Riverlights: Wilmington’s Waterfront Master-Planned Community
Situated along three miles of the Cape Fear River is the 1400-acre master-planned community of Riverlights.
Wilmington
Horse-drawn carriages still click down cobblestone streets, and mossdraped oaks canopy stately old mansions along downtown’s 200 historic blocks. Yet, Wilmington has a progressive vibe that captivates tourists, entrepreneurs and even residents who have lived here all their lives. Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, Wilmington presents so many stunning vistas. To the east, the city overlooks sounds, barrier islands and the Intracoastal Waterway. The west borders the busy Cape Fear River. Downtown hosts a scenic, mile-long boardwalk, named The Riverwalk, which skirts the Cape Fear River. Tour a World War II battleship or take a scenic cruise. Bump into celebrities working with a movie studio 15 minutes from downtown. Local actors as well as internationally known musicians and actors perform at ornate theaters, worth a visit for their architecture alone. Contemplate myriad works at 20 galleries or tuck into downtown’s more than 100 distinctive shops. Refresh at some 50 delicious downtown restaurants, sweets shops, cocktail lounges and award-winning craft breweries. Downtown parking decks are centrally located and free for the first hour. Most city streets host meters, where parking is free after 6:30 p.m. Some venues have their own parking lots or neighbor public lots. A free city trolley traverses downtown, and wide sidewalks welcome pedestrians.
The German Café
The German Cafe in downtown Wilmignton, where you can celebrate all things German all year-round. Located on the ground level at the back end of The Cotton Exchange, this labyrinthine little place exudes old Germany and Bavaria, with food and beverage offerings that will transport you — at least mentally — to Deutschland.
North Carolina Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers can celebrate because the North Carolina Jazz Festival is scheduled for February 2,3 and 4 in 2023.
Weddings at Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is a dream to experience any day, but it’s an especially dreamy setting for a wedding. With its 67 acres of thriving gardens, robust oak trees, historic structures, bubbling fountains and truly unique gems of nature, it’s no wonder Airlie Gardens is the most popular outdoor wedding venue in the Cape Fear region.
Hop To It
Just be aware that there are some awesome alternatives. And one of them is a place in Wilmington called Hops Supply Co., a gastropub with great food, great beers and great cocktails to complement that fare.
Who’s Who: Bonnie Derks, Guest Services Coordinator, New Hanover County Parks & Gardens
Meet Bonnie Derks, Guest Services Coordinator, New Hanover County Parks & Gardens
Chicken Salad Chick
Having the courage to try new things isn’t always easy. For Haley Pinder and her husband, Shane, deciding to change course in life and take a leap of faith was the best decision they ever made. The couple opened Chicken Salad Chick in 2019 after relocating with their children from Virginia, a move motivated by their desire to slow down and enjoy life to its fullest.
Restaurant Refresh: The George on the Riverwalk
The George On The Riverwalk recently received a facelift, and it looks fabulous. Edson Munekata took over ownership of the restaurant in January 2022 and officially opened for business in February, after finessing the menu, the service and the interior design.
Glorious Floriana
This article by Kurt Epps (The Pub Scout) describes Wilmington’s newest attraction in Historic Downtown. Calling it “Glorious Floriana” is just the tip of the iceberg, to understand his full experience, read on and make your reservation today!
Airlie Gardens’ Signature Events
In a city like Wilmington, there is always something worthwhile to be doing, no
matter what time of year it is. That’s especially true at Airlie Gardens, the 67-acre
public garden nestled between charming, historic downtown and the bustling
beaches of Wrightsville.
Environmental Education in Airlie
Airlie Gardens is full of people eager to teach others about the remarkable nature that surrounds them.
Ruth’s Chris Makes A Move
New Location for Ruth’s Chris Steak HouseThe fine-dining establishment has moved to River Place in...
Riverlights
Nestled on the banks of the Cape Fear River, RiverLights provides convenient, wellness-centered living within 5 miles of historic downtown.
Who’s Who: Greg Westberg, General Manager of Operations and Marketing, Pour Taproom
Get to know Greg Westberg, General Manager of Operations and Marketing, Pour Taproom
Art in Airlie
Beyond the gardens and access to nature, Airlie Gardens is also known for its spectacular collection of art.
Who’s Who: Steven C. Smith Grounds Maintenance Supervisor at Airlie Gardens
Steven Smith is in charge of grounds maintenance at one of the most beautiful places in all of southeastern North Carolina – Airlie Gardens. The 67-acre public garden offers guided and self-guided tours along with a range of cultural and environmental programs. In this interview you can get to know Smith, who says he has “the best job in the world.”
Not a Bad Beer in the Bunch at Catawba Valley Brewing
I could tell you more about that, but this story is about me and my riding buddy, Harry Joe, getting to know Catawba beers a bit better at Catawba Brewing Company’s Wilmington location. And thanks to Tasting Room Manager Mary Mayo, that mission was duly accomplished.
Get Rowdy on 3 of Wilmington’s Rooftop Bars
Here are the 3 Wilmington rooftop bars you want to explore this summer!
Wilmington Named Top 10 US City
Wilmington is named among the top 10 US cities! moveBuddha’s article “101 Most Popular Large Cities People Moved To Last Year” uncovers the large cities that have been the most moved to within the last year and Wilmington landed 10th on that list.
Upcoming Concerts In Wilmington 2021 To Look Forward To
Summer 2021 is here and it brought live music with it! Check this blog out for a directory of dates, places, and performers coming to Wilmington in 2021!
7 Reasons to Hang Out in Wilmington’s South Front District
Loving where you live is easy to do if you reside here in Wilmington. It’s even easier for the residents near the new hot-spot in town – the South Front area! This section located on S. 2nd St. has it all – a pizza place, taco truck, tapas bar, wine bar, salt spa, yoga shop, you name it they got it!
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