Over the past year, many people have found themselves working from their dining room table, guest bedroom or even their backyard. This fall, mix up your tired work-from-home routine and take a “work-cation” to Wilmington and our nearby island beaches to enjoy scenic views and mild temperatures.Who says you can’t combine work and play?
Read on to discover five of our favorite ways to work from Wilmington:
A Work-cation Stay
Escape for a few days or longer to a quiet working paradise at one of Wilmington’s cozy accommodations options. There is nothing better than a change in scenery to get your creative juices flowing, and these beautiful hotels boast scenery you won’t want to miss.
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, The Hive offers 15 stylish rooms with curated, original art and uniquely designed spaces. Each suite features a full kitchen, spa-like bathroom and separate lounging and sleeping spaces so you can keep work and relaxation separate. All private-entrance suites mean fewer encounters with other guests and staff members, for added privacy and quiet to focus on work. And with laptop-friendly workspaces and super high-speed internet, the Hive is an ideal office-away-from-home in Wilmington.
Plan a stay at the Graystone Inn, an award-winning inn perfect for experiencing the historic charm of downtown Wilmington. This elegant, renovated mansion originally built in 1905-1906 boasts beautifully decorated period-style rooms and plenty of common spaces. Start your day with a hot, freshly prepared breakfast of eggs benedict, key lime-stuffed French toast, or with a savory frittata or quiche. Set up your office in the library, the parlor or the sitting room to work surrounded by stunning architecture and antiques, or head out to the covered veranda to enjoy the view of the garden and the fresh air while you work.
Check in at one of our extended stay accommodations or all-suite properties like the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, which offers complimentary breakfast options to kick start the work day. Vacasa Rental Management offers 18 well-appointed suites overlooking the Cape Fear River, walk-out balconies, kitchenettes, and washer and dryers.
Home Away from Home
If you’re planning a longer stay, live like a local in one of our spacious vacation rentals. From cozy beach cottages and condos to homes with private pools and waterfront access, there’s an option for every size group and budget. Most rentals offer fully stocked kitchens and fresh linens and bedding, making it easy to enjoy the comforts of home while working.
Toes in the Sand, Hands on the Keyboard
No need for a virtual background during Zoom calls when you have the crashing waves of our island beaches right outside your window. With Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach all within minutes of Wilmington, you can spend your days digging your toes in the sand while you work.
Enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean while you type away on your laptop from beneath the cooling shade of a beach umbrella. RentABeachChair at Carolina Beach allows you to rent chairs and umbrellas online for one-, two- or three-day rentals, and they’ll have everything set up for you when you get to the beach. If you’re visiting Wrightsville Beach, let Cape Fear Beach Rentals deliver your chair and umbrella for your makeshift office space. They even offer 10x10” canopies for those inclined towards a more glamorous take on the beach office. Make sure to check out their website for more details.
Wilmington and its island beaches are chock full of resorts right on the water to make your hybrid beach-work day even more comfortable. At the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach, take your laptop to their oceanfront gardens for a beautiful view, work as you lounge by the pool in a private cabana or set up shop at their pool bar and grab a bite to eat. Or, enjoy ocean views from the Courtyard Marriott at Carolina Beach as you work from a private balcony or the indoor or outdoor resort-style pool areas.
The Coffee Shop Effect
Hailed as the new remote workplace, working from coffee shops is proven to increase productivity and focus, not to mention the added bonuses of free Wi-Fi and the option for a midday caffeine pick-me-up or snack. When in Wilmington, choose to make one of our local coffee shops your office for the day.
Head to Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods, situated in a historic building on Princess Street, for a quiet place to focus amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown. Inside you’ll find an inviting space with high ceilings, chic décor, comfortable seating options and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the street. All the classic coffee and espresso creations appear on the menu, but they also boast an impressive list of unusual drinks like a turmeric latte, salted honey almond latte, creamsicle flat white and matcha latte. If you get hungry – don’t worry – they have a variety of delicious baked goods to complement your coffee.
Settle into Drift Coffee & Kitchen, a spacious coffee shop with trendy décor and plenty of natural light thanks to an abundance of windows. While you work, sip on one of their many drinks ranging from cappuccinos, lattes and americanos to holistic drinks like golden lattes and beet lattes. Start your day off right with something from the brunch menu like avocado toast, a breakfast burrito, acai bowl or bodega breakfast sandwich, or, if you get hungry later, order a delicious lunch like the chicken pesto bowl or the apple and goat cheese toasty.
Located in the heart of the Castle Street Arts & Antique District, Luna Caffe offers all your caffeinated favorites as well as specialty teas and smoothies in a historic building featuring exposed brick walls and art from local artists. This coffee shop’s quaint and somewhat quirky atmosphere includes a shady outdoor patio space perfect for a little fresh air while you work.
Check out all of Wilmington’s coffee shops to discover your go-to spot when working in our coastal city.
A Riverside Dream
Take a stroll along the Riverwalk and find plenty of places to pop in for a delicious lunch break with river views. Elijah’s Restaurant, a casual American grill and oyster bar, offers covered riverside dining for lunch with a view. Pilot House Restaurant serves a menu ranging from “down home cooking” to Cajun, as well as fused Southern fare with a contemporary twist. Or, head to Marina Grill to enjoy scenic river views from the covered patio while sampling signature dishes like blackened tuna or shrimp and grits.
Whether you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet treat to end your day, check out GelaRto on the Riverwalk. Savor a cup of coffee that is sure to perk you up and delicious gelato, sorbet and sweet baked treats that are a great reward for a day of hard work.
No matter where you choose to work, give your office an upgrade by working from Wilmington. With plenty of scenic spots from which to choose, you’re certain to be more creative and productive than ever.
