Desperate to make a break from the house for a date night, but still nervous about dining out?
Thanks to local officials and business owners’ teamwork, Wilmingtonians can have their cake and socially distance, too.
Local Updates:
From June 25 through September 7, several streets downtown will close to vehicle traffic throughout the day (Thursday through Sunday) for restaurants and retail to spill out onto the roadway for dining and a fun outing.
The Downtown Alive initiative was the brainchild of local small business cheerleaders — Downtown Wilmington Inc., Downtown Business Alliance, the City of Wilmington, and event promoters Cool Wilmington.
So far, 11 restaurants and a gallery (The Bryand Gallery at 20 Front St.) are participating along Front Street from Chestnut to Dock Street and one block of Princess Street.
Along Princess Street, grab gourmet grilled cheeses at Crust; burgers and wings at Hell’s Kitchen; tacos and beer at Beer Barrio; and New Orleans fare at Bourbon Street.
From there, find tapas and fine dining at Circa 1922; Wilmington’s oldest brewery and famously pulled chicken nachos at Front Street Brewery and huge helpings of seafood at Shuckin’ Shack. Cross over Market Street for tapas and wine at The Fortunate Glass, elevated bar food at Husk; and gourmet burgers and chicken sandwiches at Rebellion NC.
Two businesses on neighboring streets are also on the roster, including Cheeky Monkey (124 S. Front St.) and Copper Penny (109 Chestnut St.)
Want to go?
Downtown is ALIVE during the following time slots:
Thursdays and Fridays: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Still nervous?
It seems there are a number of rules in place to keep those participating safe. Apart from the obvious mask requirements for servers, social distancing guidelines, and sanitation practices, no loitering is allowed — if customers cannot find a seat, they must leave the area and cannot walk around with drinks. Restaurants have also been asked to create clear boundaries outside for their serving areas, and guests are encouraged to make reservations when possible.
To learn more, visit Downtown Alive on Facebook.
