Things To Do

Breakfast

Cast Iron Kitchen

BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATION: Cast Iron Kitchen – Southern comfort brunch (biscuits, fried chicken, creative twists). $$ – Reservations recommended weekends. Also featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives📍 North Wilmington (Market St., about 15 min from downtown)

Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Downtown

BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATION: Drift Coffee & Kitchen – Trendy café with coffee, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast. (lots of healthier options) $–$$ – No reservations needed. 📍 Multiple locations (closest are Downtown Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach)

Dixie Grill

BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATION: Classic retro diner serving hearty Southern breakfasts, pancakes, biscuits & comfort food since 1906. $ – Walk-in friendly, expect a line on weekends. Used for filming location of One tree hill in many scenes and seasons!

Lunch/Dinner

The Copper Penny

Copper Penny – Pub-style comfort food, famous pork sandwich & wings. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. $–$$ – Walk-in friendly. 📍 Downtown Wilmington

Benny's Big Time Pizzeria

Rustic Italian by celebrity chef Vivian Howard (seen in The Summer I Turned Pretty). $–$$ Reservations recommended for dinner but also great for lunch. Famous Neapolitan-style pizza. 📍 Downtown Wilmington (South Front St.)

Hell's Kitchen

A cozy, beloved downtown pub known for comforting food, local seafood, and a stellar lineup of craft beer. But this isn’t just any eatery—it’s a true star in Wilmington’s Wilmywood scene. Originally crafted as a set for Dawson’s Creek (season 6), where it portrayed Joey’s bar, the owners transformed the set into the real-life Hell’s Kitchen after the show wrapped. Since then, it’s appeared in other shows including One Tree Hill, Florida Man, Electric Love, and The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 2), where production even repositioned and redesigned it into a lounge space. With its inviting vibe and downtown location, Hell’s Kitchen is perfect for any meal—be it lunch, dinner, or evening drinks—and a must-visit destination for fans of film and TV alike.

Indochine Restaurant

Wilmington’s most beloved Thai & Vietnamese with a tropical garden patio. $$–$$$ – Reservations strongly recommended. 📍 Near Wrightsville Beach (Market St.)

The Fork 'N' Cork

Fork ’N’ Cork – Creative burgers, fried chicken, and bar food (also on Triple D). $–$$ – Small space, expect a wait at peak times. 📍 Downtown Wilmington

Elijah's Oyster & Fish Camp

Elijah’s – Seafood & steaks with river views. Appeared as “Pacey’s Restaurant” in the Dawson’s Creek finale. $$ – Reservations recommended for dinner. 📍 Downtown Wilmington, on the Riverwalk

Front Street Brewery

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Front Street Brewery is the city’s oldest brewery and a local landmark. Known for its award-winning craft beers brewed on site and Southern-inspired comfort food, it’s a great spot for a relaxed meal. With most menu items in the $–$$ range, it’s an easy and affordable choice whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or just drinks while exploring the Riverwalk. Beer lovers will especially enjoy their 30+ rotating taps, featuring a mix of house favorites and seasonal specialties.

CheeseSmith

CheeseSmith – Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, perfect for lunch. $ – Walk-in only. 📍 Downtown Wilmington in the Cargo District (S. 16th St. location near Greenfield Lake)

Seabird

Upscale seafood with oysters, grouper, and seasonal dishes. $$$ - Reservations required for dinner located right in downtown Wilmington.

Coffee

Bespoke

COFFEE SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS: (Downtown) – Sleek and modern with a minimalist vibe, perfect for grabbing a latte before strolling the Riverwalk. Fun fact: it was featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty! Walk-in only.

Hidden Grounds Coffee

COFFEE SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS: A tucked-away café with cozy indoor seating and a peaceful garden patio. Ideal for guests wanting a quiet spot to recharge in between wedding events. Walk-in only. Sometimes there is a line out the door but it moves quickly and the upstairs patio is worth an amazing cup of coffee! (It's a cute dinosaur themed coffee shop located right in downtown.)

Maroon Monkey Coffee

COFFEE SHOP RECOMMENDATION: (Downtown, near the riverfront) – Relaxed and friendly, with great cold brew, smoothies, and light bites. A convenient stop before exploring historic downtown or the Riverwalk. Walk-in only.

Concorde Espresso Bar

A stylish, aviation-inspired café in downtown Wilmington serving craft coffee, lattes, and light bites in a sleek modern space. It serves as a coffee bar in the daytime and then at night, the outside turns into an espresso martini bar that includes smore kits brought to your table. (They even have an Espresso Martini flight!)

Things to see and do

Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina – A real WWII battleship you can climb aboard! Just across the river from downtown, it’s fun to explore and makes for awesome photos. History Meets Views – Learn a bit of Wilmington’s history while taking in skyline views from the deck. Great for Families – Kids love the ladders and hidden hallways—plan on comfy shoes for the adventure. Adults (ages 12+): approximately $14 Seniors (65+) & Active Military: around $10 Children (ages 6–11): about $6 Toddlers (5 and under): usually free

Wilmington Riverwalk

Stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk lined with cafes, shops, and galleries, then wander into the charming historic district with its boutiques and art spaces. You will also be close to this during the wedding reception!

Filming locations tour

Embark on a self‑guided tour straight from your screen! Discover iconic filming spots of One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, The Summer I Turned Pretty, A Walk to Remember, The Choice, The Longest Ride, and more throughout Wilmington. While on the tour you will see Wilmington's beautiful island beaches—from Queens Riverwalk benches to beachside piers, charming bookstores, and even the boardwalks immortalized in your favorite shows. You can click here to follow the map or join one of the fun guided walks to step into scenes you know and love. Click the link to get an idea of where to go and follow along the map. See everything filmed in this beautiful city! (Reminder, the wedding venue of Airlie Gardens is a filming location in many of these tv shows and movies. You will have access to the gardens during the wedding and following the ceremony to explore). Dockside restaurant, where the rehearsal dinner will be, is also a filming location.

Wrightsville Beach, Carolina, and Kure Beach

If you’re craving sand, surf, and ocean breezes, Wilmington has some of the best beach spots just a short drive away. Wrightsville Beach offers wide sandy shores and a laid-back vibe, perfect for lounging, paddle boarding, or taking a stroll along Johnnie Mercer’s Pier. A little further south, Carolina Beach is known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful coastline. Nearby, you’ll find Fort Fisher, a historic Civil War site with scenic trails and sweeping ocean views, as well as the Kure Beach Pier, one of the oldest fishing piers on the East Coast and a perfect spot for a breezy walk over the water. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or simply a relaxing day by the sea, Wilmington’s beaches have it all.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

A classic coastal attraction, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is lined with arcades, ice cream shops, and oceanfront views that feel straight out of summer vacation nostalgia. It’s a fun spot for families and friends to wander, play a few games, and enjoy the laid-back beach vibe. Fans of film and TV might recognize it too — the boardwalk and arcades were featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty, adding to its charm as one of Wilmington’s many filming locations. Whether you’re grabbing a funnel cake, trying your luck at the games, or just strolling by the ocean, it’s the perfect mix of playful and romantic. 🌊✨

Kilwins Ice Cream - Chocolate - Fudge

Kilwins – Beloved confectionery offering rich hand-crafted chocolates, creamy fudge, caramel-dipped treats, and homemade ice cream. A perfect stop for something sweet after exploring downtown. 🍫🍦 $ – No reservations needed. 📍 Downtown Wilmington (Front Street) This is a downtown Wilmington staple!

Cotton Exchange

Browse a historic shopping complex made up of beautifully restored 19th- and 20th-century buildings filled with eateries and boutiques—a vibrant mix of local charm and retail therapy. Right in downtown!

Airlie Gardens

A true Wilmington treasure, Airlie Gardens is a breathtaking 67-acre public garden filled with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, vibrant blooms, and peaceful walking paths. It’s so stunning, in fact, that it’s where we’ll be saying “I do.” As our guest, you’ll have the special opportunity to explore the gardens for free on our wedding day. After the ceremony, from 2:30–4:00 PM, guests are invited to wander the grounds, take in the scenery, and capture plenty of photos — it’s one of the most picturesque spots in Wilmington. Airlie has also been a favorite filming location for romantic movies and shows. Most notably, it was featured in the Nicholas Sparks film The Choice. Other productions filmed here include A Walk to Remember, One Tree Hill, and Dawson’s Creek, all of which highlight its dreamy landscapes. Whether during our wedding weekend or a future visit, Airlie is a must-see gem. 🌸

Southport

Just about 45 minutes from downtown Wilmington, the charming seaside town of Southport is worth the drive if you have extra time. This picturesque spot has been the backdrop for several movies and TV shows, including Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, Dawson’s Creek, and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Strolling through the quaint streets, you’ll find waterfront views, antique shops, and the beloved Christmas House, a year-round holiday store that has become a Southport staple. It’s the perfect little coastal escape for anyone who loves small-town charm mixed with a touch of Hollywood magic.