The worst of the heat is just beginning to lift… and so are the crowds. As tourist season winds down, we ILM locals enter something we like to call “Local’s Summer”!
Have you explored Downtown Wilmington and the beaches this week (post-Labor Day)? It is hardly a ghost town! We have more residents than at any time in history, and now that the worst of the humidity is behind us, we can all come out to play.
It is “Local’s Summer,” and we have the beaches and restaurants to ourselves. It’s less crowded, there are more parking spaces, and you can finally get a table at that new restaurant you’ve had your eye on.
Here are all the places we plan to go during Local’s Summer:
Ceviche’s, Wrightsville Beach
Ever tried to make a summer reservation at Ceviche’s in Wrightsville Beach? There is a reason Wrightsville Beach visitors make it a priority to head here at least once on vacation. Now that crowds have waned, be sure to book something at least a few days in advance to check out their incredible drinks and specialty dishes.
Freddie’s Restaurant, Kure Beach
It’s not impossible to grab a table at Freddie’s through the summer, but locals tend to come in droves during the off-season. This Kure Beach favorite has the world’s best pork chops with a whole menu of toppings, and salad dressings so popular that people take shots of them at the bar. The pasta is fantastic, too!
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
A truly classic boardwalk experience, with fun for the whole family! This place is a summertime hub and major tourist attraction, but once the crowd thins, we get to hop into those shops we’ve been eyeballing all season. Grab a bite, visit the arcade, and get active—there are bike rentals, active classes, surf shops, and adventures to be had. Stay on the lookout for upcoming events, and hang around in the evenings to check out nightlife at one of the many local bars!
Beach Break Donuts, Carolina Beach
This new donut shop in Carolina Beach is serving up hot cake donuts, premium ice cream, and creamy lattes. We love the cute interior and proximity to the beach—but it’s those fresh donuts that we can’t stop thinking about. Offering more than 10,000 ways to customize your donut, it’s truly an experience unlike any other!
Wrightsville Beach’s Southend
Like its namesake, Wrightsville Beach’s public access on the Southend gives way to views of Masonboro Island and where the Intracoastal meets up with the Atlantic. This gorgeous stretch of beach is unique, and there are always more parking spots this time of year.
Chow Town, Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington’s central spot for food trucks is a hit with the tourists and the locals! Find them across from Live Oak Bank Pavilion, and enjoy live entertainment while mingling with the community. There are so many excellent bites to be had—and enough gorgeous-weather days left in the season to enjoy them!
Provision Company, Southport
This Southport gem is a staple of Brunswick County, and visitors keep the wait times high during the summer months. Now that we are past Labor Day, grab a table at Provision Company and a beer from the fridge on the honor system. Don’t leave without trying a grouper salad, sandwich, or some boiled shrimp on a paper plate. The views here on the water are as good as they come! This restaurant does close for part of the season, so be sure to check their website before visiting.
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, Carolina Beach
We recommend grabbing a Mai Tai at the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar and watching the sun go down. This former pier in Carolina Beach stretches over the sand, allowing you to walk up to it from the beach and sit over some crashing waves. Their website hosts the menu and their live band schedule. Just a heads up—Tiki Bar closes for the month of January.
Shaka Taco, Surf City
We love the coconut rice at Surf City’s outdoor taco bar Shaka Taco, and we love shorter lines. While this place still sees plenty of surfers and beachgoers this time of year, you can count on more picnic tables and the same amazing tacos. Check their website to find out more about operating hours and the annual schedule.
Bald Head Island
Is Bald Head Island on your bucket list? Head out on one of the many daily ferries to Bald Head from Southport. Spend a day exploring the private island by bike or golf cart. Check out the historic lighthouse, nature walks, and check with their nature conservancy program to see what’s on the schedule. Autumn is a great time for bird lovers to observe migratory birds in this island haven.
Pizzeria Don Luca, Downtown Wilmington
From create-your-own pizza pies to their signature wings and tasting dipping sauces—locals love Pizzeria Don Luca…and so do the tourists. But don’t fear! Now, you can order Hot Honey Pepperoni for delivery without the forever-long wait!
Sugo Italian Steakhouse, Downtown Wilmington
Rich Italian flavors and classic New York City style join in perfect harmony at this Wilmington restaurant! Heartwarming entrées and stylish cocktails make this elevated dining experience one to remember. Lots of tourists plan a date night here—and you should, too!
Front Street Brewery, Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington’s original craft brewery is jam-packed with history and serving up some incredible food. We can’t stop thinking about the pulled chicken nachos and seasonal brews, but this is also home to ILM’s largest selection of rare whiskeys and bourbons. Not sure what to try first? The team is incredibly passionate, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth, always happy to recommend items for their customers to try. It’s their 30th Anniversary, so be sure to send your congratulations, too!
Olivero, Downtown Wilmington
Travel to Sicily without leaving the comfort of ILM when you dine at Olivero. Cuisine is really an art, where founder Sunny Gerhart and Co-Executive Chef Lauren Krall pull on authentic flavors and consider no detail too small. From their giant wood-fired grill, to their custom-ordered Arcobaleno pasta, it’s a meal you’ll have to taste to believe.
Ironclad Brewery, Downtown Wilmington
Made complete with custom ingredients sourced from local small businesses, Ironclad came to our historical downtown in 2014 with craft beer and a stunning event space. When the crowds let up, this is the perfect place for a drink (or two) that’ll really blow your mind.
