2024 Best Arts, Entertainment & Shopping

Antique Store

The Ivy Cottage
910-815-0907
threecottages.com
As the “southeast’s largest home décor consignment store,” the Ivy Cottage carries the area’s best selection of fine antiques and vintage furniture, home accessories, and jewelry. Every style, from antique to modern, to one-of-a-kind and seasonal, can be found in their three cottages, warehouse, and showcase.

Art Gallery 

The Bryand Gallery
910-547-8657
thebryandgallery.com
The Bryand Gallery celebrates art in all its forms, from the photo art of local artist Mike Bryand to an eclectic selection of art and gifts handcrafted by other North Carolina artists. The gallery features unique prints, pottery, functional wood pieces, jewelry, and much more. 

Boat Dealership

Atlantic Marine
910-256-9911
atlanticmarine.com
If you are in the market for a new boat, chances are Atlantic Marine has what you are looking for in stock. Additionally, client reviews tout Atlantic Marine as having the best service team in the boat industry. From boat sales to service, dock, and storage, the Wilmington boating community loves Atlantic Marine.

Bridal Store

Coastal Knot Bridal
910-619-0028
coastalknot.com
Coastal Knot Bridal features some of the most sought-after brands in wedding gowns, such as Allure and Justin Alexander. With locations in Wilmington, Raleigh, and Shallotte plus private and semi-private appointments, Coastal Knot makes bridal shopping personalized and convenient.

Children’s Apparel

Dragonflies
910-796-9997
Dragonflies offers a curated selection of the best children’s clothing and gifts in Wilmington. With a unique collection of baby and children’s clothing for all occasions, along with unique gifts and toys, Dragonflies creates a warm and personalized shopping experience. 

Consignment - Clothing

The Fairy Circle
910-790-2099
fairycircleconsignment.com
Fairy Circle’s selection of high-quality women’s and men’s consignment clothing is unmatched. They carry sought-after brands like Lululemon and Citizens of Humanity at reasonable prices, and they regularly run sales for additional markdowns. The store is always well-stocked and carefully organized for convenience.  

Consignment – Furniture

Home Again
910-679-4302 
homeagainwilmington.com
Home Again is a furniture and home decor store offering a wide selection of quality pieces for every style and budget. The store showcases an array of furniture, lighting, rugs, and decorative accessories to transform any space. With an emphasis on unique and timeless designs, Home Again provides a welcoming atmosphere for all your interior design needs. 

Florist

Mother of Wild Flower House
910-319-7334
motherofwildflowerhouse.com 
Mother of Wild is not your everyday run-of-the-mill florist. With a signature style that is wild and whimsical, Mother of Wild sells flower arrangements for all occasions that are unique and make a statement. They do floral arrangements for weddings, including full service and a la carte.

Formal Wear

Camille’s
910-471-4212 
camilleswilmington.com
With the motto of “Your one stop shop for everything formal,” Camille’s carries a wide selection of bridal gowns, prom and homecoming dresses, and other formal wear. From chic dresses and stylish tops to statement jewelry and handbags, Camilles offers a curated selection of trendy and timeless pieces. 

Frame Shop

Tip Top Frame
910-747-9100
For custom picture and art framing services, look no further than Tip Top Frame. With a focus on excellent customer service, the Tip Top team offers exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, and inventory. They also carry a selection of local art and gifts.

Furniture Store

Custom Home Furniture Galleries
910-799-4010
shopcustomhome.com
Custom Home Furniture Galleries offers high-quality furniture for every room, allowing customers to find the perfect pieces to suit their individual tastes. With a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service, Custom Home Furniture Galleries helps create beautiful and comfortable living spaces. And you can’t beat the 365-day low price guarantee. 

Garden Store

The Plant Outpost
910-769-0983
theplantoutpost.com
Located in the Cargo District, the Plant Outpost offers a handpicked selection of house plants, plant accessories, and merchandise for plant lovers. The Plant Outpost carries locally sourced goods in a welcoming environment that allows plant lovers to connect.

Gift Store    

Blue Moon Gift Shops
910-799-5793
bluemoongiftshops.com
Blue Moon has been a Wilmington shopping destination since opening its doors in 1999. With more than 100 shops filling an 8,500-square-foot space, Blue Moon offers an unparalleled selection of unique clothing, home accessories, art, jewelry, and other locally-made products.  

Guitar Shop

Guitar Pickers
910-200-9714
guitarpickersilm.com
Guitar Pickers specializes in buying, selling, and trading new and used guitars, amplifiers, and effect pedals. With a varied election of new pedals, strings, accessories, and merchandise, Guitar Pickers provides personalized customer service in a friendly environment.

Hardware Store

Steven’s Ace Hardware
910-762-7977
stevensacehardware.com
Steven’s Ace Hardware can service all of your home improvement and lawn and garden needs. They also carry automotive supplies, building materials, power tools, building materials, and much more. Steven’s excellent customer service has allowed them to build a strong repeat client base since 1933.

Home Accessories

Crabby Chic
910-799-4216
Crabby Chic offers a curated collection of coastal-inspired decor, as well as a diverse range of delightful gifts, furnishings, and decorative items. They showcase stunning local and regional artwork, with sea stars as a popular design element. The store features a wide selection of cottage furniture, lamps, candles, pottery, and numerous other charming treasures. 

Jewelry Store

Perry’s Emporium
910-392-6721
perrysemporium.com
Perry's Emporium is a family-owned and operated jewelry store with locations in Charlotte and Wilmington. Founded by entrepreneur Alan Perry, the store is known for its fine jewelry, engagement rings, and exceptional customer service. Perry's Emporium offers an expansive array of wedding jewelry, diamond earrings, jewelry repair, appraisal services, watch repair, and custom jewelry.

Best Lighting Store

Bayside Lighting Design Center
910-833-7912
baysidesupply.com
Family-owned Bayside Electric Supply’s Lighting Design Center showcases the latest in lighting design fixtures in a wide variety of styles and price points. A Wilmington staple since 1990, Bayside Lighting Design Center’s knowledgeable showroom consultants will partner with you to make your entire lighting design project a success.  

Best Lingerie Store

Lilies & Lace
910-679-4754
liliesandlace.co
Lilies & Lace is a charming Wilmington boutique offering a unique collection of women's clothing, accessories, sleepwear and swimwear. They sell a mix of trendy and timeless fashion pieces that cater to diverse styles. From elegant dresses to casual tops and one-of-a-kind accessories, Lilies & Lace provides a delightful shopping experience for fashion-savvy individuals.

Luxury Car Dealership

Seasell Auto
910-399-2995
seasellauto.com
For more than 20 years, Seasell Auto has carried a varied inventory of high-quality pre-owned vehicles at reasonable prices. They pride themselves on building relationships with customers through a zero-pressure sales approach, and their strong repeat customer base suggests that their model is successful. 

Men’s Apparel

The Vintage Cellar
At The Vintage Cellar, located within The Cargo District, you’ll find the area’s most eclectic and rare selection of men’s vintage apparel and accessories. They carry a broad range of unique T-shirts, shorts, pants, accessories, and collectors’ items. Their inventory changes regularly, making the store a different shopping experience every time you visit.

Museum

Cameron Art Museum
910-395-5999
cameronartmuseum.org
Cameron Art Museum is a cultural hub that celebrates the visual arts through exhibitions and educational programs. The museum showcases a diverse range of artworks from local, regional, and international artists. With a mission to inspire creativity and foster appreciation for art, Cameron Art Museum provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Outdoor Furniture

Porch Concepts
910-777-4786
porchconcepts.com
Porch Concepts carries a large inventory of high-quality, eco-friendly outdoor furniture to transform your outdoor living space into a perfect oasis to enjoy with family and friends. The friendly, knowledgeable staff, well-designed and durable products, and competitive prices set Porch Concepts apart. 

Performing Arts Center

Historic Thalian Hall
910-632-2285
thalianhall.org
One of the oldest and most majestic historic theaters in America, Thalian Hall hosts hundreds of theatrical and artistic productions and events annually. In addition to City Hall in its east wing, Thalian is home to three performance venues: the Tony Rivenbark Main Stage, the Grand Ballroom, and the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre.

Record Store

Gravity Records
910-343-1000
gravityrecordsnc.square.site
Gravity Records features the Cape Fear’s best selection of new and used vinyl records. They also carry record players, VHS tapes, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Set in a fun environment with old-school arcade games, Gravity Records is an entertaining place to browse.

Shoe Store

Monkee’s
910-256-5886 
monkeeswilmington.com
Discover an exquisite collection of high-end women's fashion at this exclusive boutique. From renowned designers to top brands, Monkee’s curates a range of shoes, clothing, and accessories that are sure to impress. Explore their extensive shoe collection featuring an array of styles, including sandals, wedges, flats, heels, sneakers, booties, and boots. 

Shopping Center  

Mayfaire
910-256-5131
mayfairetown.com 
For 20 years, Mayfaire Town Center has been the area’s hub of shopping and dining. With more than 80 stores and 20 restaurants, Mayfaire is a one-stop destination for some of Wilmington’s best shopping and culinary experiences. As new businesses are added regularly, Mayfaire continues to thrive as Wilmington’s shopping mecca.

Specialty Pet Store

Aunt Kerry's Pet Stop
910-792-1311
auntkerryspetstop.com
As a trusted authority on animal nutrition, Aunt Kerry's Pet Stop has been Wilmington’s original natural pet food store for more than 20 years. Their highly knowledgeable staff can assist you with selecting the best, locally-made products for your pet. They also support local rescues and aim to make healthy pet supplies affordable.

Toy Store

Learning Express
910-313-3100
learningexpress.com
Learning Express carries the area’s most unique selection of toys, games, and books for children ages infant through 12+. Catering to every interest imaginable, from science to pretend play to Legos and much more, Learning Express’ helpful staff can guide buyers to the best gift for birthdays, special occasions, or everyday play.

Women’s Apparel

ZIA Boutique
910-679-4101
shopziaboutique.com

The Forum’s ZIA Boutique offers curated style combining classic pieces with laid-back beach undertones. ZIA features a range of women’s clothing – from casual basics to wedding guest dresses – along with accessories, jewelry, shoes, and more. Featuring pieces to take you from work to play, ZIA remains a customer favorite for unmatched style and inventory.