A Rainy but Refreshing Weekend in Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach, NC May 2026 by Ty — Gallivant Tours Travel
Sometimes the best trips aren’t the ones with perfect weather — they’re the ones where you make the most of every moment. This past weekend, I took a drive from Greensboro down to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, and even with the rain, it turned into a memorable getaway full of history, good food, and coastal charm.
🕒 Travel Time & Transportation
Departure: Friday morning, 10:00 AM
Arrival: Wrightsville Beach around 4:30 PM
Mode of Transportation: Car
The drive started smoothly, leaving Greensboro, but after passing Raleigh, the rain decided to join the trip. Nothing too heavy — just enough to slow things down a bit. Even with the weather, the ride was easy, and the closer I got to the coast, the more excited I felt for a relaxing weekend.
🏞️ First Stop: Moores Creek National Battlefield
Before checking into the hotel, I stopped at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield, located about 45 minutes outside Wilmington.
This historic site marks where the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge took place in 1776 — a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. The visit was peaceful and surprisingly informative.
Here’s what I did:
Browsed the gift shop
Watched a 10‑minute video about the rise and fall of the battlefield
Walked the 1‑mile trail through the historic grounds
It’s a quiet, reflective place, and a great way to break up the drive before hitting the coast.
🏨 Where I Stayed
Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott — Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
Stay: Friday to Sunday, May 3rd
Room Type: King Suite
The room had everything I needed:
A king bed
Couch and sitting area
Desk for planning or working
Closet with an iron and an ironing board
Bathroom with a modern rolling door framed in wood and a glass panel
Stand‑in shower
Clean, comfortable, and close to everything — exactly what I look for on a weekend trip.
🍽️ Friday Night Dinner: Casey’s Buffet
Friday night was all about Casey’s Buffet, a soul food spot with a warm, home‑style vibe. The food was reasonably priced with plenty of great options — fried chicken, mac and cheese, collards, you name it.
The only thing missing was a salad bar, but honestly, the homemade Kool‑Aid made up for it. It tasted like childhood in a cup.
🌧️ Saturday: Carolina Beach in the Rain
Saturday came with on‑and‑off rain, but that didn’t stop the adventure. I drove about 30 minutes south to Carolina Beach to explore the boardwalk.
Even with the weather, the boardwalk had its charm:
Browsed several gift shops with classic beach souvenirs
Walked the boardwalk and enjoyed the ocean breeze
Tried the legendary Britt’s Donut Shop — and let me tell you, these doughnuts are on another level
Britt’s tasted like a Krispy Kreme doughnut with a crispier, more perfected finish. Easily one of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had.
There was also Rutt’s Cinnamon Rolls nearby. I’m not a cinnamon roll fan, but my family said they were good — just not quite Cinnabon‑level.
Because of the rain, stepping onto the actual beach wasn’t an option, but the boardwalk alone made the trip worth it.
🍽️ Saturday Night Dinner: Cape Fear Seafood Company
Saturday night, I headed to Cape Fear Seafood Company, and this meal was a highlight of the trip.
I ordered the Salmon Alfredo, and it was delicious — rich, creamy, and even better when paired with the warm bread served to the table. The bread soaked up the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
To drink, I tried a Lavender Arnold Palmer, and it was out of this world. Light, floral, refreshing — easily one of the best drinks I’ve had in a while.
My total for dinner and the drink: $25
A great price for a great meal.
🌤️ Sunday: Wrightsville Beach
Sunday morning brought sunshine — finally! Perfect beach weather.
Parking was paid but easy to find, only about a block from the shoreline. Wrightsville Beach has a relaxed, clean vibe with:
Two restaurants
A motel
A souvenir shop
And the well‑known Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
The pier does charge:
$2.00 to walk the pier (adults)
$1.00 for kids
$8.00 per rod for a day fishing pass
They also offer season passes for both walking and fishing.
I walked the beach, enjoyed the sun, and took in the views — the perfect way to wrap up the weekend.
🛍️ Nearby Shopping
Across the street from the hotel, there’s a shopping plaza with stores and restaurants — convenient for grabbing anything you forgot or just browsing around.
🚗 The Drive Back
We left Wilmington around 3:00 PM and made it back to Greensboro around 7:00 PM. The drive felt quicker than the trip down — probably because the weather was clear and the weekend had been so refreshing.
🏖️ Type of Vacation
This trip was a relaxation + food + light exploration getaway.
Perfect for:
Couples
Solo travelers
Last‑minute weekend trips
Anyone who enjoys coastal towns, history, and good food
✨ Final Thoughts from Ty
Even with the rain, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach delivered a great weekend. From the history at Moores Creek to the comfort of SpringHill Suites, the unforgettable doughnuts at Britt’s, and the amazing seafood at Cape Fear, the trip had a little bit of everything.
That’s the beauty of travel — it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. And whether it’s planned or spontaneous, there’s always something worth discovering.
Where should Gallivant Tours Travel head next?
“See more. Spend less. Gallivant everywhere.”
