A must-visit! This is one of our favorite spots. It's a no frills seafood restaurant with waterfront views and delicious cocktails. If you're looking for a fun place to enjoy a waterfront drink, Dockside is it!
Our favorite coffee shop on WB (Jax's, too)! Kirsten and Travis hit this spot regularly, particularly in the off-season when they can grab a puppaccino for Jax and take him on a long walk on the beach, which is directly across the street.
We hit this spot pretty much every time we're in town. It's a fast, casual Tex Mex restaurant and it's GOOD. Trav's go-to order is the Big Jerk burrito with Grilled Chicken while Kirsten loves their Thai Me Up Nachos with Jerk Tofu. They also have a variety of delicious, freshly made salsas (try the pineapple jalapeno and the peach ginger!)
If Kirsten and Travis don't make a stop at Flaming Amy's, it's because they've opted for P.T.'s instead. Both of these fast, casual local hot spots are a must-try! P.T.s makes 'good olde fashioned' burgers, dogs and sandwiches but most importantly, they make the BEST french fries. Ranch is a requirement to accompany said fries. You won't regret it.
This place is one of Kirsten's favorite restaurants in North Carolina. It's a beautiful Thai/Vietnamese restaurant with incredibly authentic and delicious food. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Go hungry, the portions are generous!
A casual Mexican eatery on Wrightsville beach and a favorite among locals, Tower 7 is always popping! Kirsten loves their margaritas and the high-energy atmosphere. If you're staying at the beach, this is a must-try!
Located inside Robert's Grocery on Wrightsville Beach, Adapt is a delicious and healthy juice, coffee and breakfast shop. If you're looking for a healthy breakfast option while visiting Wrightsville Beach, this is the place. Kirsten loves the avocado smash (of course) & they also have a great variety of breakfast bowls.
Though Kirsten is nervous to recommend an Italian restaurant (knowing there will be many tough Northern critics in town), she's confident everyone will love Benny's. From locally renowned NC chef, Vivian Howard, Benny's is a delicious Italian eatery and pizzeria located in downtown Wilmington. New Jersey folks need not be scared of this NC Italian restaurant; it's got Kirsten's approval.
A great little bottle shop that we were introduced to by Travis' best man, Nick. They have a large selection of beer and wine, and have a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as wine by the glass. Cheers!
If you're staying on Wrightsville and want to grab a cold one, this is the spot! Lighthouse is a very popular bottle shop on the island, with beer and wine available to-go or you can grab a pint of beer or a glass of wine and enjoy it on their patio. Fun fact: Travis and Kirsten had a beer (or two) here before their engagement photo session.
If you're traveling with little ones (or even if you're not) Jungle Rapids is a popular attraction. They have a water park, go-kart course, laser tag, mini-golf, jungle gym & more. Travis has been known to frequent this spot with best man, Nick and his oldest son, Noah.
Downtown Wilmington is beautiful and the Riverwalk is a must-see if you're in the area. Enjoy nearly two-miles of scenic walkway alongside the historic Cape Fear River, where you can see the Battleship North Carolina in all her glory. There are also lots of shops and eateries in the area that are worth exploring.
Airlie Gardens is beautiful! Trav's mom, Ginny, loves spending time at Airlie and she has passed her love of this special place on to the rest of the family. Kirsten and Travis have joined her here many times and we'd all highly recommend a visit.
Funky, rustic bar downtown (directly across the street from Benny's Big Time), that frequently has live music and always has delicious drinks. Satellite is also dog-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Wilmington's brewery scene is really growing and Wilmington Brewery is one of the OGs! Kirsten and Travis have enjoyed Wilmington Brewery for years. It's a no-frills brewery, with a rotating tap of house-brewed beers and classic bar games like giant jenga.
While most of the breweries are downtown, Wrightsville Beach Brewery is (as it suggests in the name) close to the beach. So if you're staying on Wrightsville and craving a cold, locally brewed beer, this is the place for you. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and if you're lucky, you may even get to catch some live music on their patio.
Hi-Wire is an Asheville, NC-born brewery and their beer is GOOD. While Asheville is the home of NC's greatest breweries, many of them have been opening additional locations throughout the state and Hi-Wire is the newest addition to Wilmington's brewery scene. While Kirsten & Travis have yet to visit the Wilmington location, they've been to the original location in Asheville several times and would highly recommend a visit here. Not only does this location serve delicious beer, but they also have a variety of family-friendly activities including soccer pool, table tennis, shuffleboard, foosball, and more. Both kid and dog friendly!
If you were a fan of One Tree Hill, then you have to check out The Copper Penny. This popular downtown bar and eatery was frequented by the cast of the popular 2000s teen-drama throughout filming. It was also featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.