Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to detach from work and spend time with friends and family, and Wilmington offers several ways for you to usher in the unofficial end of summer.
The city's great history creates a rich environment with plenty of fun things to do, so take advantage of these top things to do on Labor Day in Wilmington while you celebrate your day off.
A Taste of Downtown Wilmington with Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
The perfect way to learn about the history of the Port City and sample some of downtown's best restaurants via A Taste of Downtown Wilmington. It's being held on Saturday of Labor Day weekend, and the festivities begin with a 10 a.m. Farmers' Market Tour and Cooking Class.
There's also a Downtown Afternoon Tasting Tour at 2:15 p.m. and a Downtown Dinner & Drinks Tour at 3:15 p.m. Admission for the morning event is $75, and the afternoon tours are $65.
Airlie Gardens was originally created in 1886 and enjoys its status as the premiere coastal garden in the South. There are 67 acres filled with formal gardens, walking trails, and other historical sites.
Airlie Gardens is particularly known for their 100,000 azaleas, which bloom in the spring and summer. The grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $9 for adults and $3 for children ages four through 12.
Jungle Rapids is a water park in Wilmington that has a variety of different slides, a lazy river, and several areas for kids to play. In addition to water activities, they have attractions like mini-golf, laser tag, and go-karts.
Labor Day weekend is the second to last weekend Jungle Rapids is open before closing for the season. They're open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday, and a variety of passes to the park can be purchased for around $40.
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The Cotton Exchange is one of the more unique shopping destinations in North Carolina. This converted 1800s mill house now features over 30 restaurants and shops that are spread across eight buildings.
Unlike big box stores, The Cotton Exchange is known for their boutique shops. After a busy day of shopping, a walk along the Riverwalk is the perfect way to end the day.
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Enjoy your Labor Day weekend in Wilmington and keep up with the latest events in Wilmington by registering on 910area, your free guide for the best things to do in Wilmington and Fayetteville.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
