Enhance the romance this Valentine’s Day and escape to Wilmington, where you can explore the scenic Riverwalk, unwind during a spa day with your significant other and enjoy a weekend of relaxation, adventure and delicious dining. Read on to discover the romance that’s in store.
A Relaxing Stay
For the hopeless romantic couple, book a room at The Verandas. As a AAA Four Diamond Award winner, the elegant and charming Verandas offers rooms featuring private sitting areas, garden soaking tubs and more luxuries. Originally built in 1853, the mansion is the quintessential example of Victorian grandeur.
Enjoy peace and quiet during a stay in the Loft, ARRIVE Wilmington’s unforgettable room for two. With a private entrance, this room is the perfect oasis to reconnect with your significant other. Each guest room in this boutique hotel has been revamped with a comfortable modern design and comes with luxury linens, robes and bath amenities. Wine and dine your date at Dram Yard, the on-site restaurant, followed by drinks by the fireplace in the courtyard.
Further relax by scheduling a pampering date at Ki Spa & Salon, a local spa offering services like facial treatments, massages, wellness packages and more. Enjoy a couples massage with the Ki Side by Side package featuring a full body massage complete with hot stones, aromatherapy and warm towels. Now that’s what we call a blissful date!
Out & About
Grab a morning cup of joe or your beverage of choice from Drift Coffee and Kitchen and head to Airlie Gardens, where you and your valentine can explore 67 acres of trails, wildlife and flowers. The gardens have served as the location for memorable television series moments, including Dawson and Jen’s first kiss on “Dawson’s Creek” and Karen’s dream of exploring a meadow of flowers with Keith and Lily in “One Tree Hill,” among others. “One Tree Hill” fans can relive iconic dates and moments from the show during a special e-bike adventure with Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours.
Explore Wilmington’s greenery and wildlife on a romantic bike ride through Greenfield Park. This beautiful 250-acre park is the perfect date spot for the nature-loving couple and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Another two-wheel trail worthy of a couple’s ride is the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail. The 15-mile, multi-use trail provides access to numerous recreational, cultural and educational destinations in Wilmington. While pedaling along, stop by the Cameron Art Museum – one of the attractions along the trail – and visit the Cam Café, which frequently hosts live music, dance and film events.
Experience downtown Wilmington with a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour from Springbrook Farms. Watch the coastal city’s past come to life before your eyes as your knowledgeable tour guide describes the history of Wilmington and its famous residents and visitors.
For a shopping spree with exquisite views, stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk. Enjoy the Cotton Exchange, where you can peruse unique boutique shops to buy a new outfit for dinner and find souvenirs to remember the weekend. After a morning of shopping, indulge in a delicious lunch of Southern coastal cuisine at The George on the Riverwalk. Or brunch at Savorez, Yelp’s “Top Reviewed Brunch Spot in NC,” that serves up local fare with a fun and festive Latin flair.
Share an afternoon sweet treat with your sweetheart. Tempt yourself with chocolate, fudge and ice cream served in fresh homemade waffle cones at Kilwin’s. Capture the sunset views on a romantic stroll along the Riverwalk and split a couple of scoops of classic Italian gelato from GelaRto.
Sip and Dine
For the wine-loving duo, spend the night surrounded by food and wine at The Second Glass. Visit the wine bar for a French-themed evening featuring fresh, local cuisine paired with fine wine.
Located on the second floor of the Embassy Suites Riverfront Hotel, Steam Restaurant & Bar offers a selection of seafood fare, steakhouse favorites, sharable appetizers and more curated by Chef Jared McKay. Enjoy sweeping views of the Cape Fear River through the floor-to-ceiling windows as you dine with your valentine.
The elegant Caprice Bistro is the perfect place for Valentine’s Day dinner. The elevated French cuisine perfectly complements the restaurant’s romantic atmosphere.
Sample savory bites from a customized charcuterie board with your special someone at Circa 1922. Offering fine dining in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington, don’t miss out on delicious main course offerings like Tagliatelle Bolognese or Seafood Paella.
Looking for a more casual date spot? Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, celebrity Chef Vivian Howard’s farm-to-table Italian restaurant, is perfect for couples who love sharing. Split charred brussels sprouts, a wood-fired margherita pizza and many more delicious items and toast to a Valentine’s Day weekend well spent.
Dine in style at manna ave. 123, Wilmington’s first restaurant to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. After dinner, walk next door to their Southern speakeasy, Earnest Money & Sons, for an upscale evening sipping on classic cocktails.
Love is in the coastal air, and Wilmington has everything you need to create the perfect getaway with your valentine. Check out ways to experience romance at one of our island beaches:
