The Important Information to Wrightsville Seaside, NC

For those who’re presently watching The Summer season I Turned Fairly, you’ve already, maybe unknowingly, seen Wrightsville Seaside. This charming North Carolina seashore city and barrier island is a well-liked filming location, and the Jenny Han-created present shot a few of its most iconic scenes right here. That uncomfortable dinner within the third season the place (spoiler alert) Stomach and Jeremiah announce their engagement? It was filmed on the Oceanic, the city’s solely restaurant situated immediately on the seashore. 

Nonetheless, even in case you don’t have an opinion on the Conrad versus Jeremiah saga, there are nonetheless fairly a number of causes to go to Wrightsville Seaside. The most recent addition to its hospitality scene, for starters, is among the greatest. Earlier this yr, Trailborn Surf & Sound opened within the former Blockade Runner Seaside Resort after a contemporary, playful reimagination and renovation. This new chapter follows the hospitality model’s ethos, which inspires friends to spend as a lot time within the outdoor as attainable, whether or not they’re enjoyable below a seashore umbrella or paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Whereas summer time could also be starting its gradual wave goodbye, the comparatively heat climate, traditionally, sticks round Wrightsville Seaside properly into late fall—so you will have loads of time to plan a visit to this laid-back surf city.

This is what you must know earlier than visiting Wrightsville Seaside, North Carolina.

Finest Resorts & Resorts

Trailborn Surf & Sound

“The central location of Trailborn Surf & Sound to all of the eating places, bars, and outlets can’t be beat,” says Matty Roberts, the proprietor and captain of Soundside Adventures. The 151-room lodge’s place on Waynick Boulevard additionally means friends have the choice to e-book both an oceanfront or a harbor-view room, however the lodging dealing with the Atlantic are really top-tier. Nonetheless, you probably will not spend a ton of time inside. Seaside loungers and umbrellas, reserved for visitor utilization, await on the seashore, and the pool and accompanying Blockade Surf Bar welcome you again once you want a break from the sand and surf.  

Vacation Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Seaside by IHG

An alternative choice for a beachfront getaway, the Vacation Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Seaside by IHG is a 184-room property situated on the north finish of the island, which is a bit quieter than the south finish. The rooms are mild and ethereal, and facilities are plentiful—there are three on-site eating places, a pool, each day housekeeping, and straightforward seashore entry. 

Finest Issues to Do

Get out on the water.

“We even have the clearest, bluest water because of the lack of rivers and recent water in our space. The Gulf Stream water from the Caribbean will get pushed towards us and makes for essentially the most superb readability of water and likewise the marine life that comes this fashion,” says Roberts.

With that in thoughts, it ought to come as no shock that life in Wrightsville Seaside revolves across the water. Crusing, browsing, diving, and fishing are all on the prime of Robert’s must-do record, and Montoya notes that, with entry to each the ocean and the sound, “you’ll be able to select your water exercise based mostly in your talent or consolation stage.”

“Households with young children discover the calm waters of the sound are good for swimming or straightforward kayaking, whereas those that are a little bit extra adventurous and cozy within the water can surf, swim, or boogie board,” he provides. You possibly can hire paddleboards or kayaks (or take classes) with Wrightsville SUP, or, in case you’re a Trailborn Surf & Sound visitor, you’ll be able to discuss to the entrance desk about getting you arrange with the right gear. 

Write a observe.

“There’s additionally a very distinctive and quirky factor on the north finish of the island referred to as the Wrightsville Seaside Mailbox,” says Nicolas Montoya, the overall supervisor of Trailborn Surf & Sound. “It’s a … mailbox within the sand the place guests will write small notes or letters and go away them inside.” The unique mailbox is now housed on the Wrightsville Seaside Museum, together with a group of letters left in it over time, however a brand new mailbox, simply north of Seaside Entry No. 2, stands as an alternative. 

Go on a sundown harbor cruise. 

You possibly can definitely get a strong understanding of Wrightsville Seaside’s structure on two ft or two wheels, however you’ll achieve much more readability on a sundown harbor cruise aboard the 40-foot Carolina Runner. Roberts and his crew convey passengers on a 1.5-hour tour round Wrightsville Seaside, mentioning numerous websites and stopping for a photograph second. 

Take a day journey to Wilmington.

For those who’re in Wrightsville Seaside for extra than simply a few days, carve out a while to discover the close by city of Wilmington, North Carolina. The port metropolis’s rising restaurant scene is starting to rival these of different Southern cities—be careful, Charleston and Savannah—and the Wilmington Riverwalk within the downtown space is tailored for vacationers who wish to stretch their legs and absorb scenic views. Swing by Bespoke, helmed by Brooklyn’s Grand Military Bar alum Robby Dow, for an ice-cold martini (or a Negroni on faucet) earlier than settling right into a desk at Seabird. The seafood restaurant is faultless with regards to taste, presentation, and repair, and the menu tempts you to order certainly one of the whole lot—or you’ll be able to pattern a number of of Chef Dean Neff’s creations by requesting the seasonal seafood tower. 

Go to Airlie Gardens.

Airlie Gardens technically has a Wilmington deal with, however it’s only a six-minute drive from Wrightsville Seaside. Spanning 67 acres, the property is understood for its seasonal blooms, huge dwell oak bushes, and historic buildings, all of which you’ll see whereas leisurely strolling alongside its strolling trails. 

Finest Purchasing

Redix

“You possibly can’t come to Wrightsville Seaside with out first stopping at Redix,” says Montoya. “It’s been a staple on the island since 1969, and you’ll find something from fishing gear to bathing fits, clothes, and present gadgets. It’s a one-stop store for something you’d want for the seashore.

South Finish Surf Store

As its identify suggests, you’ll discover South Finish Surf Store on the south finish of Wrightsville Seaside, and it ought to be your first cease if browsing is in your agenda. “They provide clothes, surfboards, skateboards, paddleboards, wetsuits, and the whole lot in between,” says Montoya. “And the house owners and employees are at all times prepared to talk about browsing.”

Robert’s Grocery

Billed as Wrightsville Seaside’s oldest retailer and solely grocery, Robert’s Grocery dates again to 1919. It’s a should if you wish to attempt the well-known rooster salad, however the retailer additionally carries all kinds of different meals in addition to seashore necessities, together with ice, sunscreen, and sun shades. 

Finest Eating places

La Duna Paradiso

Trailborn Surf & Sound’s on-site restaurant, La Duna Paradiso, is open to friends and non-guests alike, and the dinner menu, which is impressed by coastal Italian eating, has one thing for everybody. For individuals who can’t get sufficient seafood, there’s the diver scallop crudo and the spaghetti and crab pasta. For those who choose one thing on the lighter aspect, the market salad—topped with shaved zucchini, beets, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds—can be a house run. 

Sundays Cafe

Begin your day with an iced espresso, a smoothie, or a granola-topped acai bowl from Sundays Cafe. The laid-back spot is on the second flooring of ​​South Finish Surf Store, and it’s widespread to see surfers coming in for gasoline and caffeine after a morning catching waves. Open till 8 p.m. all through the week (7 p.m. on Sundays), the comfortable spot additionally serves wine and beer, if that’s extra your vibe. 

South Seaside Grill

“One thing that makes Wrightsville Seaside distinctive is that there are not any chain eating places on the island. Lots of our eating choices are locally-owned and a giant a part of this small group,” says Montoya. And a type of spots is South Seaside Grill, which he notes has unimaginable views of the sundown over Banks Channel and domestically sourced seafood. “They’ve at all times obtained distinctive specials on their chef’s chalkboard, the place they record out what the day’s native choices from land and sea are,” he provides.

Flying Machine Oyster Bar 

“Flying Machine Oyster Bar has nice salads, burgers, seafood, pasta, and naturally, oysters,” says Montoya. Pair a number of native oysters with a pint of craft beer from Flying Machine Brewing Firm, some crispy pickles, and a plate of tuna nachos, and you’ll name it a day. 

Oceanic

“Oceanic‘s view of Crystal Pier and the ocean is unbeatable, and the bar setup is superb,” says Roberts. Seafood is the star of the present at this local-favorite spot, and the menu has the likes of Carolina crab dip, Parmesan crispy oysters, and grilled mahi mahi tacos. 

Finest Time To Go to

“The great thing about Wrightsville Seaside is that any time of yr has one thing particular to supply,” says Montoya. “In the summertime, you get peak seashore season and the world is full of vacationers having fun with all of the actions the seashore presents each out and in of the water; within the fall, which known as ‘locals’ summer time,’ you get heat days, cool nights, and fewer crowds.”

Roberts additionally prefers the shoulder seasons, noting that April, Might, and September are preferrred occasions to go to. “They’re a little bit quieter, the climate continues to be stunning, and the sunsets are spectacular,” he says.  

Whereas winter in Wrightsville Seaside isn’t precisely preferrred for swimming—and lots of eating places and outlets do shut down—you’ll be able to nonetheless discover a little bit of seashore magic. “Winter, which might have its heat days, is ideal for {couples} seeking to get pleasure from some quiet time collectively … and for a lot of, winter walks on the seashore are the perfect,” says Montoya. 

Get There

For those who’re flying into the world, have a look at flights flying in and out from Wilmington Worldwide Airport (ILM). It’s solely 10 miles from Wrightsville Seaside, and it’s serviced by many main airways, together with American Airways, Delta Air Strains, and United Airways, in addition to Breeze Airways and Avelo Airways. From there, you’ll be able to both hire a automotive (or request a automotive service) to Wrightsville Seaside. When you’ve crossed over the Heide Trask Drawbridge, you’ve formally arrived. 

Get Round

In basic coastal city style, Wrightsville Seaside is a spot the place biking is a lifestyle. There are many designated bicycle lanes and shareable roadways, and bike leases can be found from South Finish Surf Store, Wrightsville SUP, and The Shed. You even have the choice to see Wrightsville Seaside on foot by way of the 2.5-mile pedestrian “loop” that encircles the center of the city. That stated, a automotive is important if you wish to discover the world surrounding Wrightsville Seaside.