Exploring Historic Wilmington, North Carolina
World Class Dining and Shopping on the Cape Fear River
Jul 22, 2009
The Riverwalk is a wide and sun-dappled boardwalk that parallels the Cape Fear River and is situated between the river and historic Water Street.
The Cotton Exchange
The area is anchored on the North end by the Cotton Exchange, a unique multi-story brick shopping area that was once home to the world’s largest exporter of cotton. Visitors can meander through dozens of specialty shops including a hot sauce store, a blown glass art gallery, and a Celtic gift shop and enjoy treats such as gourmet coffee, lemonade and ice cream.
Heading South on the Cape Fear River Boardwalk
Back along the boardwalk, travelling south from the Cotton Exchange, visitors pass the Henrietta III, flagship of the Cape Fear Riverboat Company. During the summer, the restored ship offers scenic river rides throughout the day, including lunch and dinner cruises and is a perfect way to see the downtown area from a different perspective.
Near the boat dock, a short detour from the boardwalk up Market Street is Kilwin’s, a downtown landmark famous for its homemade fudge and ice cream.
The Old Wilmington City Market and Chandler’s Wharf
Clothing boutiques, jewelers, and art galleries have replaced vegetable sellers in this light-filled historic building, which once housed a produce market. The building is a browser’s dream with shops arranged in an arcade style around a galley featuring the work of local craftsmen and artists.
Further south is Chandler’s Wharf, another historic brick structure housing a variety of eclectic shops and galleries. The 2-story atrium features a brick fountain and offers visitors a chance to sit down and consider the many nearby lunch or dinner options.
Riverfront Dining Along the Cape Fear
Other shops along the boardwalk are interspersed with condominiums and world-class restaurants, including the award-winning La Catalan, featuring French cuisine, an impressive wine list, and intimate candlelit riverfront tables.
Next door, the Wilmington Tea Room offers light lunches, including a sumptuous seafood bisque, or English-style afternoon tea – complete with scones and Devonshire cream – in an elegant coastal atmosphere. A wide selection of quality teas served in china cups on white linen table clothes make the Tea Room a memorable experience for both the tea connoisseur and the novice.
For a more substantial lunch or dinner, Elijah’s and The Pilot House at the far southern end of the boardwalk offer extraordinary views and outdoor seating as well as new and creative versions of traditional Southern dishes and fresh-caught local seafood.
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