We love downtown Wilmington NC because there’s always something new! It can be hard to keep up with the new restaurants, arts centers, and events in our ever-changing, vibrant downtown.
To see some of the new additions in downtown Wilmington you probably don’t know about, check out our list:
1. Visit Pier 33 in Downtown Wilmington
You may not know about this new venue downtown near the Isabel Holmes Bridge. Pier 33 at the Port City Marina is surrounded by water on three sides, providing an exciting location for concerts, events, weddings, and more. Pier 33’s staff helps plan distinctive events. Expect to see plenty of downtown summer concerts at the sound stage.
2. Try a New Restaurant in Downtown Wilmington
We have our favorite restaurants, but there’s always a new one opening in downtown Wilmington. Here are a couple of recent additions you may not know about yet:
- Tarantelli’s: Inspired by the Italian food of their grandparents, these local restaurateurs are now sharing Abruzzo-style cuisine with Wilmington diners. Choose from a selection of Italian antipasti, soups, salads, pasta dishes, seafood, meat, and even pizzas.
- Dram and Morsel: Enjoy Dram and Morsel’s small plates menu and craft cocktails on the third floor of the Roudabush building at 33 S. Front St., above Husk and Yosake. Snacks, greens, bites, treats, cocktails, beer, and wine are among the offerings.
3. See a Show at Wilson Center
Cape Fear Stage at Wilson Center is Wilmington’s newest theater. If you haven’t yet been to the 1500-seat center, get tickets now! The performance hall has three floors that wrap the stage providing great views and sound for every patron, and the large size means Wilmington can now draw traveling Broadway plays and concerts—our previous venues were too small.
4. Brooklyn Arts District is Looking Up
Take a walk through the Brooklyn Arts District on North Fourth Street and thereabouts. The unique neighborhood is anchored by the Brooklyn Arts Center, but standby shops and restaurants are quickly being joined by new friends such as the Redeye Bakery, Detour Deli, and The Foxes Boxes.
5. Wilmington Riverwalk Gets Longer
The Wilmington Riverwalk keeps getting longer and improvements are in process too. There’s been some construction, but much of that will be tidied up soon; keep track of growth at the City of Wilmington’s website.
6. Cape Fear Riverboats Adds Jacob’s Run
We have a new boat, Jacob’s Run, and this year we’re adding dinner service capability! Host a party for up to 30 people with your own caterer, or order food and drinks from our dockside restaurant, the River Grill. Your guests will appreciate the terrific scenery and view of downtown Wilmington.
If you’ve never been aboard our riverboats (or even if you have), you’re in for a treat. Give Cape Fear Riverboats a call at (910) 343-1611 or book a sightseeing cruise online.
