Downtown Wilmington is a great area to explore with shops, breweries, and restaurants. It's right on the river so has a beautiful Riverwalk. Restaurant recs: Savorez, Seabird, The Copper Penny Bars: Blue Post Billiards, KGB, Satellite Activities: Wilmington Riverwalk
Wrightsville not only has a great beach but also a fun beach town! Restaurant recs: Blue Water Grill, Tower 7, Ceviche, the Bridge Tender Bars: Jerry Allens, Jimmys, Dockside, Lagerheads Shopping: Sweetwater Suft Shop, Hallelu Clothing Co, Coast Boutique Activities: window shopping in Lumina Station, Joannie Mercers Pier, hang by the beach!
Figure Eight is a private community located on the beach! It is essentially a floating neighborhood and you can only enter the island if you’re renting a house for the weekend. If you’re staying on Figure Eight, be sure to stop at Harris Teeter to pick up provisions for the weekend since there are no grocery stores or restaurants on the island itself.