Skip to main content

Wilmington, N.C. in the Spotlight: Beer, Ghosts, Movies and More

wilmington n c spotlight beer ghosts movies
Image used with permission by copyright holder
You may start doing some double takes when you visit Wilmington, N.C. Bits and pieces of this town, its buildings and its riverfront have appeared on the big screen repeatedly and you may find yourself having a sense of deja vu. This town, known as Hollywood East, has starred in hundreds of flicks such as Iron Man 3, We’re the Millers, Weekend at Bernie’s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cape Fear and TV series like Revolution, Under the Dome, Eastbound & Down, Dawson’s Creek, Matlock and One Tree Hill.

Hollywood Location Walk

Recommended Videos

It’s a bit cheesy, but the Hollywood Location Walk, offers a fun way to see the town on foot while having a guide point out where significant scenes were shot. You’ll hear things off the grid about some of the stars, the shoots, and movies that have found a home there. A bonus is that you’ll get your bearings very quickly and see bars, restaurants and shops along the way that you’ll want to explore on your own later.

Feel the Shivers

Wilmington’s paranormal side features in a couple of other popular guided tours. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington winds down dark, spooky alleyways with tales of the weird and unexplained. Cameras are encouraged. Who knows what type of apparition might appear on your pictures. Plus, you might get a dime from the so-called Dime Ghost. And there’s a Haunted Pub Crawl where you can down a pint inside some of Wilmington’s pubs that have a sordid past.

Front Street Brewery

Speaking of beer, we recommend scheduling time to eat and drink at Front Street Brewery. Beer is brewed on site here—you won’t find it any fresher. If your interest in beer goes past just enjoying the taste, you can take part in a daily session from 3 to 5 p.m. to learn how Front Street brews its creations. Plus, free tours and tastings are scheduled at 3 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. daily.

When it’s time to eat, you’ll discover a clever menu with some interesting and surprising choices. Things like a mug of bacon, beer nuggets, fried pickles, beer-braised bratwurst, country fried steak and a wide mix of burgers, soups, salads, entrees and more.

Step Back in Time

Anchored across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, you’ll spot the Battleship USS North Carolina. Tours are offered daily and you’ll get a glimpse of what life was like aboard this ship during its service in the Pacific Theatre in World War II.

Comfortable Lodging

Located at the corner of 2nd and Dock Streets, we like the privacy and the convenience of The Wilmingtonian Hotel. Suites and rooms are available in a compound of three houses: Dram Tree, Maritime and Cinema. You won’t find a big breakfast here, but you can pick up fresh fruit, juices, water and other treats all day in the main lobby. The place has a laid back atmosphere and you can even take your dog with you.

Marla Milling
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the…
JetBlue upgrades summer travel with these new routes
JetBlue adds summer routes to Boston, Honduras, and more
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

For the summer of 2025, JetBlue will offer more flights to more destinations, helping passengers experience their travel dreams. The new offerings are part of the airline’s JetForward strategy, which includes bolstering its East Coast leisure network. Here’s what’s being added.
The new routes include U.S. cities and international destinations
Nova Scotia, Canada Jamie Morrison via Unsplash

The summer of 2025 offerings consist of debut flights to Nova Scotia, Canada, and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Also on the menu are several U.S. cities. All are currently available for booking.

Read more
Few & Far announces its first-ever sustainable safari eco-lodge experience in South Africa
Rates start at $1,800 per person, per night.
Few & Far

Few & Far, the eco-focused travel company founded by Sarah and Jacob Dusek in 2024, is launching its first sustainable safari eco-lodge in South Africa. Named Few & Far Luvhondo, the lodge is set in the remote Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, covering 100,000 hectares. Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, this unique getaway offers just six cliffside suites, providing a private and eco-friendly retreat in one of the world’s most diverse natural environments.

“In a post-pandemic world, luxury travel has evolved to encompass sustainability, authenticity, and a deeper purpose, and Few & Far Luvhondo represents a bold new approach to this, offering travelers opportunities to engage with local cultures and landscapes while leaving a positive impact,” said Sarah Dusek, the eco-visionary Co-Founder of Few & Far. 
Sustainability meets luxury

Read more
A new study reveals the best warm-weather escapes for 2025
The Maldives took this year's top spot.
Shoreline of Kelingking Beach, Bali

Looking to trade the winter chill for sunshine? A new study by Arka has revealed the top ten warm-weather destinations for a perfect winter escape in 2025. The ranking was based on key factors including average winter temperatures, hours of sunshine, and sea temperatures to determine the best climates. It also considered popularity and affordability, using data on annual international visitors, hotel prices for luxury stays, and Instagram hashtags to gauge travel trends and social buzz.
The Maldives

The Maldives takes the number one spot with an impressive score of 91, thanks to its balmy average winter temperature of 81°F and its reputation for luxury. Though hotel rates average $726.30 per night, making it a splurge-worthy destination, it continues to attract high-end travelers seeking unparalleled tropical beauty. Visitors to the Maldives can enjoy a range of activities, from snorkeling and diving in coral reefs full of marine life to indulging in private overwater villa experiences. 
Phuket, Thailand

Read more