Some trips stay with you not because they were packed with activity, but because they captured a season of life so beautifully that even years later you can still picture the light, the air, and the feeling of being there.
That is exactly how I think of our spring trip to Wilmington in late March of 2023. As I sit here in March 2026, 3 years later, I happily remember the sweet memories made that trip and can’t wait to visit again! I had my itinerary written on my notes app and I realized I never made a post about my trip there so here I am sharing my trip in the hopes that it inspires you if you ever visit Wilmington, NC.
We had spent time with family in Charlotte first, and then drove to Wilmington to celebrate my husband Dillon’s birthday with a few quiet days by the river. What made the trip especially memorable was how simple and restful it felt: slow mornings, waterfront sunsets, historic walks, and cozy evenings that somehow became unforgettable.
At the time, I was about 18 weeks pregnant with our son, just beginning to have that small baby bump stage where your clothes still fit, but you’re starting to show. Looking back, that made the whole trip feel even more special.
Arriving to the Most Beautiful Birthday Sunset
We arrived in Wilmington on March 27, and honestly, the timing could not have been more perfect.
Our Airbnb sat directly along the boardwalk facing Cape Fear River, and as soon as we arrived we were greeted by one of the prettiest cotton-candy sunsets I can remember.
Because it was Dillon’s birthday, it felt like such a gift to begin the trip that way.
That evening we had dinner at Pilot House Restaurant, which felt like the perfect first-night choice right on the water. I wore a pink sweater dress with a gold chain belt, one of those outfits that felt both comfortable and a little dressed up, especially with a tiny bump just beginning to show.
There is something about riverfront evenings in Wilmington that feels both peaceful and celebratory at the same time.
Slow Mornings and Sunset Walks Along the River
One thing I loved most about this trip was the overall pace of it. Being pregnant, I had to balance exploring with the quiet and peaceful times at our Airbnb.
The next morning, March 28, we did not rush anywhere. We stayed in, enjoyed the quiet, and I even fit in an indoor workout at the Airbnb that afternoon before getting ready for the evening.
Later that day, Dillon and I went for another sunset walk along Wilmington Riverwalk before dinner. The nice thing about booking an Airbnb on the Wilmington Riverwalk was that we didn’t have to drive around hardly ever.
If you stay near the riverfront, I highly recommend watching sunsets on the boardwalk every evening if you can. The riverwalk changes depending on the light, and sunset really is when it becomes especially beautiful.
That night we had dinner at The George on the Riverwalk (although now it renovated and even got a new name). It was another spot that felt perfect for the atmosphere of the trip, relaxed but still special enough for a birthday getaway. I remember how much me and my husband were in the mood for seafood this trip!
A Day That Felt Especially Memorable
March 29 was nice because it was one of those very ordinary but beautiful travel days. That morning I sat on the balcony eating cucumber salad while looking out over Cape Fear River while Dillon relaxed next to me in the sun. It was breezy, bright, and one of those moments where travel feels restful rather than scheduled. That also happened to be exactly 18 weeks with baby<3
Later we walked through Wilmington’s historic district, which is honestly one of the most charming parts of the city. We passed through The Cotton Exchange. It’s worth visiting even if you are simply wandering. The brick walkways, little storefronts, and old architecture give the entire area so much character.
From there we continued through the historic mansions along 3rd Street. The homes there are absolutely beautiful…classic Southern architecture, deep porches, and that timeless feeling Wilmington does so well. I also loved that the spring blooms were visible!
That evening we came back, got ready, and headed to dinner at Elijah’s Restaurant, another riverfront favorite that fit perfectly into the rhythm of the trip.
Cozy Travel Days Are Sometimes the Best Ones
The next day I picked up honeydew boba tea from BoBailie Bubble Tea, then spent part of the afternoon simply soaking in the breezy sunshine from our balcony. No rush, no agenda… just enjoying being there.
Later we ordered pizza through Uber Eats and stayed in watching The Blacklist, which we were very into at the time.
Honestly, I think every trip needs at least one evening like that 🙂
One Last Morning Before Heading Back
On March 31 we checked out of our Airbnb and had breakfast at Famous Toastery before beginning the drive back toward Charlotte.
Before leaving Wilmington, we made a quick stop at Wrightsville Beach.
We only had a few minutes there, not nearly enough time to truly enjoy it, but even that short stop made me want to return for a longer beach day in the future.
After that we visited Airlie Gardens, which for me was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
As someone who loves gardens, it felt especially meaningful to walk through such a beautiful space. The combination of the Southern landscape, seasonal blooms, and quiet pathways made it one of those places that immediately stays with you.
If you love flowers, historic landscapes, or simply peaceful places, Airlie Gardens is absolutely worth adding to a Wilmington itinerary.
Why Wilmington Still Feels Worth Returning To
What I loved most about Wilmington is that it offers so much without asking you to overfill your time.
It is beautiful when you do very little.
A riverfront stay, a few good dinners, one historic walk, and one meaningful stop like Airlie Gardens can already make for a memorable trip.
And maybe that is why I still think about this one so often, it was not dramatic or packed, just deeply pleasant in the kind of way that leaves a lasting impression.
For a spring getaway, birthday trip, or simply a slower long weekend, Wilmington really is one of those places that quietly wins you over.
xo,
Jessica Turner
