Envelope Phone-alt
Facebook Instagram
Contact

How to Spend a Day in The Cotton Exchange

Spend a day in The Cotton Exchange, one of the many historical treasures located in Downtown Wilmington!

Decades ago, Wilmington transformed its large cotton export building into a multi-storied hub for shopping and dining. The Cotton Exchange is fabulous to explore, housing both shopping and dining destinations that are always worth the hype. Don’t be surprised if you bring a few treasures home with you!

We recommend spending a day here to browse the shops and try some tasty bites. You won’t have to worry about parking, either—it’s free.

Here’s how to spend a day at The Cotton Exchange, including some of our favorite hidden gems and local spots.

Coffee from Java Dog in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of Java Dog Coffee House’s Facebook

Start with Coffee

As you venture off Front Street, snag a coffee at Java Dog Coffee House. This pup-friendly shop has just what you need to fuel your day.

Oils and pickled garlic from The Olive Shoppe in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of The Olive Shoppe’s Facebook

Olive Oil Up!

At The Olive Shoppe, you can sample and shop a vast selection of fine olive oils and bottles of vinegar, plus some lovely spice blends. This is also a great spot for dinner party gifts!

Cards from Occasions...Just Write in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of Occasions…Just Write’s Facebook

Stationary Re-stock

Next, you’ll stumble upon Occasions… Just Write. This shop has a lovely selection of stationery, paper goods, pens, and all the fancy writing supplies you never knew you needed. 

BLT sandwich from The Basics, located in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of The Basics’ Facebook

Who’s Hungry?

The Basics is for anyone craving Southern fare. You can’t go wrong with classics like fried green tomatoes, catfish po’boys, and smoked pork BBQ. And, you don’t need to leave The Cotton Exchange to get there!

Interior of Wilmington Nail Salon in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of Wilmington Nail Salon’s Facebook

Time For Some Pampering

Now that you’re fueled up, Wilmington Nail Salon inside The Cotton Exchange is the spot for “you-time.” Head in for a manicure or pedicure in their gorgeous studio space.

Inventory at Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts’ Facebook

Art Immersion

The Cotton Exchange also plays host to many art and craft shops and studios. You can browse huge art selections at Fidler’s Gallery, Golden Gallery, and Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts.

Interior of The German Cafe in Downtown Wilmington's The Cotton Exchange
Image courtesy of The German Cafe’s Facebook

Grab a Drink

Paddy’s Hollow and The German Cafe both offer a fantastic European-style pint. End your afternoon at one of these establishments, which also have crave-worthy bites should you want to bring something home!

But there’s more where that came from! Check out the full list of shop owners located in this historic space. 

Learn more about Downtown Wilmington (and the neighborhoods around it) when you visit this guide.

Read more