Words and Photos By
Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
In the summertime, Wrightsville Beach is chaos. Tourists, locals. Everyone wants to be on the beach, toasting in the sun and taking refreshing dips in the teal, glassy water.
But in the winter, it's my escape.
In 20 minutes, I can drive from Wilmington (my home) and feel like I'm in a different world.
Stormy skies. Sunny days. Cold, brisk walks along the water.
Here are my favorite things to do in Wrightsville.
Get A Breakfast Smoothie at Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar is a coffee shop within a restaurant - making it a little hard to find. Arrive in the morning, and promptly order one of their incredible made-to-order smoothies. (I like the chunky monkey.)
In the winter, off-season months, parking is free and pretty easy to find. In the summer, get there by 7 or 8 am to even have a chance of finding paid parking.
6 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Take In A Storm
I'm never one to recommend dangerous activities, but seeing a storm roll up on Wrightsville is incredible and humbling. Make sure you're about a half mile ahead at it, and marvel at how wonderful and terrifying nature can be.
Work Remotely At SUNdays
My friend Chris turned me on to SUNdays. At first, I resisted, but eventually got out there and realized what I was missing. SUNdays is super chill (most days) and has a variety of wonderful coffee drinks. There are also really good biscuit breakfast sandwiches. I love getting there when it's empty.
I sit at a long table and work, with the beach visible from the front windows.
708 B Lumina Ave S, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Get A Fancy Cruise Ship Drink At Oceanic
Oceanic is temporarily closed because of Hurricane Florence damage, but once they're back up and running, head there for a bougie cruise ship drink. They basically have every drink you would expect to find while on vacation at a resort (price included), but it's a nice way to spend an evening.
Sit outside, take a walk on the pier.
703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Go For Thanksgiving Dinner
I didn't do it this year, but the previous year, I went with my friend Chris (different Chris) to the Thanksgiving buffet at the Holiday Inn on Wrightsville Beach, and it was magical. There was so much seafood and meat to choose from.
Overall, a lovely alternative to Thanksgiving that I hope to enjoy again someday. They also serve food at the restaurant year-round, but I can't speak to quality.
1706 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Crash At Shell Island Resort
I've never booked a room here myself, but it seems whenever friends visit Wrightsville and invite me to stay with them, they want to stay here. It's happened a few times. This is a classic beach hotel - beach access, pool, etc. with pretty nice suites. I have a lot of fond memories here.
It's expensive in the summer and can book up quickly. I'd recommend doing a winter escape at getting one of the first floor suites instead. You can get a two bed and split the $180 nightly rate with friends.
2700 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Get A Burger At Poe's Tavern
Poe's is an awesome burger restaurant in Wrightsville, named for Edgar Allen Poe. That's the theme as well. The menu has a ton of gourmet burgers and fries to choose from (I get something different whenever I go.)
The restaurant is also really pleasant to just sit in - I went with Chase's family one cold, winter night and spent a long, lazy evening drinking beers, snacking on appetizers, and getting to know each other.
212 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Grab A Drink At Lighthouse Beer And Wine
Lighthouse is a mini bottle and wine shop, with a ton of selections. I like to go there before going to the beach in the summer. You can't bring bottles or drinks on the beach (ahem) but you can get a quick drink beforehand, or grab a case of something special for later.
220 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Take A Walk Under The Stars
I know it's cheesy, but walking out on Wrightsville at night is magical. The sky looks like small diamonds scattered across black velvet. It's truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. This might be cold in the winter (obviously), but if you can get out there during the summer months, it's an absolute must.
Stay Drifty
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