take a left on East Moore Street and then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about a half mile and then turn right into the entrance to Deep Point Marina, following the signs to the ferry terminal.
Bald Head Island Ferry
https://www.baldheadisland.com/island/ferry
Via Highway 17, Southport is 30 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. and 60 miles north of Myrtle Beach, S.C. From points west, Interstate 40 and Highway 74/76 link the region directly with I-95.
Bald Head Island's main land ferry terminal at Deep Point Marina is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC, just before the state-operated Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Landing. Entering Southport on Route 211 South (Howe Street), take a left on East Moore Street and then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about a half mile and then turn right into the entrance to Deep Point Marina, following the signs to the ferry terminal.
Bald Head Island Ferry
https://www.baldheadisland.com/island/ferry
Wilmington, NC BBQ Joints
Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue
Nestled on Kerr Avenue (pronounced “car” for non-locals) between Wrightsville Avenue and Wilshire Blvd., Jackson Big Oak Barbecue is a blast from the past. You can see the history of Jackson's on the wall just inside the entrance. Athletes, stars of the big and little screen, politicians and other celebrities (and some downright friendly neighbors) grace the wall of fame with thanks, kudos, artwork and even poetry. Jackson's barbecued pork is slowly cooked every night to be fresh for the next day. They use a balance of mild seasonings and a traditional vinegar base to give the authentic, and pleasing flavor to pork barbecue that is peculiar to Eastern North Carolina.
The dining room is bright and family-friendly, but casual in the way that highly varnished plain plywood tables will be. You can eat in, take it home or take it around back to a picnic table under the namesake big oak, a marvel in itself.
Jackson’s has been named “Best Barbecue” in Wilmington nearly every year of the last decade. 920 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, 910-799-1581.
Mission BBQ
The first MISSION BBQ opened its doors for business on September 11, 2011. Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way they wanted to change it back.
The Founders put it this way: “We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ, and nobody's more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.”
“Every day we strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made our country great, given to us by the people who earned them.”
Backing that food mission up, none of the locations has freezers or microwaves. The barbecue is seasoned simply and smoked, leaving it to the patrons to sauce it up (if they even need to).
Each location opens with photos that are selected by the founders, but as they receive donated memorabilia, they replace some of these images with the donated items. If you look around the walls, you will see pictures and mementoes of local heroes. Brian Hart, General Manager at the Wilmington location, can tell you where every single patch and picture is in the restaurant, and what the story is behind it.
If you’ve seen the big, black stakebed trucks out front, they’re for more than decoration. They are referred to as "BAMBAMs", a military-esque acronym for "Big And Mobile Barbecue Assault Machines." They are re-purposed, authentic 2.5 ton military vehicles with fully functional smokers―each location has one. They’re normally used for catering transport/appearances, but prior to opening the Wilmington location on April 7, 2014, they were cooking solely on the truck to provide hot, fresh meals to the local fire, police, military, and first responders.
This simple statement sums it up for the MISSION BBQ Team: “We don't do any of this because we have to. It's because we want to.” 351 S. College Rd., Wilmington, 910-338-2858, mission-bbq.com.
Surf City Barbeque
Surf City Barbeque is owned and operated by husband and wife team Guy and Rebecca Royal. Their stated goal is to provide traditional, Eastern North Carolina whole hog, vinegar-based barbecue in a down home, family-friendly environment.
Measured against that standard, they have nailed the idea. The place isn’t big, but it is homey, with rustic décor inside and a good amount of extra seating outside for extra-sandy beachgoers. It is the kind of place you might stop by for good directions, or a fishing report, or just to hang out.
Their signature item is a POBO (not po’ boy), which is a pork barbecue sandwich made with two pieces of fried cornbread in lieu of a bun. In addition to the classic pork ‘cue, they also serve applewood-smoked chicken with a homemade honey barbecue sauce.
Like other traditional barbecue joints, they cater as well, from a simple drop off to a fully staffed pig picking with all the trimmings. “Everything from shin-digs to soirees”, as they like to say. 204A N. New River Dr., Surf City, 910-328-4227, surfcitybbq.com.
Charlie Grainger’s
They’re known for their hot dogs, but the slow-cooked, tender beef brisket they stuff in a bun is pretty incredible. 702 S. 17th St., Wilmington, 910-769-3720.
Nestled on Kerr Avenue (pronounced “car” for non-locals) between Wrightsville Avenue and Wilshire Blvd., Jackson Big Oak Barbecue is a blast from the past. You can see the history of Jackson's on the wall just inside the entrance. Athletes, stars of the big and little screen, politicians and other celebrities (and some downright friendly neighbors) grace the wall of fame with thanks, kudos, artwork and even poetry. Jackson's barbecued pork is slowly cooked every night to be fresh for the next day. They use a balance of mild seasonings and a traditional vinegar base to give the authentic, and pleasing flavor to pork barbecue that is peculiar to Eastern North Carolina.
The dining room is bright and family-friendly, but casual in the way that highly varnished plain plywood tables will be. You can eat in, take it home or take it around back to a picnic table under the namesake big oak, a marvel in itself.
Jackson’s has been named “Best Barbecue” in Wilmington nearly every year of the last decade. 920 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, 910-799-1581.
Mission BBQ
The first MISSION BBQ opened its doors for business on September 11, 2011. Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way they wanted to change it back.
The Founders put it this way: “We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ, and nobody's more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.”
“Every day we strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made our country great, given to us by the people who earned them.”
Backing that food mission up, none of the locations has freezers or microwaves. The barbecue is seasoned simply and smoked, leaving it to the patrons to sauce it up (if they even need to).
Each location opens with photos that are selected by the founders, but as they receive donated memorabilia, they replace some of these images with the donated items. If you look around the walls, you will see pictures and mementoes of local heroes. Brian Hart, General Manager at the Wilmington location, can tell you where every single patch and picture is in the restaurant, and what the story is behind it.
If you’ve seen the big, black stakebed trucks out front, they’re for more than decoration. They are referred to as "BAMBAMs", a military-esque acronym for "Big And Mobile Barbecue Assault Machines." They are re-purposed, authentic 2.5 ton military vehicles with fully functional smokers―each location has one. They’re normally used for catering transport/appearances, but prior to opening the Wilmington location on April 7, 2014, they were cooking solely on the truck to provide hot, fresh meals to the local fire, police, military, and first responders.
This simple statement sums it up for the MISSION BBQ Team: “We don't do any of this because we have to. It's because we want to.” 351 S. College Rd., Wilmington, 910-338-2858, mission-bbq.com.
Surf City Barbeque
Surf City Barbeque is owned and operated by husband and wife team Guy and Rebecca Royal. Their stated goal is to provide traditional, Eastern North Carolina whole hog, vinegar-based barbecue in a down home, family-friendly environment.
Measured against that standard, they have nailed the idea. The place isn’t big, but it is homey, with rustic décor inside and a good amount of extra seating outside for extra-sandy beachgoers. It is the kind of place you might stop by for good directions, or a fishing report, or just to hang out.
Their signature item is a POBO (not po’ boy), which is a pork barbecue sandwich made with two pieces of fried cornbread in lieu of a bun. In addition to the classic pork ‘cue, they also serve applewood-smoked chicken with a homemade honey barbecue sauce.
Like other traditional barbecue joints, they cater as well, from a simple drop off to a fully staffed pig picking with all the trimmings. “Everything from shin-digs to soirees”, as they like to say. 204A N. New River Dr., Surf City, 910-328-4227, surfcitybbq.com.
Charlie Grainger’s
They’re known for their hot dogs, but the slow-cooked, tender beef brisket they stuff in a bun is pretty incredible. 702 S. 17th St., Wilmington, 910-769-3720.