The Bellamy Mansion, charming bed and breakfasts and the Buffalo pig ears of Rx Restaurant and Bar have gotten the attention of the Big Apple.
The Port City was recently pegged by New York Magazine as a hot getaway spot in its “Weekend Escape Plan,” published on Nov. 21.
“With newly restored sights in North Carolina’s largest historic district, plus creative New Southern restaurants and elegant inns, the riverfront town is looking like the new Savannah,” writer Nicholas DeRenzo wrote in his piece.
The feature highlights where to stay, where to eat and what to do while here for a quick trip.
Among the commended accommodations are Graystone Inn, Verandas and French House Cottage.
“Unlike the typical froufrou historic-district inn, the…cottage feels more like a shabby-chic country escape, with a clean palette of whites and creams, weathered peasant armoires, brass chandeliers and claw-foot tubs, plus patriotic paintings and etchings (think American flags and bald eagles),” DeRenzo said of French House Cottage. “Outside, spend a lazy afternoon on the simple porch swing under the shade of surrounding trees.”
In addition to Rx–applauded for its “haute take on regional cooking” –Brooklyn Arts district eatery Canape got a nod for its “short and unfussy list” of innovative fusion creations using local ingredients.
Catch was dubbed the place to taste “Port City’s freshest seafood.”
“At its heart, Catch is a showcase for traditional Southern flavors with a creative twist,” according to DeRenzo.
DeRenzo’s suggestions for spots to visit include the historic Bellamy Mansion and Museum, Airlie Gardens and the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens. He also recommended a visit to Pleasure Island, making stops to eat and drink at Gulfstream Restaurant, Good Hops Brewing, Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar and Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill in between visits to Carolina Beach State Park, Kure Beach Ocean Front Park, the Ft. Fisher State Historic Site and the N.C. Aquarium at Ft. Fisher.
And he gives would-be travelers an “insider’s tip” –to get a glimpse of Wilmington’s thriving film industry through the 90-minute Hollywood N.C. Location Walk and a tour of EUE/Screen Gems Studios.
The New York Magazine piece can be read in its entirety here.
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at (910) 772-6341 or [email protected].
