Start your journey by heading to downtown Wilmington and enjoying an authentic southern breakfast at The Basics. Here, visitors can enjoy delights like the fried chicken biscuit for just $7.

USS North Carolina © Alex Grichenko | Dreamstime
Next, travel across the Cape Fear River and find the enormous Battleship North Carolina. The self-guided tours through this World War II relic cost only $14.
For a mid-day snack, grab a scoop of homemade ice cream from Kilwin’s and stroll along the Downtown Riverwalk. Once you clean your sticky fingers, head into the nearby Black Cat Shoppe of mystic oddities and other novelties.

Wilmington Waterfront © Tony Johansson | Dreamstime
Then, travel east to the Noni Bacca Winery, and enjoy a private wine tasting with Noni herself. Sample an assortment of award-winning wines, and listen to one of Noni’s many anecdotes.
For dinner, stop by the Blue Surf Café where you can get a brisket flatbread with jalapeño, cheddar, and homemade BBQ sauce for $5. And for desert, try the coconut panna cotta for $5.50.
To end the night, relax at Riverfront Park, grab a cheap beer, and enjoy one of the free live shows of the Downtown Sundown Concert Series hosted each Friday.

Cape Fear River © Marie-claire Lander | Dreamstime
Read This Next
Luna Caffé, Wilmington, N.C.
Restaurant
Oct 30, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 25, 2025Experience Local Art at Andaz Hotels This Summer
Andaz properties around the world embrace local art with on-site galleries and partnerships.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Cruises
Apr 25, 2025Tauck Announces Expansion to Its Small-Ship Ocean Cruising Plans
Tauck recently announced plans to expand its small-ship ocean cruising offerings for 2026. The tour operator will add two new itineraries to its portfolio next year in Japan, South Korea and the Arctic Circle.
Technology
Apr 25, 2025Travel Booking Platform Expands to Southeast Asia
Omio, the only multimodal travel booking platform in the world, officially expands to Southeast Asia, allowing travelers to access thousands of bus routes, local transportation providers and more across Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Apr 24, 2025A Vanderpump Hotel is Coming to Vegas
Vanderpump fans rejoice. While Lisa Vanderpump has long offered a handful of dining and drinking experiences to travelers headed to the Las Vegas Strip, she now branches out into the hotel business for the very first time with the new Vanderpump Hotel. The property, set to open in 2026, will take over The Cromwell, a standalone boutique hotel located on the corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
ShareThis