16 March . 2024
Wilmington’s Districts Bring Cool Energy to the Port City Part 3: The Cargo Distrct
There’s no denying it. Wilmington is fast becoming a top destination for travel, re-location or retirement. But while our sparkling beaches, historic downtown, relaxed vibe contribute to Wilmington’s popularity, there’s a new energy that infuses a certain hip factor: our downtown districts, each with its own distinct atmosphere.
Our first post introduced the Brooklyn Arts District followed by a post about the Soda Pop District. With this post, we’re visiting Wilmington’s Cargo District.
The name and architecture are inspired by Wilmington’s shipyard and ports and the abundance of shipping containers that pass through our city. In Wilmington’s Cargo District, you’ll discover restaurants, roasateries, taverns and makers’ spaces all fashioned from re-purposed cargo containers. So popular is this new destination, that the Cargo District is expanding – now there’s Cargo East, Cargo West and Cargo Central, each offering its own unique charm.
Shops, restaurants, bars, event spaces, service providers, maker spaces – this is one innovative community that spans some nine blocks. The heart of activity is from 15th to 17th Streets between Castle and Queen Streets downtown. Just park and wander.
Retail therapy here is very local and very small scale. Boutiques feature a delightful assortment of fashion, décor and beautifully presented finds. Vintage and thrifted items at Threads by Sydney, Wave ILM and the Vintage Cellar; streetwear at Last Stop; and fashionable, affordable new items at Auggie & Zo. Fair trade goods can be scored at Hello,Love; pet provisions at Bones; homemade soaps and candles at the Salty Soap Co. Continue wandering and discover more, more, more!
Several maker spaces also offer periodic classes and opportunities to flex your own creative muscle – try your hand at candle making with the Refillery or take a turn on the pottery wheel at Bookworm Pottery. Best to visit the Cargo District’s website first, to ensure open hours. All retail outposts in the Cargo District are linked on their retail and shops page.
The Cargo District also offers a terrific variety of palette pleasers: coffee bars and roasteries, street food and sandwich shops, a pizza window, and more. Safe to say, you will be surprised so many offerings can be extended in such a small space. Grilled cheese connoisseurs (and who isn’t?) should definitely visit Cheesesmith. Craft cocktail lovers will enjoy the Starling, especially with its rooftop view of this eclectic district. Fermental is a favorite Wilmington bottle shop and tap room; Mess Hall serves up one heck of a good burger; and End of Days is doing Wilmington proud with its award-winning and handcrafted spirits. Again: check the menu of restaurants and their open hours on the Cargo District’s food and drink page.
As if that isn’t enough, there’s always something new underway. A recent headline announced the establishment of Wilmington’s first food court in Cargo West, near the corner of 15th and Castle Streets. The developer is hoping for a summer opening of this two-story foodie destination that will feature seven restaurants and back up to a 3,500-square-foot arcade featuring a 20-foot bar and space for good ol’fashioned arcade games. Fun! Read more about plans for Cargo West in Port City Daily.
Next up: The South Front District! Stay tuned, but in the meantime visit any of Wilmington’s uber cool districts and be reminded why Wilmington continues to top list after list of “Best of.”