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Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Wilmington

Ready for Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo arrives tomorrow and we’re ready to celebrate! While many celebrate with Mexican cuisine and a margarita (or two) the holiday really commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. If you’re looking for a good bite to celebrate, see our favorite Mexican spots in the Wilmington area below!

Cinco de Mayo in Wilmington: Our Favorite Mexican & Mexican Inspired Bites

 

1. Taqueria Los Portales

If you’re looking for simple, authentic tacos, most Wilmington residents will point you in the direction of Taqueria Los Portales. Don’t miss the tacos al pastor.

1207 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403. Find them on Facebook here.

2. Live. Eat. Surf. Restaurants

Live Eat Surf has locations throughout the Port City area including K38, Las Olas, and Tower 7. No matter how far you are from the beach, Live Eat Surf locations will make you feel like you’ve just walked from the ocean to a to a beachside hangout. Each restaurant offers unique Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired dishes with some Baja flair, along with great margaritas.

Various locations in the Port City area. Check out their website here.

3. Flaming Amy’s

Flaming Amy’s is a Wilmington classic, and for good reason. Customers can choose from a variety of specialty burritos, soft tacos, or nachos, or build their own with a wide range of proteins and ‘goodies’. You certainly won’t leave hungry. There’s also great folks behind this business: the owner, Jay Muxworthy, is being celebrated as a local hero after he recently risked his life while saving a woman from a burning car.

Locations in Wilmington and Carolina Beach. Check out their website here.

4. Wilmington Taco Factory

If you’re looking for delicious quesadillas and stellar service, Wilmington Taco Factory is the place to go to. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the restaurant serves sandwiches for those in your party who are more in the mood for American fare. (If you are, try the meatloaf sandwich).

1051 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403. Find them on Facebook here.

5. El Arriero Taqueria

This Taqueria is easy to miss, tucked off of Market Street and at the end of a shopping center, but it’s well worth the hunt. Enjoy their taco bar, variety of salsas, and kick-butt micheladas.

6932 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

6. La Guera

Another hidden gem in Wilmington, La Guera is also tucked away in a strip mall, but deserve high praise for their authentic Mexican dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we recommend the tamales and the carne asada torta.

6620 Gordon Rd, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

7. Eatery 17

Don’t let the fact that there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options fool you, Eatery 17 offers burritos and tacos with serious flavor. The cafe also serves south pacific fare (try the pulled pork!) in addition to its southwestern offerings.

2547 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Check out their website here.

8. Taco Point

Taco Point literally has the BEST carnitas tacos outside of SoCal. And they make their corn tortillas by hand in the restaurant. Enough said.

13732 NC-210 #100, Rocky Point, NC 28457. Find them on Facebook here.

9. Mama Rosa’s Bakery

This bakery has awesome Mexican pastries. Some of our favorites are the Marranitos (a molasses, pig shaped cookie) and the apple empanadas. And of course, the tres leches cake! They have a little tienda in there, too.

7316 Market St #6, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

 

Any great spots we missed? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter!

A Guide to the Unique & Unusual in Wilmington

A Guide to the Unique & Unusual in Wilmington

It may be April Fool’s Day, but these spots in Wilmington are no joke. Since today is a day of jokes and all things unbelievable, we asked our staff to tell us about their most unique or unusual finds in Wilmington. Check out the list below! And, in the spirit of fun, we’ve also included the best reviews we could find along with some personal tips.

Museums & Activities

Museum of the Bizarre

This is perhaps the best $3.00 you can spend in Wilmington. While the museum is small, there’s plenty to see and it is a perfect place to stop when you’re downtown.

201 S Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401
910-399-2641  Website

Most promising review: “It’s been almost 48 hours since my visit to the Museum of Nightmares, and I’m still processing what an amazing experience it was!”

More information: Get a head start on North Carolina ghost stories and urban legends here.

Cape Fear Serpentarium

Yes, this a whole museum of reptiles, and a vast one at that.

20 Orange St, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-1669  Website

Most promising review: “You will never in your life find another collection of reptiles as impressive.”
More information: The museum is cash only. If reptiles give you the heebie-jeebies, check out this guide to managing your fear.

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

No, they can’t really eat you, but this garden does feature a wide variety of carnivorous plants.

2025 Independence Blvd Wilmington, NC, 28403
(910) 341-7852

Most promising review: “The experience was really cool! It was free, and self-led. I highly recommend checking this place out. Please remember not to pick any of the carnivorous plants- it’s a felony in NC! Imagine having to explain that story to your cell mate if you get caught.”
More information: Avoid being eaten by becoming familiar with local carnivorous plants here.

North Carolina Ukulele Academy

Forget guitar, you’re in a coastal town after all. If you’re in the market for a new ukulele, or if you’re looking to learn how to play, North Carolina Ukulele Academy has you covered.

203 Racine Dr #205, Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 538-3419   Website

Most promising review: “One of my favorite places to go to! Kent is great and a wonderful teacher. I love coming here to check out their amazing collection of ukuleles and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. This place will lower your blood pressure, guaranteed.”
More information: Check out the inside of the Academy here. Not familiar with the ukulele sound? Start here.

Athletic & Outdoor Endeavors

Jazzercise

Yes, REALLY. There is a Jazzercise studio off of Oleander Drive where you can break out your best jazz hands (I assume).

5424 Oleander Dr #8, Wilmington, NC 28403
(703) 403-6051  Website

Most promising review: “This is the friendliest workout in town and better than therapy!”
More information: See this beginner’s guide. Alternatively, you could also try Prancercise.

Cape Fear Circus Arts

If you ever wanted to run away with the circus when you were little, you can test your performance chops with a trapeze or aerial skills class (and so much more).

The group offers a diverse array of classes at various Wilmington and Carolina Beach studios, see class descriptions and locations on their website.

704-502-2539  Website  Class Schedule

Most promising review: “The people, the classes, EVERYTHING! I was looking for a fun way to get active again and I’ve found it! Take a class, any of them, one time and you will be addicted!”
More information: Check out their impressive Instagram posts.

Cape Fear Segway

You’ve likely seen Wilmington by foot and by car. But have you seen it by segway? Didn’t think so.

106 North Water St Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-2572  Website

Most promising review: “When I first arrived in Wilmington,  I wasn’t too impressed.  But after the Segway tour,  I was very very impressed.”

More information: They also offer demo rides for $25, which provides basic training and a short cruise through part of the riverwalk. Before you go, make sure you know the greatest segway reference in pop culture*.

*Debatable.

 

New Ways to Unwind

Drift & Dream – Offering Floating

I first heard about floating or sometimes called “Floatation Therapy” when looking up things to do after running a half-marathon with my dad in Portland, OR. It was something I was not surprised to find in Portland, but it was definitely an unexpected find in Wilmington. Basically, you get into a tub of water saturated with Epsom salt that allows you to float. You are also in a sound proof room with no lights, which is supposed to provide a meditative experience.

108 N Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 790-0029 Website

Most promising review: “Touched by an angel is an understatement… I found this little jewel when I was looking to recover after a 50k run. I can’t wait to try each treatment offered there.”
More information: Buzzfeed recently had people try floating for the first time. This informational video for first-time floaters (featuring some great mustaches, too).

 

Watering Holes & Good Bites

The Browncoat Pub & Theater

Enjoy live performances or sing your heart out with regular karaoke nights at this downtown bar and entertainment venue.

111 Grace St, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 341-0001 Facebook

Most promising review: “Karaoke every night of the week is insane.”
More information: This guide may help you sing karaoke with more confidence. This list provides the best songs for drunken karaoke. Also of note, the bathroom door at Browncoat Pub is a Tardis.

Saigon Market

One of the most exciting finds we’ve made in Wilmington is Saigon Market. Not only do they offer Asian groceries, they also have a great fresh produce section!

4507 Franklin Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 793-9911  Website

Most promising review: “I can find Indian and Vietnamese specialty items that I can’t find anywhere else in Wilmington. The staff is very nice and friendly. Love the Vietnamese coffee and Café Du Monde, New Orleans coffee in the orange can makes the best (can’t get it anywhere else here).”
More information: Check out this roundup of easy Asian meals you can make at home.

 

Any unusual, unique, or just plain fun spots that we missed? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #DiannePerryCo!