Family Fun in Wilmington, NC
By Jordyn Zimmerman
“It takes a village.”
I don’t think we will ever know who get’s credit for this insanely brilliant yet simple and obvious statement, but I’m sure glad it was spoken. I can’t think of one situation where this statement doesn’t apply. What in the world is better or easier done alone? Or rather, what is capable alone? We are all intertwined, mixed up, tangled, weaved together. Even if it’s in really uncomfortable or confrontational ways, the village exists. And generally, for the better. But that is all for a different post, and probably a different author…
What we do know is that the village vibe is strong here in Wilmington, NC. This is one of those cities that just feels small. We have that down-home-southern-charm-vibe. And that laid-back-beach-vibe. Also that groovy-chill-downtown-vibe. If you live here, you have definitely uttered the words “Oh, wow! What a small town!” after meeting that person who knows your sister’s neighbor’s dog walker. We’ve got the vibes and a village for you!
My favorite one is the “Village of Parenthood-hood.” Something about parenthood makes you realize the importance of leaning on others. Heavily. Leaning waaaaay in. Hard. Sometimes just falling on them. I have found many outlets in this lovely city to escape to, with and without my children in tow. We all need to get out of the house sometimes, or maybe just send our kids out of the house! To all of you who are sleep deprived, longing for adult conversations, needing reassurance, or a beer—Wilmington has you covered.
Here are some favorites (according to a very unofficial and informal polling of some local parents) with links included:
Educational: The New Hanover County Arboretum (pictured directly above), Fit For Fun, New Hanover County Public Library, Children’s Museum of Wilmington (pictured below), Poplar Grove Plantation, NHC Parks and Rec, and Nature Connect NC (forest photo above, courtesy of Elizabeth Ellen Photography).
New Mothers: Le Leche League of Wilmington, Cape Fear Area Doulas, Midwifery Services, Coastal OB/GYN Specialists & Midwifery, (baby bump photo below courtesy of Jennifer Morgan Photography)
Health Care: Family Tree Chiropractic, Drs Dimock, Weinberg & Cherry Pediactric Dental Office
Family Friendly Drinks: Satellite (pictured above), Good Hops Brewing, Wrightsville Beach Brewery, Waterline Brewing Company
Family Friendly and Local Restaurants: Blue Surf Cafe (pictured above), Flaming Amy’s Bowl, Moe’s BBQ, K38 Baja Grill
Exercise with Childcare: Fit4Mom (pictured above, photo courtesy of Fit4Mom), YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, O2 Fitness
Misc: The Bump & Beyond, Manta’s Cuts Kids Salon, Giggles Drop-in Childcare, The Learning Express
These are just a few of the many wonderful offerings in Wilmington! Please add your favorites to the list in the comments!
Jordyn Zimmerman is a Broker at Nest Realty Wilmington. Jordyn believes buying a house is serious business but that it should also be fun and exciting!