Fall activities in New Hanover & Brunswick Counties
Well, folks, the temperatures are starting to drop and the Halloween decorations and pumpkin-flavored treats are everywhere– it’s officially fall! Here in the Greater Wilmington area, we’re lucky enough to still be able to take advantage of most of our beaches (albeit with a light jacket!) while still celebrating the changing of seasons. Because there’s always something to do in the New Hanover and Brunswick County areas, I thought I’d tell you all about some of the things I’m most excited to do this autumn.
BRING YOUR DOG TO THE BEACH
First and foremost, those who read my social media and blog posts know I’m a beach girl who loves her pups! During the summer, due to capacity restraints, some of our beaches have no-pet policies to help regulate traffic. Well, now that busy season is over, we’re free to bring our furry friends along with us to enjoy the sea breeze at a lot of beaches in the area. I have a full rundown of the policies for the beaches throughout the area, so visit here for all the information!
LEAFY LIBATIONS
It’s no secret that our area has a ton of amazing local breweries (Wilmington Brew Works being one of my favs!) But all the best beer in the area will come together during the Voracious Rare Beer Festival, October 28 and the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, October 29. This two-day festival takes place at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park. On Friday from 6-9pm, the Voracious Rare Beer Festival will have limited release and private reserves from 50 breweries! The cost is $80/person and $30 for designated drivers. The following day, from 12-5pm, the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival will introduce even more breweries and wineries into the mix! Fill your afternoon with live music, yummy food and good drinks. Price starts at $55/person and $30 for DD’s and includes admission and a sampling glass. Order your tickets ahead of time because this event WILL sell out!
SUPPORT SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSES
To me, there’s something about exploring a local farmer’s market that just screams fall… Don’t you agree? The Riverfront Farmers’ Market on Dock Street in historic downtown will be open every Saturday this fall from 8am-1pm through November 19. The market features local farmers, bakers, crafters and more! If you choose to spend your autumnal Saturday's market-hopping, then your next stop will be The Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek. They’re open year-round, rain or shine from 8am-1pm. Make sure you carve out time after shopping to visit the Tidal Creek Co-Op Café, their food is made fresh daily and they have a ton of options! This last market is only open for a limited time and you can’t miss it! On Saturdays from October 1-22, the Poplar Grove Fall Farmers & Artisan Market at the Plantation for shopping and exploring the property’s walking trails. The event is open from 9am-2pm.
A LITTLE SOMETHING SPOOKY
Well I can’t make a list of fall things without including a little Halloween fun! First, we’re headed right back to the Poplar Grove Plantation for their October Paranormal Ghost Tours. On Fridays, tours of the Manor House, haunted by five generations of the Foy family, start at 7pm & 9pm. Advanced reservations are required. If you’re still looking for more supernatural activities, then take a Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington. Hear scary stories from tour guides and ghost hunters throughout this 90-minute eerie event. This award-winning tour is highly acclaimed as one of the best in the area. If you need a drink to deal with all this spooky stuff, then have no fear! The Haunted Pub Crawl offers some spirits while dealing with all the spirits! This two-and-a-half-hour tour of local bars sells out quickly so get your tickets soon.
Whether you’re planning on spending this season checking out local farmers’ markets or hunting ghosts, I promise that Wilmington will be the perfect location to enjoy all the fall activities. If you’re considering moving to the area to enjoy this area year-round, then I’d be more than happy to help you find a (non-haunted) home! Click the “Let’s Connect” button on my page below or shoot me an email at [email protected].
Happy Fall, Y’all!
Jenna
