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From The Beach To The Boutiques, This Region Has It All
Whether it is the thrill of a good deal, the relief of finding the perfect gift, or just the fun of browsing the shelves, shopping has become more than a necessity-it is a passion.
Fortunately, the Cape Fear Coast and Brunswick Islands have all the makings for a perfect shopping adventure. You want beach clothes and surf gear? Head to the beach communities in Brunswick County, where area surf shops and souvenir stores have everything you need (and much more) for a day at the beach.
Looking for fine art and local crafts? Check out one of Wilmington's many art galleries or festivals, or head to one of the quaint towns on the mainland for unique gift and antique shops.
From city streets to sandy storefronts, shopping along the Cape Fear Coast and Brunswick Islands is a true adventure. Here are some of the main shopping areas.
Wilmington
Totally walk-able as well as incredibly scenic, shopping in downtown Wilmington is a pleasurable experience whether or not you find something to buy. Waterfront restaurants provide the perfect spot for lunch during a long day of browsing.
Throughout the historic district, you'll find a wide range of stores, most of them locally owned with a unique selection of merchandise, from designer clothes to candles, jewelry to home furnishings.
The Cotton Exchange at the north end of the riverfront features a variety of shops in a historic cotton building, once the site of the largest cotton-export company in the world. Learn about the history of the cotton industry, and then meander around the multi-level shopping center and its many diverse stores, selling everything from Christmas decorations and books to jewelry and homemade fudge.
On the other end of the Riverfront is Chandler's Wharf, a retail and dining complex with cobblestone streets, plank walkways and a maritime atmosphere. Dockside restaurants mingle with quaint stores, including a gardening shop, jeweler and shoe store.
Another interesting diversion with a variety of merchandise is the Old Wilmington City Market, a historic building on the waterfront between Front and Water streets. Art galleries, jewelers, clothing boutiques and craft shops take up the arcade-style building, which once served as a vegetable market.
Beyond the historic district of Wilmington, there are several other notable shopping areas and malls, including the Hanover Center strip mall, Landfall Shopping Center, Mayfair Shopping Center and Independence Mall, which is anchored by Sears, JC Penney, Belk and Dillard's. With 150 stores, the mall has all the stores you'd expect, plus a large food court. Around the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, find a variety of eclectic stores, including a bookstore with rare and vintage books and 22,000-square foot
art gallery.
Wrightsville Beach
There are many unique shops, boutiques, and upscale clothing stores around
Wrightsville Beach, though most are near the bridge or on the mainland. As a popular surf community, Wrightsville has a large selection of classic surf shops, many in business more than 30 years. But don't expect just surfboards and wetsuits-modern surf shops carry stylish clothes, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses and more for men, women and kids.
One particularly delightful place to shop is Lumina Station, a shopping area inspired by the Lumina pavilion, which was once a Wrightsville Beach hotspot. Lumina Station features 25 unique shops, six restaurants and cafes, and a delightfully upscale yet relaxed environment. Take a rest on one of the many rocking chairs that sit amidst the beautiful-owers and trees that surround the center. Among the stores, you'll find high fashion, cosmetics, specialty gifts, children's clothes and furniture, pet accessories, shoes, jewelry and more. There's also a spa/salon and chiropractor.
Pleasure Island
Most of the stores on Pleasure Island have a central theme-having fun at the beach. You'll come across plenty of beach stores with everything you need for a day of fun in the sun, as well as countless souvenirs and gift items. Carolina Beach has the largest selection of such stores, as well as a few other interesting shops, including bookstores and clothing boutiques. For arts and crafts, you can't beat the Sterling Craft Mall, which features the work of more than 100 artisans. Find pottery, paintings, jewelry and more in the renovated 1920s building.
Southport
The quiet, oak-lined streets of Southport provide a totally unique shopping experience. Ambling around the old-fashioned shops in historic buildings and houses is like a step back in time, and also quite rewarding. Find gifts, jewelry, art and clothing, not to mention charming store owners with many stories to tell. Antique enthusiasts will find much to smile about across Southport, as there are plenty of quaint antique stores, as well as an antique mall with more than 30 dealers. Parking is free on all city streets, but the town is so pleasant and small, you'll definitely want to walk from shop to shop.
Brunswick Islands
Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are similar in their shopping options. Along with plenty of beach stores, you'll find a collection of specialty shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques and more. Sunset Beach is the most limited, with only a couple retail establishments on the island. You'llfind a greater selection on Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach, including swimsuit boutiques, nautical gift stores and bookstores.
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