Just eight miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, off of I-40 East, is the active beach community of Wrightsville Beach. As a central point between New York and Florida, this town draws visitors from up and down the East Coast. This January, Wrightsville Beach opened its first resort, which joins scores of great hotels in Wilmington NC. In the 1960s hotel that was formerly the Blockade Runner has been reimagined as Trailborn Surf & Sound. This waterfront hotel has a cozy yet modern feel, and welcomes guests to enjoy a relaxing and family-friendly getaway. You can enjoy a water view from any of their 151 rooms, either soundside or surfside.
Good Eats, Good Vibes at Hotels in Wilmington NC
More than a hotel, the resort offers a coastal twist on Italian cuisine at their in-house restaurant La Duna Paradiso. They have a menu of classic Italian dishes that include local seafood and produce. You can enjoy a nice breakfast or dinner in their vibrant dining room, which includes a bar featuring Old World wines. Or perch on the deck and enjoy the view.
Of course, going to a beach town, you’ll want to enjoy the outdoors. Go for a walk along the shore, swim in the water, and come back to complimentary beachfront lounging with chairs and umbrellas for guests to relax and relish the ocean breeze.
If you’re in the mood for more of an adventure, book paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and more through the resort. Trailborn Surf & Sound offers three different kinds of sailing to suit guests’ tastes, including a half-day private sailing excursion, a wave-sailing lesson, and a relaxing evening cocktail sail for a nice wind down at the end of the day.
Resort-fun includes the pool and hot tub. Right by the pool is the blockade surf bar which offers cocktails and tasty bites. Afterward, you can relax in the sauna or head to the fitness center for a quick workout. All these amenities contribute to Trailborn being one of the best hotels in Wilmington NC.
A Wilmington Weekend
Wrightsville Beach is both a bike- and walk-friendly town. Bike rentals are offered year-round. They are a great way to explore the town’s boutiques and surf shops, as well as nearby villages. Also discover the many spas and sea-to-table cuisine around town. The historic square includes a history museum of Wrightsville Beach and themed cottages.
Considered one of the best stand-up paddleboarding hubs and a top surfing town in the nation, Wrightsville Beach stands out with their island lifestyle and high-quality waves. Enjoy a variety of water activities and discover what draws people from up and down the East Coast.
A great lunch spot is Tower 7, a Baja Mexican grill that offers classic tacos, nachos, and burritos, but also more refreshing options such as wraps and salads. Also enjoy their many different cocktails and seasonal specials. For a fancier option, visit Oceanic at Crystal Pier for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a private event. This oceanfront dining experience offers dishes like bread pudding French toast, a calabash platter, and several delicious brunch cocktail options.
Wrightsville Beach is a gorgeous town with plentiful natural beauty to see as well. Some popular scenic spots are Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, which is one of the few North Carolina piers that does not charge to walk along, and the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum, where you can see different types of local flora and fauna off of the sand.
trailborn.com/surf-sound
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