Wilmington, North Carolina

When I originally planned my trip, I had a few stops that I wanted to make in North Carolina, but one of them was not Wilmington, until my dear friend, Liz, told me that Myrtle Beach was pretty touristy, and that I should go to Wilmington instead, and I’m so glad that I did!

I had a really long drive (the longest of my trip) from Nashville all the way to the coast!  Wilmington is a place where many different movies and TV shows were filmed, and I can absolutely see why!  It’s so beautiful!  I got into town late in the evening and got to drive in along the river with the lights of downtown behind it.  I finally made it to my Couchsurfing host’s house and settled in.  She was a really great and helpful woman, and they even had a whole spare bedroom for me to stay in!  They gave me a really great restaurant tip and I headed out early the next morning to explore a bit!

When I think of The South I always think of trees covered in Spanish Moss, which is exactly what I got on this beautiful drive into downtown Wilmington.  Wilmington sets on Cape Fear River which flows on out to the Atlantic.  It is an absolutely beautiful downtown area.  I parked my car and made my way down to the Riverwalk, which was only more beautiful with river and the skies all different, gorgeous shades of blue.

I walked up and down the streets passing churches that have been established since the late 18th century.  I really loved seeing all of these old buildings, cemeteries and looking up at the moss hanging down from the branches of the trees.  I bought some amazing salted caramel fudge at a small shop that my host, Cindi, had recommended.

After exploring the city for a while, I decided to make a lunch stop, and Cindi and her son had both recommended The Copper Penny.

I wouldn’t call this a “budget traveler’s dream” or anything like that, but it was really, really delicious!  I got the Honest Abe’s Chicken Sandwich and it was so massive that I had it for two meals that day!  It was incredibly delicious and the atmosphere inside was really nice.  The staff and decor was very playful and welcoming.  I would agree with my hosts that this is a place to eat in Wilmington!

Chicken breast with roasted red peppers, pesto and cheese.  Yum!

After lunch I made my way to Wrightsville Beach and it was beautiful!

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