Off the Beaten Path
We asked our agents and staff to tell us about their favorite gems in the Cape Fear Region.
Posted: April 20, 2018 by Honor Rudd
One of the greatest things about living in Southeastern North Carolina is the vast variety of vistas in our own back yard. Downtown Wilmington has a bustling, urban feel with plenty of shopping and dining, and the second-largest historic district in our nation. Winding roads meander through rolling, green farm fields mere moments outside of town. Our region boasts beaches that range from the quiet serenity of Bird Island’s dunes to the raucous good time to be found on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. We have award-winning restaurants, delightful dives, multiple music venues that draw acts with international acclaim. We have The City Ballet, The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Historic Thalian Hall, a major University, and so much more!
With so much to see and enjoy, Southeastern NC draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The best spots, though, you might never know are there. That’s where the locals come in—we asked our agents and staff to tell us about their favorite hidden gems in the Cape Fear Region:
“I love to go down to Brunswick Town and walk the old streets and trails and look out over the river! Then stand in the ruins of St Philips Church and imagine the people who came before us”
“This is a bit out there, but we spend a lot of time in the car, so you take moments to enjoy certain drives...cruising down River Road is a beautiful one, with the roundabouts and new neighborhoods building up. Nice easy drive and beautiful nature”
“In Carolina/Kure Beach I love Fort Fisher and surrounding area.
In Wilmington, Greenfield lake is a fun walk!
Brunswick county I would say Brunswick Town—love the old church.
In Leland, not a real secret but Shirley’s is a great place to eat.
Surf City, Max’s Pizza is a great place to grub on a different style of pizza.
In Hampstead I used to live off of Watts Landing and I loved just chillin’ at the end of the road that dead-ends at the intercostal waterway!
Love Southeast NC!”
“Wilson Bay Park in downtown Jacksonville is such a little-known park with amazing views and wildlife, right inside the city! Kayaking, fishing, bbq’s, and a park!”
“Brunswick Nature Park is really a great place to hike and has some great scenery!”
“Taking the ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport is so fun!
Watching the beautiful changing scenery as you cross over, then arriving in the most beautiful town of Southport, walking the pier and strolling streets with historic homes, shops and restaurants is a great way to chill out and enjoy life!”
-- Karen Coyle
“Inlet 790 restaurant in the Villa Capriani condominium North Topsail Beach. Great restaurant beautiful scenery inside and out!"
“There's a place called Browns Landing at the very end of Stone Chimney Rd. When you pull up, you are looking straight out through the Lockwood Folly Inlet with Oak Island to the left and Holden Beach to the right. It's a great place to catch your breath and just think for a minute and clear your head before heading to your next appointment. You can watch a lot of boat traffic go by and some even run aground! Great place to watch a hurricane (cat1) too! It was a place my 90 year old Dad would drive to and just sit and watch life!”
“Gause Landing Road, Ocean Isle. It is a street where ancient live oaks with moss canopy the road that meanders quietly down to the ICW.”
-- Edie Caudill
“Chillin at the Wrightsville Beach Surf Club with cold tropical island drink.”