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Shopping Downtown

Over the years because of its importance as a seaport, Wilmington’s commercial center was the downtown area. Today one still finds an active retail district along Front Street, bound on the north by The Cotton Exchange and on the south by Chandler’s Wharf.

You can meander downtown along the streets in Wilmington’s Historic District to browse the art galleries and small shops. Most of the stores are independently owned and feature out-of-the-ordinary merchandise. Antiques and vintage clothing, crafts including wood carvings, pottery, wall hangings, original art, candles, aromatherapy, beachwear, books and jewelry are on display. You’ll be fascinated by the variety, and you won’t get bored, that’s for sure.

Front Street, Water Street, Market Street and several side streets are still the best shopping places downtown. From Ann Street and Chandler’s Wharf on the south end of the Riverwalk to the Cotton Exchange at the northern end, you’ll have more than enough places to explore in an afternoon.

The shops at Chandler’s Wharf, a renovated 19th Century river wharf building, have changed over time, but the charming ambiance remains – the cobblestone street, picket fences and historical old buildings along the river. Be sure to visit Candles Etc., a store with more than 27,000 high quality, “earth friendly” candles in stock.

In business since 1981, Candles Etc. offers unique candleholders, sconces, ceramic ornaments and high quality bath and beauty products, in addition to candles in every imaginable size, color and fragrance. The store is open seven days a week and has a beautiful deck overhanging the Cape Fear River behind it, which has been used for numerous weddings, parties and special events.

Moving north from Chandler’s Wharf, be sure to go into The Old Wilmington City Market since the building itself is worth the visit. Built in 1879, the block-long brick and stucco arcade houses kiosks, specialty shops and boutiques offering wonderful treasures, exotic woods, plants, jewelry, clothing and works by local artists.

Antique Canton Ware, Estate Jewelry

Those interested in exquisite examples of Blue Canton Ware should be sure to visit Silk Road Antiques, located on South Front Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

It is not often that so many extraordinarily fine pieces can be seen in one place. Snuff bottles, estate jewelry, hand carved ducks, ship models and collectibles are other items you’ll find in the shop with an ever-changing selection of merchandise.

Visit The Black Cat Shoppe

For an interesting assortment of really unusual fun and funny items, visit the Black Cat Shoppe on Market Street just off Water. Regionally related T-shirts, Celtic jewelry, humorous and insulting tin signs, toys (the Flying Screaming Monkey is a favorite), books on local movies and television shows, and such must have items as Shakespearean Insult gum are available in this shop owned and operated by slightly weird, if charming, people.