Visiting the Cape Fear Coast, NC

There is so much to see along the Carolina coasts. On a recent trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, we took a day trip along the Cape Fear coast. We learned a lot and enjoyed seeing some more beauty in this part of the country. To see our time in Wilmington click: HERE

We started our trek in Wilmington at the Arrive Hotel. It is a hotel full of history itself with very nice accommodations.

Since this was a road trip of exploration, we got into the car and headed out. Our first stop was in Wilmington at the Airlie Gardens. Many of these trees are over 400 years old. Amazing, considering all the hurricanes that have passed through this area over the years.

Original building here occurred in the 1700’s as the land was parceled out. Much of the Airlie Gardens are the former home of Sarah and Pembroke Jones, which dates back to 1884 when they first purchased the property. The home is long gone and the grounds are now public gardens and event center for all to enjoy.

This is the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel. It was built as a monument to Minnie, an artist herself and a long time employee of the gardens. She worked, first as a domestic in the home and eventually the gatekeeper to the gardens as they became a public paid place to visit. She held the position of gatekeeper until she retired at 82. It is a beautiful monument to a women who spent her entire adult life working here.

Around every corner is something new a beautiful to see. There was a small graduation ceremony going on the day we visited. This is also a very popular place for weddings. We were glad to have had a chance to walk around Airlie Gardens.

Wrightsville Beach

After our stop at Airlie Gardens we continued out to Wrightsville Beach, our first time viewing the Atlantic coast on this trip. It was a beautiful spring day but not quite warm enough to swim. With resorts and short term rentals along the oceanside this place must be very popular in the summer months.

The show Dawson’s Creek was filmed in Wrightsville beach years ago.

The Wine Gal

We were fortunate to have a great guide that took us to check out parts of Cape Fear.
If you are ever in the Wilmington, Southport area, be sure to book a walking tour with Amanda. She is so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.

You can find her at: Wilmington Walking Tours

We drove south, down the coast until we reached Fort Fisher. This served as a confederate fort during the civil war and was a critical point in protecting the supplies coming in. There were several battles in and around Fort Fisher, until ultimately the Union troops captured the fort in 1865. The giant mounds served as fortification with a cannon platform at the top of the stairs.

We had a nice walk around this area, imagining that it once was a ferocious battlefield. This view is looking at the Cape Fear river.

We were at the furthest point south along this peninsula. It was time to either drive back or find a way to the other side. Fortunately, there was a car ferry right at Fort Fisher, that goes to Southport every hour (during the summer). For a nominal fee, we waited a bit until the ferry pulled into the port.

We drove right onto the ferry for the short ride across the Cape Fear River.

First Car Ferry Ride

It was Steve’s first time ever on a car ferry. It was a great way to continue our trek exploring this area.

Just a few miles to the south is the mouth the famous Cape Fear home to treacherous off shore shoals that many sea captains feared.

Once ashore we found ourselves in the adorable town of Southport. There was shopping and plenty of restaurants to enjoy. And, these idyllic homes along the water.

We walked through the town and along the water. We can see why this is such a popular place to spend time.

Our last stop was lunch at one of the iconic restaurants in Southport called, Oliver’s. We sat right along the water watching the boats go by under the soft breezes. And lobster bisque for lunch? Yes please! It was delicious.

We loved our time trekking around Cape Fear and Southport. There is so much history, such great sites to see and so much good food to enjoy! We will be back.